Is the Unoffical Guide to Disney book worth it?

JChoma

JChoma

Active Member
If I've already decided when to go to WDW and where to stay, is buying the "Unofficial Guide to Disney" book worth it? I've seen it recommended a few times here, but am wondering what type of info. it offers that I couldn't find on the message boards or online. At 800+ pages it seems so daunting! Is it really a helpful resource?
 
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epcotisbest

epcotisbest

Well-Known Member
JChoma said:
If I've already decided when to go to WDW and where to stay, is buying the "Unofficial Guide to Disney" book worth it? I've seen it recommended a few times here, but am wondering what type of info. it offers that I couldn't find on the message boards or online. At 800+ pages it seems so daunting! Is it really a helpful resource?
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Worth every penny. Buy it, read it, then read it again.
 
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JChoma

JChoma

Active Member
Original Poster
What makes it worth it? From the description on amazon it sounds like there's a ton of info I might not need, for example info on Universal, tips on when to plan our trip, etc. What makes it so helpful specifically? Have you followed the touring plans in the book & are they any good? Thanks! :)
 
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glidden

glidden

New Member
It is a great book we get it every year. When we have friends going we let them borrow our PASS PORTER or THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO WALT DISNEY WORLD. The Complete guide has a lot of pictures in it and is well written. The Pass Porter has things broken down good and highlights the new things for the year. We also subscribe to the touring plans to help with crowd levels and best touring plans.
 
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sxeensweet

sxeensweet

Love a little Disney every day!! ;)
Any good book like the UG will have things In it you do not need etc because it's so thorough. The UG is almost 500 pages on average. The part that talks about Universal is very small section of the book. Also they have tons of great tips from an insiders point of view who go to the parks often. Those types of tips you won't find in other Disney planning books like Frommer's or others. I always reccomend UG for newbies and veterans going to WDW. :)
 
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CAPTAIN HOOK

CAPTAIN HOOK

Well-Known Member
JChoma said:
Is it really a helpful resource?
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You go to WDW expecting long hot sunny days and no rain - yet when you pack your suitcase you'll take a jumper or sweatshirt and something waterproof hoping that you'll not need them and they can remain in the case.

This is like buying a copy of the Unofficial Guide - you're not going to need every bit of info in it.

The book aims to provide information for every occasion and is aimed at everyone going to WDW (and everywhere else) - from the innocent first-timer right up to the complete Disney maniac.

It really is essential, its informative and an entertaining read.

One thing to consider though - the book was compiled and prepared for its print run long before it hits the shelf in its latest 2016 dust jacket. The information that it contains is never, therefore, 100% accurate or up to date - especially with an organisation like Disney who changes its policies, schedules, park hours, menus or ride closures more often than you or I change our underwear.

Buy it, read it, absorb its expertise and wealth of information and use this as the back bone of knowledge for your visit. Use online forums like this to tweak that information and remain 100% up to date
 
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Grumpy06

Grumpy06

Member
We have been going to Disney at least twice a year since 2006 and buy it every year and always get something out of it great tips and new activities also we buy the Disney Passporter every trip which is full of good information and has a place to keep a daily diary of your trip whish is always fun to go back and look at,would highly recommend both
 
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sophie_the_pooh

sophie_the_pooh

Well-Known Member
You definitely have to read it! Deciding when to go and where to stay is just the beginning of the planning process, you now need to decide which parks to visit each day, which attractions to do in which order, book your FPs, book ADRs... The Unofficial Guide helps you understand the reality of a trip to WDW, how the parks and attractions work, they offer valuable info and reviews on attractions but also on all restaurants in WDW. They also offer touring plans, and you can register on touringplans.com (small fee) to get more plans and customize your own plans, which is now something I wouldn't go to WDW without!
 
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Weather_Lady

Weather_Lady

Well-Known Member
It's totally worth it -- and so is a subscription to touringplans.com (the affiliated website -- you'll get a discount if you've purchased the Unofficial Guide). Touringplans gives you the same information as the book, but with constantly-updated crowd calendars and park recommendations, additional touring plans and the ability to make your own touring plans (customized for your preferences and dates) from scratch, and have them optimized for minimal wait times, minimal walking distances, etc.
 
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Herdman

Herdman

Well-Known Member
I wouldn't dream of planning a trip without it. You made a wise purchase! The touring plans are awesome and work so well. I'd feel lost without having a plan before going.
 
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Timsierramist

Timsierramist

Active Member
I vote NO. Nothing in that book (though well organized) that I need to pay extra for that I can't find on Disney's website or 3rd party fan sites like WDWMAGIC.

...or just ask your Disney Geek Expert friends.

But then again, I'm solo and adventurous. Part of the fun is always exploring and seeing what is new on my own rather than letting the surprise be ruined.
 
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DarthVader

DarthVader

Sith Lord
So far, I've found that I've not needed it. I'm not saying its NOT a good resource but if you do your legwork the information is already out there. I'm going in under 2 months, I think for me, it's probably too late, since I have my ADRs and FP+ already setup.
 
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MrHappy

MrHappy

Well-Known Member
It's good reference, but can be totally overwhelming. Read what is of interest to you. Disney can be intimidating as is...this book kinda adds fuel to the anxiety. However, my wife and I have picked up a lot of great tips from this book and as said already, it's very well written so it takes some of the sting away. So as long as you take the read in stride it's totally an excellent resource.
 
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