Which book?

[gingerbuzz]

I am considering which WDW book to buy for this years trip.

I am thinking of Passporter 2006, Unofficial guide 2006 or the official one.

I want some info on POR resort, Pictures if possible and as much tips etc as possible.

Any more descriptions of these books or a personal opinion on them, I would be grateful for.

 

[SpenceMan01]

Birnbuams was my first...and my favorite...

I don't mind if it is promo...because I like the fact that it paints a positive picture and allows you to draw your own conclusion. I don't want to read about someone's skewed criticism of Disney through the eyes of an over analytical "adult". These same people will board Peter Pans Flight and see only a slow moving ride through simple animatronics. Me, I'm transported...I love going past Big Ben and seeing the model of the city with force perspective...the little cars moving on the street...the artistry...

I think that many would argue that because the Official Guide paints a rosy picture, it is too biased to allow the traveler to get an accurate account of the experience. I'm not bashing the Official Guide, I think it is good in terms of generating excitement, but it is inbalanced as to providing a "this is how it is" viewpoint.

As far as the over analytical adult reviews, here are a few from some of the Fantasyland dark rides:

"...beautiful effects, and charming music...", "Happy, mellow and well done; ****" - Peter Pan's Flight

"The attention to detail and special effects on this ride make it worth seeing even if you don't have children in your party...", "Cute as the Pooh-bear himself; *** 1/2" - Many Adv. of Winnie the Pooh

The worst I could find about the Fantasyland attractions were these:

"They were very slow at unloading the boats, and we were stuck in a line of about six boats waiting to get out" - IASW

"tough on preschoolers who are expecting forest animals and dwarves", "Where the hell is Snow White?" -Snow White's Adventures

Are there some things in there that give negative light to an attraction? Yeah, but it gives a balanced view on things.

 

[dandaman]

I'd definitely go with the Unoffcial Guide. It's regarded as the "Disney Bible" within the family, and about as thick, too! :lol:

(The book, not the family. )

 

[SpenceMan01]

(The book, not the family. )

Nice save :lol:

 

[disneygirl1024]

I love my passporter. I also have the Birnbaums as well. Both have given me tons of information but the passporter has a better setup and for planning I think.

 

[gemini]

Another vote for TourGuideMike. Wouldn't think of going to WDW without it. I'm the type of person who wants to get things done the right way without over-scheduling my day. He fits that style perfectly.

I've also used the unofficial guide and the official guide. Never tried the Passporter. Wouldn't want to carry something like that in the parks. I always keep our loose schedule in my head and just remember the important stuff from Mike. (While keeping priority seating #'s, etc. on us, of course).

 

[stankly182]

Birnbaums is the greatest. We buy it every year that we go back. It doesnt change much from year to year, but its a great read.I like reading it even if we are not going to Disney that year. Also this year, I bought the Hidden Mickey Book by Stephen Barrett. It seems to be a great way to have a little extra fun at WDW. I also bought the Walt Disney World Trivia Book by Louis Mongello. It has so much info in it that most people would normally not know, and I am a sucker for useless information haha.

 

[AKQJ10]

Stankly,

Thanks for the kind words about my book! (and I agree 100% about the HM one, too!). Nice to know I'm not the one one out there who enjoys having fun with all this "usless knowledge" LOL