Though we're seasoned WDW Guests, we like to buy this book every few years. Through the decades this book has been offered and updated, it continues to be informative without being condescending, humorous and easy-to-follow. That said, even author Bob Sehlinger may not be able to keep up with the changes in the parks. SO much is happening - especially in the Magic Kingdom - that information within the book is going to be outdated in some areas. That said, I'd still highly recommend buying it if you're a first-time Guest to the parks. The Unofficial Guide is unfiltered opinion, without the Disney Corporation execs looking on, and more times than not they are right on the money with their words (and trust me...with the money you're spending, you WANT to be right in your choices!). There are many reasons to purchase this book on eBay: * IT'S HONEST. If a ride stinks, they'll say why. If it's amazing, they'll point that out too. The authors' extensive surveying not only gives ratings to all the rides and shows, but break them down into age groups (Pre-school, Grade School, Teens, Young Adults, Over 30, and Senior Citizen). * IT'S EXTENSIVE. Most tour books give basic descriptions and when to go in the season and all...but The Unofficial Guide goes further, giving warnings about motion sickness or flashing lights for those with epilepsy. It talks about loading patterns and rates, and how long each ride should expect to take. Lots of facts but without being overwhelming. * IT'S FUNNY. You will actually ENJOY reading this book; it's very tongue-in-cheek without coming across too cute or gross. * ITS TOURING PLAN ACTUALLY WORKS. Before we became "veterans" of Walt Disney World, we used this book's plan extensively. If you follow the Guide, it truly will help you to see more shows, ride more rides, and beat the crowd flow. For people who go to Walt Disney World when it's not so crowded, it's helpful. For people going in the Summer or during holidays, it is CRUCIAL. * FOR FIRST-TIME GUESTS, IT WALKS YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS. From the initial planning of your trip all the way through to the actual event, you are given practical and wise steps to make the most of your trip. There's sections on saving money, selecting the right lodging, restaurants and more. And YES, PLANNING IS CRUCIAL! There are also chapters that talk about doing Disney with Kids, Special Needs situations, and more. It even has a section to review "the competition" in Orlando (very helpful if you want to sneak "off property" to hit Universal Studios). The only negative I can see from this guidebook is that doesn't have pictures (due to the Disney Company's tight control over pictures of WDW being used by competiting tourbooks). But there are maps a'plenty and enough information to make you a savvy Mouse House vacationer. You want pictures? Call WDW and get their free DVD Travel Planner. But in the meantime, if you want excellent info about how to make the MOST of your vacation, BUY THIS BOOK!Read full review
I've used the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World for many years (we go every 4-6 years). I find that they are VERY helpful in planning your day to be the most stress free vacation possible at Disney World. That said, it's easy to see why some feel very harried in following the guide to the letter. It's just right for me because I find that I like a very active vacation - always on the go. But if that is too much structure for you, then the guide also gives you reviews on each and every ride - including the best times of day to catch the ride, times of day to avoid them, or whether you want to even invest the time riding/seeing it. Most important, it's not all just sunshine and daisies (like some of the more official guides). It tells you which rides to avoid for your group (if you have young children, etc.). My husband was a big skeptic, but time and time again the guide proved itself in avoiding lines and I silently smirked as he kept taking the guide out of our bag to see what we wanted to do next. Now the first thing he asks when we plan a trip to Disney is "did you get the latest guide?" I'm itching to say "I told you so!" but I'll try to be the bigger person.Read full review
I purchased the Unofficial Guide to Disney thanks to Clark Howard's advice to his listeners. He advised to get it before going to the park. The book is great with many, many ideas and things to do. We are going to DW this June and I will take it with me and continue using the advise in the book!! I have never seen a book like this. After My trip I will relist the book on Ebay so another family can use the ideas to help their vacation time at DW!!
I bought a total of 4 guide books for my Disney World Trip. This without a doubt was the most helpful and informed and unbiased book. My only complaint is a web site they give reference to many times in the book is actually their own which they want you to buy a yearly membership for 9.95. It does not tell you in the book their is a charge until you got to the website. Other then the bait and switch of their website the book tells you more then enough so you do not miss out on any extras.
This book is really good so far. I am about 150 pages in and I am learning so much useful information. I am really glad I got this book to make my dream of going to Disney World a fun and enjoyable experience.
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