Disney Guidebooks?

[Susan Bartolini]

We are finally planning our first trip to Disney (in Florida) and I noticed that there are a couple travel guides available. Is one better than another or are they all relatively similar? What's your favorite guidebook and planning website?

Thanks!

[nun69]

I just bought the Disney Land version of this

[nonnie]

I don't know about guides - but this website was a god send especially for helping us avoid crowds - so worth the money
http://touringplans.com/

[Robin Carlton]

Since you're going to Florida, you'll want to pick up the Passporter for WDW. It's AMAZING!!

http://www.passporter.com/walt-disne...rida/home.html

This is another amazing guide...

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Walt-...7128118&sr=8-7

I've bought them all I think, and these are by far my two faves!!

R

[mariewilcox]

I second Birnbaum's guide that Angie posted - good information without overload.

www.allears.net is a great site - they have photos of all the resorts, menus for every restaurant, a breakdown of all the character dining, and tons more.

[MissKim]

I second Robin's recommendation. Birnbaum's is OK, but the other two are better.

Unofficial Guide to WDW is the book that goes with touringplans.com I only suggest it if someone wants to really go hardcore Disney and understand the how and the why of lines in order to minimize waiting times. If you're not interested in all that, touringplans.com is a subscription site -- it has touring plans for you to use in the park to minimize your wait times and an app for your iphone that you can use while you're there to get wait times for rides.

I really can't imagine going to Disney without a Passporter, though. In addition to being a decent guidebook and having the best maps, it has pockets in the back for each day. I still have mine from 2000 with all our receipts and memorabilia in them. Such a great way to preserve memories (and it makes doing a scrapbook when we get home so much easier!).

[Happy Now]

We're going in March! So excited! I'll be watching this thread too!!

[SirScrapalot]

I agree with Robin, too...the Complete Walt Disney World book is the way to go!

[nesser1981]

Originally Posted by nun69

I just bought the Disney Land version of this

That's the one I have Susan, and I love it.

This app is awesome too. Lines, Dinning w/ all the menus & prices for all the hotels, parks & downtown disney. Says if they're on the dinning plan too. Park Maps.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/disne...365817457?mt=8

And the DISBoards.com are great too.

[nesser1981]

Originally Posted by Robin Carlton

Since you're going to Florida, you'll want to pick up the Passporter for WDW. It's AMAZING!!

http://www.passporter.com/walt-disne...rida/home.html

This is another amazing guide...

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Walt-...7128118&sr=8-7

I've bought them all I think, and these are by far my two faves!!

R

I might pick up the passporter e-book. Thanks Robin!

37 days!!

[Susan Bartolini]

Wow...thanks for all the information everyone! Can't wait to get started.

[nesser1981]

Originally Posted by Susan Bartolini

Wow...thanks for all the information everyone! Can't wait to get started.

I highly recommend that app if you're going to be planning meals.

Keira's Make a Wish Coordinator told me how much money we'd be getting per meal, so it make it really easy to figure out our where we could eat for the week.

And you can make all your dinning reservations online.

[xboxmom]

We have 5 kids so whenever we go whether it be Dland or Dword Chandler takes all our tickets and runs to either Space Mt. or Splash Mt. in FL or Space Mt. or Indie in CA. Then he texts me as to where I am and meets us back in line. You usually can get a fast pass every hour or so. Take full advantage of that, its the best way to not wait in line forever. Also since we do have a lot of kids we always bring in our food for at least lunch. I freeze juice boxes and use them as ice packs and usually by the time they thaw out its time to eat. We bring plenty of snacks in the backpack too. It saves us soooo much money this way. Even though you aren't supposed to bring in food we have NEVER had anyone say anything to us about it. Also there are App's you can get on your Cell phone that have the wait time for all the rides. They are usually pretty accurate too.

[Txcorey]

I've bought the Passporter and The Unofficial Guide, and I really preferred The Unofficial Guide. I thought their descriptions were better for the rides, and shows, and I loved their touring plans. Since we don't get to go very often, I want to maximize my time at the parks. Touringplans.com is the website that corresponds to The Unofficial Guide and it was fabulous. It really helped us out as far as knowing what parks to visit to avoid the crowds.

[BrattyMeg]

I just used touringplans.com and rarely picked up the book that goes with it. Did all our planning from the website. It was well worth the $ to join (it's pretty cheap) ahh i wanna plan another trip lol

[AmberK]

I didn't use any books- I used tourguidemike.com, touringplans.com, and then info from DISboards to plan my trip. Then I put all of my information in Evernote and had everything I needed on my phone. I didnt want to lug around a book everyday so I loved having all of the info on my phone.

[Susan Bartolini]

Originally Posted by AmberK

I didn't use any books- I used tourguidemike.com, touringplans.com, and then info from DISboards to plan my trip. Then I put all of my information in Evernote and had everything I needed on my phone. I didnt want to lug around a book everyday so I loved having all of the info on my phone.

I kinda wished that had all of these on iBooks but they don't. They do have Birnbaum's on iBooks.

I ordered the Complete Guide from Amazon. What is the passporter?...I looked at the website and didn't really understand what was going on. Is it a guidebook?

So..what apps are good?

[Robin Carlton]

I should mention that I've been to WDW several times at this point so we aren't hardcore schedulers. We go and chill, see what we want to see and aren't going with the "we must see EVERYTHING in 7 hours or 4 days" approach that The Unofficial Guide, TouringPlans and TourGuideMike do. If you want to go go go those are great resources! The books I suggested up there are more get to know whats available to you at the parks in amazingly presented books rather than whats the most effective way to see everything types of guides.

I buy travel guides for all of my vacation destinations, ones we've been to and ones we haven't, I have a travel guide collection that's a bit ridiculous. Rocky laughs at me because when we go to the bookstore, I go to the travel section whether we have a vacation planned or not lol. My preference in vacation guides are pretty ones with lots of pictures AND lots of info to go with the pictures

So excited to hear what you think Susan! Disney is soo soo fun!

R

[Robin Carlton]

The passporter is a guidebook and an organizer all in one...

http://www.passporterstore.com/store/1587711044.aspx

There's a link to it in their store - that's the binder edition, you can also get the spiral bound one. It's written by a family who goes all the time so they share whats new, what their experiences have been, lots of info on the hotels if you plan on staying on property, lots of info on the restaurants, parks, shopping, etc. The passpockets in the back allow for journaling, map storage, jotting down dining reservations, etc.

Also, remember you can make your dining reservations 180days out so depending on when you're going, you may want to look into restaurants and start planning your meals soonish too.

[Susan Bartolini]

Great info Robin, thanks! I am going to order the passporter too. We aren't a do it all see it all bunch. As you know, Ben has some challenges, so we usually take a more leisurely pace. That said, I would like to be well informed and efficient. That really helped for our trip to Paris.

We are thinking of going the first week in May. Do you think I should book the character breakfasts now?

[Robin Carlton]

Yes! Get on the phone/online - you'll likely have trouble booking some at this point but you should try to book the ones you want ASAP.

Good luck!

R

[SirScrapalot]

Originally Posted by Susan Bartolini

Great info Robin, thanks! I am going to order the passporter too. We aren't a do it all see it all bunch. As you know, Ben has some challenges, so we usually take a more leisurely pace. That said, I would like to be well informed and efficient. That really helped for our trip to Paris.

We are thinking of going the first week in May. Do you think I should book the character breakfasts now?

I actually gasped!! I agree with Robin, you should be on the phone at this moment trying to get reservations for character breakfasts!! When we went last summer, we did exactly 180 days out, and still had trouble.

[nesser1981]

The big ones, yes.

[BrattyMeg]

I did mine at the 180 day mark too Def make them now. If you can't find what you want online--try calling sometimes they have diff times. I don't think a free dining discount has come out for May yet but there's a 30% off room discount thru June if you book by Feb 28 available right now

I'd check out disboards.com too they are a great source of info for all things trip planning

Also--we aren't a die hard do it all in 7 hours type people either but my trip was well planned out using touringplans (they have it like AM park day with small kids, etc..) all kinds of plans to see the most/do all you want but not hardcore..very leisure and the LONGEST we waited for anything was 30 mins for a coaster that was out of fast passes. We did all we wanted except 1 ride and didn't feel rushed at all and took afternoon breaks everyday. Don't let those touring plans confuse or discourage you. You don't want your child's memories to be of line waiting and not enjoy themselves. They also have the plans in an app for ipad/iphone and I used that a good bit when our plans changed here or there. You do have to have a subscription for the site for the app to work since you have to sign in to get the plans.

I LOOVE planning if you need any help

[Susan Bartolini]

Oh now I am panicking....can you all see what a rookie I am? I cannot find on their site the choices of characters. I see that they have character dining but it just looks like a couple places. I was hoping to book some princess or fairy for Madeleine and maybe a superhero or Nemo or something for Ben. Do they even have that?

I should probably just get on the phone at this point.

Meg - I don't see that discount on their site. I am so confused...can you point me to it?

I just ordered the Passporter and am going to get on the Boards now.

Wiggin....

[nesser1981]

We're leaving the 27 of February. I made 5 reservations 47 days out exactly I think.

3 Breakfasts & 2 dinners.

Crystal Palace with Winnie the Pooh & the gang
Hollywood & VIne w/ The Disney Junior Gang
Tusker House w/ Donald, Goofy, Mickey & Daisy I think

and the dinners

La Hacienda at Epcot
Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant in Downtown Disney

Keira's Wish Coordinator made ours for Cinderella's Royal Table.

The ones I've been seeing on the disboards people are having issues getting are,
Cinderella's Royal Table, T-Rex (downtown disney), and Chef Mickey's

I love this app, has line wait times, maps, park hours and menus w/ prices for all the resorts, parks & downtown disney.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/disne...365817457?mt=8

[BrattyMeg]

Hold on I'll get the characters/dining places for ya

I know Lilo/Stitch is at The Polynesian at O'Hana for breakfast..lemme go find the rest

I know Cinderella is @ Cinderella's royal table but I doubt you'll get that this close to your trip. They book fast. You can see her though at dinner at Epcot if you wanna do that.

[BrattyMeg]

Does Ben like Donald Duck? If so the Safari Breakfast Vanessa is doing would be good! It's Donald and Friends..not sure which friends though lol We only did 1 breakfast.

[BrattyMeg]

*Princesses*
1900 Park Fare Breakfast is
The Supercalifragilistic Breakfast is hosted by Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter and friends.

Dinner there is
The Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner is hosted by Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, and Anastasia and Drisella.

dinner there would be my #1 choice..I think you have to put a deposit on that meal now though.

Cinderella's Royal Table-MK-Prob very hard to get though

*Characters*
Cape May Cafe-Mickey, Minnie, Donald (beach club resort)
Crystal Palace-MK-Poo, Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet

I think Hollywood and Vine might be your best choice for Ben. It's Jake from Disney Junior's "Jake and the Never Land Pirates", Agent OSO from "Special Agent OSO", Handy Manny, and June from "Little Einstein's"
**editing as I go**

[Susan Bartolini]

Thanks Megs.......I like that dinner option.....if they have it.....

[BrattyMeg]

ugh i had a big post with places/characters and it got eaten lol

here's the link for the discount
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/
then click it to book

[nesser1981]

Originally Posted by Susan Bartolini

Thanks Megs.......I like that dinner option.....if they have it.....

They have princesses at Epcot to in Norway.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Dine with Disney Princesses in a regal setting with family-style meals.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner there Susan, and I've heard is really great.

[nesser1981]

Chef Mickey's is good too, that's the only one we've done before.

Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy & Pluto. I

[Susan Bartolini]

Originally Posted by nesser1981

Chef Mickey's is good too, that's the only one we've done before.

Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy & Pluto. I

Ben would probably like that one. I guess they don't do Buzz Lightyear or Superheros, huh?

[nesser1981]

Originally Posted by Susan Bartolini

Ben would probably like that one. I guess they don't do Buzz Lightyear or Superheros, huh?

Nope, I looked. LOL!

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/reservations/dining/

All of the Character meals are listed here.

[BrattyMeg]

Do y'all like Norwegian food? If so there's a Princess Storybook Dinner at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at Epcot. Might be hard to get too but the Princesses walk around and it's family style dining. They have a regular American breakfast at this one too along with kids menus Might be a good bet if you can get a spot.

ok I just looked and there's better Princess interaction @ Akershus with more princesses (Tiana and Pocahontas visit this one too)

[BrattyMeg]

haha i typed too slow.

did you see this as an option for Ben?
I think Hollywood and Vine might be your best choice for Ben. It's Jake from Disney Junior's "Jake and the Never Land Pirates", Agent OSO from "Special Agent OSO", Handy Manny, and June from "Little Einstein's"

[Susan Bartolini]

Thanks! I think I am just going to have to call them and have someone book it for me. I am such a dummy for waiting so long...

[BrattyMeg]

I just looked for May 7 breakfast for Akershus and there's options...what dates ru going?

[Susan Bartolini]

Arrive the night of the 9th. At the park 10-13th.

[BrattyMeg]

4 of y'all right?

there's an 820 (online) on May 10 for Akershus breakfast you can call too prob and there might be a few more options.

The benefit of calling is whoever you talk to can book all your days and look and see all the options at one time.

[BrattyMeg]

there's actually a couple of Cinderella's Royal Table options too..I think I personally would do Akershus for the interaction and photo ops with the Princesses

[nesser1981]

Here is the full list of character meals.
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/din...t&fv_222815=on

[Susan Bartolini]

Ok...I think I got it. I see what is available and whatnot. Now...one last question. Before I book this. We haven't made our hotel arrangements or meal plan arrangements yet...and it looks like there is a bit of a discount on the character meals if you get a meal plan. Should I just book the character meal NOW and not wait until I get the meal plan in order and just forgo the discount?

I am such a friggin rookie....

[BrattyMeg]

are you doing park hoppers? THat will make a diff in where you want to eat b/c if you do a breakfast @ epcot w/out hoppers then you are stuck @ epcot for the day. I really think hoppers are worth the $$

we did some parks in the AM, took an afternoon break, and had dinner and a little park time at a diff park in the evenings..well worth the extra $50

[Susan Bartolini]

Originally Posted by FlirtatiousBrat

are you doing park hoppers? THat will make a diff in where you want to eat b/c if you do a breakfast @ epcot w/out hoppers then you are stuck @ epcot for the day. I really think hoppers are worth the $$

we did some parks in the AM, took an afternoon break, and had dinner and a little park time at a diff park in the evenings..well worth the extra $50

I have no clue. What is park hoppers? OH MY GOD, I suck.

I think I just have to book this character meal and then wait for the guidebooks to figure everything else out.

So confusing....

[BrattyMeg]

Originally Posted by Susan Bartolini

Ok...I think I got it. I see what is available and whatnot. Now...one last question. Before I book this. We haven't made our hotel arrangements or meal plan arrangements yet...and it looks like there is a bit of a discount on the character meals if you get a meal plan. Should I just book the character meal NOW and not wait until I get the meal plan in order and just forgo the discount?

I am such a friggin rookie....

Depends where you plan on staying IMO. If you are staying at a moderate or value, I'd book your reservations now and if free dining comes out you can be reimbursed by Disney for anything you've paid already that's over the price with free dining. (make sense?)

If you plan on staying at a deluxe or villa you are better off taking the room discount and just paying for the meal plan out of pocket. I think the meal plan saves you a little $$ off the price of paying out of pocket, plus you don't have to worry about having the cash with you, etc..You WILL have to cover tips though even with the meal plan

[BrattyMeg]

Originally Posted by Susan Bartolini

I have no clue. What is park hoppers? OH MY GOD, I suck.

I think I just have to book this character meal and then wait for the guidebooks to figure everything else out.

So confusing....

Hoppers are just a ticket add-on that lets you visit more than 1 park/day

I'll hold your hand and help you lol don't freak out!

[BrattyMeg]

ok I'm heading out for a bit but I'll be back later if you need any help. There's tons of Disney vets around that I'm sure will chime in later lol

I'd decide where you want to stay first then go from there..lol

[nesser1981]

All you're doing now is making reservations, you don't have to pay anything up front expect for like Cinderella's Royal Table and some of the dinner shows.

You can cancel them up to 24 hours before you are scheduled for them. If not you are charged like $10 per person if you don't keep the reservation.

If you get a Disney Dining Plan, you can use your table service dining credits for Character Meals, I believe. I had done some research prior to getting Keira's Make a Wish trip, we were planning on paying for our trip.