Opinions

A Bookish Guide to WDW Guide Books
By Alicia Calsyn - August 18, 2001

As both a librarian and a person who loves Walt Disney World, I wanted to include some reviews of some of the titles that are available. I have found each to be useful is some areas, and frustrating in others. As usual, these reviews are MY opinion and do not represent those of my employer, Disney, the authors or anyone else. In case it is helpful to anyone, here are my reviews (in order of my personal preference)...

Passporter Walt Diney World Resort 2001

Authors:  Jennifer Watson and Dave Marx (with help from 8-year-old Allie Marx)

Updated: © 2001 Reviewed. Updated every year in January.

Review: This book has leaped to the front as my "favorite."  Dave and Jennifer packed as much as they could into this almost 300 page book. It has succinct information on everything you could think of, forms to keep track of telephone numbers, reservations numbers, priority seatings, autographs, trip highlights, ...  Plus there are "pockets" for everything from your airline tickets to your discount coupons for dinner.  Whether you are on your first trip to Walt Disney World or your 10,000th, you will find this book useful.

Strengths: "A PassPorter is a travel guide, a planner, an organizer, a journal, and a keepsake book, all in one neat, take-it-anywhere package." Detailed foldout map for each park.  Ride information includes 3 ratings (separate ones from Jennifer, Dave, and the readers), wait length, brief summary, tips, height requirements (and other warnings for pregnant women, etc.), wheelchair procedure in an easy-to-read chart. This is the best-indexed guidebook I have found.  I almost always find what I am looking for on the first try.   With some guidebooks I play "Guess the term we used" until I give up and skim through each section based on which section in the TOC I think the subject will be in.

The deluxe additional comes in a leather organizer with slots for credit cards and includes a pen.  Those who are making several trips in a year can now just order the replacement pages needed (like the pages on which you listed you priority seatings and airline information) and the yearly update (which is all the "innards" since they keep up with the updates so well) instead of buying a whole new book each year.  The "used" pages fit in my 8 1/2" X 10" photo album with one additional hole-punch so I do not have to transcribe the information (which I never end up getting to!)

Restaurant chart includes the 3 ratings, length of wait, hours, a brief summary, the need for priority seating, what meals are served, average price, and a brief summary of the restaurant.  A separate Character Meal chart includes a column of names of the attending characters.  Resort information includes times for the Electric Water Pagaent under the resort, instead of putting it in a separate area under "nighttime activities" like some other guidebooks do.  There are pages for your own notes and numbers on travel, packing, meals/priority seatings, a page to index your other pages, autograph pages, and pages for "scribbles and doodles."  There is even a "game page" with hints to finding Hidden Mickeys and places to put the answers when you do.  Coupons are included for Tiffany Town Car airport transporation. When you "register" the book online you get 30% off your next Passporter. You also get a free personaized pin with any order from the online store.  You can buy additional pockets for the loose-leaf edition, so if you go on several trips during the year, you can have "fresh" forms and pockets for each one without buying a new book each time.   By punching an additional hole, I was able to put the autograph, priority seating, and other pages in my (10" high) loose-leaf photo album.

The webpage has a 1-2 page sheet to update the Passporter.  It includes information not only to update the CURRENT Passporter, but ones for the earlier editions as well. It is located at http://www.passporter.com/wdw/default.htm.   It tells of changes immediately--This was the first place I found mention of the "Villians Dinner" when it started.  Readers emails are responded to quickly and warmly, and the new editions often incorporate suggestions from readers.  Keep in mind that they are very democratic!  Although *I* think they should add more pages to the book to allow for more detail (on character meals, for example) a poll of their readers revealed that the majority do no want the book to be any bigger! :-)

Passporter is also the only guidebook to mention web sources like Scott Thomas's WONDERFUL "Priority Seating" calculator at http://pscalculator.net which is essential for anyone trying to make reservations at Cinderella's Royal Table or during peak session.  You put in the date you want reservations, it tells you what day to call for each of the "xx days out" time period.  It includes entertainment as well as meals on a chart which tells you when which ones start taking priority seatings.

Weaknesses: Because this book puts so much in easy-to-read charts, it does not have the "novel" feeling of some of the books.  This is an "informational" book.  (There are some longer narratives but they are a small part of the book.)  You will find little tidbits and tips but it is not the one I pick up to "read" when I need a little break.   Again, because of the finite space of the charts, they have to leave out some information.  I was disappointed to see that Piglet who I have ONLY found at the Crystal Palace character meals, is not listed anywhere in the book (while Pooh, Tigger, and Eeyore, who I have found other places, are.)  Also, the "villians" were not listed (since the dinner and breakfast meals at 1900 Park Fare have to share the space.  I have found out that this point is now mute since the Villians Character Meal a) rotated villians and b) is no more!)   They also put things like height requirements, health warning, and information for disabled users (which vary from ride to ride) in the text.  A parent (or person traveling with someone pregnant) wanting a quick reference to ride restrictions would do better off with one of the other books--especially Walt Disney World with Kids.   (I would suggest getting the brochure for each park  from Disney on the ride procedures for disabled guests.  I do not know who to recommend for other considerations when traveling with disabled guests or those with health conditions.) The "disposable" nature of the pages and pockets is a little frustrating for those who share their books, go on multiple trips, or buy it for a school or public library.  The "deluxe" edition, since it allows you to get extra write-on pages and pockets is NECESSARY for those making multiple trips.  Sharing would not work too well unless you bought a spiral edition for each family member and then just photocopied your best tips to go in theirs.  (I would hate the idea of losing the autographs, etc because someone else got the book wet on Splash Mountain!")  If you are going to "share" I would suggest getting the spiral (rather than risk someone losing  or destroying your "deluxe.")  You might also need to photocopy (or download from the web) "extra" copies of the write-on pages so that each person has one.  It WOULD decrease the usefullness of the book to not be able to use it to its full potential, though.

This is THE book for ... 1. Everyone who enjoys Walt Disney World and wants to know as much as possible before they go.  2. "Chart people."  3. Planners "I need to find a place that serves dinner that the kids will eat at 4:30 near the Magic Kingdom so I can get to Fort Wilderness Campgroups for the sing-along/movie/hayride.")  4. Anyone who wants "expert" advice.  It seems that the authors spend more time at "Mickey's house" than at home!  5. Someone who has been to WDW before and needs just a few additional tips, a planner, or a coupon/ticket organizer.   (Since you have a "pocket" for each day you can put your Downtown Disney coupons in one pocket, your Epcot dinner tickets and Leave a Legacy location in another, your list of "presents" you need to buy at MGM in another, etc.  With the area on the pocket I also note MUST SEES and things that are new or that I have not been to yet as a reminder to try them!)

Walt Disney World with Kids 2001

Author:  Kim Wright Wiley

Updated: © 2001.  Usually comes out the summer before the year printed in the title. The 2002 edition came out in July 2001.

Review: This books is written for parents or parents-to-be.  It covers what you need to know to go to Walt Disney World when you are pregnant through when your children are teens. It is filled with tips and anecdotes.  Katie Couric's recommendation is on the cover.

Strengths: The main strenght is the "Quick Guide to .... Attractions" for each park.  Each chart lists HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS and age if applicable, speed of line, duration of ride/show, scare factor, and age range.  I would suggest all parents buy the book for these alone.  You can quickly tell which rides your little one can go on and which ones you may need to "preview."  Parents can use this information to prepare children ahead of time for things they cannot ride yet.  (Check out the gift shops at some of the rides with height requirements. I have been told that some of them give out "future rider" certificates so they won't feel left out.)  It also has ~60 pages on non-Disney attractions.  Good "Tips for Pregnant Visitors."

Weaknesses: This book is a little too"chatty" for my purposes.  When I wanted information on Character Breakfasts (it does not mention the lunches or dinners) if found several pages listed in the index.  One just mentioned that they are "Don't Miss" for children under 7. Price are not specific, you just get a range for them all.  And the "classic characters" are not specified so you don't know which characters are where.  It is a pleasant read, but you have to READ it.  You cannot use it to quickly look up specifics.

This is THE book for ... 1. Parents (especially those with children around 40" high.)   2. Those planning to visit attractions outside of WDW.  3. Pregnant women.   (This book has a list of "tips" that is the best I've seen in WDW guidebooks.)  4. Anyone wanting a good "read" about WDW.

Walt Disney World for Couples (With and Without Kids)

Authors:  Rick and Gayle Perlmutter

Updated: WDWfL © 1996.  WDWfC(WaWK) © 2001  Has been updated ~every 18 months so far.  Latest edition shipped in June 2001.  Expect next edition approximately October of 2002.

Review: This is still my favorite guidebook for couples, those who want to "stop and smell the roses" and those who like to be near bus stops, lobbies, restaurants, etc. and want a map.  Reading this book makes me feel like I am talking with friends who just returned from Walt Disney World.  They are nicely situated between being "too Disney" (e.g. not saying anything at all negative) and being "too negative" (e.g. taking all the fun out of planning.) Their maps, recommendations and little-known-tips were a great help in finding the balance of a "couples trip" and a "Disney World trip."

Strengths: This is the least "Type A" of any of the guidebooks.  Never once does it tell me to get up at the crack of dawn to beat the crowds.  The Perlmutters seem to understand what a "vacation" is: FUN yet relaxing.   Only the first edition has their "Best of Walt Disney World" lists (e.g. Best All-Around Resort, Most Romantic Resort, Most Romantic Room,  Best Pool, Best Restaurants, Best Burger (both char-grilled and grilled), Best Hotdog, Best Seafood...)  The old Walt Disney World for Lovers edition (1996) is worth keeping for this list alone!  Since I find myself lending out the new edition often, it is nice to keep the "original" for reference when the newer one is gone!.

This book is written by a couple. Their ideas of romance fit very well with mine.  The Perlmutters are not insiders (i.e. You should be able to get the same service, treatment, etc. that they received) yet they are obviously in love with Disney as well as each other.  Their guide book is one of my favorites because I enjoy reading it.  It is not just helpful, it is the start of a fun trip.  My vacation begins when I open the cover.

The maps they include for the resorts and the suggestions they give for buildings and rooms are extremely helpful.

Weaknesses: I do not think that they have gone back to make sure that as things changed some things are outdated.  For example, the view of Illuminations is better from the Yacht Club and we have found it much more romantic/couples oriented although the Perlmutters recommend the Beach Club.   As someone who is very sensitive to smoke, more information on which buildings are non-smoking (versus smoking-optional) at each resort would have been helpful.  It is included in some sections, but others (like Dixie Landings) require a call to the resort for the necessary information.  Also because the title is so "far sighted" (the book published in June of 2001 is called Walt Disney World for Couples: With or Without Kids 2002-2003) it can be misleading. You may THINK you are buying the new edition but there may have been one just released.  (Especially online stores that put books in order of their sales often have the "new" (or even "to be released") edition a screen or two below the one that has been out for a year.   I do not find myself wanting to buy every new edition.  There does not seem to be much "updated" just new things added.

This is THE book for ... 1. Those staying on property for the first time;  2. Those planning a honeymoon, wedding, anniversary or any other romantic trip to WDW: 3. Those who want maps of the resorts,  4. Those in the military going to Shades of Green;  5. Those who want the "low down" on all the hot tubs in the WDW area;  6.  Those who want to know lots of things to do with people you enjoy spending time with and actually have a relationship with while at WDW.

Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 2001

Authors:  Birnbaum, Birnbaum, and Safro (Eds.)  The 2002 edition has a new editor.

Updated: © 2001. New edition comes out every year in October.  Orders are being taken for the 2002 edition to be released in   October of 2001.

Review:  Birnbaums prides itself in being the "inside source" but that they have the freedom to say what they want even if it is negative.  The "plus side" is that they are able to publish photographs and Disney copyrighted sketches which abound in the book.  The "minus side" is that they do seem to have a bit of "Pollyanna" in them.

Strengths: The PICTURES! Unlike my other WDW guidebooks that I tend to donate to the local library when I get the new edition, Birnbaums never leave!  My 2 YO daughter LOVES to go through the books and name all the characters.  (She especially loves to "stump" adults who are not as well "Disney educated" as she is!)  THere are photo from inside restaurants and resorts, too which are nice to have.  The other major strength of the book is that it is small and light weight.  It does not pretend to have all the information anyone could possibly want.  It just gives narrative overviews of most things.  The index is also one of the best (second to Passporter IMHO.)  Since the book comes out in October it is good for those taking a trip over the holidays.   I am not able to get my hands on it right now (DD took the current one again) so there is probably more. :-)

Weaknesses: Too small and "chatty" to be used well as a quick reference book.  (Once all the graphics are removed I would doubt there would be much left!)  Many find their "rose colored" assessment of Disney less useful than some others done by "outside sources." They use price ranges while many of the others use actual numbers!

This is THE book for ... 1. Anyone who loves pictures of Disney characters;  2. People who have been to WDW enough to have already made their own decisions about things;  3. Those sticking to Disney property;   4. Readers who are making a trip to WDW in October-December because of its publication date.

Mini Mickey 2001 (The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World)

Authors:  Bob Sehlinger

Updated: © 2000. The subsequent year's edition is out every year, in early fall.  (I.e. the 2001 edition came out in September of 2000.)

Review: The Mini Mickey has everything I like in the Unofficial Guide with none of the things I don't like. (See the 1997/98 review at the bottom for more information.)  This is the "commando" guide.  Extensive "plans" of how to make the best use of your time during peak times are included.  The  ride-only 300 page Mini-Mickey: The Pocket-Size Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World is the size of a VERY thick map. By following the suggestions, the energetic can get everything done without wasting time in lines.  An essential source for those who have limited time or are "Type-A" personalities.  It is also good for those of us who find the Unofficial Guide too "crusty" but want the ride reviews by age!

Strengths: Sehlinger packs more information into his guide book than anyone else does.  His main emphasis is not wasting time.  Sehlinger followers pride themselves in NEVER having to wait in line. He gets feedback from thousands of WDW visitors and includes their ratings and comments in addition to his own.   He is very willing to include viewpoints that do not agree with his.  The ratings are divided by age group.  Separate ratings for each age group on each ride include Preschool, Grade School, Teens, Young Adults, Over 30, and Senior Citizens so you can find out what thousands of people in a particular age group thought.  I recommend that the current Mini Mickey be purchased before each trip (at less than $10 at bn.com it is a bargain) so you can keep up with the rating (by age) for the new rides. It is also the most portable of the books so you can take it with you to help decide on some "questionable" rides that come up spontaneously.

Weaknesses: This book means business.  My opinion is that it is so proud of being "unofficial" that it sometimes slides over into "unappreciative" and misses the fact that most of us go to Walt Disney World because it is FUN!  I find it a great source to look up ride ratings but it doesn't put me in "the Disney Mood" like some of its competitors.  It is a resource for evaluating which rides are appropriate for your group--period!

This is THE book for ... 1. People in a hurry. "I need to do Walt Disney World in 3 days. How can I do it?"   2. Families that want peer review of rides.  "Is this ride too intense for my 3 year old?" "Will my 13 year old find this too childish?"   3. Guests traveling during busy times (Summer, Christmas,...) who want to know how to best use their time.  4. Guests who want information about the rides.

Rita Aero's Walt Disney World 2002 (was: Walt Disney World for Adults...and families too!)

Author:  Rita Aero

Updated: © 2001. Name changed to Rita Aero's Walt Disney World starting with the 2000 edition.  Updated every Spring (updates available on the web between editions.)

Review: Rita Aero quit publishing a hard copy of her book for several years relying on her website http://www.DisneyNation.com to create the most up-to-date guidebook out there.  She has (since Y2K) put out a book each year under her new title (which I have glanced through but still need to read.)  I was sad to see the WDWfA book go! (See the 1997/98 review for more information.) The webpage just has too much information and it is not organized in a way that is intuitive for me.  I have yet to find ANYTHING useful on the webpage.  I would much rather sift through the RADP or TheMouseForLess messages, where I find countless useful tidbits.

Strengths:  Because the webpage is online it is current and there is tons of information coming in from multiple sources.   Ratings of new restaurants, etc. occur quickly on the webpage. The site still does not have coupons of the calibre of her old book (but I got the impression that would not have lasted no matter WHAT format she used) but they are getting better.  The new guidebook has the most extensive information I have seen so far on Downtown Disney especially on DisneyQuest.

Weaknesses: This book used to be the kindest on my budget.  Of all the books with coupons, this was the first one that really did give me useful stuff.