Customer Reviews

The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2008 (Unofficial Guides)

5 star:		(59)
4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Although I have been a fan of the UG, it appears that the editors are resting on their laurels, and not updating the book every year as they claim. This year's guide includes a disturbing amount of assertions that were not true at the date of publication, and haven't been true for years.

For example:

* The guide claims that all resorts on the monorail have child care centers. The Contemporary Resort does not, and has not since 2004.

* The guide claims that Universe of Energy is an "Exxon pavilion." Exxon has not sponsored the pavilion since 2004.

* The guide claims that guests at the Hard Rock Hotel and Portofino Bay Hotel can obtain early entry to Universal on certain days. Universal discontinued its general early entry program for resort guests years ago.

* The guide claims that there is no bus between the Wilderness Lodge and the Magic Kingdom. Although that was true at one time, it again hasn't been true for years.

* The guide lists Hidden Treasures and Gardens of the World as tours available to the general public at Epcot, even though they were discontinued earlier this year, and the UG website's corrections for the '07 guide in fact notes that the tours have been discontinued.

The index also contains some serious mistakes, such as the claim that Typhoon Lagoon is in Tomorrowland, the hours of operation for "Paradise Island", and a listing for "Lunch with Walt Disney World Animal Programs" which does not actually appear in the body of the guide (having been discontinued).

There's still a lot of good information in the guide, but its becoming less and less trustworthy every year. Wait for the '09 guide and hope that by then the editors get the message that they actually need to do their jobs.

A friend raved about this book and how it helped with her recent vacation to Disney in May 2007. I'm going in Oct. 2007 and wished I'd bought it at least 6 months ago. But even if you're visiting in the near future, this book is worth it's weight in gold just for the touring plans.

I believe they've covered everything, and I mean EVERYTHING in this book. It's well organized and I like how they provide different opinions from letters received from their readers.

The information provided will definitely help you get the most bang for your buck, and most enjoyable experience. There is also a lot of other activities (e.g. character dining) that I didn't know about. Now I know I can book these things (far) in advance for our next trip!

A key advantage to buying the newest version (as opposed to getting an older version from the library) is that you can go on the author's website and punch in the dates for your vacation, and they'll tell you which parks they recommend to visit on which days for the remainder of 2007 and then on into 2008. (You have to have the passcodes from the latest book to get this info.)

I took a chance on this book based another Disney fan's feedback. What a pleasant surprise! This book is wonderful reference. I love Disney and also frequent Sea World, Universal Studios and other parks. After visiting Disney World 8 times and purchasing at least 5 Birnbaum guides, I found this 'unofficial' guide very insightful and conveniently up-do-date. There are many great maps and even information about things outside of Disney World. It is my new 'must have' for planning the best vacation possible.

this book is very helpful for planning a Disney vacation. Any first time visitor to Disney NEEDS to have this book. It is mostly accurate, some of their facts need updating, but the authors DO offer updates online to those that purchase this book, so that is taken care of. I am a veteran Disney traveler, and I purchase this book every year. It is well worth the money.

I purchased this book a couple months ago for our Disney trip next year. I am a planner by nature and don't like the thought of shelling out thousands of dollars on a vacation and just flyin' by the seat of our pants. I think a little planning is in order to maximize what you get for the money you're spending. If you're a planner or take-charge kind of person, this book is for you. I think it's a straight-forward, no-frills, no wool over the eyes look at Disney properties and parks. They give it to you straight, take it or leave it. And therein is the key: take what you need from this book and leave the rest behind. Some people have commented on perceived negativity in this book; I see it as being up-front and not sugar coating it. If you want fanciful and sugar-coated, go check out Birnbaum's "Official" guide. I checked out a 2005 version from my library, and besides the pictures, there's not much to redeem that book. It's like reading Disney Propaganda.

Anyway, TUG is a great read, and if you like a bit of sarcastic humor, you'll like it even more. There are touring plans for the parks included in each book, loads of tips and where on the internet to find more information, tons of detail on rides, restaurants, and hotels (down to which rooms offer the best views, etc.) It's a looooong book, and not one I'd want to be toting around the Magic Kingdom, but since our vacation is nearly a year off, I've got plenty of time to extract all the useful stuff, plan our trip, and have an awesome time (and feel like we're getting our money's worth, which will make it even better!)

The reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is due to the lack of photos in the book. It would be nice if they'd can the cartoon drawings and put a few small photos in here and there.

"The Unofficial Guide" is a smartly written detailed account of all things in the 'Disney experience'. Jam-packed with facts and *honest* reviews of the parks, the hotels and all other activities on the grounds, I guarantee your trip to 'The Mouse' will be more productive, less aggravating, much more economical and most importantly, more FUN having perused the pages of this book.

Best of all, when you're least expecting it, there's a wicked dash of humor that crops up here and there. Highly recommended !

Get this if it's your first or twenty-first trip to WDW. I have been to WDW 3 out of the last 4 years, plan on returning in late '08, and have bought this book each of the last 5. The book offers extensive and interesting assistance for "The World" and will make anyone's trip easier. So much so, even a 'seasoned' Disney Traveler will find it helpful & informative. With info on Lodging, Dining, the Parks, Attractions, Rides..... You'll get "Touring Plans" to help streamline your days in each park, links for updates to help keep-up with the ever-changing Disney experience! The investment in this book is absolutely negligible when compared to (let's face it) a visit to see Mickey! Buy it & read it, read it again. Each time, you'll learn something new to help you have the best Disney Vacation You could wish for....your first......or twenty-first!

This book will help you save hundreds of dollars and dozens of hours of precious vacation time. It is one of the most comprehensive guidebooks on Disney World on the market; meticulously researched and consistently updated. The information about hotels and restaurants includes money saving ideas and practical information that you can't find anywhere else. If your vacation time is limited, the touring plans will minimize your time in line (which can literally stretch on for hours if you're not careful), while helping you make sure that you cover all of the major attractions.
This book is also well-organized and written in an enjoyable and witty fashion. It's well worth the investment.

A must read for any trip to Walt Disney World. Packed with useful information and tips. Should be read as soon as you make arrangements for your trip since there is a lot of information that is critical to successfully planning your trip to the World.

My husband and I are planning a trip with our youngest 3 to WDW. This book has been invaluable in the planning. From lodging (on-property and off-property) to ticket prices to special events we wouldn't have been able to attend had we not reserved in advance, this book is a great tool. It also gives tips on how to tour the different theme parks to minimize wait times.

Disney also has a way of packaging things that makes it hard to compare pricing, and I am always thinking that they are trying to get more out of their visitors than necessary. This Guide also helps us break down their packages. Knowing that we are going to spend a lot of money on this trip, this resource helps us to get the most for our money.