Subsonic Radio

My wife and I are planning our next trip to WDW for the week after Labor Day. She saw this book "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2007" by Bob Sehlinger on Amazon, and bought it. I had no idea it would be as large as it is. It seems they put out a version of this every year. Has anyone used this book in the past for trip planning? How did it work out? Does it have any really good tips? I'd love to hear opinions on it. I haven't really had a chance to peak at it yet, since I'm working from Austin this week, and She's at home working in Houston. She's bringing it this weekend, since she's coming to Austin for a friend's birthday. So i won't get a chance to start reading it until this weekend.

We've got a version from a few years ago.It does have some good tips in however I find more help online than in books. We do buy different guide books because ,well you can't read the computer in bed or the bathroom!

There is another book The Unofficial Disney Companion ,The Inside Story of WDW and the Man Behind the Mouse that is really interesting.It came out about 10 years ago,not sure if they update it or not.

I love the Unofficial Guide and I do a podcast with the co-author of the book. It's a great resource and I always invest in a copy.

Matt, is it really that useful for WDW "vets" who think they have it all figured out? (i.e.... me)

I still like the book mainly just to see an un-biased opinions especially for the restaurants

spaulo wrote:Matt, is it really that useful for WDW "vets" who think they have it all figured out? (i.e.... me)

That is what i was wondering as well. I used to go a lot but in the last few years have only gone twice. I feel I still know a bit, but not as much as I used to. Is it designed for those who have never been, or is it good for those of us who still know the parks pretty well.

This September will be the first time I stay on site, and probably the first time I get the meal plan (we haven't decided that yet). It will also be my first visit to Animal Kingdom. I'm really hoping the book will give me information on which resorts to stay at and if the meal plan is really worth it.

spaulo wrote:Matt, is it really that useful for WDW "vets" who think they have it all figured out? (i.e.... me)

Yes, I'd say so because it has comprehensive reviews of all the attractions, hotels (on and off site) and restaurants. I reference it whenever I want to try a new restaurant and want to know what the best entrees on the menu are or if I'm staying off-site and want to know how a particular hotel ranks up against others. Plus, I love the touring plans which come in very handy, especially during the busier times of the year.

I've been to WDW many. many times and I wouldn't dream of going without picking up the latest copy first. The touring plans are the best out there, and there's not much in the way of information that it doesn't provide. I don't take it ito the parks (too big), but it's a great resource to have with you in the hotel room.

Okay, this book has been my favorite birthday present for the past 4 years now. About a week before my birthday I ask for it everyday, hoping I might get it a little before my birthday But on the topic, Yes, I agree that this book takes the cake! I have read it religiously every year all year long and I have learned SOOO much! It has an unbiased restaurant section, tons of Hotel information, tons of park information and last but not least, they have touring plans which may I say are a godsend..(although sometimes very exhausting) I highly recommend buying this book to learn alot more than you thought possible.

There are lots of good Disney vacation books out there. My habit is it get them fromt he library. That way I can check out many different ones without having to actually purchase each one. If your group includes children I must put in a plug for "Walt Disney World with Kids" by Kim Wright Wiley. I found it very helpful in planning our last trip.

I used it last year, and I found it indispensable! good touring plans if going during crowds, all kinds of info on the rides, and painfully honest reviews.

but like MouseMan said before me, get it from the library. and although new versions come out every year, 99% is unchanged.

I have used the "Unofficial Guide to WDW" since 2000. I purchase a copy every two years or so. I did purchase the 2007 guide. I love this guide for the restaurant section. I love the fact that this book is not published with the help of Disney and anyone can send in a restaurant review. I have also found the touring guides to work well during crowed periods. I also really enjoy the reviews of the resorts and the best room numbers. It's a great book and I always find some great info with each edition.

You don't need to shell out 20$ bucks, just go to www.wdwig.com which may show up as allearsnet.com. This is the best site you'll ever find or need to help you plan a trip to WDW. It has all the information you need to plan when to go, what is closed, menus for all the eatiers and the prices. If this site is not good enuff for the first time adventures or if you have been 20x, then you don't need a book. Try this site before shelling out any money for an official or unofficial guide book.

I just happened to be flipping through this book yesterday at Barnes and Nobles. I've seen a pic of it online before but didn't realize how thick it was. It looks very thorough. I'll probably pick up a 2009 version when I go in Jan 2010.

My personal opinion is that this book is too big, bulky and honestly too negative. Honestly the single best Disney tour book around is Passporter by Jennifer and Dave Marx. It's got amazing colorful maps, fun photos, and it's quite thorough. Buy the Deluxe version and you get a leather bound journal type book. It's still too big to toss in a backpack while touring, but it's so much better and also it doesn't leave you with a negative taste about Disney as Sehlinger does. Check it out! 8)

Passporter also has a DCL, DL and Special Needs version.