The Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World 2009 (Unofficial Guides)
by Bob Sehlinger, Len Testa
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Book Summary Information
Author: Bob Sehlinger, Len TestaEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-09-02
ISBN: 0470285702
Number of pages: 880
Publisher: Wiley
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9780470285701
- Condition: Used - Very Good
- Notes: 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Book Reviews of The Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World 2009 (Unofficial Guides)
Book Review: Best overall guide to WDW planning
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the guide that I recommend to all newbies and even veteran WDW visitors and I find myself purchasing yearly. Why - it has the most thorough descriptions and experiences of WDW. I typically purchase the Official Guide every year as well for its colored photos primarily however the Unofficial Guide for substance and research. Everyone I have recommended it to was more prepared after reading the Unofficial Guide than any other guide. I also like the Passporter guide and I use them in conjunction with each other (I carry the passpockets). However, If I only could chose or recommend one guide this would be the one.
As is the case with most guides that reflect 2009 - they are typically published in 2008. I was pleased to see the the Unofficial Guide did note some changes in the 2009 guide that occurred at press. I also use and appreciate their associated website touringplans.com and have found it helpful when things have changed since the book went to press as well as other items like renovations, construction status (think Contemporary), ride closures etc that are not always known throughout the year. This has saved me in the past from family disappointment as some changes occur without a lot of notice (press events) and would have caused major angst. I do not find the WDW official website to provide an easy navigation experience so the fact that they have this feature in this high speed internet world is an additional tool. I think this is another differentiator compared to other WDW guides. Most do not have associated websites and if they do they may not be updated frequently. I also enjoyed the new pictures and they are a fantastic addition. Another noted feature in the book and website welcomes comments or even corrections to the guide. The previous reviewer has some very specific updates that I encourage him to write to the authors. I don't know that I would have noticed those specific ones the previous review noted but I understand the point being made. A couple of years ago I noted changes that happened mid year that were in the book but I found a bit different when I arrived on property and I figured what the heck I'll send a note to the author via the website and figured I would never hear anything. Not only did I receive a reply but the update was noted on the website. I've never filled out the complete Reader Survey myself but I appreciate the comments from other readers that have done so and I have chuckled at the descriptions or opinions given. I may not always agree with an opinion but have been able to understand what the writer meant by their observation which was in itself helpful.
The fact that the book makes references to other websites, books and forum sites is another bonus. I also prefer the use of experts in their research. You don't see this noted extensively in many of the other books I've purchased or perused. Every year I'll pick up a new or try an updated version of a different WDW guide book and am typically not wowed. The free touring plans and very helpful. I admit being initially skeptical about them, however having utilized them, I now highly recommend reviewing them to get a sense of various viewing options. The book has also grown substantially over the years. I typically use it planning before a trip and I do not carry it to go to the park but will review it when I get back to the hotel. I don't carry the book due to its heft however I have cut out the plans and other items in the back of the book which is great that they keep this up.
I frankly have found this book has made the difference between people arriving on site being completely overwhelmed and lost vs. being prepared. Being prepared doesn't take the mystique out of WDW - its an incredible place, but its easy to be swept away not like floating down the Lazy river in a tube but tumbling feet over head landing in a 90 minute line with no fast pass, exhausted, crumpled map in hand wondering why this is fun?! You do not need to be a "commando" tourer to appreciate this book. While this was my style in years past I found as a casual tourer reviewing some of the suggestions and guidelines makes a huge difference in alleviating stress. WDW is huge and vast and exciting and magical. We try to visit at least twice a year and even then I am always amazed at how many things change year after year.
Summary of The Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World 2009 (Unofficial Guides)
More than 4 million copies sold! This series is the only one that offers evaluations based on reader surveys and critiques, compiled by a team of unbiased inspectors.? Hotels, attractions, and restaurants in all price categories
? Extensive information on shopping, nightlife, and sports
? Easy-to-use, two-color design
? Detailed, 2-color maps
From the publishers of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
"A Tourist's Best Friend!"
?Chicago Sun-Times
"Indispensable"
?The New York Times
Five Great Features and Benefits offered ONLY by The Unofficial Guide:
- Exclusively patented, field-tested touring plans that save as much as four hours of standing in line in a single day
Tips, advice, and opinions from hundreds of Walt Disney World guests in their own words
Almost 250 hotels rated and ranked for quality and value, including the top non-Disney hotels for families
A complete Dining Guide with ratings and reviews of all Walt Disney World restaurants, plus extensive alternatives for dining deals outside the World
Every attraction rated and ranked for each age group; extensive, objective, head-to-head comparisons of the Disney and Universal theme parks
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