Birnbaum Travel Guides

The Birnbaum guides are perhaps the least interesting Disney travel guides, as they tend to treat all that Disney offers in a very positive, business like way. That is to say, they're missing the snark and the interesting writing that a lot of travel guides offer. That being said, they're comprehensive, they're not overly long, and in the case of the older ones like this, they're fascinating time capsules, with information on extinct attractions and even blurbs about coming attractions that show more never actually came. show less

If you're planning a trip to Walt Disney World, and you're not just going to fly by the seat of your pants through the parks, then this is an indispensable guide for you!

Birnbaum has been making travel guides for Disney World since Disney World crawled out of the primordial stew of entertainment and made the Orlando-area its territory. Birnbaum has been chronicling the evolution of this park through the same points of view as everyday park-goers, as the guide is written by people who enter show more the park through the same gate as the rest of us, and wait in the same lines as everybody else. They've just been doing it since the dawn of the World, so they've probably got the best understanding of it.

The guide itself goes through everything to do in the World: the parks, the resorts, the restaurants, the shopping, the other entertainment, and gives you more information than you could possibly need. And to add to this, they even plug their other guides, like the Kid's Guide, or the Couple's Guide, or the Cruise Guide. Nevertheless, if you're going to Disney, for the most part, this guide will give you a very, very good idea for you to plan your trip.

Since the book is printed, some of the information is outdated as soon as it lands in stores. Because of this, you'll still want to do some homework: make sure your favorite ride will be open (in my case, it's closed until the day after I leave!!!!), and check out the specials that'll be happening while you're there.

My only wish is that future versions would provide itinerary templates, so I can really break down my enjoyable trip into 15 minute intervals. But, I suppose that's what lined paper or calendar applications are for.

After reading this guide cover to cover, though, I must say that for any future travel guide purchases, I will look for Birnbaum's first before I consider others. show less

This has become a staple in my personal library each year and I prepare for Summer Vacation. While I have been six times in six years, by reading the new edition each year I find new things to experience and visit each time. A must have for returning and new visitors to the "Happiest Place on Earth".

Planning a trip to Disney World? Then, Birnbaum's handy guide to the land of ears and magical fairies is one source to choose to help plan your trip. It's filled with great information about the parks, resorts, stores, restaurants, sports and travel.

Here's the caveat: this guide has been blessed by Disney, which means that you're getting the rosy-colored view of Disney World. While it's an awesome vacation destination, approaching a Disney Vacation requires planning, and yes, training. How show more to navigate the lines, where are the best places to park, what's the best way to sneak in a meal. These types of hints are not in this Disney Guide!

Despite this, newcomers and park veterans can benefit from the treasure trove of information in this travel guide, from ride times to stroller rentals. My suggestion: read this book and one not endorsed by Disney. Between the two, you can create a magical experience for your family. show less