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The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2017
The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2017 is the best source of in-depth reviews, ratings, and details of every aspect of Walt Disney World. From hotels and resorts to dining, rides, and venues, this book has it all in one place.
1449 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2016
66 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Bob Sehlinger
174 books30 followersBob Sehlinger is the creator of the Unofficial Guide travel series and author or co-author of over 25 travel guides. He makes his home in Birmingham, Alabama, where the catfish are jumping and the cotton is high.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 3, 2017
The absolute best guidebook for planning your Disney World vacation. Highly recommended!
March 3, 2017
Confession time: This is the third Unofficial Guide to Disney World that I have read in my life. I bought one before my honeymoon trip in 2007, borrowed the 2010 edition when I traveled that year, and bought this latest edition as soon as I knew I was traveling there this summer. I love this book. This edition seems a lot longer than those I read in the past; it's about 850 pages long. The cool thing about it is that you don't have to read it cover to cover (I did :P) to get a whole host of amazing tips and tricks for making your Disney trip as amazing as you possibly can. Any question you can possibly think of regarding a Disney World trip is answered in this book. Just to give an example: have you ever wondered if you could pick a hotel based upon the softness of its pillows? If you are that type of person, congrats, you've found the quintessential Disney vacation guide just for you! (Seriously, the authors developed their own method for testing pillow softness. It's hilarious).
There is a lot to the World, which is why this book is so huge. The book is divided up into a dozen or so sections so that you can easily check out whatever you're interested in. I just recently reviewed a Maui guidebook and kind of slammed it for its organization. This book is similarly organized, with dining having its own section and not being divided up into sections by park, for example. But I feel like this organizational schematic works because your whole trip can change based on what you want to eat (how I usually plan my vacations...), where you want to stay, and what you want to see. So if you're a foodie like me, you'll pay close attention to the dining section and plan the parks you visit around the table service reservations you make. This book can also tell you the cheapest way to visit the World, how to tour with or without kids, and what attractions really are or aren't worth your time. And the writers are funny. Every few pages there was some funny quip or witticism that would leave me chuckling and usually reading the snippet out loud to my husband.
So, this book is huge but easy to read. It's exceptionally helpful and will leave you well prepared for your vacation. At the end I was wishing I could be a contributor for this guidebook, if only so I could eat at Victoria and Albert's on the company dime (see the "Dining" section for more info on this ridiculously decadent restaurant). This is basically a must-read if you're planning to travel to Disney World, especially if it's your first time.
There is a lot to the World, which is why this book is so huge. The book is divided up into a dozen or so sections so that you can easily check out whatever you're interested in. I just recently reviewed a Maui guidebook and kind of slammed it for its organization. This book is similarly organized, with dining having its own section and not being divided up into sections by park, for example. But I feel like this organizational schematic works because your whole trip can change based on what you want to eat (how I usually plan my vacations...), where you want to stay, and what you want to see. So if you're a foodie like me, you'll pay close attention to the dining section and plan the parks you visit around the table service reservations you make. This book can also tell you the cheapest way to visit the World, how to tour with or without kids, and what attractions really are or aren't worth your time. And the writers are funny. Every few pages there was some funny quip or witticism that would leave me chuckling and usually reading the snippet out loud to my husband.
So, this book is huge but easy to read. It's exceptionally helpful and will leave you well prepared for your vacation. At the end I was wishing I could be a contributor for this guidebook, if only so I could eat at Victoria and Albert's on the company dime (see the "Dining" section for more info on this ridiculously decadent restaurant). This is basically a must-read if you're planning to travel to Disney World, especially if it's your first time.
June 2, 2017
My first disclaimer for this book is that it's very hard to read cover to cover. The book is extremely comprehensive in covering almost all aspects of Walt Disney World. From hotels to rides to attractions to traveling with disability, all stones are left unturned. I enjoyed reading the sections about the rides and restaurants but skipped some of the parts about the out of area hotels as well as some of the sections with travel tips. All in all, a great guide for someone planning a WDW vacation.
February 27, 2017
Sixth trip to Disney World - Sixth unofficial Guide!
I love this guide, I read it everytime I go. It's full of the latest updates and all the information on Disney you could ever need.
I read it pretty much cover to cover, it's that interesting!
This is the Disney Bible. If you only get one guide book, make it this one.
I love this guide, I read it everytime I go. It's full of the latest updates and all the information on Disney you could ever need.
I read it pretty much cover to cover, it's that interesting!
This is the Disney Bible. If you only get one guide book, make it this one.
September 25, 2016
Lots of great information for those planning a trip to Disney World, including info if you are making trips to Universal as well! Opinions seem unbiased and humor is included to break up the monotony of a large travel guide. Lots of info from readers too!
March 27, 2017
This isn't the type of book you usually read cover to cover, but I'm pretty sure I've done that! I've read through so many passages over the past 2 months that I'm sure I've completed it. This has been a great resource and has helped me plan a trip to Walt Disney World for later on this year. My son has also read through most of it and we both agree that it is very well done!
February 28, 2017
I'm in the midst of planning my first trip to Disney World in 30 years, and things have changed so much since then that it's almost overwhelming, particularly all the things you need to do months in advance if you want a vacation that goes smoothly and gives you the most value. The first guide book I picked up was okay but seemed to lack in giving actual advice, which is what I was seeking the most. I bought this guide next, and for the most part, I've found it far more useful--I've even flagged pages and highlighted passages for quick reference as I approach each milestone. This book not only provides vital information (including phone numbers) regarding resorts, parks, transportation, booking reservations and FastPasses, etc., but it also offers tips about each thing. In addition, it offers walking plans designed to keep wait times and walking distance low, while making sure you have enough time to hit all the attractions you wish. I also really liked the comments from readers that are liberally peppered throughout, giving feedback on everything from restaurants to those walking plans. Overall, this book was totally worth the price!
My only complaint would be how difficult--and often useless--the index is. It isn't organized in a logical or friendly manner. For instance, say you want to look for all references of the restaurant "Tiffins." It will not be listed alphabetically under "T", nor is there a general category for "Restaurants" or even a category for "Animal Kingdom." Honestly, I couldn't find "Tiffins" at all in the index. I have to literally page through the book to find it. That is utterly frustrating, particular when a book is pushing 850 pages! I think the editors need to reevaluate HOW they list things in there so it's more intuitive.
My only complaint would be how difficult--and often useless--the index is. It isn't organized in a logical or friendly manner. For instance, say you want to look for all references of the restaurant "Tiffins." It will not be listed alphabetically under "T", nor is there a general category for "Restaurants" or even a category for "Animal Kingdom." Honestly, I couldn't find "Tiffins" at all in the index. I have to literally page through the book to find it. That is utterly frustrating, particular when a book is pushing 850 pages! I think the editors need to reevaluate HOW they list things in there so it's more intuitive.
June 18, 2017
I read this book cover to cover, with the exception of some sections that didn't apply to us. I had no idea planning a trip to DisneyWorld was only slightly less complex (& expensive) than a wedding! Reading all the nooks & cranies mentioned in this book helped me feel fully prepared though. I almost feel like I've already been there now!
Disclaimer: I never thought we'd be the type of parents to take our kids to DisneyWorld. My husband and I never visited when we were growing up and it always seemed like something "rich" families did. But, a generous Uncle is hosting our annual L-clan gathering in Orlando this year. Which means we'll be a stones throw away for the better part of a week...
(My dad & his 7 siblings, plus children & grandchildren make up the L-clan. About 80 people, though typically only about 60 come to the annual gathering in any given year. It is always a crazy, fun time when we gather!)
Disclaimer: I never thought we'd be the type of parents to take our kids to DisneyWorld. My husband and I never visited when we were growing up and it always seemed like something "rich" families did. But, a generous Uncle is hosting our annual L-clan gathering in Orlando this year. Which means we'll be a stones throw away for the better part of a week...
(My dad & his 7 siblings, plus children & grandchildren make up the L-clan. About 80 people, though typically only about 60 come to the annual gathering in any given year. It is always a crazy, fun time when we gather!)
July 9, 2017
Huge book but great for just reading the chapters relevant to your trip.
September 22, 2017
Helpful for those who have never been to Walt Disney World or taking a second trip! Great tips and planning guide.
October 4, 2017
Best guide book out there!
January 19, 2018
This is the best guidebook ever. It is so thorough and has great tips. I read the new version before every Walt Disney World trip, and I'm no stranger to the World, having been there several times and even interned there in the College Program. Despite that, each new book has information on new attractions, restaurants, and new reviews. It's nice to get up to speed!
January 23, 2018
Best book ever written about planning a trip to Walt Disney World. The tips, information, and touring plans make vacationing at Disney manageable; dare I say enjoyable. Everything you could want to know about the Disney properties, parks, character meals, rides, shows, etc are easily laid out in this book. Very comprehensive.
March 22, 2018
Extremely helpful!!
March 11, 2017
The Unofficial but also the Ultimate Disney World guide. If you have a holiday to Disney World coming up then you need this book! There are previous editions and I have read some of them but if you are going this year I suggest you get this one.
The detail of the book is great and it also has a section on Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. I love reading about the rides as I can get quite scared so it's good to know what kind of ride it is so that I can decide ahead of time whether I want to ride it.
I will also be investing in a subscription to the touring plans. Definitely a way to get excited for your holiday!
The detail of the book is great and it also has a section on Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. I love reading about the rides as I can get quite scared so it's good to know what kind of ride it is so that I can decide ahead of time whether I want to ride it.
I will also be investing in a subscription to the touring plans. Definitely a way to get excited for your holiday!
February 5, 2017
Good prep for a WDW trip
I have been reading "The Unofficial Guides..." for many years. This one seems to have a lot more background information than I remember from previous editions. As usual I will print out some portions of the touring plans to share and discuss with my travel companions before we go.
I have been reading "The Unofficial Guides..." for many years. This one seems to have a lot more background information than I remember from previous editions. As usual I will print out some portions of the touring plans to share and discuss with my travel companions before we go.
Read
October 17, 2016Ready to go to WDW!
December 24, 2016
A tourist guide pretty much like others. This one seems to be packed with more information than the usual telephone book listing type.
Read
February 5, 2018Very helpful. I recommend reading this book before going to Disney World.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews