Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2019

by Bob Sehlinger, Len Testa

THE trusted source of information for a successful Walt Disney World vacation Compiled and written by a team of experienced researchers whose work has been cited by such diverse sources as USA Today and Operations Research Forum, The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World digs deeper and offers more than any other guide. The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2019 explains how Walt Disney World works and how to use that knowledge to make every minute and every dollar of your vacation count. With advice that is direct, prescriptive, and detailed, it takes the guesswork out of travel by unambiguously rating and ranking everything from hotels, restaurants, and attractions to rental car companies. With an Unofficial Guide in hand, and authors Bob Sehlinger and Len Testa as guides, find out what’s available in every category, from best to worst, and use step-by-step detailed plans to help make the most of your time at Walt Disney World.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel

842 pages, Hardcover

Published August 14, 2018

About the author

Bob 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.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The "Unofficial" Guide could be compared to the Bible of guidebooks for Disney. The author Bob Sehlinger can be rather tongue in cheek and reading can be humorous but he also prepares you as if you are preparing for an invasion of the Zombie Apocalypse, down to every breathe, footstep and timed bathroom break.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ton of information. Most of it was not groundbreaking or earth shattering information, but I was able to pick out bits and pieces of information that I will apply on future visits to the most magical place on earth.

[Sara Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful, unbiased guide. I didn’t read every section- only those pertaining to my trip. But the writing was engaging enough to tempt me to read more! I’ll definitely consult this a year before our next trip.

[claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the mother of all guides to Disney World. All the information, tips and savings you need are in this book.

[Jeanne Boyarsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the unofficial guide series. It's a great mix of information and opinions written in a really thorough and humorous manner.

The book is long because it is really thorough. Some information repeats so you don't miss it in the different sections. And because the are tables that aggregate many things. Also, they make it easy to get information for different target audiences - last visited Disney X years ago? have kids? don't have kids?

I particularly like that the book includes reader quotes. It provides a lot of perspectives. I also like the data based approach. The authors have done a ton of research.

I last visited before FastPass+ was introduced. I understand it well now - now to use it, how to strategize, etc.

I read last year's edition cover to cover. This time, I read just the relevant parts to save time.

[Lynn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're going to Disney World for the first time or if you've been many times, this is a great comprehensive guide to all of the Disney Parks in Florida, as well as the Universal Parks (though the Universal information is not quite as detailed as the Disney stuff). I used this guide in 2012 for our first trip to Disney and I just bought and finished the 2019 guide for our upcoming Disney vacation in March. I've also used this series in other cities (Las Vegas and San Francisco to name a couple). The format is easy to read and also easy to find information. You don't have to read it cover to cover. You can just look up whatever you need. I bought it on Kindle so I'll be able to carry it around with me during our trip. I highly recommend this guide.

[Lisa Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are planning a trip to Disney World, this book is a must read. A comprehensive and well organized guide to planning a trip to Walt Disney World, complete with tips and tricks from years of research and experience. It also includes fabulous and tested touring plans to help you waste the least amount of time in line. (And speaking from someone who has used their touring plans in the past, they really do work.)

Ten years ago, the last time we went, I read their latest version, and I am so glad I bought the updated version for our trip this fall, as so much has changed. I also love their website, touringplans.com, as it has even more great info, and they have a fabulous app as well.

[Tim Schwamb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as funny as the previous versions of this book (or maybe I've just read enough versions of it now...), but the information in here is absolutely priceless! Do NOT go to WDW without checking this out. It can save you hours of standing in line with their touring plans. And you don't have to read it like I did. You can just use it as a resource. That's how it was intended anyway. I'm just that way about books.

[Sandy Barecki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best guide for planning a Disney World trip. They give unbiased information that is essential to planning a trip. Disney is not a place to go without a solid plan in place. Have used several versions and am never disappointed with the advise. Their website TouringPlans.com is also extremely helpful. If you are planning a trip, I highly recommend subscribing. There is a discount if you buy the guidebook first.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This seems very thoroughly researched, and in-depth. It includes commentary from readers and other park goers but is also comprised of many suggestions by the author(s). There are some good pictures and charts that go along with the text.

[Jenn G · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

I've been to Walt Disney World more times that I can count. When I miss my second home I like to read travel books about it. This one is one of the most comprehensive guides I read for newbies and for regulars.

[Kfiscus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good if you’ve never been.

[Shamsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The app is great and the book is too. Could not get my family to follow the plan 100%, but when we did, we were able to get a lot done. Good book if it's your first trip to Disney.

[Steve Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a Best of the Best for the month of January, 2019, as selected by Stevo's Book Reviews on the Internet. http://forums.delphiforums.com/stevo1...

[Alloree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great cover-to-cover read as well as a refrence work. Highly recommended!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not going until next year but this was huge for planning and expectations already and I am glad I read it so soon. Made tons of Kindle notes along the way.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful and informative.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Research ongoing! Excellent guide; highly recommended!

[Mommooshka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good source of a wide variety of info about Walt Disney World and it's attractions. Also info about Universal Orlando attractions.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally helpful resource for our first trip to see the mouse.

[Tara Outman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extraordinarily informative. Frankly, Too Much Information. Has info the other books don't, but the volume can be somewhat overwhelming. You are unlikely to finish reading it before your trip (unless it is in the REALLY distant future) and you won't want to carry it around with you.

[Jeff J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prepping for an upcoming trip to Disney World. I was looking for a more objective guide to the parks and this fit the bill. There was inordinate space spent discussing their methodology with their rankings, which made them seem defensive, but I learned some new tips for enjoying our stay.

[Courtney H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful but the information is outdated or wrong in some places. They frequently mention their own paid services. Not as good as a DK or Fodor's travel guide but I'm assuming neither company makes an in-depth guide for WDW.

See all of my reviews here: https://guenevol.wixsite.com/novelmaven