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Editor's picks

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  The Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World 2013 (Unofficial Guides)

  Book (Wiley)
  

  Rating (180 reviews):

  (4.7/5)

  

  The #1 Go To Book for planning a Disney Vacation (and then some)

  For those of us who have never been to Walt Disney World or have only been only once or twice, I cannot recommend a better book on the market. This book, and the accompanying website, touringplans.com, are the best sources of in-depth reviews, ratings and details of every aspect of WDW. From hotels/resorts to dining to rides and venues, this book HAS IT ALL IN ONE PLACE. The most important feature of this book, in my opinion, are the Touring Plans - which give you an idea of how to tour the parks in an efficient manner so that you spend less time in long lines and more time enjoying your vacation. Hit those headliner rides first and utilize the Fast Pass system. You'll be much happier and less stressed for it.I have purchased earlier editions of this book, but things change quickly at Walt Disney World and the 2013 edition has up-to-date information on the major changes to Fantasyland and everything else that has changed since our previous visit.Below is a... 5/5 Gitsy (Northeast USA) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World 2013 (Unofficial Guides) (Paperback) For those of us who have never been to Walt Disney World or have only been only once or twice, I cannot recommend a better book on the market. This book, and the accompanying website, touringplans.com, are the best sources of in-depth reviews, ratings and details of every aspect of WDW. From hotels/resorts to dining to rides and venues, this book HAS IT ALL IN ONE PLACE. The most important feature of this book, in my opinion, are the Touring Plans - which give you an idea of how to tour the parks in an efficient manner so that you spend less time in long lines and more time enjoying your vacation. Hit those headliner rides first and utilize the Fast Pass system. You'll be much happier and less stressed for it.I have purchased earlier editions of this book, but things change quickly at Walt Disney World and the 2013 edition has up-to-date information on the major changes to Fantasyland and everything else that has changed since our previous visit.Below is a... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , August 19, 2012

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  The Bible of all things Disney World

  As a Disneyfied Florida mother of 2 Disneyfied boys (and wife to a more reluctant but willing Disney husband), I was very impressed with the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2013. We go to the Disney World parks at least once a year and sometimes two to three times a year. We have stayed at value resorts, moderate resorts, and a couple Deluxe resorts as well. We have been during summer, the days leading up to Christmas, spring break, Easter, and slower times like May or November. I subscribe to touringplans.com, read disboards.com, and check up on a couple Disney blogs regularly. Why do I tell you all this? To emphasize that someone that is as Disney-fanatic as me still learned some new things from this book.Really, this is the only book you need for Disney. It has it *all*. It is not biased towards Disney, so the authors give you a fair representation of Disney, both the positives and the negatives. With nearly 900 pages, here are the highlights:... 5/5 Mom to 2 boys (FL) - See all my reviews, October 2, 2012

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  Fantastic information for all types of WDW fans

  I consider myself a Disney World expert. I've been to Disney several times (in fact, I'm on track to have been to Disney 4 times in 14 months), stayed at most levels of hotels (value, moderate, and deluxe), read Disney World forums, blogs, Facebook groups, work as a Disney travel specialist, and I even have a large and well-traveled Disney World food blog and a Disney World family/crafting blog. I honestly expected that this book would give me no new information, would be lacking any worthwhile info with regards to the new Fantasyland expansion and associated rides, and would only have real value for those who never go to Disney, have never been, like to micro-manage their Disney time, or those who're just generally clueless about the whole Disney experience. However, I was very surprised to find information that was completely up-to-date, offered surprisingly complete evaluations of the new Fantasyland and how to tour it, and even had a wealth of useful information I put to... 4/5 Jerusha "Scarlet Harlot" (New Hampshire) - See all my reviews, October 8, 2012

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  List Price: $19.99
  

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  101 Free Things To Do In Disney & Orlando (2012 Edition) (Travel Free eGuidebooks)

  eBooks
  

  Rating (11 reviews):

  (3.6/5)

  

  Amazing

  I think this book provided a great insight for my travels. It helped me realize that I can do more things because they don't cost anything. I even highlighted the things that were most appealing to me. Great book and I highly recommend it. 5/5 erica - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: 101 Free Things To Do In Disney & Orlando (2012 Edition) (Travel Free eGuidebooks) (Kindle Edition) I think this book provided a great insight for my travels. It helped me realize that I can do more things because they don't cost anything. I even highlighted the things that were most appealing to me. Great book and I highly recommend it. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , August 10, 2012

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  Great resource for Disney Lovers

  Being the father of two, I'm always looking for travel deals. We haul the kids around a ton and it adds up. I really like this guide book because it's simple and focuses only on free things to do. I use it as a supplement to my regular guide book. I was surprised to learn how many free things there are to do in Disney, like waking up Tinkerbell and all the free souvenirs. It's easy to use and the map links are very useful on my Kindle Fire. Thumbs up! 5/5 Happy Dad - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: 101 Free Things To Do In Disney & Orlando (2012 Edition) (Travel Free eGuidebooks) (Kindle Edition) Being the father of two, I'm always looking for travel deals. We haul the kids around a ton and it adds up. I really like this guide book because it's simple and focuses only on free things to do. I use it as a supplement to my regular guide book. I was surprised to learn how many free things there are to do in Disney, like waking up Tinkerbell and all the free souvenirs. It's easy to use and the map links are very useful on my Kindle Fire. Thumbs up! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 12, 2012

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  meh...

  Thought this would give great suggestions. out of the box ideas when we go on our trip.Most of these are Disney oriented with free things for KIDS -or music in bars at night.Could have come up with all of those. 2/5 jennk - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: 101 Free Things To Do In Disney & Orlando (2012 Edition) (Travel Free eGuidebooks) (Kindle Edition) Thought this would give great suggestions. out of the box ideas when we go on our trip.Most of these are Disney oriented with free things for KIDS -or music in bars at night.Could have come up with all of those. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , November 26, 2012

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  Fodor's Walt Disney World 2013: With Universal, SeaWorld, and the Best of Central Florida (Full-color Travel Guide)

  Book (Fodor's)
  

  Rating (8 reviews):

  (4.1/5)

  

  Good

  Good resource but not a quick referenceVery wordyContains ideas for areas surrounding Disney WorldArrived in a few days 4/5 Phyllis A. Gastonguay - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Fodor's Walt Disney World 2013: With Universal, SeaWorld, and the Best of Central Florida (Full-color Travel Guide) (Paperback) Good resource but not a quick referenceVery wordyContains ideas for areas surrounding Disney WorldArrived in a few days Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , April 6, 2013

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  Good book with flaws

  I liked the detailed reviews of most of the attractions in the book including restaurants and resorts. The problem of this book which I reported to Amazon several times is the format of the book. The maps in the book replace attraction reviews so you get the map instead of the review. This ruins the book because you are missing key information of what is offered. Amazon said they will get the publisher to update the book but have been waiting since November for an update. Otherwise the book is good for what it does. 2/5 Edward Gunn (Shamokin) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Fodor's Walt Disney World 2013: with Universal, Sea World, and the Best of Central Florida (Full-color Travel Guide) (Kindle Edition) I liked the detailed reviews of most of the attractions in the book including restaurants and resorts. The problem of this book which I reported to Amazon several times is the format of the book. The maps in the book replace attraction reviews so you get the map instead of the review. This ruins the book because you are missing key information of what is offered. Amazon said they will get the publisher to update the book but have been waiting since November for an update. Otherwise the book is good for what it does. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 22, 2012

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  Better than nothing, but there are better guide books

  I haven't bought a Fodor's guide book in a few years but always relied on them in the past. I bought this 2013 guide book and found it to be of limited value compared to other books. It's not very complete and doesn't have nearly enough information to be of great value for a visitor to the parks. Example: The attractions in each park are listed, but not rated. Certain ones receive a "Fodor's recommended" mark, but generally don't really say why.Take a look at the similarly priced "Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2013" by Sehling and Testa instead. It has what you really need to know to make the best of your vacation time. 3/5 Not A Kid - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Fodor's Walt Disney World 2013: With Universal, SeaWorld, and the Best of Central Florida (Full-color Travel Guide) (Paperback) I haven't bought a Fodor's guide book in a few years but always relied on them in the past. I bought this 2013 guide book and found it to be of limited value compared to other books. It's not very complete and doesn't have nearly enough information to be of great value for a visitor to the parks. Example: The attractions in each park are listed, but not rated. Certain ones receive a "Fodor's recommended" mark, but generally don't really say why.Take a look at the similarly priced "Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2013" by Sehling and Testa instead. It has what you really need to know to make the best of your vacation time. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 14, 2012

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  List Price: $19.99
  

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  Walt Disney World Resorts Theme Park Ticket 2011 Mickey Mouse - Let the Memories Begin

  Single Detail Page Misc (Walt Disney World)
  

  Ticket has NO admission value

  Very Collectible

  Walt Disney World Resort Theme Park Ticket

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  The Dark Side of Disney

  Book (Bamboo Forest Publishing)
  

  Rating (177 reviews):

  (3.7/5)

  

  Dark Side is not for everyone, but a great read!

  This review was originally posted as a "The 626" column on MiceChat.com...It seems like almost every week, I sit down to start reading a new book about Disney. Whether it's a biography, behind the scenes tell-all, or just a general history book, there is no shortage of books on the topic.But every so often, you come across a book that is a little bit different than the rest...a little bit off, if you will. Something that really grabs you by the shoulders, shakes you a bit, and yells "Hey, look at me!" Well, today I'm here to talk about The Dark Side Of Disney, by Leonard Kinsey, the latest book to do that to me.The Dark Side Of Disney is NOT your typical travel guide. In fact, I would dare say it's not even for the faint of heart. While most guides point you in the right direction for great dining deals, fantastic tips for the Parks, and general Disney knowledge, this one leads you straight off the beaten path & into forbidden territory... 5/5 Jeffrey S. Heimbuch - See all my reviews, January 3, 2012

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  I Want To Do Disney With This Guy...

  I really liked this book! My husband is an obsessed Disney World fan, so that's pretty much the only place we vacation (he bought an RV almost solely for use at Disney's Fort Wilderness to eliminate the hassle and cost of dealing with hotels...he's committed). We usually go a couple times a year, depending on where the military has us stationed at the time. If we're within 12 hours of driving (I don't fly...sorry Leonard), then according to him, we're close enough!Having been to the parks so many times I thought I knew it all and was pretty smug about my Disney expertise...turns out, I didn't know jack. I loved the stories of he and his friends roaming the parks, going down to the Utilidors (something I MUST do now...thanks), and all the tips and tricks he's come up with through the years. While many are not tips and tricks I would personally use (what with them being illegal and all), they were still funny to read about. Being military, we get obscene ticket discounts... 4/5 Mercedes L. Johnmeyer (Gales Ferry, CT) - See all my reviews, October 7, 2011

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  Something new for Disneyphiles

  This was a purchase for my sister who is a huge Disneyphile. While everyone in our family fall under that category, she lives in Southern California and frequently flies to Florida just to go to the parks. She know everything about the parks. So, I saw this and thought that this had to have something she didn't know!As I went to wrap it, it took me forever, because of course, I had to open it to see what it contained! This book is chock full of information, but beware, this is truly the "Dark Side" and for adults only. Do not leave this book lying around for your children to see.Among fun anecdotes, it also tells you have to scam money, places to have sex without getting caught and places you can get into to sneak around.My sister loved it (not that she would do any of those things)...and learned something new 4/5 Angela R. Meli "jela" (PARADISE, CA United States) - See all my reviews, January 15, 2012

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  List Price: $14.95
  

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  Walt Disney World 40th Anniversary Ticket Book Magnets

  Kitchen (Disney Theme Park Merchandise)
  

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  The Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World 2012 (Unofficial Guides)

  Book (Wiley)
  

  Rating (97 reviews):

  (4.7/5)

  

  Great book, but zero stars on the kindle edition

  I've bought several editions of this book over the years and it's really the best guidebook for Disney that there is. It's huge and covers everything you could imagine wanting to know. It's also witty and interesting and filled with tidbits of information that you didn't even think you needed to know.I had a 2010 edition and just wanted to check out some changes, so I downloaded the less-expensive Kindle edition for 2012. When I went to search for the specific information, I found the book had not been indexed. That means it's not searchable. For a book this size and for this type of content, it makes it practically unusable.If you want a read through and plan to make a lot of notes, I suppose the kindle edition could be a good choice. But, if at this point, you wanted to look for specific information, then I don't think it's a good choice at all on the Kindle. The hardcopy would be a better choice. I realize there's a table of contents that was partially... 5/5 Kendra - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World 2012 (Unofficial Guides) (Paperback) I've bought several editions of this book over the years and it's really the best guidebook for Disney that there is. It's huge and covers everything you could imagine wanting to know. It's also witty and interesting and filled with tidbits of information that you didn't even think you needed to know.I had a 2010 edition and just wanted to check out some changes, so I downloaded the less-expensive Kindle edition for 2012. When I went to search for the specific information, I found the book had not been indexed. That means it's not searchable. For a book this size and for this type of content, it makes it practically unusable.If you want a read through and plan to make a lot of notes, I suppose the kindle edition could be a good choice. But, if at this point, you wanted to look for specific information, then I don't think it's a good choice at all on the Kindle. The hardcopy would be a better choice. I realize there's a table of contents that was partially... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 21, 2011

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  Filled with goodies!

  I am a Disney World fanatic, and I've borrowed older versions of the Unofficial Guide from the library many times. I finally decided to buy the 2012 copy for myself since next May will be the first time I stay on Disney property. This is a heavy book; my wrist hurts after a while from holding it! But I love it anyway! The authors say that most people use this as a reference guide, but I'm the kind of weirdo that kind of reads it straight through (minus some of the info that doesn't apply to me). I like how they include the comments and opinions of readers in blue within the text. That way you get both sides of the picture. I have guide books and trivia books, but this is one that's filled with info about the parks with humor and lots of opinion included. If you just want a guide book telling you what rides are where, choose a different book. This has a lot more than that. 5/5 RachelNinja (New York) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World 2012 (Unofficial Guides) (Paperback) I am a Disney World fanatic, and I've borrowed older versions of the Unofficial Guide from the library many times. I finally decided to buy the 2012 copy for myself since next May will be the first time I stay on Disney property. This is a heavy book; my wrist hurts after a while from holding it! But I love it anyway! The authors say that most people use this as a reference guide, but I'm the kind of weirdo that kind of reads it straight through (minus some of the info that doesn't apply to me). I like how they include the comments and opinions of readers in blue within the text. That way you get both sides of the picture. I have guide books and trivia books, but this is one that's filled with info about the parks with humor and lots of opinion included. If you just want a guide book telling you what rides are where, choose a different book. This has a lot more than that. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 6, 2011

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  Get this guide!

  Ok, if you are going to go to Walt DisneyWorld, aka Epcot, aka The Magic Kingdom, etc, this book is simply a must-get. No questions asked, no debate. Get this book. Period.It is beyond exhaustively comprehensive. We are talking 800+ pages and quite thick and heavy. Ok, maybe you might just take out the quick guides or print off a page or two when actually at the parks. Being rather bulky is my only complaint. But it has to be, so...The authors say that following the plans in this guide will save you about 4 hours in line. We used the 2011 Unofficial guide during our 2011 visit, and even tho we went off on our own after the midday part (which the book actually OKs), it was a HUGE timesaver. Not to mention- one part of our party went off without the guide and got lost & confused and re-joined us admitting they had just wasted about 2 hours. So, even with our "let us stick with the tour plan until we get the must-see rides done, then go off on our own" it... 5/5 Wulfstan "wulfstan" (San Jose, CA United States) - See all my reviews, September 27, 2011

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  List Price: $19.99
  

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  The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2013 (Unofficial Guides)

  Book (Wiley)
  

  Rating (59 reviews):

  (4.4/5)

  

  Super helpful

  When we went to Walt Disney World, we got the WDW version of this book, and its Touring Plans really helped us organize and see what we wanted to see in a short trip during peak season. So when we decided to go to Disneyland this year, it was a no-brainer to buy this book. We also purchased the online access which provides additional useful information, like projected park hours and crowd calendars to help you plan. I was trying to decide whether to book a reservation at the new Carthay Circle restaurant, but couldn't find a menu anywhere to decide what "expensive" meant and whether they'd have anything my picky-eater son and vegetarian self would eat. Then I went to the book's online resources and there was a menu. Well worth the money if you like to plan. If you're more of a "free spirit" when vacationing, this book's approach may seem a bit Draconian. But I loved it! 5/5 Kristen M. Staneluis - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2013 (Unofficial Guides) (Paperback) When we went to Walt Disney World, we got the WDW version of this book, and its Touring Plans really helped us organize and see what we wanted to see in a short trip during peak season. So when we decided to go to Disneyland this year, it was a no-brainer to buy this book. We also purchased the online access which provides additional useful information, like projected park hours and crowd calendars to help you plan. I was trying to decide whether to book a reservation at the new Carthay Circle restaurant, but couldn't find a menu anywhere to decide what "expensive" meant and whether they'd have anything my picky-eater son and vegetarian self would eat. Then I went to the book's online resources and there was a menu. Well worth the money if you like to plan. If you're more of a "free spirit" when vacationing, this book's approach may seem a bit Draconian. But I loved it! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , October 22, 2012

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  Amazing book!!!

  We just got back from Disneyland and we followed the guide to a T..and it was amazing on how many rides we got to go on, without waiting in line. The longest wait we had was 15 minutes! We rode all the big rides before 1pm that day!! 5/5 Disneyland greatness - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2013 (Unofficial Guides) (Paperback) We just got back from Disneyland and we followed the guide to a T..and it was amazing on how many rides we got to go on, without waiting in line. The longest wait we had was 15 minutes! We rode all the big rides before 1pm that day!! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , October 11, 2012

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  I love Disney!

  I would never take my family to Disneyland or Disneyworld w/out the unofficial guide. We have used it before, several years ago, and followed all the suggestions and got through Disneyland in a day, riding everything we wanted to ride. This year we bought the new one (things are always changing, so you must have the current book) and the plan worked beautifully - again we only had one day, and we made it onto every ride we wanted to go on, some twice. A great help! 5/5 cindy c s - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2013 (Unofficial Guides) (Paperback) I would never take my family to Disneyland or Disneyworld w/out the unofficial guide. We have used it before, several years ago, and followed all the suggestions and got through Disneyland in a day, riding everything we wanted to ride. This year we bought the new one (things are always changing, so you must have the current book) and the plan worked beautifully - again we only had one day, and we made it onto every ride we wanted to go on, some twice. A great help! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , February 5, 2013

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  List Price: $17.99
  

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  Walt Disney World 40th Anniversary Ticket Book Notepad

  Home (Disney Theme Park Merchandise)
  

  great memories

  replica of tickets from when Disney used the paper tickets

  handy for making notes

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  Disney on a Dime: Money-Saving Secrets for Your Walt Disney World Vacation

  Book (The Intrepid Traveler)
  

  Rating (22 reviews):

  (3.8/5)

  

  Pretty Much all Common Sense and Shown Elsewhere

  This book is an interesting mix. First off, it's short. There are just over 200 small pages. It sends mixed messages. "No childhood is complete without a trip to Walt Disney World". How's that for guilt for poor parents? Then it says "It is likely to be one of the most expensive trips you will ever take." I suppose they're trying to convince you to buy the book, but it bothered me a bit.A lot of the tips here are common sense. Make a budget. Their sample budget shows that tickets (just entrance fee, no food or anything else) cost a family of 4 $710 - but lodging is only $160 for the exact same time period. That's a really scary statement, but it's true. They say to have a penny jar and to open a savings account. Use coupons at the store, have a garage sale. So far I'm not seeing the real value of this. I knew these things.They talk about not buying souveniers. They say to take all hotel freebies you can get your hands on. They say to take the plastic cups your... 3/5 Lisa Shea "be the change you wish to see in t... - See all my reviews, April 11, 2006

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  Useful info, but nothing too earth shattering

  This book had some good information in it. For instance, it had several tables that laid out how ticket prices change based on number of days, adding options like Park Hopper, etc. It showed the prices of different resorts based on which season you went, and had helpful suggestions on how to negotiate better rates with Disney resorts. It also did a good job comparing flying vs. driving costs. Having said that, there was nothing too earth shattering in this book, and most of the stuff in it can easily be looked up online. In fact, since ticket and resort prices constantly change, this book is sure to be out of date less than a year from when it is published. The authors gave some good advice, and I wish they had spent more time giving recommendations instead of just presenting you with tables of information, much of which will be obsolete very quickly. Overall, a quick read but very little information that you can't figure out yourself or find online for free. 3/5 Vincent Sharma (Saint Paul, MN) - See all my reviews, October 19, 2005

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  Disney for the unfathomly CHEAP!

  In preparation for a trip to WDW, I decided to check this book out. I was hoping for some hidden tips while at the Parks. For the most part, this book offered tips on how to save up for your trip prior to ever making it to Orlando. Even those tips were obvious and not all that helpful.What do you get instead? How about telling a family they can go to to WDW for just dollars a day after they have paid for their tickets? How? Stay at an off-site motel for $30 a day (where can you find something for that anymore?) and make sure to eat ALL your meals at the motel. So one is supposed to drive to an from the park while trying to get the most with their admission ticket? The gas prices alone from this venture would do you in! Or better yet, look like a real cheapo and bring your own food (which I am fine with until...) the author suggests you steal from the toppings bar at a counter service restaurant to make the most out of your sandwich. Or better yet, order a double... 1/5 D. Meyer (S. Florida) - See all my reviews, July 8, 2006

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  List Price: $12.95
  

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