The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2003 (Unofficial Guides) [Paperback]

While Walt Disney World stands for fun, fun, fun, it comes at a hefty cost--long waits, huge crowds and high prices. As Bob Sehlinger writes in his Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World "when it comes to Walt Disney World you either need a plan or a frontal lobotomy". As the huge complex of theme parks has grown to roughly the size of Boston, so has Sehlinger's guide, from less than 200 pages to over 700. While that may seem formidable, every one is chock full of invaluable information for making the most of your time and money, with the least amount of hassle. Sehlinger is an excellent guide--witty and readable and he and his research crew have done a commendable job figuring out the most efficient and economical ways to spend your time. They even researched traffic patterns at each of the parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and the Animal Kingdom) and devised touring plans tailored to a wide range of needs--visitors with or without kids, seniors, disabled guests and even expectant mothers (who cannot, unfortunately, go to the Mad Tea Party). Visitors who use these touring plans typically spend over three hours less in line than those who wing it (how can you not love this book?). You're not, of course, restricted to the tours. Each attraction is given a lengthy description and evaluation, including ratings for age groups, probable waiting time and when to go. As if all that hand holding isn't enough, there are just as thorough reviews of each of the hotels and eateries both inside and outside the park. Finally, Sehlinger has the sort of tips you aren't going to get from Disney but really need, such as how to get in before the official opening time; how to cut down time spent in lines; deciding when to go, right down to the day of the week; coping with children's needs, from bathrooms to blisters to fear; and how to navigate Disney's transport system. With the average cost of a day at Disney for a family of four coming in at 391 US dollars, the price of this guide is a small outlay to ensure that your time at Disney World is truly magical. --Lesley Reed --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

The bottom line with Walt Disney World is that it's very, very big--so big that you won't be able to see everything in a single visit. With 43 square miles of entertainment to explore (an area twice the size of Manhattan), that means you need to choose, in advance, what you want to do. That's where theUnofficial Guide comes in. It describes the many Epcot, Disney- MGM Studios and Magic Kingdom options, with candid reviews that don't just parrot Disney promotions. It also helps you construct a plan so that the overwhelming extravaganza of Disney World doesn't turn you into a Disney caricature of fear, knees a knockin' and sweat a streamin'. (Think ElmerFudd with a shotgun in his face.)

The Unofficial Guide researchers are not, however, just a bunch of control freaks. They discuss existentialism. They claim to be all for spontaneity, in jazz, for example, or cooking. "When it comes to Walt Disney World, however, we all agree that you either need a good plan or a frontal lobotomy." They further agree that the purpose of the plan is not to tick off the activities on your list and make it to the end of the day. It's to enable you to enjoy, to actually experience, the many moments that make up a day at Walt Disney World. What a concept!

The Guide includes essential advice on navigating lines, dealing with line-hoppers and attempting to eat without going broke. It provides excellent maps, as well as lodging recommendations and budget options. Because your Walt Disney World preferences will likely be different, depending on whether you're a family, a couple, a group of singles, or a pair of honeymooners, there are tailored suggestions for a variety of visitors, including tips for seniors, disabled guests and expectant mothers. The Unofficial Guide is a fun and lively read, but it's also exceptionally useful. Unlike, say, a Magic Kingdom all- you-can-eat experience, it's a small investment for a very beneficial return. --Stephanie Gold --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

“…Indispensable…” (Leicester Mercury, 18 June 2005)

“….the unofficial guide to the mother of all theme parks tells it exactly as it is…” (Economist, 5 March 2005) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

"...essential advice for those considering a visit to this theme park..." --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

"A fun and lively read, it′s exceptionally useful. It′s a small investment for a very beneficial return." —Cynthia M. Allegrezza, Today′s Parent of Massachusetts, North Oxford, MA --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

The Unofficial Guides® are the "Consumer Reports" of travel guides, offering candid evaluations of their destinations′ attractions, hotels, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, sports, and more, all rated and ranked by a team of unbiased inspectors so even the most compulsive planners can be sure they′re spending their time and money wisely. Each guide addresses the needs of everyone from families to business travelers, with handy charts that demonstrate how each place stacks up against the competition. Plus, all the details are pulled out so they′re extremely easy to scan.

This annually updated blockbuster is everyone′s favorite insider guide to the ins and outs of Orlando, one of the most–visited destinations in the U.S. Our team of anonymous inspectors has checked out every inch of the Disney parks, and they′ve been completely honest and objective in their evaluations of every ride, show, hotel, and restaurant. With the Unofficial Guide in hand, readers know they′re maximizing their time, enjoying all the fun, and getting their money′s worth.

The Unofficial Guide® to Walt Disney World® also includes:

• Every attraction rated and ranked for each age group, based on interviews and surveys of more than 18,000 families
• When to go and how to avoid the crowds: The best times of year and the best days of the week
• Field–tested touring itineraries for each park, including Sea World and Universal′s Islands of Adventure –– for families, couples, honeymooners, and singles
• All the area hotels rated and ranked for value and quality of rooms, plus reviews of all the Disney restaurants
• How to find and meet the Disney characters

Other Unofficial Guides® to Disney and the rest of the central Florida parks include The Unofficial Guide® to Walt Disney World® for Grown–Ups, The Unofficial Guide® to Walt Disney World® with Kids, Mini Mickey, Inside Disney: The Incredible Story of Walt Disney World® and the Man Behind the Mouse, and Beyond Disney: The Unofficial Guide to Universal, Sea World, and the Best of Central Florida.

For Travelers Who Want More Than the Official Line!

"A Tourist′s Best Friend!"
—Chicago Sun–Times

"Indispensable"
—The New York Times

Ten Great Features and Benefits offered ONLY by The Unofficial Guide®

1. The most comprehensive coverage of Walt Disney World
2. Exclusively patented, field–tested touring plans that save as much as four hours of standing in line in a single day
3. Every attraction rated and ranked for each age group
4. In–depth profiles of all the Disney resorts, including the best rooms to request
5. Almost 200 hotels rated and ranked for quality and value, including the top non–Disney hotels for families
6. A complete Dining Guide with ratings and reviews of all Walt Disney World restaurants, plus extensive alternatives for dining deals outside the World
7. Tips, advice, and opinions from hundreds of Walt Disney World guests in their own words
8. The most complete and detailed insider coverage of shopping in and out of Walt Disney World
9. Times comparisons of getting around by Disney Transportation System or using your own car
10. Extensive, objective, head–to–head comparisons of the Disney and Universal theme parks

This guide is a completely independent evaluation of Walt Disney World® and has not been reviewed or approved by Walt Disney World® or the Walt Disney Company, Inc.

Bob Sehlinger is the creator and Executive Publisher of the Unofficial Guide travel series.