Walt Disney World (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.

For Travelers Who Want More Than the Official Line "A Tourist's Best Friend!" —Chicago Sun–Times "Indispensable" —The New York Times The Top 10 Ways The Unofficial Guide^® to Walt Disney World^® Can Help You Have the Perfect Trip:

1. Every attraction rated and ranked for each age group, based on interviews and surveys of more than 19,500 patrons
2. Where to go: the best times of year and the best days of the week
3. Pros and cons of staying in or outside "the World"
4. All area hotels rated and ranked for value and quality of rooms
5. Field–tested touring itineraries for each park, including Universal's new Islands of Adventure—for adults or families with children
6. Ratings and reviews of all full–service restaurants in Walt Disney World
7. Tips and warnings for first–time visitors and those with special needs, as well as unvarnished, practical advice for families, couples, honeymooners, and singles
8. Proven strategies for planning the perfect Walt Disney World vacation with small children, including trips to Universal Studios Escape and Sea World
9. How to find and meet the Disney characters
10. A new, comprehensive shopping chapter with insider advice on the best places to shop in and around Walt Disney World

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. Find us online at frommers.travelocity.com

For Travelers Who Want More Than the Official Line "A Tourist's Best Friend!" —Chicago Sun–Times "Indispensable" —The New York Times The Top 10 Ways The Unofficial Guide^® to Walt Disney World^® Can Help You Have the Perfect Trip:

1. Every attraction rated and ranked for each age group, based on interviews and surveys of more than 19,500 patrons
2. Where to go: the best times of year and the best days of the week
3. Pros and cons of staying in or outside "the World"
4. All area hotels rated and ranked for value and quality of rooms
5. Field–tested touring itineraries for each park, including Universal's new Islands of Adventure—for adults or families with children
6. Ratings and reviews of all full–service restaurants in Walt Disney World
7. Tips and warnings for first–time visitors and those with special needs, as well as unvarnished, practical advice for families, couples, honeymooners, and singles
8. Proven strategies for planning the perfect Walt Disney World vacation with small children, including trips to Universal Studios Escape and Sea World
9. How to find and meet the Disney characters
10. A new, comprehensive shopping chapter with insider advice on the best places to shop in and around Walt Disney World

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. Find us online at frommers.travelocity.com

Bob Sehlinger is the creator and Executive Publisher of the Unofficial Guide travel series. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.