FAMILYFANS Books & Comics

BIRNBAUM'S 2008 OFFICIAL GUIDE TO WALT DISNEY WORLD

(Disney Editions)

Reader Appeal: Parents

Genre: Travel

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Or just want to dream about the most magical vacation possible? Either way, these travel guides are for you!

Since 1981, the team at Birnbaum’s has had the “job” of keeping current on everything Disney, and putting their findings into annual guidebooks for anyone planning to visit any or all of the Disney theme parks, resorts, and other attractions. Let’s take a quick peek at the kind of info you’ll find inside Birnbaum’s 2008 Official Guide to Walt Disney World:

    • The “Getting Ready to Go” section covers best and worst times of year to visit the theme parks, what kind of weather to expect, what to pack, and offers sample daily schedules for each of the Disney World parks, including added tips for those with small children.

    • “Transportation & Accommodations” details each of the on-property resorts, including restaurants, pools, and other perks of each location, plus explains how to use Disney’s handy transportation system that allows guests to sit back and enjoy the ride from the moment of arrival.

    • Each of the theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom) are explored in-depth, with descriptions of each ride, restaurant, shop, and attraction. Includes tips on which attractions are “must-see” stops, which ones have the shortest lines, and even which ones are best to visit on a rainy day.

    • Remaining chapters cover additional options for entertainment such as Disney water parks, golf, spas, behind-the-scenes excursions, and so on. The final section, “Good Meals, Great Times,” gives readers a look at each restaurant, from counter-service to exquisite sit-down eateries, and gives pricing guides and tips on reservations, best times of day for best service, and where to find off-the-beaten path locations.

And…speaking of the food at Disney World… Birnbaum’s 2008 Walt Disney World Dining Guide provides even more information than the “Good Meals, Great Times,” section. Sure, it’s all the same locations and all the same pricing info, but the Dining Guide adds in tips on where to eat when you didn’t make reservations, insider info on where to find candy-coated pretzels in the shape of Mickey Mouse, or how to accommodate special dietary needs. The Dining Guide also has recipes from several of the Disney restaurants (so you can try your favorites at home), including Twinkie Tiramisu (from the Pop Century resort), which features Twinkies, espresso syrup, and lots of whipping cream.

This Guide wraps up with an exhaustive index of where to find just about any kind of food from barbecue to sushi, which restaurants have the best service for children, which have the best themed experiences, which are worth the extra splurge, and where you’ll find the best vegetarian choices.

 If you’re planning a Disney World vacation, Birnbaum’s 2008 Official Guide to Walt Disney World is exactly what you need. Every tip imaginable is included, and you’ll be able to plan your vacation with confidence. And for all of you foodies who love planning your dining experiences as much as the actual eating (or who need extra info for dietary reasons), it’s worth the extra dollars to get the Dining Guide

FAMILYFANS RATING: A

--AN

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