Book Review :The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World for Kids

In preparation for my previous trip to Disney World in 2011, I had used the book, The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.  It was a valuable  resource and I recommended it in my own first book,  Twice Blessed : A Parent's Guide to Twin . But for this trip I decided to use the version for WDW with Kids 2015, after finding their useful and fun Facebook page, The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids  It turns out that this book is perfect for anyone planning a trip to either Disney World or Universal Studios with kids of any age.  It is written, by Bob Sehlinger and Liliane J. Opsomer with Len Testa, with great experience, knowledge, detail  and humour about almost every aspect of  visiting these parks.  And from an objective and family needs driven perspective.


I can't possibly discuss every aspect of  the book as it covers how to get there, what to bring, where to stay  (both on site and off) including each WDW Resort in detail with its strengths and weaknesses,  detailed park dining information,  ride information, park and The World maps, and touring plans.  So I will focus on the parts of the book that I  feel illuminate why it stands out over others.  I will start with accomodations.


Each Walt Disney World Resort is not only rated but includes in depth analysis of all the pros and cons to each one.  It explains which parks its closest too, what the onsite dining choices are, what recreation facilities are there, the theme or themes it has, and even the expected travel times using the Disney transportation system.  The pools are even ranked.  They also have some family friendly hotels outside WDW and the non Disney owned hotels that are located on The World grounds.   Throughout the book, they pepper in actual comments from parents which help to illustrate their points.   The book even details the plus and minus of the Magic Express Bus Service.


The section on the rides is also invaluable!   It includes detailed explanations of the rides, the authors' ratings, plus five star ratings from a variety of age groups including pre schoolers, school age children and teens,.  The possible scare factors are listed, who might want or need to avoid the attraction,  the best times to go, ride loading speed, and whether it is a Fastpass ride or not.  And if you find having to decide which rides to go on and in which order too daunting a task, then just use one of the tear out touring guides.


Another section that sets this book apart is the the chapter aptly entitled, Disney Boot Camp : Basic Training for World Bound Families.   The authors begin by acknowledging that a family trip to Disney World can be stressful and difficult, particularly if you have no idea what you are getting yourselves into and how to handle it all.  It was my own understanding of this that led me to write the chapter in my book in planning for such a trip with young twins.   But then they explain the realities of what to expect and how to deal with the physical and mental demands, along with how to prepare a daily plan for the parks.  They make suggestions about strollers, and even staying together, how to deal with hunger and thirst, and give actual examples from previous WDW guests along with their own experiences.


So I would certainly recommend getting a copy of the latest edition (2015) of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids.  I  continue to use it for my planning and will be taking it to the parks also.  But perhaps the greatest praise I can give it is that I really enjoy reading it, and it has
helped get me excited about our family's latest trip to The World!

Please note that the updated  2016 edition of the book will be available in mid September. 

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