The main Birnbaum guide is simply entitled "Walt Disney World." It's the largest of the guides and also comes in a pocket edition to take with you to the parks. The book is loaded with "hot tips" and other suggestions. For example, one packing tip is to bring rain gear.
Trying to decide which day to visit the Magic Kingdom? Birnbaum lets you know that Saturday and Monday are the busiest days. If you want special deals on accommodations, Birnbaum recommends trying the Swan and Dolphin Resorts, which offer deals year-round. And if you're looking for shorter lines at Epcot, Birnbaum says the early evening is the time to go. "Walt Disney World" has information on all the rides, shops, restaurants and shows. The edges of the pages are color coded, making it easy to find what you're looking for.
The second Birnbaum guide is "Walt Disney World Without Kids." While much smaller than the general guide, it's still packed full. Included is a list of local churches and their phone numbers. If you'd like to see the "Torch Lighting Ceremony" at Disney's Polynesian Resort, it's held in the main lobby on weekends.
If you want to experience the parks on your own personalized plan, call (407) 560-4003 and ask about a VIP Tour. For a romantic time in Epcot, try the El Rio del Tiempo boat ride. There's plenty to do at Walt Disney World that doesn't involve children, as this guide shows.
The third guide is special, as it was written in part by children. Each year, Birnbaum takes 1,000 applications from kids 7 to 14 and selects some to give pointers for the next book. The guide is big, bold and easy to understand. It contains planning and packing information, lists the favorite rides at the parks, and includes an autograph section in the back.
There are also warnings for the rides and shows if they are dark, scary, loud, wet or rough. If you want to control the height of your carpet on the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Birnbaum says to sit in the front row. Birnbaum also recommends that long hair be pulled back when riding Test Track so it won't get tangled. It's the little tips like those that make "Birnbaum Guides" so helpful.
