Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 2013

The 2013 edition of Birnbaum’s Walt Disney World was published on September 25, 2012 by Disney Editions and is edited by Jill Safro.

Format: Paperback
Page: 288 pages
Publisher: Disney Editions (Birnbaum Travel Guides)
Date: September 25, 2012
ISBN: 1423152271
Size: 9.9 x 7.0 x 0.6 inches

If you plan on vacationing at the Walt Disney World Resort without children then you might like to consider the companion book, Birnbaum’s Walt Disney World Without Kids.

Birnbaum’s Walt Disney World is updated each year and the 2013 edition of contains all the latest tips, tricks and information on everything in the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida including details on all the new attractions in the expanded Fantasyland, the new Art of Animation resort hotel, the new interactive role-playing game called “Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom” and the bowling and billiards entertainment venue Splitsville in Downtown Disney.

There are also details on the latest character meals, new shows, attractions and restaurants.

There are eight main chapters running to 288 pages including colour photographs, illustrations, maps and some discount coupons.

Though it is not as big as some other Walt Disney World guide books like The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, it is the only official guide and as such includes the very latest insider’s information on new rides, changes to schedules and pricing from Disney themselves.

It makes a good primer for the first time visitor though bear in mind it is published by Disney themselves so it a bit biased and lacks critical reviews.

The first chapter, Getting Ready To Go, covers all those things you need to think about before travelling including when is the best time to go, how to get there, monthly temperatures and rainfall charts, saving money and working within a budget as well as sample schedules and tips for parents, singles and guests with disabilities.

The second chapter, Transportation & Accommodations, deals with all the different modes of transports provided by Disney including the Magical Express service from Orlando International Airport as well as comprehensive reviews of each resort hotel.

Details of each resort are presented in handy chart form including location, theme, amenities and typical guest (for example, suitable for families, honeymooners, convention visitors etc.).

There are then four chapters dedicated to the four main theme parks, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom with details of the best strategies for getting around, shopping and information on each ride and attraction including best time of day to go on the ride and average waiting times.

The rest of the Walt Disney World Resort is covered in Everything Else in the World, including the two water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island.

Final chapters cover Sports and Good Meals, Great Times. In the sports chapter, there are details of all golf courses and places where you can play tennis, go boating, fishing, biking, horse riding, swimming, water-skiing and even stock-car racing and parasailing.

The restaurant reviews are organised by area listing specialities, best family fare and Birnbaum’s own favourites. The chapter also covers dinner shows, Disney’s Dining Plan, character meals and where to get a drink.

Birnbaum’s Walt Disney World is part of a set of seven Birnbaum books about the Walt Disney World Resort, the Disney Cruise Line and the Disneyland Resort in California.

Note that most guide books are re-published annually so you can often pick up a bargain if you don’t mind last year’s edition of Birnbaum’s Walt Disney World.