Big 608-page book with map tucked into back cover. Lots of useful information, even when used in 2013, although everything is more expensive. Tells you which rides are not good for people with specific issues. But don't read it from beginning to end as I started to do: after 200 pages I knew where to stay and eat, but not so much what to see. ( )

I have been to Disney many times and I love Disney. But the thing is, in the whole central Florida area, there are a huge number of things to do and unless you has unlimited time and unlimited money you need A PLAN.
And many visitor do not have a clue, yet alone a plan.
Without one, you will waste money and time, not get the most out of your trip and end up being one of those families you see on Main Street at the end of the day, as the park is closing, the mother exhausted, the father red-faced and angry and the kids crying. Folks, this is suppose to be fun!

So please, please, before going to see the Mouse...or Harry if you swing that way...buy and read a book. A comprehensive travel guide like this very good guide. There are many, many decisions to be made and you need help. You need help just knowing how many decisions you need to make. How are you getting there? Where are you staying? In park..out of park? How are you going to get around? Do you want to rent a car? Where do you want to eat..and what about the Disney food plan? What do you have to see, because know, you will not see it all. Decisions must be made and this is a very fine book to assist you in doing that.

There is a huge amount of material to be covered and Fodor does about as good a job as is possible in presenting that without overwhelming the reader. From the very beginning of your planning, through your arrival at the parks, to how to spend your days, all the topics are covered. Whether you are traveling with little kids, or teenagers, are an older couple or even alone, the various unique issues each situation presents are covered. A huge list of hotels, in and out of WDW are rated, as are many, many restaurants, again both in the parts and resorts and outside the Mouse Empire. Each park and the must see attractions are discussed. A great deal of helpful information, all presented in a very clear and logical way, is at the heart of this book. And it is also presented in a very attractive format, with a very large number of very nice, full-color photographs and many helpful maps and graphics and a very nice pull out map.

About 1/2 the book is devoted to WDW, about 1/4 to Universal and Sea World, and the remaining 1/4 to the greater Central Florida region, from Tampa to the Kennedy Space Center. Yes, even my beloved Gatorland is discussed.

The book is very up to date, which is refreshing. Theme parks are always changing a bit, adding and subtracting attractions and this book is on top of what is going on in the parks.
For someone planning a first trip, this is a must have. For others, who have made trips, even many trips in the past, this is still a very useful and enjoyable book. Full of fun facts, countless things I am sure you don't know and tons of helpful information. ( )

I enjoy the Fodor Travel guides and this is no exception. I like how they rate and review every attraction, restaurant and lodging option in the area. There are suggested itineraries and great tips. This book is updated annually which is important in the travel industry as things change quickly. ( )

Sigh… This guide book is fine, but I really wish there was someone who would take the Rick Steves approach and apply it to the US. When I read a guide book I want opinions as well as facts. ( )