Mrferret wrote:The first couple of years we bought the up to date guide books but to be honest now there is much more reliable information online and people who are going/have gone that arre always willing to look into things or ask questions that i don't feel a guide book a worthwhile investment anymore.
The big problem with publishing a hard copy guide book is that with Disney it can become obsolete in an instant and without notice. In the past decade (actually more like the past 5 years) Disney has created a rotational schedule for announcements and openings that makes it impossible to keep up with in print. Not to mention, that the space has become rather saturated recently. Passporter continues to succeed because they have substantial digital components, upgrades, and updates that can be printed out at home and added to the guide. They also offer the only real Disney specific planning organizer. Unofficial Guide has done the same with it's online community because they have a unique take with amazing statistical analysis and the digital components may actually be better (IMHO) than the actual book. Birnbaum is always going to be around because it is the "Official" take on everything, though often has the least information.
I believe that the guide books will always be published, and I will always buy them because I'm a geek like that, I love books. They are especially useful for first time and less frequent visitors. They're also great for people who aren't as internet savvy - they do exist and they do still travel. For those of us who do have a handle on Disney online however, yes, guideooks can sometimes seem obsolete.
