Fodor's Walt Disney World® with Kids 2009: with Universal Orlando and SeaWorld (Travel Guide)

By Kim Wright Wiley

Book Overview

Entering its 20th edition, Fodor's Walt Disney World(R) with Kids delivers the definitive but always-easy-to-access advice of former Disney Magazine contributing editor Kim Wright Wiley, who has logged more than 50 visits to the parks both as a keen-eyed journalist and as a parent. Every family needs her tips and insider knowledge to make the most of a trip to Walt Disney World. Wiley not only rates attractions and rides based on their age-related suitability and "scare" factor, but also incorporates feedback from hundreds of families who, like her, have not-so-tirelessly field tested it all. Inside you'll find: Everything a family needs to choose the right hotel, including driving times to the parks from each property Full ratings as well as quick-reference charts for the most kid-pleasing rides and restaurants Must-see attraction checklists geared toward young kids as well as preteens and teens Time-saving tips, such as how to avoid crowds and lines at the park Insider's secrets and the skinny on "Hidden Mickeys" Cautionary tales and success stories from parents about their park experiences Convenient maps of Walt Disney World and Universal Studios "Must reading for everyone planning to bring their family."-Katie Couric, NBC's Today Show

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1400007496
• ISBN13: 9781400007493
• Release Date: August 2008
• Publisher: Fodor's
• Length: 496 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.1" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

A wonderful tool for anyone going to Florida's parks with kids!

When we took our children (then 9 and 5) to Disney World in 2006 we looked at a lot of guide books and finally bought the 2006 version of this one. It is an amazing book -- was right on in so many areas. The "scare factor" warnings saved our hides on several rides -- and the one time I ignored it and decided my kids would love the ride even though the book warned that almost everyone gets scared (Dinosaur) both of my kids were so traumatized we had to promise for the next 2 days that "this ride is not scary I promise and I'm sorry again." I wrote all through the book so we would remember the next time what we loved, what was not worth it, and what might be better when they were older. There were so many good hints and tips in it that when we returned to Disney this month we bought the updated version. While we waited in line at Animal Kingdom at 3 the family behind us (who had been there since 10) said they couldn't believe how busy it was -- they were exhausted. I told them we had read in the book that you should either be there right at the beginning and take a long break in the middle or arrive toward the end of the day (when we did.) They spent the rest of the line reading about the park they were going to the next day -- this is how helpful these hints and tips are. Despite the name, this book has major sections about Universal, Sea World, etc along with where to stay, what to pack, what not to pack, how to get around, and what kids of different ages (and parents!) will enjoy. It tells you when to make reservations for dining, and gives a countdown timeline for buying tickets, making reservations, etc. It gives a map of each park/land and a "don't miss" list by age group. And, for while you're waiting in line, there are hidden mickey alerts and things to watch for. The only thing it doesn't include, which I would have like to have seen, is a review of some of the dinner shows off-park (like Arabian Nights, where we went -- excellent) and info on which parks are better on which days. There are web sites that show this -- it would be helpful information. Unlike many guide books, the authors actually make an effort to completely overhaul the book each year so the information is actually current and relevant. Definitely worth buying!!

Download free PDF of corrected index at http://www.fodors.com/news/story_3217.html

I work at Fodor's Travel. Unfortunately, some copies of Fodor's Walt Disney World with Kids 2009 were erroneously printed with the index from the 2008 edition. If you purchased a copy with this problem, please go to http://www.fodors.com/news/story_3217.html to download a free PDF of the corrected index. Our apologies for the inconvenience.

DO NOT GO TO DISNEY WORLD WITHOUT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I received my book and I have not put it down. It goes wherever I do. I have read it front to back, highlighted in it, made notes in it. It is FULL of invaluable information for families with children of all ages. My children that are going with us are 3 and 12, so with such a big age difference, I am determined to make the most of the trip and see that they both get to do most, if not all, of the things they want to do. I bought one of the other guides that was from an "ex-employee" of Disney World. I could have very well saved my $20. This book had all of the same information and more. The other, I had to download from the website, put into a notebook, etc. This book is handy to carry around everywhere. I cannot imagine going to Disney World without this book's guidance. Thanks to this book, I am positive I will get my money's worth on this trip. Tammy Holland Cash, Texas

Great book with humor and practical advice

I have been a fan of the Walt Disney World With Kids series for several years. We have three children and visit Disney World regularly, so I've been in the parks with everything from newborns to teenagers. I have always found the advice in the book to be accurate and practical - it's clear the author has children herself and is speaking with plenty of "real world" experience. In contrast to the other Disney books on the market, I find this guide to be the most realistic in terms of how much you can actually expect to see and do when traveling with children. The comparisons of Disney hotels are especially helpful (we've tried several over the years and have found the book's descriptions to be right on the money) as are the "scare factor" ratings for various attractions. All in all, this is a travel guide that is definitely worth the money!

Saving mom's Sanity

This is the best travel book I've ever read. Well, okay, De Tocqueville is a close second, but he didn't travel with kids, did he? Left them home with the wife. I'm sure she would have liked to have this guide to the mind-boggling vacation banquet that is Orlando. Whether your first visit or your twentieth, this practical guide will help you and your kids actually ENJOY your Disney vacation. Rather than a laundry list of whats available to do, Ms. Wiley's book offers inside information and strategies that help you focus on what you want out of your vacation. Better yet, Ms. Wiley avoids the dry technical style of many competitors. She writes with humor and insouciant charm.