Walt Disney World with Kids, 2003: Including Disney Cruise Line and Universal Orlando's Citywalk and Islands of Adventure

by Kim Wright Wiley

Discusses the attractions, accommodations, and eating places at Walt Disney World from the point of view of families with children. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0761537171
• ISBN13: 9780761537175
• Release Date: August 2002
• Publisher: Fodor's Travel Publications
• Length: 496 Pages
• Weight: 1.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Practical and upbeat

I am perhaps a trifle obsessive compulsive when it comes to Disney; I have read a total of 8 guidebooks in preparing for my next trip. In each book I have found something worthwhile, and enough reading pleasure, to justify the purchase price. However, if I was only going to read one guidebook, this would be the one.Discounting the strong advice to stay onsite (a very expensive option), I found this guide to be the most sane, and the most well designed to give you a happy, well remembered vacation. The author omits touring plans in favor of common sense advice; my favorite is the recommendation to identify every person's top three attractions and focus on seeing these, rather than attempting to see everything. A priceless feature is a table that shows height limits and fright factors for each ride in each park (including the Universal complex). This simple compilation makes it easy to prepare your kids for what they will and will not be able to see on your vacation.If you have enough time and energy, I would recommend adding Sehlinger's Unofficial Guide to balance the lighthearted tone of this book with some down-to-earth cynicism. Given a choice, however, this is the one book I think will most contribute to my vacation.

The only guide you need

As a Disney nut, I have looked at every Diseny guidebook on the market trying to get the best scoop for my family's favorite theme park. Walt Disney World with Kids, by Kim Wright Wiley is hands down my favorite. I use the book each year and give a copy to friends as soon as they plan a trip. Ms. Wiley is a shrewd theme park navigator with a mother's heart. You can trust her to tell you where to be and when and what rides are appropriate for any age child. Her restaurant reviews are also on target. Buy this book without reservation. ..You won't be disappointed.

Fantastic, Thorough & Accurate

Each time my family of five descends upon DisneyWorld, we take along Wiley's guidebook. Particularly helpful are her assessments of what rides are appropriate for what ages, i.e. the "scare factor," as well as her recommeded order of amusements for a day filled with fun rather than fright and fears, ending in tears. Wiley writes with great clarity and authority. It is evident through the narrative that she has been there, done this with her own kids, and kindly passes on her expert tips for an enjoyable time that satisfies all ages. I have used other guides and this is THE best guide for parents with kids of all ages.

Great guide to Disney World

This is one of the best travel books ever written. We have been using it since we first traveled to Disney World in 1992, when our child was small. It was indispensable for a first-time Disney family, giving valuable hints about what to see and when to see it, to get the most out of a limited vacation time. This book is also fun to read-a very witty and breezy style, packed with information but not hard to get through while planning your trip. Over the years, we have continued to use the book every time we traveled to WDW. Each new edition has up-to-date information, and this one is no exception. There are always some helpful tidbits even for experienced park-goers. Although the book is all about managing the trip with kids, there are fantastic suggestions for what adults will enjoy seeing too, and some of the better grown-up dining experiences. You won't regret buying Wiley's book, especially at this price!

Terrific info for all age groups

i've used this guide for four years in a row and find it to be the best on the market for parents with young kids. Two areas are especially useful to us - Miss Wiley gives full reviews of all the Disney hotels with lists of pluses and minuses for each hotel. I have found her recommendations to be accurate in each of the hotels we've stayed at. The other big plus is that she rates the rides in terms of how appropriate they are for kids of different ages. None of the other books do this and you can really tell that she has kids of her own. She is right when she says that scaring a child to death first thing in the morning by making him ride Space Mountain will guarantee he won't try anything else the rest of the day, even Dumbo. (I learned this one the hard way before I started buying books about Disney world.) We had Miss Wiley's book last time down when our extended family contained kids who ranged in age from 2 to 14 and the "scare factor" ratings and ride advice was very helpful.