Walt Disney World Passporter Review

So... Anyone who knows me is aware of the fact that I am in love with Disney World. I love everything about it. The parks, the resorts, the magic! Oh yea... There's real magic there alright. You know that adults can actually pretend while they are there??? Really! I wore a princess crown to dinner on our first night back in January. And everyone was bowing down to me, calling me 'your highness'... And I ate it up! lol It was absolutely magical! That could never happen here at home! And the whole trip... I did so many cool things while I was there! I talked to sea turtles (and they talked back!) went on an African safari, drove a race car, flew in a hang-glider over California, battled pirates, went shopping around the world, and I even took a spaceship to Mars!

I've been to Disney World 13 times now. And I can't wait to go back! There is so much to see and do... 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, over 20 resorts to explore, Downtown Disney, golf, mini golf, Disney's Wide World of Sports, and the list goes on.

How do I plan it all? The Disney World Passporter! This is more than just another guide book. This is the guidebook! And while I do use it in conjunction with a few other guidebooks, this is the one I recommend to everyone. And here's why:

This is the cover for this year. I LOVE this new cover. It really pops out at you more... Like, instead of "I'm going to Disney World", this cover says, "YEA!!! I'M ON MY WAY TO DISNEY WORLD, BABY!" It's like that. I like the castle picture, too. With all the lights on inside... I can just imagine Cinderella running around getting ready for a grand ball. :)

This is an open page from the Pop Century section. We just love our Pop Century! Although this time we're splitting our stay between Pop Century and the Polynesian, Pop will always have a special place in our hearts. Note the awesome rating charts, and transportation time chart. These are VERY helpful in the 'deciding where to stay' process. There's also a map for each resort, too. Along with tips on the best/quietest/most convenient rooms, etc. So that after you have completed the 'deciding where to stay' process, you can then tackle the 'where to stay at where I'm staying' process a bit easier as well. ;) (Come on, you guys know what I'm talking about!)

The best guide book maps I have ever seen for WDW. Really. They fold out, so they're at least twice as big as other guidebook maps. And they have these handy little guides that tell you about how much time it will take to get from place to place in the parks. Nice! Plus, they're in color, which is also very nice!

Fun stickers! To... You know... Stick in different places! Seriously, these are great for marking special places, noting special celebrations, and not to mention making you look more organized!

Okay... Get ready for this...

Passpockets! The most unique guide book planning tool ever! EVER!

Yes, they really are pockets for storing maps, receipts, tickets, and any other memorabilia you collect on your adventures! Oh! And let's not forget that on each Passpocket is a place for you to write all the information you could possibly need about your trip.

There are 14 of these little puppies in the Passporter. The first one is titled, 'Our Journey'. You can write your departure and arrival times, flight numbers, reservations numbers, rental car info, to do lists... And more! Yeah, 'cause that's just the FRONT of the journey Passpocket! On the pack are places for you to write about your memories, pictures, meals, budget and notes for your journey! Wait! It doesn't stop there! After the journey Passpocket is one titled 'Our Rooms', where you can write everything you'll need (and want!) to remember about your resort! Resort name, reservation number, special requests, phone number, the room number and location that you actually get at check-in... Whew! The back of the rooms Passpocket is similar to the journey Passpocket; filling out memories, pictures, meals, etc. The rooms Passpocket is followed by the 'Our First Day' Passpocket. There are ten of these, going all the way up to 'Our Tenth Day'. On the front of each of these, you can fill in your schedule for each day, including dining plans and reservation numbers, things to do, and notes. The back is reserved for you to write your memories, weather for the day, photos, budget, meals, and more notes. Trust me, you can never have enough notes for/about your trip!

After those AWESOME little Passpockets, is a blank Passpocket! "Blank?", you're asking. Yep. This Passpocket is reserved for you to journal about whatever you want! A special meal, a memorable show, the time your friend almost drowned in Shark Reef, special events like Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, or maybe even just use as an extra day. It's up to you!

And last, but certainly not least, is the Magical Memories Passpocket. On the front you can fill in all your most magical experiences, from meals to attractions, your most magical day, and other special memories. The back is for you to make a little mini trip report. When you went, who went with you, what you would do again, what you wouldn't do again, etc. Alllllll THIS... And I haven't even mentioned half the stuff in this wonderful guidebook. There are worksheets for everything - resorts, dining, budget planning, etc. - to fill out and help you with your trip planning. Tips and magical memories scattered throughout; and these are so much fun to read! There's info on all the attractions, restaurants, shows, resorts, dinner shows... And the list goes on. There are two pages explaining the new dining plan options, a two page packing list, information on special tours and activities, and even suggested touring plans for each park.

The Passporter pictured is the Deluxe version - which I LOVE! It comes in an awesome little binder, with lots of little places to put papers, cards, tickets, reservation papers, maps, etc. And I love that you can add your own things to the book! I always print off a bunch of menus from this awesome, wonderful site to add to my Passporter. And the times and information from this other wonderful site. Each year I can just order the refill, and I'm good to go! The refill includes the cover, all the guidebook pages, and the stickers and Passpockets - everything except the binder. If you don't have the binder yet, you should get the Deluxe Starter Set. I've also seen it suggested that you take things out of the Deluxe Passporter to make it lighter if you carry it to the parks with you (I do!) Like taking out all the resort pages of the resorts that you're not staying at. But I could never do that! I want all that wonderful info right there at my fingertips! Plus, we like visiting the other resorts, so we like having the maps and such for each place. And... You never know what you might want to do! So it's good to have all the pages!

If you're even just thinking of getting a Passporter... STOP. Stop thinking about it and go get one! You won't regret it! It's a wonderful planning tool, and a great keepsake to have after your trip! We'll never go back to WDW without one!