First off the author, Steven Barrett, confesses he is "a rabid WDW aficionado. [He]has yet to find a ride or attraction at WDW that [he] didn't enjoy..." This was my first tip off that the forthcoming information was going to be biased. For this kind of 'guidance' I should have stuck with "The Official Guide" by Birnbaum.

Secondly there is nothing 'special' or different about this book when compared to "The Unofficial Guide" In fact, "The Hassle-free Vacation" is seriously lacking in key areas of information:. For example: WHERE to stay is covered in only 5 pages. A brief synopsis of each On Resort property is listed (you can get more complete information off the Walt Disney Web site) and only one paragraph is listed about Off Property hotels. (You're given the names and phone numbers of a few hotels plus the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau phone number. HOW TO GET AROUND the resort is less than one page long with the recommendation that you rent a private car. If you are staying on the Disney property and plan to use their bus services you are told routinely to 'check your Transportation Guide'.

What I DID like about this book are the following: A nice breakdown and brief description of each attraction in each park. (Keeping in mind that Steve likes everything. His touring plans, btw, seem to be very similar to the Unoffical Guide - I haven't compared them side by side/line by line, but generally appear to reinforce each other) Also, I liked the listing of full-service restaurants and the maps of each 'world'.

Bottom line: This book is good for people who just want to know a little bit about what to expect from the attractions at WDW. It is NOT a tool for planning your vacation. Those people who are nit-picky planners who want to research every aspect of their vacation (like me) will find the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World the best source; The Unofficial Guide is also good for people like me who mentally start their vacation while planning it. (Don't let it's enormous size intimidate you.)

This book WILL NOT HELP YOU figure out How Long to Stay, Where To Stay, How to Get the Most Bang for Your Buck, How to Save Money when Booking or Planning your Vacation, Which Park Ticket Option to Buy or What Special shows/events/attractions are available but not widely publicized.

For me this book was a waste of money - much of the same information could be found in guide maps and brochures available within the hotels and parks.


Most especially recommended for vacationing parents   February 14, 2003
 32 out of 33 found this review helpful

The Hassle-Free Walt Disney World Vacation by Steven M. Barrett is a handy and practical guide to making the most of personal and family vacations to various theme parks comprising Disney World in Orlando, Florida, including Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, The Magic Kingdom, Pleasure Island, Downtown Disney, Blizzard Beach & Typhoon Lagoon. Special features include "Hidden Mickeys", tips for taking memorable photographs, fun and unusual things for repeat visitors to enjoy, and "at-a-glance" ratings from more than seventy Disney World sit-down restaurants (plus tips for being seated with minimal waits). From advice on what to bring and where to eat; to knowing which attractions and rides have minimal waits and which are least crowded at certain times of year; to two-day touring planes, extensive park-specific information and much, much more, The Hassle-Free Walt Disney World Vacation is an ideal planning guide, and most especially recommended for vacationing parents with young children in tow!


A Must Read if Planning a Disney Vacation   December 24, 2001
 15 out of 18 found this review helpful

As a frequent business traveler to Orlando, I have upon occasion found myself with some spare time on my hands. Steve Barrett's book has enabled me to maximize short trips to Disney. I have also found his book essential in "scouting" the best locations and activites for the times my family (husband and sons, ages 8 and 10) are able to join me. His book is a must read in order to make the most out of your vacation time whether traveling alone or with the whole family. Whether you have just an afternoon or the luxury of an entire week.


very good Dr B   November 8, 2001
 6 out of 14 found this review helpful

Dr steven Barretts book is a direct,helpfull,user friendly,fun guide to a magical world.It is well thought out and a pleasure to read