* The Unofficial Guide To Walt Disney World by Bob Schlinger with Len Testa - I think the first edition of this book came out in the mid-80s and they've been cranking them out annually ever since then. It's size can be a little overwhelming, but you don't have to read it cover-to-cover. Some key topics to read about: Fast Pass, touring plans, hotels and dining plans.
www.touringplans.com - by the creators of the Unofficial Guide. The $10 annual subscription fee is waived if you by this year's edition of The Unofficial Guide. There are great packing checklists, park maps, crowd calendars and touring plans that are already set up for you based on your family size and length of stay.
*www.allears.net - this website is a go-to for even Disney experts. The writers at All Ears are seasoned veterans and they are up on all the latest goings-on at DW. First-timers will find the sections on accommodations and dining particularly useful. (Check out the up-to-date menus for all the restaurants at the parks and the resort hotels)
*http://disneyworldforum.disney.go.com/ - The Disney Mom's Panel is made up of 26 Moms and 4 Dads who have been hand-chosen by Disney because they each have some sort of unique insight into the Disney experience. There is a section where you can type in a key word and search for questions that have already been asked, or you can post your own question for the panel. These folks are actual Disney Cast Members, so the answers you get will be "straight from the Mouse himself".
*iPhone - There are tons of Disney aps for iPhone or iPod Touch. I've played around with almost all of them, and these are the best:
- Disney World Lines - (touringplans.com) The limited version is free, but touringplans.com subscribers will get full access with the annual subscription. The interactive plan lets readers post wait times and fast pass return times for all of the attractions at all four parks. They also tell you which parks to avoid based on park hours and crowd calendar.
- Disney World Mini Guide (UPinPoint.com) You can buy the full DW bundle for $2.99 or each park separately for $0.99 each. The map will use your location to tell you where you are in the park. You can use the tools to find the closest restroom, attraction or restaurant (with menus and prices) based on category or location.
