Any book or web site recommendations?

Well... here is a good start for a website. Not only is the forum full of people who have been to Disney, but the site has a bunch of information outside of the forum. This site itself is a great tool.

As for other stuff... its not site wise, but a lot of us use guides and tools on our phones and iPads and such.

http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/forum/your-must-have-apps-disney

That is a link that has a lot of our favorites in. As for other Disney sites I use... honestly... this is it. With everyones own personal experiences, and the articles provided by the staff of the site... its very rare I'm going anywhere else now.

I think Mase said it all.

allears.net

mousesavers.com

I cruise those and take a look

Orlando theme park news (very cool blog)

There is so much out there! It sounds like you're looking for more of an advance touring guide though. Lou Mongello produces Audio Guides that you can listen too while strolling the parks. They have a TON of detail in them and are perfect for someone who isn't on a schedule but just wants to soak up eveything that they can. Check out wdwradio.com. I have the Main Street Guide and it rocks.

It is always surprising to me how many Guests really never look at Disney's own websites for the resort, theme parks and cruise line. There is a world of info there also, including photos, maps, attraction and show info, tips, etc. I admit that Disney's sites can sometimes be difficult to navigate for those who are not too Web savvy, but if you are, it's all there. Always check out the site map and the FAQ. I love that you can now make dining reservations online for ALL of the restaurants that accept reservations. No more "hold time."

And yes, there are many Disney-related message boards with lots of experienced Disney fans giving advice. The only problem is learning how to tell fact from rumor and opinion, so double-check anything that doesn't sound quite right to you.

Disney Food Blog is unparalleled for information about eating around WDW and Disneyland! I love it. Also, there are a couple of resort sites that I love as well:

www.aklresort.com
www.wildernesslodgesite.com (one of my faves!)
www.popcenturysite.com
www.disneycaribbeanbeach.com
www.disneycontemporary.com (another fave!)

These are great resources for information, as well as pics and features. They also help with Disney "homesickness."

What I really love about using fansites in tandem with Disney's website is that I feel sometimes, I get a more objective perspective from the fan sites. For instance, if I really want to know how a particular Disney restaurant is, I'm heading to DFB, because they'll tell you if something doesn't work.

Good luck!

I just picked up the Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World by Susan Veness, will report back soon

I LOVE "The unofficial guide to Walt Disney".

With that, you can join their website, "touringplans.com", for a discounted fee, which will give you access to park crowds, and touring plans....pretty neat,

Just saw this article about this book

http://thedisneyblog.com/2011/08/28/mousejunkies/

Everyone should read this

JEFF go grab it now.

We LOVE the Passporter to Walt Disney World. Very nicely done. Color, With these great Pass Pockets on the inside to record all of your info and put tickets, reservation #s and other such stuff in one spot.

I've been a Passporter girl for a decade, but here's the thing. I HATE lugging guidebooks around the park with me, just can't do it. So after I got an iPhone and the TripIt App, my Passporter has been staying home. I find myself wishing that there was another evolution of it that is maybe more like a coupon organizer/ Travel Document wallet. Don't get me wrong LOVE the book, love the girls, was my traveling companion for 10 year. I'm needing something different these days though.

Do you take the book to the park?

wdwmagic.com is good x

No... We don't take any guide book to a park. I love the Passporter because it recreates the park so well... With pics, great ratings, and good descriptions. But yes, it could be smaller with perhaps just ride & park info and the dining stuff for the park.