Beyond Disney: The Unofficial Guide to Universal, SeaWorld, and the Best of Central Florida, 2nd edition

Rating:
Summary: Good, but limited.
Review: I have been a fan of Bob Sehlinger's "Unofficial" guide to Walt Disney World since the early 1990s. I have made numerous trips to the Disney resort, and have saved a great deal of time and money using his book "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World".
Much like his WDW book, this guide offers honest rankings of activities such as shows, attractions, and dining for parks including Busch Gardens, Cypress Gardens, Gatorland, Kennedy Space Center, Sea World, Universal Studios and Universal's Island of Adventure. As a water park fan I appreciate the detailed comparison and ratings of the different water parks, including Disney's. It also has a section discussing night life and dinner theaters, but doesn't cover or compare Downtown Disney or Cirque Du Solie.
While the brutally honest ratings are great in this book, I am greatly disappointed that their traffic gurus didn't write up touring plans for which their WDW are famous. There is plenty of detailed information that will allow you to create "battle plans" based on age, type of ride, and attraction popularity.
It is a small book, easily carried in a fanny pack and is an excellent companion with their "Mini Mickey" book for touring, and "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World" for planning. I look forward to the next edition of this book.

Rating:
Summary: Solid, Honest Touring Advice
Review: I have been a fan of Bob Sehlinger's "Unofficial" guide to Walt Disney World since the early 1990s. I have made numerous trips to the Disney resort, and have saved a great deal of time and money using his book "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World".
Much like his WDW book, this guide offers honest rankings of activities such as shows, attractions, and dining for parks including Busch Gardens, Cypress Gardens, Gatorland, Kennedy Space Center, Sea World, Universal Studios and Universal's Island of Adventure. As a water park fan I appreciate the detailed comparison and ratings of the different water parks, including Disney's. It also has a section discussing night life and dinner theaters, but doesn't cover or compare Downtown Disney or Cirque Du Solie.
While the brutally honest ratings are great in this book, I am greatly disappointed that their traffic gurus didn't write up touring plans for which their WDW are famous. There is plenty of detailed information that will allow you to create "battle plans" based on age, type of ride, and attraction popularity.
It is a small book, easily carried in a fanny pack and is an excellent companion with their "Mini Mickey" book for touring, and "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World" for planning. I look forward to the next edition of this book.

Rating:
Summary: Good, but limited.
Review: This guide provides good, basic information about the other major theme parks of central Florida. However, for a more complete guidebook, giving more information about the major parks PLUS information on a wide range of minor sights (musuems, parks, activities, etc.), try "The Other Orlando."