the Official Blog of the Unofficial Guides

Disney Springs, formerly known as Downtown Disney, is a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex along the banks of Village Lake that has undergone a major overhaul to become a destination unto itself. And while The LEGO store, Ghiradelli’s, Raglan Road Irish Pub, and The Earl of Sandwich were not put on the chopping block, much has changed at Disney Springs. There

In today’s blog post, Len Testa, coauthor of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, shares with us an overview of Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Wilderness Lodge resort is inspired by national-park lodges of the early 20th century. The Copper Creek Villas & Cabins, along with Wilderness Lodge and Boulder Ridge, ranks with Animal Kingdom

In today’s post, Bob Sehlinger, author of The Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas, tells us where to find the old Las Vegas, at least what is left of it. It is common for friends to ask where to get a taste of “old Las Vegas.” Unfortunately, old Las Vegas exists primarily as an artifact. Today’s sin city doesn’t comport with

Although Old Key West is a time-share property, units not being used by owners are rented on a nightly basis. The resort is huge, with 49 (three-story) villa buildings reminiscent of the Florida Keys.  It is the least Disney-esque of all Disney properties. The buildings with pastel facades, white trim, and shuttered windows are arranged in small neighborhood-like clusters around a golf course and along

To most guests, Disney character watching is an important part of their Disney vacation. The characters provide a link between the animated films and the theme parks, and meeting them is very similar to a celebrity encounter, a memory to be treasured. Did you know that, from hundreds of animated-film characters, only about 250 have been brought to life in costume,