|
Trip Planning Florida Florida Holiday Planning Questions, Suggestions and Tips. |
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread | Display Modes |
17 Oct 19, 11:16 PM |
#1
|
Apprentice Imagineer
Join Date: Dec 06
|
Phew! 25 Years of the Brit Guide!
So, we are on the countdown to the 25th edition of our Brit Guide to Orlando (hopefully at the end of the month, if they're able to stay on production schedule), and it marks a real Wow! moment for us. Twenty-five years ago, I was frantically working to finish off the very first edition after publishers Foulsham picked up the proposal (Virgin Publishing was one of those to turn it down - we've sold almost 450,000 copies since!). It was published for the first time in December 1995 and, while it was initially a hard sell with the book trade, it quickly established a niche for itself and has since gone on to become the best-selling travel guide of any kind in the UK for the past 20-plus years.
From the original 186 pages, we now typically run to 354, which is indicative of how much the destination has grown over the years, as well as becoming more complex. It is a tall order staying on top of all the new development here, let alone trying to fit it all into a 2 or 3-week holiday - which underlines just why it has been so relevant all this time! But we continue to have great fun with each edition, and have built a lasting rapport with many readers over the years. We're frequently told the Brit Guide is their 'Bible' for visiting Orlando and, over time, we have also expanded its scope to include other parts of Florida, as we know many people now use Orlando as their starting point and then head out to visit other parts of the Sunshine State (which we whole-heartedly encourage). We've certainly had our ups and downs, with the recession in 2008/09 causing us many headaches, while the loss of various tour operators - most notably Travel City Direct in 2008 and, this year, Thomas Cook - has been really sad to see and a cause of genuine anguish for the local tourist community. Most of the time, though, researching, writing and updating the book each year has been a joy, and we have been really blessed to build such a lasting and meaningful relationship with so many people over the years, not least many readers we now call friends. It's amazing to look back and see so much change and evolution in our quarter-century of Brit Guide existence, but equally, we are grateful to many, many people for helping us out with each edition, and to those who continue to buy the book every year (sometimes whether they're going or not!). I certainly never imagined such a humble little pet project would develop in the way it did, but here we sit, in Orlando, with the fun and excitement of this truly astounding destination all around us, and doing this for a full-time living. We have to admit it gets exhausting at times (pounding the parks on a regular basis for what's new and what's next can be ridiculously hard work, especially in this climate!), but we cherish every new edition and every new highlight in this extraordinary place. With that in mind, we'd like to send out a heartfelt 'Thanks!' - to everyone at Foulsham who has helped to build the book from its very early days into the highly polished product it is today, especially our long-time editorial collaborators Wendy and Jane, who have worked on just about every edition; to all the attraction PR folks who keep us up to date with events and put up with our constant requests for more info; to the ever-patient people at Visit Orlando, Visit Florida and Experience Kissimmee who also help to keep us firmly in the picture; to the production staff who turn our words into slick pages, all beautifully wrapped in that now-familiar Brit Guide package; and, especially, to our readers, who have really made our work come alive year after year, ensuring we know how much it means to them and how much they enjoy our favourite place on earth. Thank you, everyone. - Simon & Susan |
17 Oct 19, 11:27 PM |
#2
|
Imagineer
|
Your book was read just about every day for a year by myself when we went in 2011 for our 1st trip, and again for our 2014 trip Looking to go back in 2021 so will definitely be purchasing the latest version.
Well done on 25 years
__________________
DLP Aug 2004 SQL, Dec 2007 HNY, Dec 2008 DLH WDW Aug 2011 POFQ/RPR, Aug 2014 - HRH/POFQ August 2014 trip report - Er, where's the rain? |
17 Oct 19, 11:35 PM |
#3
|
|
Gone all Goofy
Join Date: Sep 19
|
I’ve bought the 2019 book for our trip next month. First timers. It is now my Florida bible.
__________________
|
|
|
18 Oct 19, 12:10 AM |
#4
|
|
Imagineer
|
We must have had a very early copy as our first visit as a family was 1996. We've had at least 2 copies since.
Congratulations and thanks!
__________________
|
|
|
18 Oct 19, 01:12 AM |
#5
|
slightly serious Dibber
|
Fantastic book which has helped us a lot. Congratulations
__________________
Want to go back in 2025 ! |
18 Oct 19, 06:02 AM |
#6
|
|
Imagineer
|
We love your book. Used it many a time for our trips to Orlando.☺️
|
|
|
18 Oct 19, 06:45 AM |
#7
|
Apprentice Imagineer
Join Date: Mar 02
|
Just looked at the date of mine 1995! I keep all my travel guides, it doesn’t seem that long ago. Will be buying the new one 😊
|
18 Oct 19, 06:46 AM |
#8
|
Imagineer
|
Absolutely fantastic book which has helped so many over the years. Congratulations for what you have achieved.
__________________
All Star Movies Sept 2001/ All Star Music 2002/ Pop Century Sept 2009/ Pop Century Sept 2012/ Pop Century Sept 2014/ Pop Century 2017/ All Star Music Sept 2018 |
18 Oct 19, 07:11 AM |
#9
|
|
Looking for Mickey
|
I have several copies from over the years and recommend it to anyone that will listen. Definitely the best and only Travel Guide you need for Orlando and Walt Disney World.
__________________
Holidaying at Walt Disney World & Anna Maria Island since January 2000 Edited at 07:12 AM. |
|
|
18 Oct 19, 07:27 AM |
#10
|
|
VIP Dibber
|
I’ve bought the book each time (4 with this trip included) . Always a great read and a wealth of information. I’ve bought a few books over the years but yours has always been the best 👍🏻👍🏻
__________________
Find a positive in every day,that way you'll always have a reason to smile |
|
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
DIBB Savings |
AttractionTickets.com
Get £10 off each Disney Ticket with the code ATDIBB10 Get up to £50 off per room at Disney or Universal with the code DIBBHOTELS |
theDIBB Blog |
Guests can book their 2025 Hotel and Ticket package early to enjoy Free Dining &... Read More »
The iconic 1900 Park Fare restaurant is opening its doors once again at Disney’s Grand... Read More »
One of the the five worlds found in Epic Universe, How to Train Your Dragon... Read More »
|
theDIBB Menu |
Exchange Rates |
US Dollar Rates
Euro Rates |
DIBB Premium Membership |
Did you know you can help support theDIBB with Premium Membership? Check out this link for more information and benefits, such as... "No adverts on theDIBB Forums" Upgrade Now |