Anybody else feeling ripped off by TGM?

[Dobie]

v

 

[praline3001]

Take a midol.

buy a calculator
sorry I had to

 

[Dobie]

buy a calculator
sorry I had to

You are funny.

 

[vcgirl925]

I filled out a request to cancel TGM and they refunded me in two days. So no problems there.

 

[2ndstartotheright]

My problems do not stem from lack of comprehension. I am also not one to jump on board to bash this site.
I am very clear and accurate with what is outdated material on a paid site.

Your post was actually very honest and accurate and I really was not referring to you.
I have never defended the lack of updates or difficulty in navigating the site, etc- those are valid complaints.

What I do have a problem with is the constant misrepresentation.

This thread alone has quite a few complaints that TSM is not included. It is included and has been since shortly after the attraction opened.

This and other threads have many complaints about the so called "massive amount" of outdated info. There is some outdated info but to call it massive is a complete exaggeration. It is a very small percentage of the massive amount of accurate info on the site.

The OP's complaint that info is not there for Oct 09 is not a valid complaint since Disney won't even release park hours til July.

Dobie's complaint that Mike caused him/her to miss ADR window before it had even opened- definitely not a valid complaint.

Complaining that Mike himself doesn't answer each and every post on TGM forums is not a valid complaint either. That is not implied with membership. You pay $20- not $150/hour for Private Tour Guide services.

Most of these Bash TGM threads start because a TGM user can't find something or figure out how to use the site.

What is ridiculous to me is that those having difficulty come here for help- when their problem would best be solved by using TGM forums- or by using Search Function in their AVP- where their problem can be addressed so simply.

Seems there are some who are just unable or unwilling to put a little time and effort into learning how to navigate and learn from the site, too lazy to use it as it was meant to be used or just plain old like to complain.

I am the first to jump up and down and shout not everything on the DIS is accurate and neither is WDWinfo

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I'm afraid to try TGM, as so many people say that if you don't find it helpful you aren't putting in enough effort to learn how to navigate through the site properly. If I'm going to pay to use the site, it should be user friendly and easy to use.

 

[praline3001]

I'm afraid to try TGM, as so many people say that if you don't find it helpful you aren't putting in enough effort to learn how to navigate through the site properly. If I'm going to pay to use the site, it should be user friendly and easy to use.

I think you make a very valid point with your statement.

 

[praline3001]

Your post was actually very honest and accurate and I really was not referring to you.
I have never defended the lack of updates or difficulty in navigating the site, etc- those are valid complaints.

What I do have a problem with is the constant misrepresentation.

This thread alone has quite a few complaints that TSM is not included. It is included and has been since shortly after the attraction opened.

This and other threads have many complaints about the so called "massive amount" of outdated info. There is some outdated info but to call it massive is a complete exaggeration. It is a very small percentage of the massive amount of accurate info on the site.

The OP's complaint that info is not there for Oct 09 is not a valid complaint since Disney won't even release park hours til July.

Dobie's complaint that Mike caused him/her to miss ADR window before it had even opened- definitely not a valid complaint.

Complaining that Mike himself doesn't answer each and every post on TGM forums is not a valid complaint either. That is not implied with membership. You pay $20- not $150/hour for Private Tour Guide services.

Most of these Bash TGM threads start because a TGM user can't find something or figure out how to use the site.

What is ridiculous to me is that those having difficulty come here for help- when their problem would best be solved by using TGM forums- or by using Search Function in their AVP- where their problem can be addressed so simply.

Seems there are some who are just unable or unwilling to put a little time and effort into learning how to navigate and learn from the site, too lazy to use it as it was meant to be used or just plain old like to complain.

I got ya! I did not ask for my money back because I do think I got my $20 worth. At the same time, I think the AVP's should be updated with the most current information. I am one who sat and read EVERY SINGLE article and clicked every single link. I just was trying to make sure I didn't get lumped into a group of those who do not read their AVP.

 

[popsynic]

Inaccurate and mentioning are issues you would have to take up with the DIS team and their complaints department. But if you do, please make sure to spell the two words you have such an issue with correctly or they may toss your complaint

Fair enough, and congrats on highlighting a couple of silly typos, but no matter how much you try to divert the topic - can't get around the fact that TGM is not kept accurate by a long shot, and that it also has major attractions completely missing from its theme park listing sections, and people should be aware of this before buying.

 

[praline3001]

Fair enough, and congrats on highlighting a couple of silly typos, but no matter how much you try to divert the topic - can't get around the fact that TGM is not kept accurate by a long shot, and that it also has major attractions completely missing from its theme park listing sections, and people should be aware of this before buying.

I agree with this statement BUT when you are arguing a point you need to stick with the facts and come across as honest and accurate as you can. More people will take you serious if you do. If someone is debating buying TGM and you are trying to warn people off of the site ~
It does not hold a whole lot of weight with most people if one sounds dumb or silly while arguing their point, KWIM?

If you fly off and give inaccurate statements, exaggerate or make statements that can be proven wrong nobody will take you serious and you will end up looking silly.
Just some words of wisdom

 

[DisneyNewbiie]

I purchased TGM for my 1st trip coming up Im taking hes suggestions for days to follow if there are no crowds at those parks on the the day he suggested or at least no paked wall to wall.He will have earned my $20.00.

PS I DONT THINK YOU CAN GET RIPPED OFF WHEN HE OFFERS A MONEY BSCK GUARANTEE!!!!Oh yeah the people on those forums are a big help like Christine she is so helpfull

 

[praline3001]

Oh yeah the people on those forums are a big help like Christine she is so helpfull

Yes she is! I am still trying to figure out how to stuff her in my suitcase for our upcoming trip

 

[*disgal*]

TSM is on the attractions page. It may not be on yours if you set up your AVP before it was added. You would need to manually add it at this point- but anyone new to the site would definitely have it in their attractions.

Oh, my word!! I have never noticed that I could add it to my list of attractions. THANK YOU! Well, I'm so glad someone new has it. Whew!

I'm afraid to try TGM, as so many people say that if you don't find it helpful you aren't putting in enough effort to learn how to navigate through the site properly. If I'm going to pay to use the site, it should be user friendly and easy to use.

Couple things........yes, I agree with you. Now, I'm not the sharpest tack in the box but don't you think I should have been able to see that I could do the above? I mean, after almost a year?

But, I read THIS site a ton.......I first started reading this site in 1999. I think that's putting some time into my planning. So obviously, *I* am not opposed to putting some time into TGM. But that's just me, some people don't want to.

 

[2poohbears]

my experience with TGM...
when I first joined I had a difficult time figuring out the site, and i noticed a few pieces of outdated info here and there while navigating the site. In the beginning, I was disappointed and thinking I probably wasted $17. However, after a while of reading through lots of articles, and getting the best days info, I felt I received my money's worth.

We used TGM for the 1st time on our trip in FEB 2009. His "best days" info was spot on. Even better, the info I learned about WHY you do certain things or don't do certain things, definitely helped me re-work our plans when we all got sick and missed some time in the parks. I didn't need a written plan because I knew automatically where to go and when so that we could maximize our time and still enjoy the parks without rushing or being stuck in crowds. I have signed up again for our next trip. (btw-I received a response from him within 24 hours when I emailed him about re-joining the site).

I can see where the outdated info would turn off people, and the site is not the easiest to navigate. He should definitely do something about those issues. Even with that, I found the info there was truly helpful on our vacation so I will definitely use the site again.

 

[Morganw42]

The OP's complaint that info is not there for Oct 09 is not a valid complaint since Disney won't even release park hours til July.

My detractors keep building up this straw man argument that because WDW doesn't release park hours until July that I don't have a valid complaint. My argument is that there is more to planning than just that one aspect of TGM's "Service". There's no reason that all of the monthly planners couldn't be updated for the correct calender year with a disclaimer stating that the most crowded park information will not be available until WDW releases the info for each month. To do nothing for months that haven't had their park hours released comes off as lazy and disinterested.

For example:
The current Planner for October is still for 2008 and lists:

October Holidays for 2008- These could be updated to 2009

2008 days and dates for MNSSHP- These have been released for 2009 and could be updated.

2008 dates for the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival- These have been released for 2009 and could be updated.
and
That "Disney's Hotel Guests Have 180+10 ADR Policy:" which is no longer true

The worst part of this whole thing is that I get painted as a TGM hater when, truthfully, I really like the planner and have purchased it three times previously. I'm just disappointed in the apparent disinterest of TGM in being involved creating new value for his customers.

 

[Dorisk3]

I just noticed this thread surfaced to the top again and couldn't help but noticed that it has had over 5000 views. In light of what Morganw42 just said about the disinterest in updated the site - I agree. This is a lot of bad publicity- and it isn't all about lies and misinformation. As long as I've heard of TGM I've seen threads of pro vs. con- but for the past year the threads aren't so much, "how come this guy thinks he knows all this and can charge for it?" that I remember 3 years ago, but now they always involve "how come TGM isn't as up to date as he can be?" It's different for a print book like UG or Passporter, but even they have websites with the most current information. There really should be very little dated information on any website that charges money.

Notice, what we really are arguing here is that there are some areas that could be more current or updated more regularly, like sample plans. So before you jump all over me, I will say that the site still has valuable information, but there are areas it is lacking in and we are just being honest stating what we think those are.

 

[2ndstartotheright]

My detractors keep building up this straw man argument that because WDW doesn't release park hours until July that I don't have a valid complaint. My argument is that there is more to planning than just that one aspect of TGM's "Service". There's no reason that all of the monthly planners couldn't be updated for the correct calender year with a disclaimer stating that the most crowded park information will not be available until WDW releases the info for each month. To do nothing for months that haven't had their park hours released comes off as lazy and disinterested.

The Oct 08 Planner will be archived thus the reason it is still there (as are all past month planners- they do stay on the site for reference) and useful until Oct 09 hours are released.
It is not just changed from 08 to 09. There will be a completely new Oct 09 Planner. Parts of which are already posted.
http://www.tourguidemike.com/articles/articleDetails.asp?articleId=645

For example:
The current Planner for October is still for 2008 and lists:

October Holidays for 2008- These could be updated to 2009

2008 days and dates for MNSSHP- These have been released for 2009 and could be updated.
Here is Oct 09 MNSSHP info- it has been updated
http://www.tourguidemike.com/activities/details.asp?activityId=39

2008 dates for the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival- These have been released for 2009 and could be updated.
Here is the 2009 F&W info- also has been updated
http://www.tourguidemike.com/activities/details.asp?activityId=40

and
That "Disney's Hotel Guests Have 180+10 ADR Policy:" which is no longer true
Where you are seeing that?- here is the updated 90+10 info
http://www.tourguidemike.com/articles/articleDetails.asp?articleId=444

The worst part of this whole thing is that I get painted as a TGM hater when, truthfully, I really like the planner and have purchased it three times previously. I'm just disappointed in the apparent disinterest of TGM in being involved creating new value for his customers.

Also for those that can't find the TH/Nemo info- that was also posted in Nov 08. I agree this should be added to TH info and/or Nemo info- and it is hard to find. But is is there!

http://www.tourguidemike.com/articles/articleDetails.asp?articleId=645#tuskernemo

Hope that helps!

 

[Abharmagic]

2ndstartotheright- do you get paid by TGM?

 

[carmiedog]

My detractors keep building up this straw man argument that because WDW doesn't release park hours until July that I don't have a valid complaint...

We're supposed to overlook the fact that you post FALSE information? And then don't even apologize or backtrack on it because it's no big deal?

I take serious posters who a) post VALID complaints, and/or b) take responsibility for when they're wrong. (Several posters here have done both, so I respect their opinions on being dissatisfied with aspects of TGM.)

I hope I'm not crossing a posting guideline here. It just irks me when someone doesn't get the facts straight when talking about someone's business (any business or organization, not just TGM).

 

[2ndstartotheright]

2ndstartotheright- do you get paid by TGM?

No I don't. I just like to point out the validity or lack thereof in most of the complaints here.

For the OP to repeat her claims that info is not available when in fact it is and that has been pointed out before is disingenuous at best.