Anyone have TourGuideMike and

[tzuhouse]

The OP asked a question about TGM and folks posted mild outrage about sharing that info. Why is it that the DIS is generous with info from EVERY single source EXCEPT TGM? The UOG costs about the same price -- and yet it is quoted daily here. What makes his info "proprietary"? Should the UOG have a seal on it saying "Shhhh...don't even THINK about talking about what's in here or you forfeit your first born." I guess I just don't get it (and I am actually thinking about subscribing)

I know exactly what you are saying. When you subscribe to Mike, go see the post I started over there today, about this exact thing. Mike is like a friend. He posts on his message boards. He answers questions. It's like having your own personal tour guide. And, this is someone that gets paid thousands by the VIPs for his knowledge and staff to take them around the parks. With Mike, you may not have the guide physically with you, but you certainly learn enough to be your own guide.

Mary

 

[tzuhouse]

The first respondent could have simply stated that they agree to TGM to not give out any info when they subscribe.

I was the first respondent and I did say that. Here's what I said.

That is completely against what we, who pay for Mike, sign up for. We promise to not give his information away when we are paying for it.

Mary

And yes, there is a lot of information. Some I needed, some I didn't. Depends on when you are going and what you are wanting to do. I can say that, if we ever go to Walt Disney World again, I will resubscribe to Mike because I love the fact that he went to MVMCP and has already updated his site with any information that changed, that I need to know about before leaving on the trip.

 

[Kenswing]

I knew after I asked this question the way I did that I would get a preachy reply --- my point wasn't "Who cares if I break the contract" but "Why is info in UOG not protected like TGM?" It just seems odd that if I share the UOG or Birnbaum, I am considered helpful but even ask about TGM and you are considered a jerk; and all because you do not have to sign something on the way out of a bookstore (and I paid for that info as well)

I understand what you are saying. I guess Mike is just a little more protective about his information than others. Is it right or wrong... That's for each individual to decide. But I knew when I signed up that I was agreeing not to disclose information that I recieved on his site.... I was alright with that. The guidebooks are protected by copyright laws, but I know that's not the same. As far as sounding "Preachy"...... I'm usually the last one to be preachy. I usually get accused of being a "Smart A**"
Still, the bottom line is.... Do you find his information useful? And are you willing to abide by his agreement? The great thing....We all have the choice.....Amen...

Ken

 

[julia & nicks mom]

I was the first respondent and I did say that. Here's what I said.

I posted mine at the same time as you and explained exaclty why the information would not be shared

Do you mean like - I think it is a great site and you should definately check it out or actual info from the site -

b/c it is pretty specific that you can't do this and he has shut down subscriptions for it and no one on here will risk that

I think I explained that we find the info useful and sharing it on a forum like this would cause us to lose the subscription - it is that plain and simple - it is not - I paid for so should you - it is I don't want to lose my access

I don't think anyone was rude - I think we all said he was great and worth the money and that we were not willing to share the info and why

 

[julia & nicks mom]

oh - and if the OP had asked a question such as "where do you reccomend I sit for spectro" I am willing to bet the question would have been answered by knowledge gained from TGM!!

 

[VSL]

I think I explained that we find the info useful and sharing it on a forum like this would cause us to lose the subscription - it is that plain and simple - it is not - I paid for so should you - it is I don't want to lose my access

I didn't mean to come off as snappy when I said that (I'm a TGM subscriber myself) but it does sound like I am

I agree though about the access thing - I didn't even know that that had happened before!

 

[Pixiedust34]

I want to sign up for TGM for our trip in 2007- how far in advance can you sign up? Our trip would be in almost 2 years- end of October/beginning of November 2007- is it too soon to subscribe? TIA!!

I am subscribed for a 2007 trip. When you subscribe, you are asked to put in your travel dates. I entered 8/07, and it was fine. I don't know our exact dates yet, so I put dates as close to what we think our travel days will be. Once we have the exact dates, I can plug them into Mike's site.

We used TGM for our 8/05 trip, and I recommend subscribing to his site.

 

[MomofKatie]

I am subscribed for a 2007 trip. When you subscribe, you are asked to put in your travel dates. I entered 8/07, and it was fine. I don't know our exact dates yet, so I put dates as close to what we think our travel days will be. Once we have the exact dates, I can plug them into Mike's site.

We used TGM for our 8/05 trip, and I recommend subscribing to his site.

Thanks for the info- I am going to go ahead and sign up tonight. It's never too early to start planning another trip to WDW!!

 

[maine_jennifer]

I'm know I'm late to the party but I don't think anyone meant their remarks to be snide or preachy, at least I hope not. Personally, when I find something great, I want to tell the world. Unfortunately as I've learned here on the DIS, that is not always a good thing. People tend to think you're related or work for a particular person, company, etc., just because you're so enthusiastic about them.

I do not know Mike or have anything to gain by recommending TourGuideMike. Whether you are traveling a year from now or in a week or so, I do highly recommend it. For those leaving soon, there are express planners to help you. For those that have time to go through it, you'll find lots of helpful advice and there is a forum where you can discuss the TGM tricks and treats (Sorry, wrong holiday) with other subscribers.

And yes when you sign up, you agree to not give out that information. For me, it's a matter of integrity. There is a lot of hard work that goes into it and it's a shame to see it misued. I am one who won't allow my friends to copy my CD's or videos because I just don't think it's right.

The information is definitely worth the $20 in my opinion. I even went out and bought at GM subscription for my brother because there was so much I wanted to share with him about his trip but couldn't.

Not sure that I said anything that others haven't, but honestly, it doesn't matter in the grand scheme of life, does it?

Cheers!

 

[Goofy4]

Maybe the OP is TGM

Could it be a trap?

 

[maine_jennifer]

Quick - grab your horsie float and hide!!!

Cheers!

 

[gigi1313]

i would say the difference is that the UOG is available for free in every public library... you can read it while sipping a latte in borders and return it to the shelf... they offer quite a bit of their info for free on their website... etc...

TGM does not do any of those things... and he specifically asks that his info not be shared w/non-subscribers... i don't fault him for protecting his intellectual property...

The OP asked a question about TGM and folks posted mild outrage about sharing that info. Why is it that the DIS is generous with info from EVERY single source EXCEPT TGM? The UOG costs about the same price -- and yet it is quoted daily here. What makes his info "proprietary"? Should the UOG have a seal on it saying "Shhhh...don't even THINK about talking about what's in here or you forfeit your first born." I guess I just don't get it (and I am actually thinking about subscribing)

 

[Sammie]

The difference is you are purchasing a guidebook instead of a personal planning service. As far as the confidentiality agreement, Deb Wills asks the same thing of her newsletter subscribers, not to copy and paste from it.

 

[88Keys]

Again, I get all of this -- the issue is not integrity; it's what can and can't be protected -- and I, being a musician, do not burn CDs and understand intellectual property (I am also a magician and never betray secrets). Also, it has been posted a few times that TGM works hard and deserves that money -- I am not denying that -- my point is that, so do the other resources that are freely shared on this fantastic website. It just seems not quite in the spirit of what we do here on this website, which is bring together our various backgrounds, research, and experience to help each other get the most out of WDW. I probably won't subscribe because I help too many people plan their Disney vacations and would feel bad holding back what I know. It sounds like a neat subscription, though. Best vacations to all of you!

 

[VSL]

In all fairness, TGM does not have to make his contract to be in the spirit of what goes on here, and all those other things we talk about here can be acquired for free (library, for example).

 

[always quiet]

I have loved using TGMike..............I actually signed up with him shortly after the site opened. It was in late 2002 and we were supposed to go to WDW last Dec., but needed to cancel due to DH's cancer diagnoses, treatment and surgery. I contacted Mike, telling him of my need to change my dates to one year further out. I fully expected to have to pay for another year since I had already been a member for so long. Not a chance...my subscription was extended to cover the trip that is now only days away! I fully intend to re-subscribe once I get home even though the next trip won't be until 2007.

I don't think the discount code is on Mousesavers anymore but I do know that when I was printing up mousekeeping envelopes, I saw one listed on www.themouseforless.com .

 

[ChairborneRangr]

I want to sign up for TGM for our trip in 2007- how far in advance can you sign up? Our trip would be in almost 2 years- end of October/beginning of November 2007- is it too soon to subscribe? TIA!!

I am signed up for a 2007 trip.

It is $20 or so per vacation, no matter how far away it is. There is no annual subscription.

 

[luuuceee]

I too am signed up for a 2007 trip.

I signed up for that trip after I returned from my June 2004 trip - so 3 years out, and I still paid the same price. Well, actually, it was more like $16.95, 'cause of my discount code for renewing. The scenario was something like this: I emailed Mike and said "hey, I'd like to sign up but don't know when my next trip will be. Is that okay?" He responded, "sure, just put in an estimated date and then if you need to change it later, no problem. So I put in June 2007 and life was good. I then changed the date to August 2007 and life was still good. Now I think we may go in late July, but I know I can still change the date anytime.

The subscription price is good from the time you sign up till (I think) 60 days after you return from your trip.

Oh, and BTW, I've been with TGM since November 2003, and I'm also a regular on the message boards over there. I find his info to be invaluable, and his style of touring has helped me not only at WDW, but at Six Flags parks, Universal Florida, IOA, etc.

Someone asked earlier about TGM vs the UG. I've never used the UG for WDW, but I did buy it for my upcoming trip to DL, and while I find the book to be very helpful, I can't help but look at their touring plans and say, "Mike would NEVER tour the park this way." I find myself "TGM-ing" the UG touring plans to produce a more optimal plan with less waiting in line. I'll let you know in April if it worked, but I think it will...

 

[kutchyone]

Thanks for the info- I am going to go ahead and sign up tonight. It's never too early to start planning another trip to WDW!!

Congratulations. Using the Dis, UG and TGM for our trip in June was great. I found that by using Mike's advice we saved tons of time and energy. The longest we stood in line was 10/15 minutes and that happened only 2 or 3 times. Please use the boards on his site to ask for help and assistance in getting around in the site. The folks there are very helpful and you may find that the tips they can provide to you in navigating the site will be really appreciated. Give it a day or two and I think you will love his information and site as much as the rest of.

 

[Iggipolka]

When you sign up on his site, he has several terms that you have to agree to abide by. One of them is
"I agree that respecting one's privacy should work both ways. I will not share any planning advice or tips in the TourGuideMiKE AVP with the non-paying public via posting boards, message boards, the Internet, news articles, printed material or copies, etc. I understand that all content, and all written interaction between TourGuideMiKE and myself, is protected by copyright under TourGuideMiKE, L.L.C."