Anyone have TourGuideMike and

[zachnlucy]

Which is where it belongs.

 

[Kenswing]

Tour Guide Mike in my opinion is a total rip off and NOT worth your money.

Could you elaborate on this? Have you even tried his website? If you have, can you tell us what you didn't like about it? For people trying to make an informed decision on whether to subscribe, "Tour Guide Mike in my opinion is a total rip off and NOT worth your money", doesn't really tell us much. How can you presume to tell us what our money is worth. Some details would be nice.

Ken

 

[surfgirl]

I, like most of the posters here, swear by TGM. I do not mind paying a minimal fee ($20) for valuable advice when considering the cost of a Disney vacation. This year will be my 3rd year.

If you've ever had a child throw a tantrum in public, you would gladly pay $20 to avoid that... TGM helped me maximize my vacation while minimizing tired/waiting in line time (also known as TI - tantrum inciters).

One point no one has made that I would like to add... much of the information that you get from TGM may also be on the DIS boards... HOWEVER, there is also very much incorrect information on the DIS boards. I had a hard time figuring out which was the 'best' answer when you had so many contrary opinions here (remember, members experience range from Disney once to Floridians who visit frequently).

I also tend to visit WDW during holiday times... when the park hours change and the 'best days' itinerary might be different, TGM will call that out and recommend specific days to visit parks based on avoiding crowds. For example, I went 2 years ago during Thanksgiving week. His advice for that week was different than the 'normal' week advice. Because his site didn't go to press a year earlier, he was able to handle that different week.

How are the UOG's handling the change in EMH's for 2006 ? TGM has already addressed it...

Certainly, if you are unhappy, you can get your money back. A pretty low-risk investment.

Good luck!

 

[Lewisc]

Could you elaborate on this? Have you even tried his website? If you have, can you tell us what you didn't like about it? For people trying to make an informed decision on whether to subscribe, "Tour Guide Mike in my opinion is a total rip off and NOT worth your money", doesn't really tell us much. How can you presume to tell us what our money is worth. Some details would be nice.

Ken

I am NOT the poster but the poster is in a can't win position. People who don't like TGM and post specific reasons get slammed for violating the sacred oath they agree to when they join TGM. People who don't give reasons get attacked for not supplying the reasons.

 

[Kenswing]

I am NOT the poster but the poster is in a can't win position. People who don't like TGM and post specific reasons get slammed for violating the sacred oath they agree to when they join TGM. People who don't give reasons get attacked for not supplying the reasons.

I was not slamming the poster. But he/she put themself in a "no win situation", by saying that TGM is a "total rippoff". I can understand if he had said TGM wasn't for me and felt that his money could be spent better elsewhere. Or I didn't like TGM because it confused me. Or I didn't like TGM because I didn't find anything that I didn't already know. But all that was posted was TGM is a total ripoff and not worth your money. That type of post is not helpful. This is a discussion board. Not a "Slam" and run board.

Ken

 

[puddleduck]

I am NOT the poster but the poster is in a can't win position. People who don't like TGM and post specific reasons get slammed for violating the sacred oath they agree to when they join TGM. People who don't give reasons get attacked for not supplying the reasons.

Actually, I disagree. Did the poster not like it because the information was not helpful, was the sight too hard to navigate, was the information too hard follow, did the plan just not work? You can give that information w/out giving specifics of the plan.

I have not gone on our trip yet, but I have a TGM subscription and have really enjoyed it. I can't wait to test it out in two weeks.

 

[Lewisc]

I was not slamming the poster. But he/she put themself in a "no win situation", by saying that TGM is a "total rippoff". I can understand if he had said TGM wasn't for me and felt that his money could be spent better elsewhere. Or I didn't like TGM because it confused me. Or I didn't like TGM because I didn't find anything that I didn't already know. But all that was posted was TGM is a total ripoff and not worth your money. That type of post is not helpful. This is a discussion board. Not a "Slam" and run board.

Ken

and if the poster said something like TGM suggested doing the following.....but based on DISBOARDS, mousesavers and allears I already knew that TGM fans would be blasting him for violating the sacred oath.

You really can't have a discussion when the TGM agreement prevents someone from entering into a complete discussion.

You can't have it both ways, since the TGM people don't want the trade secrets discussed then you really don't have any reason to complain when a poster is unwilling to violate the agreement by giving specific details.

 

[puddleduck]

But the thing is, he didn't want specific reasons from the plan. You can say why you disliked it w/out giving out "secrets". I think the pp and I gave examples of how the poster who did not like it could qualify their opinion. for example, "I really disliked it because the tips were not specific enough and the site was so hard to navigate that I couldn't even come up with a touring plan." (none of those I personally believe to be true). That tells someone why it was disliked and gives them a better idea of whether or not they may want to invest $20.

 

[surfgirl]

I *liked* it because it handled Thanksgiving very well 2 years ago. The changes to EMH, the recommendations for which parks to visit, the restaurant specific recommendations for how to eat T-giving (or avoid it).

I didn't give out a secret. I was very specific.

Am I being snarky right now? Probably. Go ahead, flame me. I'm tired and cranky but wanted to share my opinion.

 

[madgomez]

I am NOT the poster but the poster is in a can't win position. People who don't like TGM and post specific reasons get slammed for violating the sacred oath they agree to when they join TGM. People who don't give reasons get attacked for not supplying the reasons.

Well, if you read the entire thread, both Bonnie40 and Nancyg56 criticised the TGM site with specific reasons AND they did not violate the "sacred oath" AND they did not get flamed by pro-TGMers.

Frankly, I suspect Mymatisse's post might have been intended to get a rise out of TGM supporters (of course I can't be sure), but all it got was a very polite question by Kenswing.

Edited to add: Could Mymatisse explain how a service that offers a FULL REFUND if you are not satisfied could be a total rip-off?

 

[FirstTimertoDiz]

This is the first I have heard about TGM- and I am intrigued. However, we leave in 6 days- is it too late to sign up and get anything from it?

Thanks~ Lisa

 

[hccb]

No, you may still glean valuable information via TGM by purchasing a subsrcription and utilizing the Express Planners for your month! In my opinion, it's worth the time and money

 

[ChairborneRangr]

This is the first I have heard about TGM- and I am intrigued. However, we leave in 6 days- is it too late to sign up and get anything from it?

Thanks~ Lisa

Certainly you can benefit. Your Monthly Express Planner consolidates all the info you need to look at and leaves everything else off.

I really like Mike. Not just the site, but the person. I have met him and some of his people. They are top notch.

 

[LeesyUD]

This is the first I have heard about TGM- and I am intrigued. However, we leave in 6 days- is it too late to sign up and get anything from it?

Thanks~ Lisa

I am another who does not like Tour Guide Mike, I am very computer oriented, and find their is alot of unnecessary links, and everything goes in circles. Honestly, in six days I'd be suprised if you got through the "Navigational Instructions". I find any website that needs instructions on how to navigate a website is doing something wrong. I do not find it is worth $20. If the site was constructed better I would possibly sign up again. Also I know I am going to get flamed for this, but from reading the boards on his site, yes he does post, on them but I find it is only to praise himself or defend himself from any criticism. I find that he is unprofessional in the way he runs his site. He doesnt seem to be a very humble person IMO.

 

[surfgirl]

I am another who does not like Tour Guide Mike, I am very computer oriented, and find their is alot of unnecessary links, and everything goes in circles. Honestly, in six days I'd be suprised if you got through the "Navigational Instructions". I find any website that needs instructions on how to navigate a website is doing something wrong. I do not find it is worth $20. If the site was constructed better I would possibly sign up again. Also I know I am going to get flamed for this, but from reading the boards on his site, yes he does post, on them but I find it is only to praise himself or defend himself from any criticism. I find that he is unprofessional in the way he runs his site. He doesnt seem to be a very humble person IMO.

LeesyUD, you were doing great... for a minute. Concrete examples of what you were unhappy about. I humbly disagree, but that's okay. No flames necessary.

THEN you went for the low blow... the personal ("unprofessional", "not very humble", "he only posts to praise or defend"). Tell me how that makes a difference on his tips and advice ? There are some that don't like his style - say that and why, fine. But I've never found him to to be unprofessional, in fact, I've always been very impressed how quickly he responds to email inquiries. As to whether he's humble or not, well, I think you are projecting. Quite honestly, just give me great advice that maximized my vacation and he certainly does that.

Actually, I think he's too short. Definitely impacts my vacation. (tongue in cheek)

 

[Mymatisse]

Could you elaborate on this? Have you even tried his website? If you have, can you tell us what you didn't like about it? For people trying to make an informed decision on whether to subscribe, "Tour Guide Mike in my opinion is a total rip off and NOT worth your money", doesn't really tell us much. How can you presume to tell us what our money is worth. Some details would be nice.

Ken

I have been to the website. I don't think the website is particularly user friendly, it is not easy to navigate. I also didn't think the information was particularly helpful. All the information I read on the website I already knew from reading the Unofficial guide and the boards. I just didn't find it useful at all.

 

[kutchyone]

Thank you guys so much for the information, it defianlty answered my question. If I may ask one more though, and if it cannot be answered then I completley understand. Does he give tips on doing things besides the parks? I believe someone posted that he asks if you want info about the resorts, so will he talk about events going on at the resorts, like the Campfire?

We go to Disney to have fun and relax, we are not a gotta ride every ride kind of family and we spend at most 6-8 hours a day at the parks. We do enjoy doing other things like DTD, Boardwalk, the resorts, so I guess I am curious as to if he talks about any tips for going to these places.

Thanks if you guys are able to answer this question. You all have been so wonderful so far.

Vannessa

Vanessa,

Based on the way you describe your next visit to DW to be your going to love the site. I assure you that if you take the time to review the information and use the boards to help you learn how to navigate the site and get knowledgeable opinions, you will be very happy. As I said before I was a bit worried about touring in June after always visiting in the slower seasons. This trip went so well, we were able to ride every attraction that we wanted, some two or three times, with virtually no wait in line, saw all the shows we wanted except Off Kilter which was cancelled due to rain, and were still able to head back to the resort around 1:00 to take a nap until around 4:00 when we got up refreshed and ready to head back for a great meal and more park touring.

Make sure to say hi, I go by the same name on that site as I do this one.

For those who were unhappy after purchasing TGM it would be helpful to know how the refund process worked. I know he offers a refund but since I have never found the need to request one it would be great if you all would share your experience. Was he timely with the refund, did you have to go through much hassle to get one, please provide your experiences with the process.

 

[UKDEB]

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!

88Keys, all your posts on this thread have been valid points, well made. I'm I struggling to understand why almost everyone has misinterpreted them.

The intellectual property rights for the UG and for TGM are identical - both are copyrighted material (as is recorded music). Interestingly, copyrighting allows you to stop others copying what you've written (so, for example, anyone reproducing a substantial part of the texts of UG or TGM here on the DIS would be in breach), but not the underlying ideas or information.

I am a repeat purchaser of the UG and a repeat subscriber to TGM. I would say the reason why some folks here are willing to share information from guidebooks, whilst fervently defending TGM's right to have his work protected, is down to some sort of sense of personal connection. The way in which TGM's articles are written (he addresses you by name in every other sentence), together with the fact that he posts on the forums and responds to your emails even though he must receive thousands, leads you to believe that you know him. If a friend tells you a secret and asks you to keep it to yourself, you'll most likely comply. We seem to have less of a conscience when it comes to copying CDs or software, etc.

And then, of course, there is the whole feeling that this is somehow an elite club. I've got all this insider knowledge (and there really are some genuine gems), so why would I want to put it in the public domain?

I read copious amounts of information regarding WDW (both in printed form and on the web) and I do sometimes wonder if I might unwittingly pass on proprietary information to those asking for help with their trip planning, but I'm fairly confident that I never have as far as TGM is concerned. I say that because whilst, of course, there is plenty of stuff on his site which is available elsewhere (such as park hours, attraction descriptions, restaurant menus, etc.), the information which is truly unique to TGM is very easy to spot! You will know that you've never seen it anywhere else - it's like someone's switched on the light! A good example is the 'Least Crowded Parks' articles - detailed advice for every day of the year together with the thinking behind it. This information alone is worth the subscription cost. Like some other posters, I do find the site a little difficult to navigate at times, but it's a great resource and one I'm glad I found.

 

[luuuceee]

I have been to the website. I don't think the website is particularly user friendly, it is not easy to navigate. I also didn't think the information was particularly helpful. All the information I read on the website I already knew from reading the Unofficial guide and the boards. I just didn't find it useful at all.

You know what, Lisa, there are a lot of people on the TGM forums who also report that the site is difficult to navigate and it's hard to find information. And Mike reads those posts. He asks for specific examples of why things are hard to find, why the site is hard to navigate. If someone says that they don't know how to find X information, he will tell them how they can get to it, and why he designed it that way. However, he also is always asking for feedback on how he can make the site better. In fact, he's currently working on a total site overhaul which will be launched sometime in the hopefully-not-too-distant future, and I'm sure a lot of the posters' suggestions will be taken to heart.

That's one thing I like and respect about Mike. He appreciates constructive criticism. If you say, "Mike, I really don't like the way you designed this section because it's difficult to understand; here's how I think it can be better," he really takes that to heart. He doesn't get all bent out of shape. His goal is to make the site usable by as many people as possible.

If you found the site difficult to navigate, instead of just giving up, it would have been better to either post on the forums and ask how to find info or to give Mike some helpful advice on how to make it better. It's one thing to complain; it's another to try to make things better.

To LeesyUD, I have been on the TGM forums since they debuted in June 2004. I have never seen one post where Mike struck me as unprofessional. Nor can I say that he is not humble. Most of the praise that's heaped on Mike is not by Mike himself, but by people who have taken trip using his advice and were pleasantly surprised with just how well everything worked out. Mike's response to comments like that comes across to me as gratitude and also as "awwwww, shucks." He doesn't want to be idolized; he wants to help as many people as he can.

To MyMatisse, the comment about the site being a ripoff just baffles me. Seriously, from what I understand, Mike will give a prompt refund, no questions asked, if you're unhappy with the site. He charges roughly $20 for a subscription that you could have for YEARS if your next trip is a ways into the future. Just the other day he paid the $40 to go to MVMCP and then came home and spent about 8 hours getting the info on the site for his subscribers, so that they can have up-to-date info. He's said more than once that he's not out to make money on the website - the goal is to help people plan a vacation; however, he does need to charge a nominal fee to help offset his costs of running the site. He makes his money doing the VIP tours. He doesn't have to do the website; he could shut it all down and make the same amount of money and have more time to himself. So I just don't understand how he's ripping people off.

 

[maine_jennifer]

I do not feel I am part of an elite club being a TGM subscriber. I made a choice to purchase a tool to help in my planning. In making that purchase, I entered into an agreement that I would not share what I found in there. That agreement is not made when purchasing a book. To me, the difference between a guide book and TGM is that the information contained in TGM is updated to roll with the changes that occur and this will help me be as informed as possible about what may impact my vacation as to help me make the right choices.

88Keys, all your posts on this thread have been valid points, well made. I'm I struggling to understand why almost everyone has misinterpreted them.

Unfortunately, that is one of the downfalls of electronic communication. You miss out on the feeling and expressions of a real conversation. Misinterpretations are easy to make and quite frequent, at least in my opinion. If you have your own positive opinion on something when people say something to the contrary, it can often be taken as a negative comment, even if it weren't meant that way. Some people can handle this, some people take it personally. It just isn't productive to bicker about such things, but, at least for me, I'm not sure people are really 'getting' what I'm saying. Because of that, I tend to be overly enthusiastic and that rubs people the wrong way. Is there a happy medium?

I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony,
I'd like to buy the world a Coke and keep it company.

Cheers!