Anyone have TourGuideMike and

[Kenswing]

I guess You had no idea what I was going to ask and since you are being putooties about it I guess you never will.

I guess I'm confused. Why didn't you just ask your question in the first place? We're a pretty helpful bunch

Ken

 

[Scottish-Helen]

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'm not sure how far in advance you can sign up but I think it may be anytime. I signed up a year and a half before my trip because I was originally going to travel this December but then changed my dates to April which was not a problem to do.

PS I also think TourGuideMike is great!!!!

 

[LMC]

I guess I'm confused. Why didn't you just ask your question in the first place? We're a pretty helpful bunch

Ken

Well I was hoping to get a nicer response along the lines of "I have one but I can't answer specific ??'s about this or that but what do you need to know and maybe I can answer it." I figured that it was one of those "secret society" type things so I wasn't asking for any cheating. But after reading the snide comments I guess most people are not a light hearted about things and think the worst out of every situation.
I will just decide whether or not to get TGM. This is our 3rd trip this year so I don't know if I really "need" it.

 

[cleo]

Under the circumstances, everyone answered the question the OP seemed to be asking and they did it quite respectfully. Does the OP have a question or has it been answered?

 

[Demon Llama]

The past three times I went to WDW weren't busy at all (September 2004 and 2005 and January 2005). Is it worth it for someone like me to subscribe? I've never had any trouble navigating the parks during this time, but it sounds so good I'd hate to pass it up for our upcoming trip in September 2006!

Also, I've read in the past that there's a lot of info to go through to put together your plan. Is that true? I guess I mean, I don't want to pay for a subscription only to do a ton of research and find that I'm no better off than I was before.

Thanks!

 

[Servants of Evan]

I don't think we're being snide, really. It just boils down to a few simple facts: When you sign up for TGM you agree not to divulge any of the information you get on his site. You are reminded of that fact constantly when surfing his site. We gave Mike or word, and we're honest enough to stick with it. Secondly, I would assume the sponsors of DISboards don't necessarily appreciate people promoting other websites. Every response has been along the lines of "It's well worth the money." I don't know what else can be said.

 

[Kenswing]

I'm sorry that you didn't get the responses that you were looking for. If there is a question that I can answer for you I certainly will. There might answers to some of your questions on TGM's intro page
If you can't find the answers you need let me know.

Ken

 

[LMC]

Did my question get answered? I guess so, yes people out there have TGM, but do not answer questions. The first respondent could have simply stated that they agree to TGM to not give out any info when they subscribe. I guess everyone assumes that everyone else just knows that. Well I know other "secrets" from other books, etc are discussed on the DIS so I am not one of those who knew TGM was such a secret.
Anyway, since it was pointed out that it's promoting another site, I'll just drop it from here.

Kenswing: thanks for being friendly.

 

[tracy51]

Okay, now I'm confused. I took everyone's responses as tongue in cheek and not meant to be disparaging to the OP. Mainly enthusiastic support for a product they found helpful. The TGM group is pretty helpful and friendly. A little over enthusiastic sometimes (hehe, a culprit of that myself), but very nice.

It's not that its a 'secret society'. It that when you sign up you agree to a confidentiality agreement and most of the users respect and honor that because of the work that Mike puts into it. Please don't let everyones support of that agreement deter you from asking questions about TGM. If its something that can't be answered, I'm sure they will very nicely let you know that. But if it is something that can be shared, then one of us would be happy to share what we can with you.

As for if you really "need" it, that's hard to say. WDW vets have signed up for it and found it a fantastic tool. Others haven't found it so fantastic. Personally, I found it a tremendous help for what was my first trip in over 10 years. And I really think his advice is what helped make the rest of my family as much of a Disney addict as I am. But as with everything, you mileage may vary.

Someone asked about comparing it to touring plans. Not having signed up for a touring plan description I can't really answer. But I think they do differ a bit. TGM is more than just a tour plan. Its a vacation plan. It gives you tools to plan an enjoyable vacation at WDW - from beginning to plan until you have to come back home. Touring plans may also give advice along those lines, so please correct me if I've made any wrong presumptions.

Hope that answered some questions that the OP and others may have. There are lots of planning tools out there. Its a matter of finding which one is most helpful for you.

 

[padisneylover]

I have to say that I consider myself a Disney veteran after to many trips to count and having lived close by at one time. That being said I can say that I have found info in TGM that I have never seen anywhere else and would not think of taking a trip without using his valuable information and tips. I bought it the first time not expecting much and 4 trips later I am still using it each time I go.

 

[88Keys]

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)

 

[VSL]

I guess it's because TGM actually has you 'sign' a contract saying that you will not share his information. Also, anyone can pick up a copy of the UG in the library and have a flick through, but to have access to TGM's website you have to subscribe and pay before you can read everything, and I guess the rational is that 'I had to pay for this info so you should too'.

 

[Michelina]

Is there a big difference between TGM's touring plans and the Unofficial Guide? I'm not asking for specifics but is it more of a different attitude or just a whole different way of touring? I've had really great luck with the UOG.

 

[88Keys]

No, I get it -- we had to pay for this info; so should you.
But this is the ONLY info protected as such. I paid for the info in UOG and other research and other books, but I will quickly give it to someone who posts a question I can answer. And how legally binding is this "contract"?

 

[gcphil]

Is it worth purchasing if you only have 20 days before your trip? I am considering it since this is my first Christmas trip but not my first trip to WDW. In fact our last trip was June 05. Did not think we would go back so soon but got a great deal with the Spoonful of Sugar promotion! Also would he have specific advice on MVMCP plan?

 

[2infinityandbeyond]

Is there a big difference between TGM's touring plans and the Unofficial Guide? I'm not asking for specifics but is it more of a different attitude or just a whole different way of touring? I've had really great luck with the UOG.

I've done WDW both ways and the TGM way was much better for us. It is both a different philosophy/attitude and different way of touring.

 

[Kenswing]

And how legally binding is this "contract"?

Is it legally binding? Maybe, maybe not. But if you sign up and agree to his terms, and break that agreement, what does that say about one's integrity?

Ken

 

[tzuhouse]

What sort of info does TGM give? How much does it cost? Is it just a website? We're planning a trip one year from now and I'm curious since this is the second time I've heard Tour Guide Mike mentioned.

Tour Guide Mike is one of those that has been hired by VIPs to take their families around the parks, avoiding lines and crowds. If it's good for Kelly Ripa, it's good enough for me. LOL

I can tell you that, when I first joined Mike, I'd been on this site for about 5 months. I had ideas of things I'd like to do, such as Family Magic Tour, Wishes Cruise, etc. but had no idea how to go about the parks, themselves. That's where Mike was invaluable to me. And his hints on getting those ADRs everyone and their brother wants. I got everything. Wishes Cruise, early breakfast at the Castle, etc. all because of Mike.

What I thought Mike was was something where I put in my trip info and he provides a detailed plan for me. What it is is my information brings up tons of articles he has written. Not only does he explain what he wants you to do, he tells you why. So, I can go into a park and know what Mike's answer to a question would be, because I know how he thinks. I wrote my own touring plans, using Mike's recommendations and what I felt my family could handle. I have printed index cards, color coded for each park, and laminated. If there was something telling me to go a certain place and I was afraid I'd wonder if I'd messed up (maybe not logical to me), while at the park, I also put Mike's reason so I'd remember to follow Mike and have a stressfree vacation with my family.

I think I paid about $21.00 or something. Yes, there is a coupon somewhere that saves a couple of bucks, but it's obvious that Mike has put in a ton of work so I didn't wait to find the coupon. I tipped him a couple extra $$. LOL

The greatest thing is that he is constantly working for his subscribers. He goes to the parties and updates his site with any changes and recommendations he has, that are different from last year, etc. A guidebook doesn't change it's information.

Hope that helps. I've got touring plans for each park, plus MVMCP, thanks to Mike. We won't be commando in our approach and we will do everything that is important to us, probably several times.

Mary

 

[tzuhouse]

Is it worth purchasing if you only have 20 days before your trip? I am considering it since this is my first Christmas trip but not my first trip to WDW. In fact our last trip was June 05. Did not think we would go back so soon but got a great deal with the Spoonful of Sugar promotion! Also would he have specific advice on MVMCP plan?

Yes, he has very specific information on MVMCP. If you are going to do it to get information other than MVMCP, do it quickly. You cannot make it through Mike's information in a day or two. It took me a few days to get comfortable with out to navigate his site because there are SO MANY articles on different topics.

Now it's easy.

Mary

 

[88Keys]

Is it legally binding? Maybe, maybe not. But if you sign up and agree to his terms, and break that agreement, what does that say about one's integrity?

Ken

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)