flortlebap said:
I haven't used it because I read a very bad review. It's here if you want to see for yourself!
Review Here
Personally I find it easier to plan our itinerary using Excel and the Unofficial Guide (2007 version has just come out!). It has all you need and is cheaper too, plus it lasts a lifetime, not just 60 days like TGM!
I just read this review and I could pick it apart line by line, but I don't have the energy! However, I will pick up on a couple of of points:
The reviewer reckons that Mike's credentials are suspect because he was 'only a CM for 5 years'. That's completely missing the point. For years, he has run his independent VIP Tours business and he visits the parks
every day with his guests
and he goes to great lengths to test out his theories. When Disney changes something (such as when they moved from Early Entry to Extra Magic Hours), he updates his articles (in this case spending a great deal of time working on his 'Least Crowded Parks' information, based on his vast experience). However, he doesn't stop there. He continually tests and re-tests his own thinking (whilst he's in the parks with his VIP guests) and tweaks the advice - always providing explanations, not simply amending the plans. I think that's pretty dedicated given that the 'Automated Vacation Planner' is just a sideline for him. I have been buying the Unofficial Guide for almost 15 years and, much as I like it, they don't offer a service anywhere approaching this level of detail. And he has many insider friends and contacts who keep him up to date. He is extremely tenacious in substantiating rumours. Only when he is sure that his source is spot-on will he update his articles, although he will enter into discussion on the forums keeping subscribers informed of progress.
The reviewer's claim that he 'took the AVP' to the Guest Services booths at the parks and asked CMs for their opinions is ludicrous. The AVP is an online resource consisting of literally thousands of tools and articles. Whatever he presented can have been only a tiny part of what you pay for.
His assessment of the 'Least Crowded Park' days articles is way off. However, as a TGM subscriber, I have contracted not to share proprietary information so, even if I could be bothered to comment, I would be prohibited from doing so. As, of course, is the reviewer.
As I mentioned in my previous post, TGM's site
is overwhelming at first. However, I'm not sure what suggestions I could make for improvement - there is just so much information that it takes a long time to become familiar with it and to find your way around easily. There are so many links within links, that you can feel that you've 'lost your place' and it can be quite discombobulating, but I don't even think about it anymore - I have a 'map' in my mind.
I think the subscription structure is flawed. For example, a new subscriber today whose vacation was next month would pay $21.95. Access to the subscriber areas of the site would be available until 60 days after the end of the vacation. If your vacation was not until October 2007, you would still gain access right up until 60 days following that vacation. So, the second subscriber would receive access for a year longer than the first, for the same outlay. You do receive a discount, however, for subsequent sign-ups. I think my current subsription cost $9.95. If you have 2 or 3 vacations planned, my advice would be to sign up for the one which is furthest away. Even if they are only tentative thoughts at the moment, it's still worth doing that - you'll still get access to all the information and your dates can be amended at any time.
Anyone considering signing up should understand what TGM is
not. You won't get a neatly presented
personalised itinerary. You'll get access to an online resource. Much of it is information which is available in guide books and on the internet - an online guidebook.
However there
are tips here which you won't find anywhere else. The information is constantly updated and touring advice is provided for each month of the year, taking into account all the special events. If, for example, you plan to visit in October, you will be able to access 'Least Crowded Parks' articles written for every day of October, taking into account EMH days,
MNSSHP and the IF&WF. If Disney changes anything - park hours, for example - Mike will update the article. The first thing I log into each day is 'My Latest AVP Updates' where Mike details any changes. You can access the information for any change, not just those which affect the month for which you have signed up.
If you're looking for a Personalised Planner, I recommend
Simon and Susan Veness's. My only criticism of this is that you only receive it around a week before your trip. Whilst I understand the need to make sure it is up to date with the latest park hours, attractions and weather forecasts, I'd like to receive a Planner upon payment, followed by a tweaked plan a week before my trip. I think most people will want to have an idea of how their holiday will look well in advance, not least in order to make dining and other reservations.
By the way, TGM now sponsors the Theme Parks board here on the DIS.
Click here to receive a $3 discount.
but I am a member of the website. I love the way the information is presented and there are some wonderful photograph's too. 
It means that for us the wait times posted on the boards are all we need. If a ride is busy we just come back later or FP it!
