Anyone unhappy with Tour Guide Mike?

[jpolak]

We are considering subscribing to help plan for our President's week trip . Now there is plenty of praise out there for TGM, but I wanted to hear from the the other side (if there is one). Why were you unhappy? and how difficult was it to get your money back? Thanks.

 

[jaysue]

Sorry cannot speak for the other side - have used TGM for 2 trips and his advice is more than worth it and is now a part of every trip we do - you can get renewal discounts and 3 trips in 12 months discounts too

Under what circumstances would you want your money back?

Cheers
jaysue

 

[notnothin]

Happy user of TGM here. There is plenty of good information there that makes it worth the price to me. I have the guide books as well (Birnbaum, Passport, Ultimate Guide), but they are essentially obsolete the momeny they go to press, whereas TGM makes constant updates throughout the year. Also worthy of mention are his forums, as there are many (nice) people there willing to share experiences as well as help others out with touring tips.

 

[kerry34]

I subscribed about 3 months or so ago and the info on there is great. The only thing I can say is that it took me a while to get used to navigating the site. The other thing is there is ALOT of info. The forums on there are also great especially where you can join one exclusively for the month you are going. I have heard that TGM has promptly refunded money if a person is not satisfied after buying. I dont know what the time limit for the refund is though so you may want to check that out before you purchase. The best way to get your money's worth is to buy it as far out from your trip as possible so you can take your time going through everything, also you get to keep it for a bit after your trip as well.

 

[theostwalts]

I wouldn't say that I was unhappy with it, but I really don't think I got anymore out of it than I already had with this board and the guides I have. I probably got my money's worth out of it because I did enjoy reading through some of the articles. But as far as it adding anything that would be considered a "wow factor" I really did not find it. I did not use it for our last trip but did get it for our upcoming trip. I am still using it, but I spend A LOT more time on the DIS.

 

[ampc3]

I have been thinking of joing TGM, how long do you get to keep your subscription for?

 

[bethbuchall]

I wasn't unhappy enough to ask for my money back, but I really don't think I got much out of it. I basically knew everything, and I haven't been to WDW that much. I do think it would be worth it for a first- or second-timer.

 

[Jessmela]

I have been thinking of joing TGM, how long do you get to keep your subscription for?

Your subscription is good from the time you purchase until 30 days after you return from your trip.

I too am a happy TGMer. But I have heard of cases where people got refunds quickly. My understanding is that TGM will give you a refund at any point during your subscription-- so if you go and use his advice and find that it wasn't helpful, I *think* he'll give you a refund even at that point.

One thing to know is that it's a tool for planning. It doesn't do it for you, but has a wealth of great information. And the boards there are a wonderful resource full of very helpful people. There is a lot of information to sort through, so the earlier you join the better.

 

[Allison]

Your subscription is good from the time you purchase until 30 days after you return from your trip.

I too am a happy TGMer. But I have heard of cases where people got refunds quickly. My understanding is that TGM will give you a refund at any point during your subscription-- so if you go and use his advice and find that it wasn't helpful, I *think* he'll give you a refund even at that point.

One thing to know is that it's a tool for planning. It doesn't do it for you, but has a wealth of great information. And the boards there are a wonderful resource full of very helpful people. There is a lot of information to sort through, so the earlier you join the better.

Actually it is 60 days not 30.

 

[wrldpossibility]

This will be our first trip, so I cannot report to you whether it "works" or not (although I applied TGM rules to a Sea World SD trip we took in high season this summer, and it was amazing). But I've already gotten my $19 worth. I think it's pretty cheap when you think you probably pay around the same for all the guidebooks. I have UG, Passporter, B. for Kids, and more (planning nerd here ) and have gotten more out of TGM. I don't think of it as a "magic" potion to Disney, but if you just think of it as a very useful (and always updated) interactive guidebook, you can't go wrong. And yes, I've heard people get their money back asap if they want it.

I think you can sign up as early as you want. I signed up 1 year before my trip.

 

[notnothin]

Actually it is 60 days not 30.

I thought that as well, but my last subscription expired 30 after rather than the 60 claimed on the site. Then, of course, I renewed for our upcoming trip!

 

[Allison]

I thought that as well, but my last subscription expired 30 after rather than the 60 claimed on the site. Then, of course, I renewed for our upcoming trip!

That's interesting. I didn't renew until well after 30 days and didn't have a problem. I'm not going again until June 2008 so this subscription will last a long time.

OP-As others have said, I haven't heard of any problems with refunds if needed.

 

[ajcolorado]

We have been very happy with Tour Guide Mike. The complaint that I hear is that people get bogged down with the information. The solution is to go through the whole express planner at least once without following any links. It seems that folks see a link, and then another, and then another. It is all good information but you never get a solid overview. You want to join your trip month club so that you'll get information about refurbishments or special events while you are there. The forums are friendly and helpful.

The other complaint is that some people don't like his writing style - it is a little like a really cheerful flight attendant or maybe a motivational speaker. I think the intent is to help people feel that a good trip to WDW is very accessible - it doesn't have to be stressful. But it sometimes bothers the "just the facts" types.

He has a no hassle money back guarantee so there is nothing really at risk for trying it.

Hope this helps.

 

[Poohbear123]

I wasn't unhappy enough to ask for my money back, but I really don't think I got much out of it. I basically knew everything, and I haven't been to WDW that much. I do think it would be worth it for a first- or second-timer.

I agree, but I will need his "help" in Feb. when I take my DGD for the FIRST time!

 

[cdrn1]

I joined about two weeks ago, and it does look to be full of useful info. I am still a little confused about how to navigate but will admit I didn't follow instructions, just got on and started looking around. I am enjoying it, though, and don't regret subscribing. I do get a little annoyed with seeing my name all over the place on the info, like he's talking directly to me. Kind of like a used car salesman. Not that I have anything against used car salesman.

 

[brentalex]

I bought it in April for our vacation, and was not at all happy with it. I found the site to be very confusing to navigate and not up to date. EE had just opened and the touring guide for the AK park made absolutly no mention of it. I did not find that the advise was any better than anything I can get on here for free, and was not worth the money. Although the cost is not much, just because the offer is there, I asked for my money back. My credit card was creditied right away, no questions asked.
Now, one thing, I think if you have not been there before, or if you have but may not have had the best touring information on previous trips AND you have plenty of time to get used to the site, it may be worth it. But I did not find it to be worth the money.

 

[SnwflkCts]

I'm planning on trying TGM for my Oct 2007 trip. I was wondering if the forums include Universal/IOA at all? I am planning a short side trip (2 days) to the DARK SIDE when we go in Oct 2007. (Still staying on-site at WDW - just a little 2 day adventure in coasters ).

Anyway, I hear a lot of good stuff about TGM and the cost is not that bad!

 

[SammieG]

i think a lot of the information you can get there, you can get anywhere.

I now pay my $19 JUST to get the which parks which day info....
its worth 10 x that to have no lines and no crowds.

have tried other touring plans but they dont work as Disney often change their schedule. TGM is always up to date..

 

[Lorelai]

I think that if you take the time to read everything in your AVP (automated vacation planner) first, then you have a good head start. Initially, I did find it difficult to navigate, but after reading all of the suggestions regarding navigation, I began to move around with ease. I think it is a great resource, and as an obsessive planner of 7+ trips to WDW, I found quite a bit of useful information.

Now if only my months express planner was ready - where is March 2007??

 

[CF'er]

I'm planning on trying TGM for my Oct 2007 trip. I was wondering if the forums include Universal/IOA at all? I am planning a short side trip (2 days) to the DARK SIDE when we go in Oct 2007. (Still staying on-site at WDW - just a little 2 day adventure in coasters ).

Anyway, I hear a lot of good stuff about TGM and the cost is not that bad!

We are planning an Oct 2007 trip as well!!!!!

I am on the fence about this. I would like to try it but don't know if it would help as we aren't "commando" about things. We just sort of drift along like jellyfish. I do make ADR's and then plan park days around them.

What you you all think? Would TGM help me?