Anyone unhappy with Tour Guide Mike?

[disneyaggie]

I found some of his information (and reasons why) very helpful to plan this trip (first time TGM user). I will see how it matches up with what the seasoned "Diser's" say.

However, silly me, since I found his site very challenging to navigate and needed some answers pretty timely, I made the mistake of asking him some questions. Gee, you thought I asked him to strip naked and run down Main Street! Wow. I pay for a service and thought he would be happy to answer my questions. I did have some nice people on the threads help me through the rough spots. They should take over TGM! They were very customer serviced oriented, and they didn't even work for TGM -- they were just subscribers like me.

But all in all, I did get some very useful information. I always like to learn as much as I can about WDW. This is yet just another resource.

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

I found that although there is some interresting info on there (and because of that, I didn't ask for my $ back), Mike's style just doesn't fit the way I do the parks, so I don't think I'll get much use from it.

 

[ChairborneRangr]

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?

Actually, not being commando is one of TGM's big selling points. The philosophy of the UG is to get in the most attractions - even if it means crossing the park numerous times. TGM's goal is to have the best overall experience, while keeping in mind that you are on vacation. He definately keeps you out of the lines but not at the expense of running from pillar to post.

 

[Gabe's Mom]

No complaints here, just wanted you to knwo that we used TGM for our Pres Day Week trip last year. I heard how crowded it was but never felt it. Wited in line once for 15 minutes for the Magic Carpets. Longest line all week. My DS7 just went the first week of free dining with his grandparents, they had no plan at all. He called me the first night and described waiting behind lots of other people for Space Mountain, he didn't understand what he was waiting for. I had to explain to him what a "line" was! Anyway, definately worth the $$

 

[MassMom94]

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!

Well, here's my free advice re Universal/IOA - stay on site and you get to cut all the lines just by waving your room key! No need for any planning with that perk, and the Universal hotels are really nice. (We stayed at the Hard Rock - very fab pool.) If you're not willing to do that, you might want to buy the Universal Express pass, but it's not as good as FOTL because you can only use it once at each attraction.

 

[SnwflkCts]

Dear MassMom - thanks for the advice. I actually have been reading alot about Universal and IOA. A kind DISSER sent me park maps and I've bought a book. I am an obsessive planner and already looked into the Universal Express Pass. One book (or the Universal Thread here) suggested waiting until you get to the parks to see if you need an Express pass and I think I will do that.

CF'er - My DH and I are not commando either. We take our time. I do make ADRs but I like the resort for dinner and that way we come back and relax a little. (Of course staying at the Poly, we get to see the fireworks from the beach). Upcoming is my second trip without TGM but I think it will be fun to see what his info suggests and what those forums are like. All seem to say how nice they are! So I will most likely give it a try.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Another 'not unsatisfied' TGM user here. I have used him for several trips, and I do have about 15 trips under my belt and do feel thoroughly comfortable at WDW. He has good tips I have picked up and, as said before, his what parks/what days/nights is invaluable. I last used TGM over the Memorial week, including weekend, and his suggestions were

Good site, great service.

 

[martyshoney]

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.

I feel the same exact way!! The main area that I loved about his info is that he tells you which parks to visit on which days and which attractions to see at what time of the day.

 

[MagicForMe]

However, silly me, since I found his site very challenging to navigate and needed some answers pretty timely, I made the mistake of asking him some questions. Gee, you thought I asked him to strip naked and run down Main Street! Wow. I pay for a service and thought he would be happy to answer my questions.

Yep, he *hates* anybody questioning his information and as for complaints? Forget about it. The man cannot take any form of criticism at all - it's a shame because he needs to remember that it's a paid service he's offering and customers have a right to express opinions on his product. I saw one poor unsuspecting member being hauled over the coals by TGM and offered a refund because it was suggested by Mike that they needed to part ways. The guy refused the refund but it was clear that his question about updating information was most unwelcome.

I am an ex member. Actually my membership is still valid but I stopped using it when I realized just how bad his attitude is to criticism. It made me stop and think do I want to trust the opinions of a guy who acts so immature and *rude* when anyone questions his advice and NO, I don't want a refund. I used the site so it's not ethical in my view to demand money back now.

Also, a lot of his info is waaaaaaaaay out of date. The MGM sample tours have no mention of LMA. His dining plan info is WRONG. His DDE info is wrong. His MNSSHP info was never updated to reflect the 7pm closing. Apparently you'll have a great crowd free hour between 6 and 7 - yeah! I could go on and on. Lots of irrelevant info there - the articles are dangerous because you read them thinking it's relevant and then you see something contradictory elsewhere.

 

[Lorelai]

Yep, he *hates* anybody questioning his information and as for complaints? Forget about it. The man cannot take any form of criticism at all - it's a shame because he needs to remember that it's a paid service he's offering and customers have a right to express opinions on his product. I saw one poor unsuspecting member being hauled over the coals by TGM and offered a refund because it was suggested by Mike that they needed to part ways. The guy refused the refund but it was clear that his question about updating information was most unwelcome.

I am an ex member. Actually my membership is still valid but I stopped using it when I realized just how bad his attitude is to criticism. It made me stop and think do I want to trust the opinions of a guy who acts so immature and *rude* when anyone questions his advice and NO, I don't want a refund. I used the site so it's not ethical in my view to demand money back now.

Also, a lot of his info is waaaaaaaaay out of date. The MGM sample tours have no mention of LMA. His dining plan info is WRONG. His DDE info is wrong. His MNSSHP info was never updated to reflect the 7pm closing. Apparently you'll have a great crowd free hour between 6 and 7 - yeah! I could go on and on. Lots of irrelevant info there - the articles are dangerous because you read them thinking it's relevant and then you see something contradictory elsewhere.

I wonder if he has been hearing about how dissatisfied some people are with his answering of questions, because I sent him an email just last week (about something that I was having trouble with on his site) and he replied the very next day.

It was actually a very lengthy reply, extremely polite and very helpful. It was essentially something that I found difficult to navigate, yet he explained it all and never seemed offended. But I must admit that two guys in his forums were able to answer me instantly and I had already corrected the problem. It was nice though, to get such a fast and courteous reply from Mike.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

His best days advice is worth the $$ by itself. Heck--its worth that much a day to have that info!

I subscribed to TGM back in May for my July '06 trip. I had not been to Disney in about 20 years. His advice on where to stand and how to navigate each park was invaluable and so amazingly accurate. Also, I liked that he had advice on the best seats in the house for each of the shows, and would also tell you where to stand as you are about to enter a ride to further minimize your wait.

I am planning a 3 family trip for July '07, and yes, I have already renewed my subscription!

 

[shaycamp21]

Another happy TGM user. Have used him for two trips (with minimal wait times and great views for attractions) and as mentioned before find his best days advice worth the money alone. Yes the site can initially be confusing and frustrating at first, but taking the time to figure things out and asking for help on the forums makes it much easier. And other TGMers are a great resource as they will help you with your plans since they have experience doing things Mike's way.

 

[jaysue]

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..

A large part of the value we derive from our subscription is for the same reason - which parks to go to and which to avoid on any given day - makes trip planning smooth and easy

Cheers
jaysue

 

[jpolak]

Wow thanks for the info. I actually subscribed yesterday and got up early today to continue reading. So far it seems well worth the 18.95.

 

[88Keys]

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. .

Actually, quite the opposite is true. I found TGM info quite out of date -- when I went in May he had no info on a major ride (Everest) and show (LMA) plus a lot of minor events and had wrong info on several things like the dinig plan. For $17-18 a subscriber (same price as UOG, but no printing costs) I expect up-to-date info at least weekly.

Meanwhile (and I am tired of bringing this up) -- the UOG is NOT obsolete as soon as you get it. The book has a companion website touringplans.com that is FAR more up-to-date than TGM and it is free. The DAY that EE officially opened, there was an AK touring plan that had been tested dozens of times by the staff and was free. Months later there was no reference to it on TGM.

There is no harm in subscribing to TGM, but don't think it is more current or accurate than UOG.

UOG includes a BEST DAY menu as well which I believe to be far more accurate because it is based on heavy research like hotel bookings and the such -- I don't think TGM is as researched -- I think it is mostly based on EMH and special events as well as general day of the week crowd figures.

With UOG, you get......

More accurate best days
More specific and better tested touring plans (using advanced algorithms)
A free website that is more current (and a LOT less confusing)
More info on restaurants, Universal, etc.
An actual book

TGM seems to be pretty quick with refunds, so, again, no harm in trying.

 

[88Keys]

Actually, not being commando is one of TGM's big selling points. The philosophy of the UG is to get in the most attractions - even if it means crossing the park numerous times. TGM's goal is to have the best overall experience, while keeping in mind that you are on vacation. He definately keeps you out of the lines but not at the expense of running from pillar to post.

Actually, the UOG philosophy is to come up with a plan that encompasses as much as possible with the least amount of backtracking, and you are invited to omit any step you like. The AK touring plan had a ridiculously low amount of backtracking.

The UOG puts everything in because there are many who only get to go once or twice and want to see everything -- however, they go to great lengths to say that commando is not necessarily the way to go.

 

[kaelarad]

I also founf TGM to be out of date and not current on alot of what was going on at WDW. I will take my UOG and down load their updates that are current to what is going on at the world. touring plans are much better and easier to use. TGM website is far too complicated to navigate.

 

[klcason]

I have been to the world many times over the last 20 years. The first oh....4 times that I travelled as an adult planning my own trip I used the UG and "thought" it was great. However, when we were planning the first trip with our kids (now planning for our 4th) I found TGM. I can tell you that his plans are absolutely, positively right on. We have never waited in long lines....and that is so worth the $18 when it is hot and you are travelling with children.

Yes the UG is a good planning guide, TGM is just so much better. I have personally never found his info to be inaccurate so I cannot comment on that. He updates frequently and is actually in the park, probably daily.

I think everyone is totally entitled to their own opinion, but as for me TGM is tops....without a doubt.

Kayla

 

[dance2874]

We leave tomorrow and I got both the touringplans.com and TGM subscriptions. I found both sites helpful but the info on TGM was more what I was looking for. If you do what he tells you and go through the AVP once without clicking links it is a piece of cake to navigate. I have had not one issue with it.

 

[Lorelai]

I also founf TGM to be out of date and not current on alot of what was going on at WDW. I will take my UOG and down load their updates that are current to what is going on at the world. touring plans are much better and easier to use. TGM website is far too complicated to navigate.

I have never really taken the time to investigate the Touringplans site. But based on the satisfied users here I decided to use one of their online sample touringplans (for guests with children) to plan our upcoming Animal Kingdom day. They still have Tarzan Rocks listed as a show to visit with kids, and they make no mention of Expedition Everest (in the section where they list what rides in AK have height restrictions). Maybe this is because I am not a paid subscriber, and the plan is on the site as a sample of what you can get if you pay & subscribe? Does anyone have this info - it seemed outdated.