Anyone use Tour Guide Mike?

[HaleyB]

Did you like it, love it, or was it just okay.
If I spend most of my free time in WDW trip research mode, do you think there is anything in his reports I don't already know?
Has anyone used TGM and the Unofficial Guide Plans? I am a big fan of the Unofficial Guide and would like to hear how they compare.

Thanks in advance for any guidance you can give me on this.

Haley.

 

[jcemom]

We didn't use the touring plans from either as it was so un-crowded when we went (the first week of February) that we simply didn't need them...with the exception of TourGuide Mike's MK 2 day plan with small kids, which we followed loosely and were VERY happy with.

I absolutely LOVE tourguide mike. Of course, I also read everything I can get my hands on and think that planning my trip was almost as much fun as the trip itself, lol. I think he has a lot of really neat tips and tricks that I didn't see anywhere else. Firsthand experience-type things. Most of the complaints I've read about TGM were from people who though the site was too wordy--too much to read. I, however, happen to enjoy that.

I especially like his "best view" and "best places to sit" type of advice.

I renewed for my next trip!

 

[DVCTiff]

I also like TGM but I read him first so his was the first info I got. At first I found the site hard to navigate. It's still a bit of a problem but somehow I manage. I just don't think I can visualize how it's organized, but I do like his advice.

 

[Pollyann]

I have to agree with jcemom - TourguideMike has a lot of differnet little tips that I have not found anywhere else.

 

[Selket]

I also love the TGM site - used it for our trip last August and I'm signed up already for our next trip (whenever that will be!). I thought this touring plans were more flexible than the Unofficial Guide and with a lot less sarcasm. You can tell that he really likes WDW. I never felt marched around the park and I printed out the relevant pages to take along with us on vacation. His touring tips saved us a lot of time and hassle. I also wrote to him directly about something that wasn't yet covered on his site (using a stroller as a wheelchair issue) and he wrote back immediately and with some very helpful information. He has a great site and seems like a nice person to boot so you can't beat that!

 

[TheresaM]

This summer will be my third trip to WDW as an adult. I'm a big planner and this time I'm trying TourGuideMike. So far I'm very happy with everything. Alot of what he reccomends I've used before but some are new to me and after he explains why he thinks his suggestion is the best way I agree. He's supplied some very important tips that I have not seen anywhere else that are going to be very helpful. I recommend him to anyone who has the time to read all his articles. It took me quite awhile to get through it all.
Theresa

 

[jcemom]

Originally posted by TheresaM
after he explains why he thinks his suggestion is the best way I agree.

Yes, I didn't mention that before but it is one of the things I like best about his site...I've always been the one asking WHY??? I'll bet I drove my parents crazy and I still always want to know WHY I should/shouldn't do something, lol. He doesn't just say "do this" and "don't do that" but explains exactly why, that way I can decide for myself if it pertains to me or not!

 

["thegirls"]

It's was a LIFESAVER during the Christmas Holiday 2004.

I consider myself pretty knoweldgable in all things WDW and even I learned a thing or two I never knew!

His explainations are very thorough and precise.

Without his "tips" on touring during the holidays we probably would have only experienced a couple of rides!

If you join...bring along a printed copy of his reccommend days for each park....he gives an explaination why and this info is INVALUABLE when you NEED to change gears mid-vacation!!

He get's '3 thumb's up" from my house!!!

PS He offers a GREAT discount on your second trip also!!!

 

[laurabelle]

I love TGM! I used it for the first time for our Easter Week trip and it was wild watching the crowds do everything he said they would, while we of course were off doing something else! His advice was right on and I love those tips too. He's already giving advice about the EMH test, I love that he stays on top of things. Definitely worth the money IMHO!

 

[Liz]

How much does it cost to join TGM and do you get a discount if you join a 2nd year? What if you skip and year and then join again?

 

[jcemom]

TGMike FAQ's Here's a link to his FAQ page. Regular price is 21.95 though I know I've seen discounts, on mousesavers maybe? I can't remember!

Q: We visit Disney World more than once per year. Do you have an Annual Pass version?

A: I developed the AVP for your ‘average’ family coming to Walt Disney World. They decide to visit, need vacation planning help, come and have a GREAT visit, and then return to their normal lives. Maybe they return in another couple of years, maybe they don’t.

If you'd like to begin planning for your next Disney vacation within a year of your original purchase date, contact me for a discount code that provides the AVP at 50% off the normal purchase price.

Hope that helps!