Best vacation planner?

[andijean]

Do many people find the passporter helpful? Last time I used the unofficial guide and tour guide mike and made up my only little notebook, but it took considerable time. What kind of things are in the passporter and was it worth it? I really find the info from tourguide mike to be very helpful in structuring our days. Does the passporter show sample itineraries like the unoffical guide and tourguide mike?

Thanks!

 

[Danauk]

I use the passporter and TGM. I use TGM to help plan the itineraries and to get advice (as well as from the DIS!!) and then print this out and add it to my passporter (I put it in the pocket for the day we plan to go to each particular park.) I find the pockets very useful in the passporter to help keep me organised. I also like the fold out maps which help me to visualise things and locate places recomment on TGM (where to stand for parades, fireworks etc.) I would recommend using both.

 

[SqueakyMouse]

We have all of the books. Personally, I find the Unoffical Guide the most helpful and interesting read. Truthfully, the most helpful info is off the net. Dh and I put lots of this info. on our Palm Pilots this trip--very, very useful.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

i love the passporter
i have the deluxe leather one
i also have used tour guide mike
the unofficial guide and all the at stuff
there are also touring plans that go with the unofficial guide

 

[NCombs]

The Passporter does have recommended touring plans. I will be using my TGM plans however.

I love the Passporter maps.

It also has places to records your priority seatings, travel information-flights, rental car info, etc., a spot to record your budget and your expenses. All sorts of information like that. There are also pockets for each day of your trip.

It is a great organizer. I use TGM and UG to get information.

 

[dancin Disney style]

What's "Tour Guide Mike"?

 

[SeattleMark]

What's "Tour Guide Mike"?

Tour Guide Mike (www.tourguidemike.com) is a former Walt Disney World VIP Host. He now runs his own VIP tour service, plus his extremely informative Web site. We've used his advice and were amazed at how well it works, even during peak seasons. We never waited more than 10 minutes for any ride at Disney World when we followed his plans! I'm a believer and have renewed for this year as well.

The good thing about him is that he's in the parks every single day giving tours, so you get constant updates about crowds, changes, etc.

If you go to his Automated Vacation Planner (AVP) Preview Tour at http://tourguidemike.com/tour/index.asp, you can type "HE7KD-8GA" in the Promotional Code section of the purchase page. You'll save $3 off the normal purchase price of $21.95!


From his site:

"Who is 'TourGuideMiKE,' and how does he know so much about Walt Disney World?

Founder and President of MICHAEL'S VIPS (1999), the first VIP service of it's kind in Central Florida. I'm now able to provide the 'true' level of VIP service I always wanted to, and our Private Guides can escort our guests anywhere in Central Florida.

Private Custom Itinerary Planner through MICHAEL'S VIPS for two years. This service is no longer available, but when it was, it was an average of $240 per vacation and provided a day-to-day 'optimal' itinerary with prearranged dining and activity reservations for the best possible vacation to Walt Disney World. (The need for this service was the inspiration behind TourGuideMiKE.com.)

A Walt Disney World VIP Host for over five years. I was in charge of selecting and planning every attraction, dining, and activity choice while I personally escorted world famous celebrities, executives, and their families around the Resort. (That they were famous is not what's important; that I was trusted by the Walt Disney Company with this responsibility is!)

Guided Tour Host for the Resort's most popular tours including Keys to the Kingdom, Hidden Treasures, Backstage Magic, and more

Charged with training new cast members to the Magic Kingdom Guest Relations department

Magic Kingdom Guest Relations cast member for over five years. These are the cast members who solve guest challenges, answer questions on every possible topic, help with daily itinerary plans, make dining and activity reservations, sell and advise ticket options, and provide guided tours for adults and families.

Trainer of new cast members for the Haunted Mansion and Hall of Presidents

Operations cast member at the Haunted Mansion, Hall of Presidents, Jungle Cruise, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain attractions "

 

[Ness2289]

Hey! Is it too late at 21 days out (as far as spending the money is concerned) to subscribe to TGM??? I read where someone paid $12. 95 or so... Can you really get a bargain like that?

 

[darlene9947]

TGM is wonderful!! We just got back on Sunday and this was our best trip ever. Touring the MK the TGM way is awesome!! We went to MK on Sunday the 22nd around 4:00 PM. Had lots of pics taken on Main Street by the Disney photogs then headed to Adventureland. We rode the Jungle Boats, DGS Sean rode Aladdin's Carpet, did POC, ate at Pecos Bill, rode the HM, got FP for BTM, saw Spectro and Wishes in Frontierland, rode BTM twice and went home. It was not crowded at all.
We followed his advice for the rest of the week and only deviated on Saturday the 28th. Went to MK around 7:30 pm, found a spot on Main Street, parked ourselves and waited for Specto & Wishes. Park was definately more crowded. It was still wonderful, though!!
I just signed up again for my Dec., 2007 trip. I will NEVER go to WDW without TGM again!! Try it, you'll like it