DVC and Tour Guide Mike

[DrTomorrow]

Boy, a few folks ask a question, others post some opinions and then the Awesome Power of Mike Almighty gets injected. Whew!

First, thanks to those who actually tried to answer my (and Princess Tink's) questions. While some just said it was "great", a few actually tried to offer some helpfulness. For example (and I single her out because her answer was useful), AmyBeth68 said:

Here's my personal reasons for using TGM:
1. Real time info about crowd patterns and trends.
2. Great advice on touring the parks non-commando style.
3. Excellent forums where he posts up to date info and answers questions.

I guess that I feel that I have #2 pretty under control and I find that #3 is met - quite nicely, thank you - by the various DIS forums. If #1 is actually "real time info", then I'd join in a second: I mean, who wouldn't like to be able to check one's PC in your hotel room and see - real time - where the crowds are right at that moment....

I'm actually quite intregued by LIFERBABE's comments. To walk up and get a rope view of an MK parade hours later than anyone else, on a crowded night - much less the last night of MVMCP - sounds great. Yet I'm still a bit confused; to do this suggests either 1) that there's a secret place that no one else knows about (which is why it doesn't fill up with all the other spots), 2) TGM suggests to simple find a good spot then elbow people out of the way, or 3) that the "secret" is simply knowing that the 2nd parade isn't as busy as the 1st and you don't need to line up 3 hours before hand. Now, #1 is highly suspect, as secrets don't keep at WDW; #2 doesn't seem like TGM's style and I already know #3. So once again, I wonder what he provides....

And the skeptic (on the way to cynic) in me says that, when the parks are at capacity, no one is walking on rides - at least, not the popular ones that everyone want to go on ( I've never seen HoP or Tiki Room filled . Of course, I don't think that MVMCP is ever at park capacity - don't they limit ticket sales?

Finally - and I apologize in advance for the snarky-ness of what follows - what's up with GrandmaBarb? Someone (tjkraz) who is known for posting helpful and factual information posts his opinion - an informed one, as he actually purchased the TGM service, and she (with a total of 33 DIS posts) responds with "Crock" and other nasty cracks. I'm always a little suspect of someone who slams an opposing opinion ["some people post inacurate and totally incorrect information"], then present an overly-glowing opinion of their own ["perfection plus"; "the most perfect vacation ever", "most friendly and informative"]. And, despite disclaimers, this comment ["Join us and see"] makes me think either that she's a shill - or that there's something in the TGM Kool-aid. If GrandmaBarb is typical of TGM customers, that'd be more than enough to make decide not to.

I guess that I'm just not TGM material; thanks again to all those who answered in the spirit of this community.

Be well!

 

[tjkraz]

Yep, just took a look at it Basic article about SSR and then links to the various sub-categories: dining, pools, activites, etc.

That's good to know. Now I'll quit beating that dead horse.

Please, please, please don't take what I posted as an attack.

Nope, not at all. I guess I never had that "gosh, that's a great tip" moment when using TGM--or at least I didn't have as many of those moments as others do. But after spending the last few years on this site and others, there's very little that I haven't read somewhere.

Like I said in my original post, I think (or choose to believe ) that TGM would be very helpful for those who travel during high crowd times. Our last three trips were in May, January and early-December. We don't use touring plans, but never waited more than 15 minutes for any attraction (with the exception of Astro Orbiter, which we did...simply because we wanted to. )

To illustrate, LIFERBABE mentioned MVMCP. I read Mike's advice--most notably trying to hit the second parade instead of the first. Well, our kids were far too young to stay until the second parade. Nevertheless, we didn't line up until 15 minutes ahead of time and found a front-row spot right near the dock to Tom Sawyer's Island. But, as noted, LIFERBABE visited during a sold-out night while we were there on a Tuesday.

When the day comes that we must travel during holidays or in the summer, I'll probably give TGM another try, assuming he's still the gold standard.

 

[Princess Tink]

Thanks everyone, I am glad I had several honest and different points of view on TGM. I'm still undecided. I think I will poke around on his board a little more this afternoon before I decide. My DH is going to kill me! But, I already warned him.....it was his idea to go over the fourth of July this year (he one that doesn't like crowds)!!!

Thanks again everyone!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Good luck with your July 4th planning Princess Tink . I think your best bet is to keep the dinner reservation. If the fireworks begin during dinner you will still be able to see them. If you finish up early, then you can wander down to the beach to watch them. The Polynesian is such a great spot to see them. It will be magical .

As for the planning guides...I think you are doing the right thing by researching and getting opinions. As TJKRAZ illustrates, what works for one family may not be right for another. I agree with him that TGM is probably at it's most beneficial when you are hitting the parks during peak season. I also can understand how, if you've spent tons of time at WDW and lots of time reading the disboards, you are probably already armed with loads of great info (Dr.T comes to mind). I'm on here (and other boards) a lot and have quite a few visits under my belt...but definitely not enough to gather all the gems and tips that I need for my peak season WDW vacations.

IMHO the crowds in July are going to be pretty intense. I would definitely suggest using some type of planning guide if you're not totally confident that you can navigate through the parks and heat and still maintain your sanity . LOL! I would personally suggest TGM without any hesitation....but I think the UG's planning tools are impressive as well. I can tell you that either one will cut your wait times significantly if you follow their advice. I can pretty much guarantee that you will have a relaxed and enjoyable vacation if you use TGM's tools and information. Some of it may well be on the dis....but I find that having it in one location, with print friendly formats, really helps to take the stress out of planning. And I definitely learned some things that I have not seen on any other Disney site.

Best of luck....sounds like you are on your way to a fabulous vacation either way!

 

[Princess Tink]

Thanks AmyBeth68 for all your kind words and information.....I really appreciate your taking the time to respond.

 

[SueOKW]

If GrandmaBarb is typical of TGM customers, that'd be more than enough to make decide not to.

I'm a typical TGM cusomter too, and I am MUCH MUCH nicer than GrandmaBarb!

We all have our moments and perhaps get defensive about things. But what's really prompted me to write is...

I wonder if people thought Richyams was a typical DIS person? (or even worse, his snarky nememsis from BWV... can't recall her name!) We all loved Rich. GrandmaBarb is really very very sweet indeed.

 

[luuuceee]

Thanks everyone, I am glad I had several honest and different points of view on TGM. I'm still undecided. I think I will poke around on his board a little more this afternoon before I decide. My DH is going to kill me! But, I already warned him.....it was his idea to go over the fourth of July this year (he one that doesn't like crowds)!!!

Thanks again everyone!

You know what, I would say definitely subscribe to TGM! WORST case is that you decide his service isn't for you and he will gladly give you a refund. BEST case is you use his advice and have a spectacular vacation and beat the crowds during one of the busiest times. I've read lots of positive posts over there by folks who used his touring plan during the July 4th week. I went in June, which was pretty darned busy itself, and I would not have had the amazing vacation I did without Mike's advice.

Now, granted, I didn't even JOIN the DISboards until a few weeks ago, so I didn't have the benefit of all of the knowledge that you-all have, but I learned things from Mike that I never would have thought of before and had the best vacation of my life.

If I had been to WDW many, many times, would I have found Mike's advice to be as spectacular? Maybe, maybe not. I'd think that at the very least even seasoned veterans can learn something from him, but that's speculation on my part. What I know is that last June was my third trip EVER to WDW, and until then, my most recent trip was in 1993. It was also my first trip to be the adult and in charge of the planning. For me, Mike is invaluable and I will never take another WDW trip without his advice. I *needed* TGM and have found that his advice works for me. But that's just the opinion of one.

 

[GrandmaBarb]

Oh my goodness, oh my goodness. I guess I stepped on the wrong toes. I am only upset with the Dis'ers who do not abide by the TGM agreement to not divulge the privileged information. Of course everyone is entitled to their personal opinion. I appologize if I insulted anyone who is innocent of violating the agreement.
And, really, I am a very nice, friendly, helpful old lady. And, Sue you might be nicer than I am, but I really try hard to be nice.
So that being said I'll go back to the TGM forums and get off my soap box.

 

[Princess Tink]

Thanks luuuceee, and welcome to the Dis!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hi Grandma! It's okay! We love ya'!

 

[luuuceee]

Thanks luuuceee, and welcome to the Dis!

You guys are so welcoming here...I feel loved...

Let me know if I can provide any other info for you...

 

[luuuceee]

Hi Grandma! It's okay! We love ya'!

GrandmaBarb, I'll second this. You've helped me out a lot over on TGM and are always there to provide good advice to everyone.

Unfortunately, the written word has no emotion and things can so easily get taken out of context. I know that you love to help others and that you really believe in what TGM has to offer (as do I). I know we seem like a preachy bunch to some over here, but it's only because we think Mike is awesome and want to share his advice with everyone (but we can't unless everyone is "over there!" ). If there are people that don't think Mike has much to offer, that's okay too. We're only trying to help.

And I agree that you're a sweet lady that I wouldn't mind having as my own grandma. I know you would never say anything to be mean, and I think things just got taken in a way other than how you meant them.

 

[pnelson384]

Hi! I hesitate to jump in here because it seems that a lot of people are very passionate about this topic, but here goes: We took our first Disney World vacation over Easter week this year (3/26-4/2), as it took me 11 years to convince my DH to go. I started out researching using the DIS boards, the UG, and the Official guide. I happened upon TourGuideMike based on a recommendation from someone on the DIS boards. I was very concerned about our trip because of the expected crowds, the capacity hotel bookings, etc, and if the trip was not fun I would NEVER get DH to go back. I honestly felt that compared to the cost of the trip, spending money on the UG, other books or TGM was not a big deal if it would help me make the most of it. Well, after I got going on the TGM site, I felt very empowered to plan our trip, make adjustments if need be (which I did have to due to a quick tummy bug my DD8 had ) while on vacation, and just know how to think like someone who doesn't want to wait on lines. I also faced the challenge of touring the parks with DS5, who was not up for some of the thrillers, and DD8 and DS11, who were DEFINITELY interested in the thrillers. Most touring plans that are 'canned' out there, such as the UG, were really geared for one or the other, based on what I read. I did pop back over to the DIS boards once in a while, but quite honestly, the last time I did before I went on our trip, I started hyperventilating a bit because everyone was saying what a MESS WDW would be the week we were there due to crowds. I also personally don't like to take the kids out of school for vacation if possible. The DIS boards had lots of fun ideas, and I did benefit (so thanks out there!), but I used the TGM way to plan our day-to-day and attraction-by-attraction plan. SOOOO, the result of our vacation was Wonderful! We saw everything we wanted to, both big attractions and small details, we had a great time, and we didn't stand in line more than 15 minutes (most lines were 10 or less) for the entire week. The longest I 'waited' for a show or parade was 45 minutes, and we had prime seats. I have to say that after following the TGM advice found on his site, for the overall vacation and each attraction we were interested in, I will never need to worry about taking the kids out of school for WDW. If we were there during the 'worst' of weeks, then we can definitely handle it. For me, personally, TGM was a very good investment because he has high-level information on WDW and how he plans for his VIP clients, he emphasizes how to think about touring in addition to specific tour samples. He will not plan your day-to-day for you because everyone is different, but he arms you with enough information to let you plan effectively. I think it is a good investment, not much different in price from the big books we saw people carrying around the parks. Just my 2 cents!

 

[jjnv]

We used TGM last year for our trip the week before Easter. It was really really helpful. He published something specific for that week a few days before we leave. We followed his plan for every park. Even my DH said it is the best money I spent on planning. This year, we went in January. There is no need for that much planning. I will try to stick with low season from now on. But if we ever have to go during one of the peak weeks, I will not hesitate to get TGM again.

 

[SoCalKDG]

1. It feels very disorganized. When you read a book, the book has a flow to it. When you read TGM, he does have individual pages that address different topics. But, every page seems to have a dozen or more links to OTHER pages with related info. Just trying to read up on a single topic seems to send you running around in circles trying to hit all of the cross-linked pages.

Also, most of his pages have revision dates, but often they don't include a year. So if you see an article posted "April 4", you can't tell if it was revised yesterday or if the information is a year old.

2. For whatever reason, Mike had ZERO info posted about Saratoga Springs as of January of this year. For every other resort he has info on dining, recreation, resort photos and so on. But the Saratoga Springs pages sat there for months with a simple message that read "this is just a test..."

3. I think his "Automated Vacation Planner" is a bit mis-named. Perhaps I didn't read well enough when I first subscribed (which was shortly after the site went live a couple of years ago), and hopefully it is better described now. But what I thought I was getting was something that would allow me to enter our ride and dining preferences, and would then spit out a custom itinerary for our trip. Not too much to ask with today's technology, eh?

In reality, it doesn't do anything to create custom touring plans. It will give you a nice printed list of the attractions you select, and recommend times to visit. You'll also get links to generic pages with more touring info.

Here is an update for you. I just joined today.

1) Revision dates now include the year.
2) SSR is now covered.
3) The AVP, while not giving you specific times, does tell you what to see first thing in the morning, what to see in first couple hours, what to see before lunch, the afternoon, and the evening, etc.

This info is based off of what you put into the system at the beginning. You can also add or remove rides/attractions/shows to fine tune your schedule. Then just print it out and you are all set.

Comparing the UOG and TGM. Both are very helpful, one is great to read while at the computer, the other is perfect for reading before bedtime, etc. Both are priced decently and I see no reason not to own both of them.

 

[DaveT1]

As a current TGM user, some of my opinions.
The good- The price is right, you get a money back guarantee, lots of info that actually means something, flexible sample tours and i can see where this info would make for a better trip. As has been said, armed with why he chooses things helps you if you decide to deviate.

The bad- I can agree with Tjkraz's points, it does lack a flow. The info is there and maybe it's how my brain is wired but it's like a hurricane came through a library just before you show up, the info is there you just need to find it. Some info doesn't get updated soon enough, like now i leave the 16th and the park EMH deviations and recommendations listed are Jan-March. And no it is not an "Automated" Planner. Lastly, something i didn't hear mentioned, your membership should last a year from sign up not just a month after your trip. Sign up a month before your trip and you won't have enough time to soak up all the info or follow up after in 2 months.

That being said, it is still worth it to me. The info is there and it's still easier to find it than pouring over every board and post for something that may or may not be relevant or true.

 

[Holly]

I used TGM for the first time last year, and I was very happy with the site. It was my first time vacationing at WDW during the busy summer season, and I wanted to make the best of our vacation. A few of the high points for me are:

1. The touring plans are excellent. We followed them closely and they worked well for us, we never waited long for attractions. The crowds and heat were intense while we were there, and I honestly feel TGM made the difference for us.
2. I had no problems with how the information is organized- I saved each article that was helpful to me as I read through them all for quick viewing later.
3. I had some technical problems with the message board (due to my own computer firewall), and TGM was very responsive and provided information to help me, even checking back to follow up with me to be sure that the issue was straightened out. The response showed that I was a valued client, which is important to me.

TGM gets two thumbs up from me.