Ever used TourGuideMike?

[kutchyone]

That was not my intention and I know that it is sometimes hard to “read” or hear the inflection in the written communication. I just thought that the person requesting the information should know that the opinion she was given was from someone with more then just a paid membership interest. I never said that she was related to TGM and I even said that she did send me a very nice message welcoming me to the June Vacation Club. I’m going to stop now before I get into any other trouble on this board. This is amazing to me!

She volunteers at the TGM site, why not point that out? You act as if there is something to hide.

 

[GrandmaBarb]

Thank you Mainebound and Always Quiet.
I try so hard to be friendly and helpful and I did become quite upset over the mis information that was posted.
I appreciate your posts. Again thank you.
And, Kutchyone. I apologize for my mistake. I just don't want people to form the wrong impression about myself and the TGM forum.
Just want to set the record straight.

 

[kutchyone]

I accept your apology. We’re done with this now aren’t we?

 

[Lawshark]

Lawshark, are you also a Vaction Club Host? Just wondering?

Ummmm...no.

I'm glad you and Grandma made up...but you do kinda seem overly interested in ferreting out any TGM "moles"...I went to WDW for the first time since 1986 last week, booked our trip 3 weeks before we left and with the help of the UG and TGM I was able to have a great time, avoid nearly every line in the parks and know how to get around.

I can't remember who it was who pointed out TGM's sample tours indicate "be here now" "be there now" also...which is certainly true. He's also got an article or two elsewhere detailing his philosohy of teaching his subscribers how the park works, where and when crowds build, why he does certain things, etc...so that subscribers could act as their OWN tour guide. I can only say that it worked REALLY well for me...I had a written itinerary...but we ended up deviating dramatically based on what our son wanted to do and what he didn't like. Knowing the how's and why's enabled me to revise on the go.

 

[2infinityandbeyond]

I misunderstood what the "end product" would be so be aware and note what disneydiz said, you will not get a detailed itinerary for your trip/needs.

You are correct. If you expect that you will pay your $20, answer a few questions and have your entire trip planned for you, then you will be let down.

If you would like to be provided with the knowledge and tools to plan your trip using information from someone who is in the parks daily and get the most out of your vacation, then TGM is for you. Can you get this information from other sources? Probably, but it would take a lot of time using multiple sources. It's all right there on TGM.

I get the impression that some people sign up then become disenfranchised (I really hate that word but couldn't think of a better one ) when they don't get their vacation plan thrown into their lap. It takes a little time and effort, but the reward of a great vacation is well worth it.

 

[loribell]

Has anyone ever used TourGuideMike? I'm going May 28 thru June 2 with a family group and since we've never been to WDW, we want to make the most out of our trip (without running commando-style through the park). We also may separate into 2 groups since some of us have young teens and others have small children. I want to know if tourguidemike is worth the money and time.

Hi Lisa! I just wanted to get your post back on topic. I too have subscribed to TMG. Did it after it was brought up on the DIS back at the first of January. Personally I consider myself very up on what happens at Disney. I love planning our trips and am constantly coming up with the "perfect plan"! LOL! Many times I have felt like I could write a guidebook myself.

I buy lots of guidebooks just because I want them to have something to keep me thinking of Disney. I do not need them at all. I will tell you though that I have found a lot of useful information on TGM's site. Part of it is stuff I had already learned to do, but it is not stuff that you see mentioned elsewhere. Part of it is stuff that had never occured to me.

Try it out. Give it some time but don't think that it will give you a step by step itinerary. It will give you suggestions on how to create what will work best for the different age groups you are going with. If you are not happy with it Mike will refuind your money. If you have trouble figuring out what to do just ask in TGM's forums and you will be helped.

If you need any further info let me know. I will help you in any way I can.

Lori

P.S. Every month has it's own forum leader. I am also vacationing in June so GrammaBarb is the forum leader of my forum. She is in that position because she is vacationing in June!

 

[kutchyone]

I think GrammaBarb and I have made our peace. All is good again, I hope.

 

[disneyeveryyear]

When we decided to go to WDW for Christmas, 2004, I knew that I would have to do something to help circumvent the crowds.

I decided that I would not buy yet another guidebook, but would subscribe to TGMiKE this time.

It is a decision I will never regret. I can honestly tell you that Mike helped us choose which park to attend on which day of the week, and in what order to do the rides.

We were not criss crossing back and forth. When we did get fastpasses, they were for the "land" we were in. I can only remember one time we had fastpasses for a different "land".

We never waited more than 10 minutes in any line all week.

If you are going at a busy time of year, I would certainly suggest TGM to anyone.

As a previous poster said, TGM will refund your money if you are not completely satisfied. You have nothing to lose.

 

[Lisa-K]

Wow!!! Did I start something here? I sure didn't mean to. GrandmaBarb, I meant no disrespect to you either. I just thought you sounded like a nice commercial for TGM. Thanks for the info.

 

[GrandmaBarb]

Gwarsh, as my "Goofy" daughter Jeri says. I guess I probably do sound like a commercial for TGM's AVP. I am not related to Mike nor do I work for him. (sure wish I was and did).
But, I just am really sold on the concept of his web-site in helping people plan a wonderful WCW vacation.
I have been traveling to WDW since the opening year of the MK. I thought I was a real pro on the parks etc. But, I have learned so much from Mike's advice that I didn't realize how much I did not know. Since he is in the parks constantly with his VIP tours, he knows the ins and outs of everything.
I know his web-site can be a little overwhelming at first, but if people simply follow his step by step plan without bouncing all around it will all come together.
And, yes I am a Disney fanatic and the vacation planner for our family.. I have taken all but two of my grandchildren and great-grandchildren to WDW (I won't take them until they are at least 6 years old) I am working now on my June trip, with two of my daughters (ages 55 and 56) and one of my great-granddaughters (age 13, going on 20),just awaiting the updates from Mike to finalize everything. I try to go once a year, sometimes I am extremely lucky and get to go twice a year. Last December my Goofy daughter took me for a four day surprise trip to see and do all the holiday specials. With Mike's updated info we were able to see and do everything just like we hoped.
And, yes, if this sounds like a commercial, sorry, it is just my personal feelings regarding TGM's AVP.

 

[SammieG]

TGM is amazing. We have made 12 2 -3 week trips to wdw since 97 - so, we have done most things - a lot..

We used TGM for the first time last year and he completely transformed our park touring. now we NEVER go to any park without consulting TGM first..

my DH says.. what does Mike say? And then we look it up and then we change our plans for the day to do what Mike says!!

 

[kutchyone]

It has been brought to my attention that GrammaBarb receives no benefits from doing her volunteer work as a host of the June 2005 Vacation club. I was also told that all the “hosts” paid for their membership just like everyone else. I was not “attacking” GrammaBarb but did want the original poster to know that it was possible that she had some type of business relationship with TGM although that in fact is not the case. I make no apology for my written statements but hope this clears the air.

I did not say that GrammaBarb was Mikes Grandmother or that she was related to him. The person who did say that has already apologized to GrammaBarb. I’m pretty sure that things are OK between GrammaBarb and me, at least I think I’m still in the “Club” (just joking, please don’t send nasty-grams to me).

As I said in earlier postings if you take the time to learn the TGM site and if you don’t expect a custom itinerary and touring plan you will most likely learn something that will be useful on your next trip. I also think that those who don’t do or who don’t enjoy doing tons of research will find his product beneficial. I am one of the “nuts” who enjoys research and planning almost as much, maybe even more then the trip itself. I look forward to getting information from the TGM site closer to my June trip date that will help with our trip. If at that time I think his product is GREAT I will post that on this site along with my own personal TGM affiliation disclaimer.

I am not paid, volunteer or am affiliated in any way with TGM…..my disclaimer! Maybe that’s all that is needed, posting what your affiliation, be it voluntary or not is with TGM, first thing in the message.

 

[PamPasH200]

I have subscribed to TGM for almost two years and for six trips to WDW. I have used all of the guide books, and have found good things in all of them, but the information in TGM surpasses the others. He is in the parks almost every day and adjusts for changes in times, EMHs, renovations, holidays, special events, weather, you name it, and then he posts so that all of us can change our plans to be most beneficial to us. The timliness is huge! Information about MYW tickets and evening EMH was posted within days of the announcement of their very existence. If circumstances change, he will revise planning schedules to reflect that and even PM everyone in the vacation club for major changes, like hurricanes and rain on Christmas Day.
He was also trained at Disney and knows much of the background necessary to be an efficient planner. He has his own VIP company, Michael's VIPs, and folks pay a good deal of money for his expertise. This is his job. He does it every day, and he is good.
I am a staunch supporter of his because the first time we used his program my formerly Disney hating husband had such a good time that HE suggested that we buy a DVC membership. The next trip we took, also using TGM, he enjoyed himself so much that he bought another one! Sadly, the next four trips didn't produce more memberships, but we're sure having a great time down south, and I can always hope! It's pretty easy to see why I like the program so much.

Pam

 

[Tiger Fan]

I subscribe to Mousesavers and have previously used TGM, but I can't find any info on discounts. Could someone PM me with the MS code, I'd like to get this ordered for our upcoming trip, which is in June so I guess I'll be hearing from GrandmaBarb !
Lisa
Tiger Fan

 

[Mainebound]

I subscribe to Mousesavers and have previously used TGM, but I can't find any info on discounts. Could someone PM me with the MS code, I'd like to get this ordered for our upcoming trip, which is in June so I guess I'll be hearing from GrandmaBarb !
Lisa
Tiger Fan

Mousesavers is no longer affiliated with or advertising for Tour Guide Mike.

However, there may be other discounts out there -- I think another poster mentioned finding one at mouseplanet.com?

 

[kutchyone]

I just joined recently and TGM did honor the discount code that I found on Mousesavers through a search.

You will be a June 2005 Vacation Club member too! We should ALL try to have a get together session while we are down there. That would be a blast wouldn’t it? Just to put a face and real name with the board handles would be GREAT!

 

[JohnNJ]

Mousesavers is no longer affiliated with or advertising for Tour Guide Mike.

However, there may be other discounts out there -- I think another poster mentioned finding one at mouseplanet.com?

Here is the link for the discount code from The Mouse For Less website:

http://www.themouseforless.com/membersavings/Benefits/TourGuideMIKE.shtml

 

[sydsdad]

Count me in too!!!!--

I'm NOT PAID by Tour Guide Mike--I'm just
a VERY satisfied user-

TGM is as much a philosophy, an understanding as it is a itinerary specific
service--

Though, you must spend a little time navigating, getting comfortable and putting the information together, since I subscribed I've gone at some of the busiest times possible and still felt as if WDW was my private playland-

I've said it before and I'll say it again----No matter how hard you try, a WDW trip is expensive! and it really boggles my mind to think that such a costly trip can be made or broken by such an inexpensive investment

His "philosophy" as well as the Dynamic nature of the site--the ability to update information on the fly is just "priceless" to me

So taking nothing away from these boards( which offer their own brand of good info) the Tour Guide Mike site when used properly is the single best
Disney planning tool you can get!!!!!

 

[jehma]

His "philosophy" as well as the Dynamic nature of the site--the ability to update information on the fly is just "priceless" to me

Since everything is so dynamic, don't you lose a lot by losing access when you leave home (assuming you don't have Internet access at WDW). How do you bring your info along with you?

 

[surfgirl]

no affiliation here... not paid by anyone (yep, no one, I'm a SAHM).

I WILL NEVER PLAN ANOTHER DISNEY VACATION WITHOUT USING TGM. (and my DH vehemently agrees)

Sorry to be yelling I've used TGM twice and while it may not provide minute by minute itineraries, it provides a great framework to avoid lines and crowds. I think my family got tired of me saying, "Well, according to Mike..." but my kids (3, 4 1/2) didn't complain as we *stared* at the crowds in line as we were leaving every day at 1pm. I also like that you get the rationale for things so you understand instead of just blindly being told them.

I also found the advice about AK great - zig when the crowds zag... As well as the advice about character meals.

I spend lots of time at the printer right before we left ... separated printouts by parks and then would pre-read and grab only the handful of pages I needed right then. Easy also to divide pile in half and share with spouse.

The up-do-date information was invaluable - first time for Thanksgiving b/c schedules were changed. Second time around Prez' Day for same reason.

Its a measly $20... don't buy a different guidebook. Well worth your money.