First Trip. Need tour guide mike?

[alexis123]

My first trip to wdw is coming up and i am having a hard time deciding ethier getting the 2008 passporter book or the tour guide mike. I don't know much about tour guide mike except for that its on the computer, i think thats correct. Can people fill me in on tour guide mike? tell me why you have it and like it. i don't know if its necessary for my family, its just mom, dad and me (teenager), and we don't do ADRs, saving money here. Also we are staying outside the parks. ok, thanks

 

[hmch07]

I like TGM. I like his which day, which park info. He has very detailed info on the rides and when to get there, where to sit, special details. I like the forums. There is a special forum for the month you would be going. The people on the forum tend to not be so judgemental. They just answer your ? if they can. If you are super planner, you will find vey usefull info.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

I think that touring plans are only necessary if you are going at a busy time. We go in Sept every year. The plan would be a waste for us since the crowds are low and we don't get stuck in a lot of lines.

 

[Kim1964]

I had the Passporter and TGM for our trip in August. I like them both, but if I was only going to get one, it would be TGM. I renewed for our next trip, but I won't be buying a new Passporter.

Mike's advice was great and the forums were very helpful.

 

[jennynoel]

For a first trip, I highly recommend the Unofficial Guide. It's comprehensive, honest and while it has a lot of information, it's not so much as to be overwhelming. I planned my first WDW trip in September just using the UG and Disboards.

The Passporter is great, but not as comprehensive (in my opinion) as the UG.

I'm using TourGuideMike right now for the first time, and while he has great tips, I find the format and the amount of information overwhelming and the site a bit hard to navigate (and I'm a Web professional!)

IF you are going in a really crowded time (Spring Break, Summer, Christmas) I would highly recommend TGM. Otherwise I'd stick to the UG and Disboards.

 

[OceanAnnie]

I had the Passporter and TGM for our trip in August. I like them both, but if I was only going to get one, it would be TGM. I renewed for our next trip, but I won't be buying a new Passporter.

Mike's advice was great and the forums were very helpful.

I like both too, for different reasons. I would do both again. I like the Passporter for the organization, reviews, and information. I especially like that it has folders and places to jot down reservation numbers and notes. Very handy. I like Tour Guide Mike for the information and forums. The information is easily accessed with both. I like being able to find what I need quickly.

 

[FoggyToad]

For a first trip, I highly recommend the Unofficial Guide. It's comprehensive, honest and while it has a lot of information, it's not so much as to be overwhelming. I planned my first WDW trip in September just using the UG and Disboards.

The Passporter is great, but not as comprehensive (in my opinion) as the UG.

I'm using TourGuideMike right now for the first time, and while he has great tips, I find the format and the amount of information overwhelming and the site a bit hard to navigate (and I'm a Web professional!)

IF you are going in a really crowded time (Spring Break, Summer, Christmas) I would highly recommend TGM. Otherwise I'd stick to the UG and Disboards.

I totally agree with everything Jennynoel had to say regarding the UG, Disboards, and TGM.

 

[deekaypee]

For a first trip, I highly recommend the Unofficial Guide. It's comprehensive, honest and while it has a lot of information, it's not so much as to be overwhelming. I planned my first WDW trip in September just using the UG and Disboards.

The Passporter is great, but not as comprehensive (in my opinion) as the UG.

I'm using TourGuideMike right now for the first time, and while he has great tips, I find the format and the amount of information overwhelming and the site a bit hard to navigate (and I'm a Web professional!)

IF you are going in a really crowded time (Spring Break, Summer, Christmas) I would highly recommend TGM. Otherwise I'd stick to the UG and Disboards.

I agree with the above. While I like TGM, and have a subscription myself, I also use UG (information junkie). I think you'll be able to get what you need from the DIS and UG. Plus, you have the option to check UG out at a bookstore or a library before you buy.

Plus, my first trip was with UG (before TGM existed) and I find its information to be well-organized. I moved to TGM because I became interested in the details, the whys of recommendations (though, to be fair, UG includes some of this too).

 

[fakereadhed]

Since you asked...

1)I firmly believe every WDW guest should have at least one Passporter. Whether you choose to get the updated one or not, you will use it for a reference often. I can't count the number of times I thought I was through with it and then looked up a question I had. It's also great for storing all of your documents in one handy place.

2)I think it's crazy to spend $ going to WDW without a touring plan. Especially in these days of ADR's you have to plan so far in advance. Time is money, and if you wander around aimlessly your feet will hurt and you won't see as much for your money. TGM is very helpful for a first timer. Yes it's a lot of info, but it's a lot of very helpful info. His least crowded park charts themselves with be worth it. They are right on.

(Click thru the ad at the top the Theme Park board for a discount if you decide on TGM.)

 

[OceanAnnie]

Since you asked...

1)I firmly believe every WDW guest should have at least one Passporter. Whether you choose to get the updated one or not, you will use it for a reference often. I can't count the number of times I thought I was through with it and then looked up a question I had. It's also great for storing all of your documents in one handy place.

2)I think it's crazy to spend $ going to WDW without a touring plan. Especially in these days of ADR's you have to plan so far in advance. Time is money, and if you wander around aimlessly your feet will hurt and you won't see as much for your money. TGM is very helpful for a first timer. Yes it's a lot of info, but it's a lot of very helpful info. His least crowded park charts themselves with be worth it. They are right on.

(Click thru the ad at the top the Theme Park board for a discount if you decide on TGM.)

ITA! I'm not a first timer by any means and I find the Passporter and Tour Guide Mike very useful. I've found out things I didn't know. I'd use them both again in a heartbeat! I also reference the DIS and other websites.

No real right or wrong to it. Just different strokes for different folks.

 

[Dana49]

After visiting WDW for almost 30 years, I still like the Unofficial Guide. Granted I only buy it every couple of years, but I still find it to be quite informative. TGM is very good, but unless you know what you're doing, it can be difficult maneuvering through the site. Personally, I think that these boards and the UG is really all that you'll need.

 

[wmom88]

For the price and for a first timer, I did find TGM helpful, but hard to navigate. It was helpful in planning what rides/attractions to go on first and what days are best to go to the parks.

I found allears very helpful, as well as this site too!