Have you tried tourguide mike's plans

[Brian Noble]

hobby (noun): A passtime that expands to consume all available money and time.

 

[puddleduck]

hobby (noun): A passtime that expands to consume all available money and time.

If this doesn't qualify, then what does?

 

[Luvmic49]

O.K. you guys. Now that I am sold on tour guide Mike's plan, when do I join?We are planning a trip next Easter (April 16) so should we join now are wait until we are closer to Easter?
Thanks everyone!!!

 

[Atotty]

Go ahead and join now. There's ton of info and you'll have plenty of time to go through it. Sign up at tourguidemike.com unless you're a mouseforless member. If you're a mouseforless member go here http://mouseforless.com/membersavings/Benefits/TourGuideMIKE.shtml My testimonial is there from using his service for our first trip and there's a $3 off discount code.

Have fun!!

 

[elaine and the boys]

I just signed on with TGM two days ago for our Christmas week trip, knowing that the World would be a zoo during that week. We vacationed in DW during winter break two years in a row, so we at least have some large crowd experience. We are early risers and early park goers, so TGM's plans and my family will mesh just fine. I am a bit concerned, though, about EMH hours changing, and other changes that might affect Mike's recommendations as to which park is best for which day. That being said, this would have an adverse effect on any ADRs I would normally be making up to 90 days in advance of our trip, knowing how busy it will be during Christmas week. TGM's plans for the holiday week are definitely different from his usual park touring plans. I'm trying to use his plans from last Christmas week to start planning this year's trip. I'm not sure how far in advance his plans for this Christmas will be available. Don't get me wrong....his tried and true ideas seem great...but I'm concerned about last minute changes. I know, i know.....I'm creating a lot of extra drama, but when a vacation costs this much money, well, it's a big deal!!

 

[Disneydreamer315]

LOL -- I guess you have not had chance to read the trip reports on his board about returning guests from over Christmas last year.

They were so great, I am very tempted to go during Christmas of this year! (But now, with the great dining discount and cheap flights, I am thinking I am going to brave huricane season instead).

Disney dreaming.....

 

[Atotty]

I am a bit concerned, though, about EMH hours changing, and other changes that might affect Mike's recommendations as to which park is best for which day.

In the past, he has published special info just for that time that includes all of those changes that effect which day for which park. Unfortunately, I don't know if it's usually ready at your 90 day ADR mark since the hours aren't released til after that.

 

[jjan]

Can anyone very familiar with TGM site tell me something... if we always take a first week of August trip every year and since you only get access to the site for so long after your trip, are his plans so specific that I couldn't just sign up now for next years trip and all the info would be great for this August's trip or do you really need to do it on a trip by trip basis. Does that make sense?

 

[Atotty]

Can anyone very familiar with TGM site tell me something... if we always take a first week of August trip every year and since you only get access to the site for so long after your trip, are his plans so specific that I couldn't just sign up now for next years trip and all the info would be great for this August's trip or do you really need to do it on a trip by trip basis. Does that make sense?

We went in May 2003 and then again in May 2004. If Disney would just quit changing its policies (like that will happen ) you could use the same info. But you never know what Disney is going to do. Right before our 2004 trip, Disney started the night EMH hours testing...which meant I needed the new info from TGM.

There's a special discount for people who renew...you email Mike and he sends you a code.

 

[elaine and the boys]

Apparently, TourGuideMike's policy is that you sign up at any time before your vacation and your subscription to his website is valid until 60 days after said vacation. So, if you were going back within two months of your first vacation, I suppose you could get planning tips for both!

 

[shaycamp21]

It sounds like there is a lot of info to get through. (I am also a Disney addict..though this is our first trip to WDW (been to Disneyland MANY times)... already planning the second...Dh also thinks I am nuts...how do I sell him on the virtues of Mike's plan after we've already spent so much $$$). We leave Aug 21-30 is there enough time to go through Mike's plans throughly ??? I'm on the boards daily and have read the guide and Foders Disney with Kids.

 

[NCombs]

Dh also thinks I am nuts...how do I sell him on the virtues of Mike's plan after we've already spent so much $$$). .

I think your answer is in your question. Sell him on the virtue of TGM because you have already spent so many $$$ on the vacation- $21 is a small price to pay to maximize the $$$ you have already spent. I am spending lots and lots of money on my vacation so I'm willing to make a pennies on the dollar investment to help make sure that vacation is the best ever.

 

[poohluvr]

I just can't say enough good things about it! It's DEFINATELY worth the money. We didn't stick to my plans completely and we still made out great. Even if you don't stick to the touring plans, the tips he gives you are alone worth the money. There are alot of tips on there that you just can't find anywhere else. It was out first trip to Disney and I'll use TGM for all our future trips.

 

[vatmark]

I have been searching through Mikes site everyday since I signed up and have been on all day everyday. I'm slowly learning how he goes about things and it is almost opposite of what I would have done. Especially with the Extra magic hours. I think the $18 is well worth it with all the tips and info he gives you. I'm trying to come up with an itinerary day by day.

I don't even think I need those guide books but i think I will buy one "The Passporter" others have spoken about for the maps.

Annie

 

[kizmac]

I have been searching through Mikes site everyday since I signed up and have been on all day everyday. I'm slowly learning how he goes about things and it is almost opposite of what I would have done. Especially with the Extra magic hours. I think the $18 is well worth it with all the tips and info he gives you. I'm trying to come up with an itinerary day by day.

I don't even think I need those guide books but i think I will buy one "The Passporter" others have spoken about for the maps.

Annie

I agree that TGM is probably all you need, but the Passporter has cool pocket folders for everyday of your trip!
Even get a cute little pen! You can record comments of the day, keep reciepts...etc. Get the Deluxe so you can take out your pocket for the day and have it with you at the park if you need it. Then for your next trip you only have to buy refills for the Deluxe.

 

[vatmark]

Hi kizmac...Thanks for the info on the Deluxe Passporter. That sounds like just what I need. Does it have park maps?

Annie

 

[DoomBuggyBabe]

The Passporter -- regular or deluxe -- has lovely full-color maps of all four WDW parks. It's a really thorough guide. We've made good use of it over the last couple of years. You should be able to find it at your local Borders or Barnes&Noble.
Good luck,
Q

 

[kizmac]

The Passporter -- regular or deluxe -- has lovely full-color maps of all four WDW parks. It's a really thorough guide. We've made good use of it over the last couple of years. You should be able to find it at your local Borders or Barnes&Noble.
Good luck,
Q

I ordered mine directly from www.passporter.com and it came in like 3 days. Yes, the park maps are really nice! I also saw someone mention getting one at Walmart so you may have a look. I didn't see one when I was at Barnes & Noble, but maybe they were out of them.

 

[Disneydreamer315]

The nicest thing about passporter maps are they give you walking distance times, so if you are not familiar with the parks, it gives you a great idea about size and distance. For someone who has not gone to Disney, I think they are essential. And, for those of us who have been more than a few times, those walking distances are still so handy to have. I love the passporter maps!

The also have great hotel maps/layouts too. It really helps you make room requests I think. I like their hotel section, its very good. And, I love those passpockets too. Does anyone know off hand when the new passporter book will be out? I would not buy the last edition because all the info is incorrect on tickets and EMH schedules and such.

TIA

 

[PKS44]

Another two thumbs up for Mike! We went August 2004--three words-best vacation ever! My colleague at work went over Xmas 2004 using TGM per my advice---had a great time did everything with breaks in the day, etc...raved about it. I too worry what might happen if everyone starts using his plans...but for now I would say Mike's T-shirt slogans like "Long lines? What lines?" and "because vacations are too short to wait in long lines...: are pretty true.