Is "Tour Guide Mike "a good investment?

[MrsJ Henry]

I have the passporter and like it very much. That being said... the 2005 one is not out yet. I have gotten better info on here than in the passporter but I like the pockets to hold everything in for the trip. I also like the maps they are great. For the other info it was not all that helpful. Some of the same info I have gotten on here.
Tourguide Mike was much more helpful as well as this site. If you are looking for a book I would check out the bookstore and see what fits your needs the best. That is what I did.
This site is really better than any guidebook I got but I also like having the book to sit and read and also to take with me. I have UG, passporter and birnbaums.

 

[zippehsmom]

Well, this is my second time renewing with TGM and I absolutely love his site. First, let me start off by staying that I have been researching WDW extensively since DH and I went on our honeymoon in 1998. I have always planned all of my trips at least a year in advance sometimes 2 years. I own 3 copies of the Unofficial Guide, every Birnbaum since 1997, 2 passporters and at least 6 other guide books to WDW and the Orlando area. I visit the DIS daily multiple times a day, mousesavers, Deb Will's site & mouseplanet. So, I can honestly say that I have researched with the best of them. With all that being said I will subscribe to TGM everytime we take a trip.

I have found information on his site that I have not found anywhere else. I figure for as much as I'm paying for these WDW vacations $18 is a drop in the bucket (you get a discount when renew within 60 days of your last trip). If you feel like you might be interested in TGM, give it a try. You do not get an individualized touring plan, but there are sample touring plans geared towards different groups. You are also given all of the background so that you can change and alter the plans to fit your families personal style.

Some people have found him great and others haven't, but I guess that's why we're individuals. I however, found him to be absolutely wonderful and will not do disney without him. He also has a site full of people who have tried his touring plans and love him, too.

zippehsmom

 

[disneyeveryyear]

I would think that a whirlwind trip in April, when it's busy, would be when you most need TGM.

I purchased TGM about 1 month before my Christmas, 2004 trip.

The one thing that was worth every penny was the advice on which park to go to on each day, and the touring plans for the busy days.

We followed TGM to the letter and never waited more than 10 minutes in line for any ride. This encompassed 6 park days, all 4 parks and the week leading up to and including Christmas.

I think it is worth twice the money (don't tell Mike I said that until I re-up for my November trip!).

 

[Kenswing]

I, like most people on this board, am a PLANNER! Also, like most people have bought just about every guidebook out there. This should be reason enough to subscribe to TGM. As of 1/2/05, all of our guidebooks are outdated! For the price of a guidebook, you can subscribe to TGM and get great hands on advice backed by experience that is updated in near real time. I look at it as an on line guidebook with intelligence.

 

[Madi100]

I, like most people on this board, am a PLANNER! Also, like most people have bought just about every guidebook out there. This should be reason enough to subscribe to TGM. As of 1/2/05, all of our guidebooks are outdated! For the price of a guidebook, you can subscribe to TGM and get great hands on advice backed by experience that is updated in near real time. I look at it as an on line guidebook with intelligence.

That is a good point. I don't buy guide books, usually. If I do, I like the one that Walt Disney puts out because I like the pictures. Otherwise, I like being able to discuss things. I guess that Tour Guide Mike now has a discussion board.

 

[Kenswing]

I guess that Tour Guide Mike now has a discussion board.

Yes, there is a discussion board, and Mike monitors it, often replying to posts.

 

[MrsJ Henry]

Yes the message board on his site is very nice. You can also sign up for your month and have a separate area to post just for people going your month. Nice touch.
I do like that he is on the boards all the time and writing and answering questions.

 

[mommybear318]

I wish this thread had been up 2 weeks ago, when I subscribed. So far, I haven't found anything new that I hadn't already learned from either this site or the Unofficial Guide. He does have a message board specifically for the month that you are going in which he will list updates, I think Park hours etc. This might be helpful.

 

[DisneyMama629]

I wish this thread had been up 2 weeks ago, when I subscribed. So far, I haven't found anything new that I hadn't already learned from either this site or the Unofficial Guide. He does have a message board specifically for the month that you are going in which he will list updates, I think Park hours etc. This might be helpful.

If your not satisfied, I'm sure Mike would give you a refund. Just e-mail him.

 

[kutchyone]

Well, this is my second time renewing with TGM and I absolutely love his site. First, let me start off by staying that I have been researching WDW extensively since DH and I went on our honeymoon in 1998. I have always planned all of my trips at least a year in advance sometimes 2 years. I own 3 copies of the Unofficial Guide, every Birnbaum since 1997, 2 passporters and at least 6 other guide books to WDW and the Orlando area. I visit the DIS daily multiple times a day, mousesavers, Deb Will's site & mouseplanet. So, I can honestly say that I have researched with the best of them. With all that being said I will subscribe to TGM everytime we take a trip.

You were the one post that reminded me of myself. I am the go to person at work for DW tips and they search me out for my opinions on their plans. I really enjoy the planning almost as much as the trip. I think you may have convinced me to check out Tour Guide Mike. Thank you.

 

[MinnieM21]

You've got me sold. I'm definately getting Tour Guide Mike!