Is Tour Guide Mike worthwhile?

[WDWBetsy]

I do think that TGM 'banks' (no pun intended!) on the fact that people like me won't bother to complain and ask for a refund. It's not my style - I got sucked in and learned a lesson - end of story, but I did buy it thinking it was something it wasn't. The marketing is slick and I also didn't like the 'cutesy' way it's written. JMHO...

I just don't understand why those who are not happy with TGM do not send a simple email to get their money back? I think it's wonderful that a site like TGM offers you this guarantee. There are a lot of online subscription sites that do not.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Bonnie40]

Tracy51 - thanks for your post!

There does seem to be a disconnect from what people 'think' they are buying, and what they actually get. That's where my issue with the TGM marketing comes in to play. Somehow, people are being misguided into thinking it's something it's not. It certainly is best suited 6 months to a year out from your vacation if you're considering it at all!

 

[mermaidwannabe]

mermaidwannabe...if you're leaving in 5 days, I wouldn't recommend buying it. I purchased it probably 2 weeks out from my trip and was frustrated because you have to do so much reading and I didn't feel like I had the time to do it. Sounds like you're organized and I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time!

Thanks Bonnie40! I do have everything organized as best as I could. I have which rides at each of the parks, PSs, break times, etc. I just didn't know if there was a strategy out there that would lessen the wait times (besides the FP).

 

[WDWBetsy]

Tracy51 - thanks for your post!

There does seem to be a disconnect from what people 'think' they are buying, and what they actually get. That's where my issue with the TGM marketing comes in to play. Somehow, people are being misguided into thinking it's something it's not. It certainly is best suited 6 months to a year out from your vacation if you're considering it at all!

If you click on the Learn More button, then Any Questions, click FAQ button - before buying - it clearly states what you get, and what you don't.

You can't be misguided if you read the information.

 

[DisFlan]

What bothers me about joining TGM is that we ALREADY knew about 98% of his "secrets" and that by joining, I may not be able to discuss things with people here on the Disboards. Things that I had never given a thought about replying to or helping someone else with.

We've been going to WDW since 1977 and we've learned about the parks and resorts as they've been added. (We were never overwhelmed by the whole enchilada at one time.) My son and our DIL were both park CM's in the WDW College Program and they still have friends working at WDW. We're DVC owners and my DH is a rabid golfer. We know a lot. But I'm always open to knew things.

I joined TGM hoping to learn a little more. I've learned one thing - where one of the "secret trails" is. I already knew about the other one. (I should have just asked my son.) But I keep hoping to find a nugget.

For us, the true magic of WDW was discovering many of these "secrets" for ourselves! It wouldn't have been nearly as much fun if we'd gone pre-armed with a lot of 3x5 cards full of info, hints and schedules. Over the years we've watched the magic unfold before us as the Ah-Ha! factor grew. I have to wonder if the experience is as full for the over-organized people who try to get as much into a few days as possible. The sad thing is, they won't KNOW there's any other way to enjoy WDW. It's pretty much impossible to schedule "Feel the Magic - 10:42 AM" on a card.

I can see where TGM might be good for newbies or few-timers, and even some vets. But it just doesn't do much for us.

I'm sure Mike is a very nice, sincere, hard-working guy who's trying to run a business. But his guru-like status with some (not all!) of his subscribers is somewhat of a distraction. I guess that's only to be expected - that a few people will hang on his every word and not make a move without him. Ah, well. Different strokes, etc.

DisFlan

 

[mermaidwannabe]

What bothers me about joining TGM is that we ALREADY knew about 98% of his "secrets" and that by joining, I may not be able to discuss things with people here on the Disboards. Things that I had never given a thought about replying to or helping someone else with.

We've been going to WDW since 1977 and we've learned about the parks and resorts as they've been added. (We were never overwhelmed by the whole enchilada at one time.) My son and our DIL were both park CM's in the WDW College Program and they still have friends working at WDW. We're DVC owners and my DH is a rabid golfer. We know a lot. But I'm always open to knew things.

I joined TGM hoping to learn a little more. I've learned one thing - where one of the "secret trails" is. I already knew about the other one. (I should have just asked my son.) But I keep hoping to find a nugget.

For us, the true magic of WDW was discovering many of these "secrets" for ourselves! It wouldn't have been nearly as much fun if we'd gone pre-armed with a lot of 3x5 cards full of info, hints and schedules. Over the years we've watched the magic unfold before us as the Ah-Ha! factor grew. I have to wonder if the experience is as full for the over-organized people who try to get as much into a few days as possible. The sad thing is, they won't KNOW there's any other way to enjoy WDW. It's pretty much impossible to schedule "Feel the Magic - 10:42 AM" on a card.

I can see where TGM might be good for newbies or few-timers, and even some vets. But it just doesn't do much for us.

I'm sure Mike is a very nice, sincere, hard-working guy who's trying to run a business. But his guru-like status with some (not all!) of his subscribers is somewhat of a distraction. I guess that's only to be expected - that a few people will hang on his every word and not make a move without him. Ah, well. Different strokes, etc.

DisFlan

I know...I was thinking the same thing. Do I want to just go with what I have and let our first time be full of wonder, or be able to go on more rides but be tied to a schedule? I don't want to be thinking "Oh, we shouldn't go on this ride before noon". I don't know. I'm sure TGM is great especially the part about being in line for a shorter time than average, but I think I'm just all planned out at this point. I've done all I can do, and now I'll just wait for Sunday. Maybe next time we will subscribe. I'll just see how it goes this trip. Truthfully, all I'm thinking about is being with my family for 2 weeks straight (a week at the coast after DW). Yes, it's going to be crowded. Yes, we will be waiting in lines, but I don't care. Thanks for everyone's replies.

 

[Grammy]

I would agree also that there is not a lot of animosity between TGM subscribers and DIS board users, largely b/c I think a large percentage of TGM subscribers ARE DIS board users as well. I believe Mike himself may have had some personal experiences with wishing to be a DIS sponsor and the result of those discussions left him feeling frustrated. I don't think that he "slams" all DIS board users as a result though.

He is genuinely very helpful. I don't know of any other similar site where the expert involved will personally answer questions if need be.

In my most humble of opinions, TGM offers a great planning tool. Much more than just a "least crowded park days" and sample touring plan. He has lots of great advice on best viewing locations for everything from Wishes to the shows, to the AKL safari. Is it perfect for everyone, no. But nothing is perfect for everyone. Not the UOG, not the DIS board; nothing. What is out of hand, on both side, is that what should be a discussion on the merits of a serive has deteriorated in to a sort of petty name calling and finger pointing.

 

[tracy51]

We've been going to WDW since 1977 and we've learned about the parks and resorts as they've been added. (We were never overwhelmed by the whole enchilada at one time.) My son and our DIL were both park CM's in the WDW College Program and they still have friends working at WDW. We're DVC owners and my DH is a rabid golfer. We know a lot. But I'm always open to knew things.

How could there be anything you don't know?

I can definately understand why TGM wasn't a help for you. And can understand why you're frustrated now about helping others. That really is a shame.

Yep, I'm gonna be one of the people armed with my little 4 x 6 cards with touring plan, hints, etc. Do I think I'm gonna miss the 'magic'? Nope! Why? Because all the info for me is just a guide. I'm one of those people that will go - "I know I read something really cool about this. Now what the heck was it?" and then spend the rest of the day mulling it over. That's why I want the tidbits of info. Aslo, my group is very indecisive. If I don't have some suggestions we'll spend half our day in the middle of Main St. going "Where do you want to head? No, where do YOU want to head? No honey, where ever you want to go is fine. No, sweetheart, let's do what you want" Trust me, its not a pretty sight.

Personally, I think whether or not a touring plan is commando is your approach to it. If you follow any plan as if it were the only way to do things then it will be commando. You can take any touring plan, UG, TGM or whatever and use it as a 'guide' and be very relaxed about it. I know I'll spend hours just watching the magic of small children discovering the characters and all the magic there. I know even though my daughter will be 11 that she'll love exploring Tom Sawyer island like I did at her age. There's magic in things that others won't see. Even though I'm going to be armed with all my cards, hehe, I'm not going to keep from enjoying that. Again, I really think its all in your attitude and approach to the information you gather to plan your trip.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I think I will jump in here, before this thread gets closed!!!!

About the so called 'animosity' between TGM and the DIS... I see it as kind of one-sided.

You have TONS of threads here on the DIS with the same premise: "Should I try TourGuideMike". With a couple of outspoken people who have not found TGM to their personal liking (the definate minority) coming out and typing scathing posts after posts after posts....

On the other hand... I very highly doubt that you have paying subscribers on TGM posting with the premise "Should I try the DIS?"

I would venture to say that on TGM they are seeing these highly vocal negative nay-sayers, and the very obvious violations of the TGM confidentiality agreement, and are maybe making a comment or two, like... OMG, what the heck is going on over at the DIS....

I very highly doubt that you would find one single thread over there like these recent DIS threads!!!!

Also, TGM most likely gets business from recommendations here on the DIS!!! I have not seen where he would have any problem with the DIS at all...... Just the isolated cases where it is like somebody is very openly violating their confidentiality agreement, or rabidly posting negative, attack, tirades against him... Like he is some kind of criminal or somehing????

Like I said before people...
Take a deap breath....
and GIVE IT UP!!!!!

 

[HockeyChick]

If you click on the Learn More button, then Any Questions, click FAQ button - before buying - it clearly states what you get, and what you don't.

You can't be misguided if you read the information.

I agree it's hard to see how folks are being misled. I had absolutely no misconceptions about what I was getting. I took the little "tour" in the learn more section, I believe, and I felt it was very clearly stated that you weren't getting a customized touring plan but rather a list of suggested activites and articles to help you plan your trip with expert advice. Whether you care to believe it's all material you can't get anywhere else is up to you. That's the same with any product. Is Tide really better than Cheer as their commercials claim? Who knows? You have to try it and find out. And with the money back guarantee it's really no harm no foul, right? That's more than I get from many guidebooks that are often not original material, either.

I'll go on record as someone who has been a bit critical of TGM on the forum there and I was not "reprimanded" in any way. And, though posts here are sometimes discussed at the TGM forums (often well-meaning and to illicit help for a TGM cutomer who isn't getting what they want out of it), I haven't seen Mike actually initiate the discussion in my time there, as was implied above. That is not to say it doesn't sometimes deteriorate into a discussion of why some disgruntled customers are disgruntled, but I don't think that is initiated by Mike himself.

Funny how this thread has sorta shifted. I didn't initially post here to defend TGM but to comment on what I saw as a pile-on on the dissenters. Now I think it's shifted the other direction a bit, lol.

 

[Pedler]

We've been going to WDW since 1977 and we've learned about the parks and resorts as they've been added. (We were never overwhelmed by the whole enchilada at one time.) My son and our DIL were both park CM's in the WDW College Program and they still have friends working at WDW. We're DVC owners and my DH is a rabid golfer. We know a lot. But I'm always open to knew things.

...

For us, the true magic of WDW was discovering many of these "secrets" for ourselves! It wouldn't have been nearly as much fun if we'd gone pre-armed with a lot of 3x5 cards full of info, hints and schedules. Over the years we've watched the magic unfold before us as the Ah-Ha! factor grew. I have to wonder if the experience is as full for the over-organized people who try to get as much into a few days as possible. The sad thing is, they won't KNOW there's any other way to enjoy WDW. It's pretty much impossible to schedule "Feel the Magic - 10:42 AM" on a card.

I can see where TGM might be good for newbies or few-timers, and even some vets. But it just doesn't do much for us.
DisFlan

This is what I have been saying. That TGM is not for everyone. But one thing I do think that some of the more seasoned WDW vets at DIS loose sight of is that there are people that TGM is a very good fit for.

Some people may only go to WDW once with thier children and may only go for a few days. To some people the money required to go to WDW, even if you do it as least costly as possible, may be a large sum. They will have a different objective when it comes to vacation.

I have seen both sides. Growing up during the 70's and mid 80's my family went to WDW on average at least a year. We had family nearby. It got to the point where I could navigate the parks blindfolded. I also have to admit I got bored by it as well. That explains why its been 10+ years since my last visit.

Because its been awhile and so much as changed TGM has been a good help for us as well as UOG. We only plan on doing this and one other trip with the kids before they are adults so having as much advance information as possible helps with our style of vacation.

I realize that TGM is not for everyone but it does work well for us.

 

[Dementia]

How could there be anything you don't know?

I can definately understand why TGM wasn't a help for you. And can understand why you're frustrated now about helping others. That really is a shame.

Yep, I'm gonna be one of the people armed with my little 4 x 6 cards with touring plan, hints, etc. Do I think I'm gonna miss the 'magic'? Nope! Why? Because all the info for me is just a guide. I'm one of those people that will go - "I know I read something really cool about this. Now what the heck was it?" and then spend the rest of the day mulling it over. That's why I want the tidbits of info. Aslo, my group is very indecisive. If I don't have some suggestions we'll spend half our day in the middle of Main St. going "Where do you want to head? No, where do YOU want to head? No honey, where ever you want to go is fine. No, sweetheart, let's do what you want" Trust me, its not a pretty sight.

Personally, I think whether or not a touring plan is commando is your approach to it. If you follow any plan as if it were the only way to do things then it will be commando. You can take any touring plan, UG, TGM or whatever and use it as a 'guide' and be very relaxed about it. I know I'll spend hours just watching the magic of small children discovering the characters and all the magic there. I know even though my daughter will be 11 that she'll love exploring Tom Sawyer island like I did at her age. There's magic in things that others won't see. Even though I'm going to be armed with all my cards, hehe, I'm not going to keep from enjoying that. Again, I really think its all in your attitude and approach to the information you gather to plan your trip.

You know, I have to agree with this. I've been slammed in numerous places for doing "commando". Because I plan out our days. I also am going with a large group, and they have put themselves in my hands. Some haven't been to WDW in 10 years, some have been only once. I only have 3 days so I want to maximize that experience, and there are certain shows we want to see. I doubt we'll get back to WDW for a couple of years so I don't see what is wrong with wanting to make the most of the time we have. With all the info I have found, I refrain from posting itins or the most part because my itins have basic times on them, and the first thing everyone tells me is to "relax". I AM relaxed, and will EASILY "feel the magic". Believe me, I'm a BIG kid when I'm there. But I'm glad you spoke up, but those of us who DO like to plan sometimes get sideswiped by the aforementioned.

I know this wasn't about TGM (which I am still trying to decide on, so I'm watching the threads), but I want to thank you for putting it so eloquently

 

[Mainebound]

What bothers me about joining TGM is that we ALREADY knew about 98% of his "secrets" and that by joining, I may not be able to discuss things with people here on the Disboards. Things that I had never given a thought about replying to or helping someone else with.

isFlan

I TOTALLY agree with this. One of Mike's "tips", which he claims his Grandmother invented (!!!), was "Arrive early at the parks".

 

[Pedler]

Aslo, my group is very indecisive. If I don't have some suggestions we'll spend half our day in the middle of Main St. going "Where do you want to head? No, where do YOU want to head? No honey, where ever you want to go is fine. No, sweetheart, let's do what you want" Trust me, its not a pretty sight.

Wow, channelling the spirit of my family. I have a theory that the amount of time spent on Main Street having that conversation increases exponentially based on the number people in the group.

Personally, I think whether or not a touring plan is commando is your approach to it. If you follow any plan as if it were the only way to do things then it will be commando. You can take any touring plan, UG, TGM or whatever and use it as a 'guide' and be very relaxed about it. I know I'll spend hours just watching the magic of small children discovering the characters and all the magic there. I know even though my daughter will be 11 that she'll love exploring Tom Sawyer island like I did at her age. There's magic in things that others won't see. Even though I'm going to be armed with all my cards, hehe, I'm not going to keep from enjoying that. Again, I really think its all in your attitude and approach to the information you gather to plan your trip.

I like to call it informed wandering. Ha ha!

 

[HenDuck]

It's interesting how some topics spur such heated debate.

I would say many of the criticisms lodged at TGM could also be lodged at the UG. You're bound to come across info that you've seen before and the touring plans are bound NOT to fit your situation or vacationing style perfectly. I have the UG and I plan to sign up for TGM once my trip is officially scheduled. I don't expect anything to suit my family to a "T", because, well, they're a motley crew. But I do hope to see some good articles and advice for those of us who haven't been to WDW in 6 years (OMG! )

I would also say that, although I LOVE DIS, it too can be hard to navigate and difficult to find the information you want, if you're just looking for specific info and not just surfing. (Especially when the search feature is down...)

It's not set up like ALLEARS, which is easier to navigate for a specific topic.

But to me, each has its good points and I have found valuable information at each site.

I look forward to seeing what TGM has to say about grad nights, mother's day, and the flower and garden festival as these are the events we are likely to encounter.

PEACE to everyone!

 

[WDWBetsy]

I TOTALLY agree with this. One of Mike's "tips", which he claims his Grandmother invented (!!!), was "Arrive early at the parks".

Again, if you don't like the site - request your money back. I really don't think it's necessary for people to keep dissecting TGM's site as a way to discredit its value to many subscribers. Some of this is really becoming mean spirited.

Let's not forget that many people do need to see basic, common sense tips to know how to best tour the parks. Just because you are a WDW veteran doesn't mean that others wouldn't find the information to be useful.

 

[ChairborneRangr]

As you can see I am a fairly frequent poster on the DIS (not in the thousands, but still...)

I enjoy it very much

I have also been a TGM member for about a year

People... there is room for both. I recently posted a poll over there about where various memebers heard of TGM. I don't think I am violating any agreement here since it was my poll that gathered the data:

How did you first find out about Tour Guide Mike?



Online Search 8% (10)

The DIS boards forums 38% (46)

Mousesavers site or Newsletter 34% (41)

Mouse 4 Less 10% (12)

Other online discussion forum (please specify in post) 1% (2)

Other online website (please specify in post) 0% (1)

word of mouth/personal referral 5% (7)



Total Votes : 119

As you can see, a bunch of the respondents came from here. I know I have regular PMs, chats, and threads with people on BOTH.

Here is what I know... Even though I do not have the park experience of some I have kept up with Disney since I was a little kid. I personally found the TGM information to be helpful. I, like others, got tired of the writing style and found some things confusing, or hard to find.

Wanna know what I did? I sent PMs to Mike. Wanna know what he did? He sent very polite and informative responses back. He and I have communicated a bunch this past year, even giving members of the group I am leading in June a special price so that they could have their own membership and could renew after they get back. Everyone (that is 100%) of the people I have refered have found his site helpful. That includes multiple families with disabled kids.

My opinion is TGM CAN be helpful for you even if you are only 2 weeks out, but it is not necessarily so. TGM may just not fit you. So be it. If you do go there with a short timeline, I suggest you 1) post in the itinerary forum letting people know your short timeline 2) check out your vacation club for the month you will be there 3) read any survival guides that are appropriate and 4) IF you have stuff that is confusing or hard to find, send a PM. Send one to me if you'd like. I'd be happy to help. userid there NLC_Stephen.

If you will notice my signature I like to help newbies. I truely enjoy helping them "discover the world." For the new Disney goer I will always recommend TGM. For the well seasoned commando, "don't fix what aint broke" I'd still advocate giving it a try, but if you do not find it helpful, be one of the 0.002% of his subscribers that ask for a refund. You will get it, no questions asked.

I have found getting specific advice from Mike on customizing my group itinerary and custom advice on how to handle large groups VERY valuable.

I am definately in the "Why can't we all get along" camp...

 

[Mainebound]

Again, if you don't like the site - request your money back. I really don't think it's necessary for people to keep dissecting TGM's site as a way to discredit its value to many subscribers. Some of this is really becoming mean spirited.

QUOTE]

I have said that I do like it overall. I have paid twice for it. And I never tell people not to buy it, or that it is a rip off or waste. Never. You can do a search for my posts and find that I have never once said I regretted my purchases, and even upthread I named two things I learned there that I did not see anywhere else. However, there are some things I don't care for about TGM, and that doesn't make me a mean person, just an honest one.

 

[MossMan]

Tracy51 - thanks for your post!
There does seem to be a disconnect from what people 'think' they are buying, and what they actually get. That's where my issue with the TGM marketing comes in to play. Somehow, people are being misguided into thinking it's something it's not.

Since this TGM provides a no question money back guarantee, how can there possibly be a disconnect? As long as TGM continues to offer refunds for those dissatisfied with the service he is providing, no one is being misguided.

This TGM guy has started a business where the customer faces no monetary risk whatsoever. Who can possibly complain about that? Obviously it is impossible for him (or anyone else for that matter) to provide a service that will please everyone all of the time. But by freely offering up refunds he providing a service that should leave no one dissatisfied - because if you are dissatisfied you should be asking for a refund.

I get that some people don't like what TGM has to offer. But since no one is under any risk when they sign up for his service, everyone is free to make up thier own mind. That's what I intend to do. And if I end up in agreement with the TGM naysayers I will get my money back and use it to buy a few ales at the Rose & Crown next time I'm at Epcot.

 

[tjkraz]

Again, if you don't like the site - request your money back. I really don't think it's necessary for people to keep dissecting TGM's site as a way to discredit its value to many subscribers. Some of this is really becoming mean spirited.

Who's to say that the poster DIDN'T request a refund?

Regardless, why the strong desire to censor those who have an opinion that differs from yours? When someone starts a thread entitled "Is Tour Guide Mike worthwhile?", shouldn't we assume that they want to hear the good, bad AND ugly?

We all know that TGM offers a satisfaction guarantee, but that doesn't mean folks should throw money at him before asking a few questions.

As I read this thread, there are people who like it and people who don't. Isn't that the point of a DISCUSSION board?