Is Tour Guide Mike worthwhile?

[DisneyLisa]

It's like the difference between reading the farmers almanac (good source of info) and watching the live weather report from an on-the-scene reporter. Both are good, just different.

Great comparison.

I joined TGM last year to plan for our trip in March and found the information well worth the $21.95. I've been on the DIS since 2000 and have learned so much in the last 5 years but I'll still be renewing my TGM membership for our upcoming trip in July. As others have stated, there are things there that you won't read elsewhere (which is why it works) and he explains why you should do certain things so if you have to deviate from your touring plan, you can make the right touring decisions/substitutions. For me, an additional $20 for his advice is a drop in the bucket when spending so much on a WDW vacation...1 tip alone that he gives is worth the complete membership fee in my opinion.

 

[anabelle]

I think that there are some discounts out there. I think you can save $4. GrammaBarb, can you verify?

 

[DisneyLisa]

There are discounts out there (just do a search for them) and if you renew you automatically get one.

 

[addicted2disney]

I thought Mike was a GREAT help over our trip last Thanksgiving. I was getting nervous hearing that it was supposed to be even more crowded than the year before. I joing TGM and I have to say, that Thanksgiving week was AWESOME. I would have NEVER picked itinerary he gave me. I kept thinking.. i know its going to be so crowded, and this info will be wrong.. but it WASNT!! I followed ALL of Mikes advice over the Thanksgiving weekend, and we never ran into the crowds! It was awesome. I did renew in January, and I found MK was crowded on days it wasnt supposed to be, but I think it was because of the new EMH changes. The days were constantly changing, they added the nights. I will most likely renew again in November. THey will have all the new EMH changes in there for November, plus any changes the Celebration may cause. You can spends weeks just reading and reading and reading ... I loved it!

 

[Bonnie40]

I'm going against the flow here...I'm was indifferent to TGM. I started panicking about our trip mid-March. Been plenty of times, but was worrying about crowds, so signed up with TGM (with code from Mousesavers - saved me $3!)

Either my expectations were too high or something, but I was turned off with the cookie-cutter, slick marketing program that runs the website (as someone else here mentioned). Was somewhat frustrated with all the links, etc., but with some time, simmered down such that I didn't feel like I was ripped off. Some good tips, etc., but I wouldn't sign up again even with the incentive they offer expiring customers. JMHO!

 

[Lollipop Mom]

You can count me among the TGM fans! We've used the AVP for 4 trips now including 2 Christmas Weeks, the tail end of spring break and a long weekend in October. The plans have been FANTASTIC for each trip. In all 4 trips combined we haven't waited more than 10, occasionally 15 minutes for anything. We've never sat on the ground for 2 hours "holding a spot" for a parade yet we've ALWAYS been front row for it with getting our spot no sooner than 30 minutes before the parade arrives in that spot.

I respectfully disagree with anyone who says you can find ALL of his advice on these boards or in other resources for free. IMHO, anyone sayign that either (1) hasn't actually used TGM or (2) didn't take the time to really LOOK through it. I am a self confessed DIS addict as well as posting on 2 other Disney boards. I own (and have read every page of) the Unofficial Guide, Passporter and Disney World With Kids and there are DEFINITELY tips on TGM that I've never seen anywhere else. Those are the real gems too. *THE BEST* advice for our Christmas week trips was in direct contradiction to what is recommended by DIS posters. We had opportunities to see the differences and TGM wins HANDS DOWN.

 

[Grammy]

I'm another big TGM fan here! We have taken our grandsons over Christmas for the past two years and have been very fortunate to be able to avoid the long lines with the worst possible crowds. The week between Christmas and New Years has to be the worst time as far as crowds go. With his advise we had extremely short wait time compared to others. I highly recommend his service, he is the best!

We also got the best discount out there. Our travel agent offers a FREE TGM subscription to anyone booking a five night or longer stay! I would highly recommend their services as well.

 

[scarboroughmom]

Thank you all for your input. Although I am still a little skeptical, I am going to spend the $21.95 to find out. I guess it isn't much more than the price of another WDW guidebook. I do wonder if anything could be left to find out after 5 trips in 4 years, and the wealth of information and opinion available here.

 

[Lollipop Mom]

I do wonder if anything could be left to find out after 5 trips in 4 years, and the wealth of information and opinion available here.

I still found it to be very helpful after 4 trips in one year. Like I said, I'm a TGM devotee! If you are going during a super busy travel time, his "survival guide" that he publishes specific to those times (spring break, holiday season, summer) can not be beat. The Holiday Week survival guide for our Christmas trips was worth the subscription price for that info alone!

eta...he does have a money back guarantee.

 

[ChairborneRangr]

I am NLC_Stephen on the TGM forums. I am easy to spot. I have the same signature and Avatar. Feel free to contact me. After you have joined and log in, check this link out first...

http://www.tourguidemike.com/forums/tm.asp?m=18122

It is a great explanation on how to use the AVP.

Using TGM is like listening to the morning traffic report to avoid the traffic jams rather than just trusting in past traffic patterns and planning around them. He is more "real-time". You can get along fine just using TGM, but I use the DIS, AllEars, UG, etc etc as well.

 

[fantavet]

Okay you guys have sold me. One last question about the TGM site. I signed my wife and daughter up for the Dolphins in Depth program. So I have a Thursday morning locked in. As I use his service will there be anywhere where I can enter this information and maybe the output advice adjusts at all?

 

[bigcrit]

I too am a fan of TGM. I will admit I struggled navigating his site but found his information and expertise to be top notch. I think it is a great value considering the information and the amount of updating, you can't go wrong.

have fun!

 

[nataliesdaddy]

ok so I just got tour guide mike's avp. I cannot say I am amply impressed. There are some good hints here. If you have spent a ton of time on the boards though you will already know most of it.

I must say I am perplexed though. When I went before any tour guides I just asked concierge and they would say avoid MK on Mondays. And before th etour guides we always did EMH mornings. So this year I get the UG and it says avoid early entry parks (even if you are staying onsite!!).

So then I am reading through TGM and it says take maximum advantage of EMH mornings ....GRRRRRRR....

The layout of tourguide mike's is a bit of a pain in the but - very wordy

 

[TNKBELL]

ok so I just got tour guide mike's avp. I cannot say I am amply impressed. There are some good hints here. If you have spent a ton of time on the boards though you will already know most of it.

I must say I am perplexed though. When I went before any tour guides I just asked concierge and they would say avoid MK on Mondays. And before th etour guides we always did EMH mornings. So this year I get the UG and it says avoid early entry parks (even if you are staying onsite!!).

So then I am reading through TGM and it says take maximum advantage of EMH mornings ....GRRRRRRR....

The layout of tourguide mike's is a bit of a pain in the but - very wordy

Maybe in your case you should just request a refund from TGM, he has a satisfaction guarantee.

 

[ChairborneRangr]

before you get a refund...

have you read the best days guides?
have you read the survival guide appropriate to your season?
have you read the attractions best times guides?
have you looked through the sample touring plans?
have you joined your vacation club for the month you are going?
Did you read the intro thread I posted above?

If you read through info without watching when it applies, you will get conflicting advice. There are a ton of resources available. Take a little time exploring them. And definately read the appropriate survival guide. If, after that, you still feel you can get all your info elsewhere, then by all means request a refund. It is a no questions asked, no timeline refund policy.

 

[geetey]

I am definitely becoming intrigued by all of the glowing reports about TGM. For those who have used the program, I am wondering.....

Can you personalize the program for someone with special needs? The idea of not having to wait in long lines is wonderful but if it is like the Unofficial Guide with lots of criss-crossing through the parks, that won't work either. I am not looking for a plan that advises lots of extra walking (because of medical issues).

Any thoughts?

 

[Lollipop Mom]

I would agree with Stephen and would encourage you to not make a snap judgement based on "just getting" the AVP and then deciding it's not worth it. It's not like you sign up and instantly up pops a window that says "HERE ARE THE SECRET TIPS NOT FOUND ANYWHERE ELSE!" That's not how it works. Yes, it's wordy. As you get to know it you'll be able to get a feel for it. When I first signed up that was my first impression...that it was really wordy. Once I really started to dig in to it I found that it was wordy because it contained the WHYs and HOWs that other guides don't explain. The whys and hows are a big part of what sets TGM apart. You don't just memorize a touring plan, you understand WHY things are recommended the way they are and you can deviate from that plan and still avoid the lines and crowds.

Take some time and learn how to navigate through it and find the gems. If it seems to wordy and too much info at once, start with the super express planner.

Don't expect it to be what it's not. It's not a customized he designs things specifically for your family plan. IMHO, it's better than that. He teaches you what you need to know to customize your OWN plan quickly and effectively. He gives you the tools to know what to do when you get off track from your "plan." You can still have an enjoyable time avoiding the worst of the crowds. It's not a 10 page site. There is a TON of info in there! Search for what you need and then follow the suggested links. You'll be amazed at what you find!

Use the forums. Mike himself will respond to things on the boards. There are many very helpful members as well. It's a great resource! I think the DIS is a great resource too don't get me wrong but what other planning tool gives you an opportunity to interact with the author and get personal advice like that? What other planning tool said "hey! crowds are higher than expected this week...here are some changes you should make to best avoid them" or last Christmas week when it was rainy for days on end....what other tool published a revised plan with new info taking that sort of condition in to consideration?

Don't request a refund immediately...give it a chance. If you still aren't happy...well, no one planning tool is perfect for everyone and that's what the refund policy is there for.

 

[luuuceee]

Thank you all for your input. Although I am still a little skeptical, I am going to spend the $21.95 to find out. I guess it isn't much more than the price of another WDW guidebook. I do wonder if anything could be left to find out after 5 trips in 4 years, and the wealth of information and opinion available here.

Make sure you make use of the forums on that site as well. The people are very nice and willing to help out. If you're lost, ask questions. People will help you, I guarantee it.

Okay you guys have sold me. One last question about the TGM site. I signed my wife and daughter up for the Dolphins in Depth program. So I have a Thursday morning locked in. As I use his service will there be anywhere where I can enter this information and maybe the output advice adjusts at all?

There is nothing like this on TGMike. He does not change his advice based on other plans. What he WILL tell you is which parks are the best to be at and which are the ones to avoid on any given day or night of the week. In addition to this, he also adds supplemental information for busier times of the year. He will also tell you what the best times are to visit any ride or attraction in any park. And like others have said, he goes into detail explaining "why" he advises certain things. That's why he can be wordy at times. To me, it's a good thing. He's not saying, "go here at this time" and then leaving you to go on your merry way. Instead, he's saying, "go here at this time, and this is why." He doesn't want to just point you in a certain direction and have to blindly go that way. He wants you to understand why he recommends what he does, especially if it goes against everything you've read elsewhere. Then that way, you have the opportunity to decide whether to follow his advice or deviate from it.

I too agree with the "don't dismiss the AVP before you've really used it" sentiment. If something is confusing, post a question about it in the TGM forums. You will definitely get an answer in a timely manner, either from another member, or from Mike himself.

And...as also said, if you subscribe and then decide that Mike just doesn't help you out, then he will give you a refund. You really have nothing to lose, then.

 

[marriedmarylander]

What kind of tips are these? I mean does he give you the best days to go to the parks when they aren't crowded or something? Because I threw that thought out the window. I think I just wanted to do what was easiest for us.

 

[luuuceee]

What kind of tips are these? I mean does he give you the best days to go to the parks when they aren't crowded or something? Because I threw that thought out the window. I think I just wanted to do what was easiest for us.

Yes...in a way. Of course, depending on when you go, it's going to be crowded no matter what. But he will let you know which days won't be AS crowded in different parks. Also, he gives lots of good advice on how to beat the crowds - he really does know where the crowds will be when, and he gives you tips for staying away from them. I can't divulge too much information, because I don't want to violate his user agreement.

But I can say that I went during a VERY crowded time, was in the parks every day, and experienced short lines because I followed Mike's advice. I'm talking things like riding a ride with a 10-minute wait, and walking by the same ride 2 hours later and it had a 50-minute wait.

Mike really does keep you two steps ahead of the crowds. I wish I could tell you more, but I can't. Unless, of course, we were having this discussion over on the TGM forum. Then I could tell you everything!