Passporter or Tourguidemike.com? or others

[AB'sDad]

This message is mainly for the regulars, AP holders, veterans, etc...

Has anyone who considers themselves fairly knowledgeble about WDW used Tourguidemike.com recently? or what are people's thoughts about the 2004 Passporter?

We're fairly knowledgble - being DVC members, we've been 1+ times each of the past several years, so we know all the basics- and we have our own family strategies, but we're always looking for new tips/tricks, especially when we go in different times of the year

I used tourguidemike once last year and was fairly pleased - definitely learned a new strategy or two.

I'm debating whether to subcribe to tourguidemike again, or buy the passporter or just wing it

Thanks!

 

[Eeyore's Girl]

Well...let's just admit it, even though you know what you need to know, it is still so much fun to read and plan and scheme, right!?

Last year I came across an offer where I got a Passporter absolutely free. That's right - free! The offer advertised old editions of the Passporter, so I ordered one basically just to see what it was all about. When it arrived, it was actually still current. Apparently they were just trying to move out the current year's edition to make room for the upcoming one.

Anyway, I was amazed at the information packed in that one book. I actually did find a few tidbits that I didn't come across in some of my other guide books.

To bottomline it, if you're like me and you like to research and plan ahead, the Passporter will not disappoint!

 

[tjkraz]

As much as I like the layout and appearance of the Passporter, it seems to have the least raw data or hidden secrets of the guidebooks I've read. I do not have the '04 edition, so take that for what it's worth.

Like you, I purchased Tour Guide Mike about a year ago and found a handful of really valuable tid-bits. However, after renewing a couple months ago, it's been mostly an exercise in futility. The site is still too difficult to navigate. I'll go back again, and hopefully glean a few new tips and tricks, but I'm not holding my breath.

Honestly, the most pleasant surprise recently has been the '04 Unofficial Guide I received for Christmas. It feels light years ahead of the 2002 edition I had last purchased.

 

[lentesta]

Thanks tjkraz!

Len

 

[DVC-Don]

After 14+ visits to WDW, we only get a new PassPorter for each trip now. They have a pretty nice Disney board at their site too.

 

[KIS]

I have yet to go to WDW, but have been planning with both tourguidemike and touringplans.com (with Len Testa's personal attention). I purchased both options the same week. I can honestly say that the touringplans was incredibly helpful. You can get personal attention as you fashion your trip. If you know what you need and right a note about it on that site, Len will use the unofficial guide's computer resources as well as share information in discussions with you until you have shaped a plan that will work for you.

I'm not on the payroll. I've just been duly impressed with the service. I know I've yet to enjoy the tours I've planned but between these boards and touringplans, I'm quite confident that my family will have a good time and not miss highlights our first time around.

People here have reported favorably about both resources, but I have discovered my own personal preferences.

Have fun planning.

KIS

 

[Mad4Dizne]

I really like the Unofficial Guide!!! We purchased a Pass Porter for our past trip and didn't find it as helpful as the Guide. The Unofficial Guide, 2004 Edition was very helpful, had more DVC specific info, we thought --and will definately be our one "must have" purchase for trip planning!!!