Please tell me about Tour Guide Mike

[RweTHEREyet]

is this a service you subscribe to? Is this someone who sets up a suggested touring plan for you for the dates you are there? I have seen this mentioned several places, just not sure what it is. Thanks.

 

[cleo]

Hi RweTHEREyet! You may want to do a seach on Tour Guide Mike. There have been many (many, many, many!!!!) threads on the topic and you are sure to get lots of info if you try doing a search.

 

[surfgirl]

TGM is a paid service that gives you touring advice and plans. It is not personalized for you specifically, but I have found the sample touring plans to be great! His big philosophy is "zig, while others zag". It is not a commando style of touring... but a way to maximize park attractions while minimizing line-wait time.

This will probably turn into an ugly discussion b/c there are those of us that swear by TGM and love him (and will never do another trip without his advice) and those of us that think its a waste of time. (I'm in the "I will never do another trip without his advice/itinerary/recommended park days category!)

I figured for $20 if I get one piece of advice that makes my trip better, its worth the $$$$ that I'm spending for Disney.

You will need some time to read through his itineraries, attraction advice, and itineraries. I print much of that out and then we read it on the plane and grab the pages I want for each day. But I like a plan when we walk into the park - I'm not good at "just winging it" - and if you are more casual about touring, then his plans might not be recommended for you.

Good luck!

 

[SeattleMark]

Tour Guide Mike (www.tourguidemike.com) is a former Walt Disney World VIP
Host. He now runs his own VIP tour service, plus his extremely informative
Web site. We've used his advice and were amazed at how well it works, even
during peak seasons. We never waited more than 10 minutes for any ride at
Disney World when we followed his plans! I'm a believer and have renewed
for this year as well.

The good thing about him is that he's in the parks every single day giving
tours, so you get constant updates about crowds, changes, etc.

If you go to his Automated Vacation Planner (AVP) Preview Tour at
http://tourguidemike.com/tour/index.asp, you can type "HE7KD-8GA" in the
Promotional Code section of the purchase page. You'll save $3 off the normal
purchase price of $21.95!


From his site:

"Who is 'TourGuideMiKE,' and how does he know so much about Walt Disney
World?

Founder and President of MICHAEL'S VIPS (1999), the first VIP service of
it's kind in Central Florida. I'm now able to provide the 'true' level of
VIP service I always wanted to, and our Private Guides can escort our guests
anywhere in Central Florida.

Private Custom Itinerary Planner through MICHAEL'S VIPS for two years. This
service is no longer available, but when it was, it was an average of $240
per vacation and provided a day-to-day 'optimal' itinerary with prearranged
dining and activity reservations for the best possible vacation to Walt
Disney World. (The need for this service was the inspiration behind
TourGuideMiKE.com.)

A Walt Disney World VIP Host for over five years. I was in charge of
selecting and planning every attraction, dining, and activity choice while I
personally escorted world famous celebrities, executives, and their families
around the Resort. (That they were famous is not what's important; that I
was trusted by the Walt Disney Company with this responsibility is!)

Guided Tour Host for the Resort's most popular tours including Keys to the
Kingdom, Hidden Treasures, Backstage Magic, and more

Charged with training new cast members to the Magic Kingdom Guest Relations
department

Magic Kingdom Guest Relations cast member for over five years. These are the
cast members who solve guest challenges, answer questions on every possible
topic, help with daily itinerary plans, make dining and activity
reservations, sell and advise ticket options, and provide guided tours for
adults and families.

Trainer of new cast members for the Haunted Mansion and Hall of Presidents

Operations cast member at the Haunted Mansion, Hall of Presidents, Jungle
Cruise, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain attractions "

 

[Dorisk3]

I subscribed to Tour Guide Mike based on all the positive comments he rec'd here on the Disboards-and I was not disappointed! There is a lot of information on his site, and you need to take your time to read through it all- but I think his views and ideas really make sense. Like one of the previous posters said, you can print everything out and read it when it's convenient. I will definetly say I recommend his guide!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I am not sure if TGM would benefit me any or not. I am wondering if those that have been to WDW many many times have found it to be helpful or not. Thanks for filling me in on what his service is.