Pretty Disappoointed with Tour Guide Mike

[SueGreen]

I joined Tour Guide Mike a couple weeks ago. It took me a while to figure out the site (very confusing). But once I did, it didn't really help that much.

The touring plans are confusing. And the MGM ones don't even list Lights Motor Action, which is one we wanted to see. I don't know if that's cuz he doesn't recommend it or what. My friend who recommended TGM said they're just very out of date.

Plus, we're going in December for the Christmas week and his best days charts aren't out yet, even though the hours were released a couple weeks ago. I really don't know what to do about which parks to hit which days or how I can make meal reservations without them.

Prety much everything else I've found elsewhere on the internet.

Plus I just found the Dis, and it looks fantastic! I'm so excited to be here.

Any one else have a similar experience with TGM? I'd appreciate any advice you can give for December planning too.

Thanks!!

Sue

 

[Sonno]

http://www.touringplans.com

 

[Noah122898]

First of all, you can get your money back if you are not satisfied. That being said, I have used TGM 3 times and will use it again. It really works and the time and stress saved is amazing. You haven't said how long you have been playing around with it but please don't give up just yet. Also, use his AVP forums to ask these type of questions. Many people there have been in the same situation as you and can help you find what you are looking for. I would never visit WDW without it. Even my husband who was a non believer said it was the best vacations ever, we just flew past the crowds. Hang in there

 

[MrsMud]

I guess everyone's experience will be different. I joined a couple of months ago for our Sept. trip, and I love it! Yes, you can find a lot of the same info. elsewhere on the internet, but it is SOOooo... convenient to have it all in one place. There is also more specific itinerary advice there than I have found anywhere else. I have been a devoted DISer for a few years and that will never change, but the Itinerary Planning forum on TGM cannot be beat! Yes, it can be confusing, but if you can devote a little time for it, you will figure it out in no time.
If you really feel that the membership is not what you expected and is not worth what you paid for it, Mike will refund your money (if you ask nicely).

 

[chamonix]

Another TGM lover here.

I have been to WDW 6 times staying for about 10 days each time and I will always use TGM. Not for touring plans, we tour in our own way, but for the best days, for the up to date info on events, etc affecting crowds, etc.

I think as your trip gets closer you may find you get more out of it. Then again, nothing is for everyone, you know? Maybe it just doesn't work for you. I don't make ADRs at 180 days, so those things aren't important for me. Good luck though, and I hope you have a great trip. Between TGM and the DIS you should have a wonderful time researching!

 

[dvc guy]

I am a 8 going on 9 year Christmas veteran, so let me give you some general advise. Get up early and take advantage of EMH if you are on site. Every park every day will be crowded. Avoid MK on Christmas day.Don't expect to see everything and go with the flow.WDW over Christmas is very magical. It sounds as if you know to ADR's well in advance. We make them very early and then adjust as needed.Think walltowall and if it is less crowded you will be happy.
Last year we pulled an all day/all night at MK EMH 7 Am and left the park at 10 PM. It was open late and very few people we coming in. Looked like a great time to hit the mountains. The same day we hit all the mountains and Buzz between 7 and 10 AM. As we sat down for a bite to eat it looked like the fllod gates had been opened, it was almost impossible to walk down main street towards the exit. Have a blast We are easy to spot look for the family who as everything under control
Now you have the very short Christmas touring guide.

 

[Dis31]

I'm gonna have to agree and say I didn't really get much out of tour guide mike when we used it. I basically already knew all the info that was given and it was very confusing, and did have pretty long waits even when we went to the green parks.

 

[hanncam]

we didn't get much out of it either..

 

[Poohbear123]

and haven't goten the "hang" of it as yet, but my trips is not till Aug. so, I will keep playing around with it. I plan on REALLY using it in Dec. when my DH goes with me, as he likes a "plan." I like to do "helter skelter" kind of thing, and I am hoping to have the best plan for Dec.

 

[sarehm]

I didn't think it was worth it either. You can get all you need to know just on these awesome boards!

 

[jbdreamer]

I think TGM is overly hyped up on the Dis. I signed up expecting something wonderful, and I was underwhelmed. Yes he has some good tips, and I like his red, yellow, and green day charts. But I find the site very hard to navigate and a bit confusing. And I'm pretty web savvy.

 

[krismom]

I have to agree- getting to the parks before they open and avoiding EMH nights were obvious to me long before I joined....I am no longer a member but someone on the message boards over there (they are quite the cult members! ) will surely help you along.... good luck-

 

[Disney01]

That's $18 I'll never see again! A total waste, is my opinion. You can get all you need from the DIS. I don't even understand his site, and I consider myself pretty savvy when it comes to different web sites.

 

[JulyGirl]

How specific is TGM? Does it tell you the order to ride the rides in? I can't follow anything tht specific!

 

[nluvwithmickey]

Well I subscribed, tried to figure out a way to get through all the information given and didn't really learn anything new.

I have to give TGM two thumbs up because he did refund me without any fuss. I guess it wasn't for me. These boards are so great and up to date all the time. This is where I found out about the free dining promo.

 

[Hugpug]

I don't care for it either. He is late posting updated information. Some is outdated. Have not found much of anything worth the price. I get more out of the DIS board then from him. I have already paid for it so I will finish with it for this trip but will not buy it again. Passporter gives me more in there book then I fine on his site.

 

[familyfirsttimer]

I have learned A LOT from TGM. I have been on the DIS for @18 months and couln't have planned my 1 and now 2nd trip without it but TGM just blows me away. Yes, you can find some of the info here and other places but he always give the reason behind his comments-which is invaluable in learning yourself. For example, he can tell you best times to visit certain attractions and WHY (ie slow loading, large audience, etc) which seems like it can help greatly in a more going-with-the-flow plan, you can decide on the fly based on his info.

Like other posters have said, nothing can be desinged for everyone, but I for one look forward to using his advice on our trip in August.

 

[fuji]

I just got back from WDW this past Sunday. I used TGM, and only waited more than 7 mins. for a ride once. That was Turtle Talk, and I didn't follow Mike's advice for that one. We rode all the big rides in ever park and some of them twice. There were 4 adults 2 juniors 2 kids and a infant in my party, so we were also doing the parent swap as well. I will, from this trip forward, swear by Mike's advice . I suggest you take your time and read everything (I know its alot), but it worked for me.

 

[djkeenan]

I've said it here before: I find the TGM site very confusing and not at all what I expected. However, we followed his plans and completely avoided all the crowds. Considering that there were 9 of us, and we probably got to do twice as much with his plans as without them, the $20 was a great investment. I'll do it again next year.

 

[SammieG]

we buy TGM every year for the touring plans alone.. they have been AMAZING for us... and I would never travel withough "Mike!!"