Survey: TourGuideMike - worth it or not?

[RatherBeGolfing]

For a first timer, do you think the "itinerary" that TourGuideMike.com comes up with is worth the $22.99 ($24.99 minus $2 discount for mousesavers code)?

 

[SuzEm]

I'm a second-timer, have read most all of the guides, searched the internet and found all the best sites, have them all bookmarked. I seriously researched my first trip, and am in the process of planning this second trip. I think TGM has been worth it, if for no other reason but the itinerary planning. I hate dealing with crowds and TGM has good advice on how to avoid the crowds. And yes other sites have similar info, but I've found info on his site that I've seen nowhere else, and it's all in one place. I wish I could have had some of this info for our 2000 trip. If I can spend $22 and improve the quality of my trip by using my time there more efficiently, then it's worth every penny.

 

[padisneylover]

I have also been many times to WDW and have found that using TGM to plan my tirp this December has already paid for its self. I love the electronic planner that tells you when to make your PS's and will e-mail you a reminder to do so when directed. Also, there is a lot of information contained on the site and it is updated on a regular basis.

 

[Alexander]

Good for the first few times you go, but I'm planning trip 15 and I didn't find a whole lot new for the fee I paid. I recommend that people read all of the free stuff on the site first and then consider it. There are so many free things out there, PS calculator, etc.

 

[disneyjunkie]

There's a free PS calculator here on the DIS.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/pscalc/dispscalc.html

You can also print out a PS report for free.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/pscalc/dispsreport.html

Have you read this thread?

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=329941&highlight=tour+guide+mike

When is your trip? If it is soon, some of the articles you want to read may not be open at this time.

 

[TreeOfLife]

TGM came out right about the time when I was considering the purchase of the new Passporter, for about the same price. I got the Passporter the year they sold old copies for $5. I actualy liked it. But I decided to stick with TGM because it was so fun to read, I was attracted to the personalized planning portion of the website and especially the convenience of printing just what I need rather than carrying a fat guide along. I was also attracted to the fact that there is no need to download and print updates, browse through boards and websites to get updated information. It is all there for you.

I use several guides, but my all time favorites are Internet sites including Deb's site (which is pretty darn thorough) and TGM. To me, TGM has been worth the investment because I feel I benefit from his experience as a private tour planner and the tips he shares.

So, being the "

", money, planning-minded guest I am, I am not forced into accepting one thing over another. I choose what I feel *I* like and benefits my family. In my experience, I do not regret signing up for TGM's program and recommend it as a sound investment for planning your trip.

 

[Locknload82]

I vote yes for Tour Guide Mike if its your first or second trip. I learned things there that I havent found elsewhere. He has simple understandable directions from the airport to your resort. He tells the best places to see the parades and fireworks and explanes why. He talks about lesser known paths (to a newbie) in Magic Kingdom.

He recomends days to go to certain parks and explanes why, and his tour plans were more taylored to the rides we selected and he gave little tips that I havent seen else where.

If you've been to Disney more than a couple of times, it probably is nothing new to you, but it helped us a lot. I copied and pasted a lot of info into a Word file, and printed out what I wanted. I only have to take a couple of pages pertaining to the park we are touring with us, instead of a whole guide book.

 

[RatherBeGolfing]

bump

 

[Tiger Fan]

I'm planning our next trip (we've have 4 in the last 3 years, but this one is with our ENTIRE extended family). I want this trip to be incredible and I"ve found the ease of this site and the information and articles to be helpful even for a seasoned planner.
Lisa

 

[renessa]

I enjoy TGM. I own every major guidebook out there, and I use them to help me pass the time (3 years) between trips. TGM has tips and hints that I have never thought of in 13 trips. He responds to your questions quickly, and they are individual responses...not form letters!!! I can't wait to see what he's up to next! Renessa