TGM questions

[bakers3]

Hi!

I have read through a bunch of threads about the Tour Guide Mike service. I have just about decided to buy it but before I spend the $$ I wanted to ask you experts if you think it would be worth it for our specific trip.

1. First trip for any of us (me, dh, dd10)

2. 2 days only in the parks. I wish it was a week or more but it can't be.

3. We have set our dates already - 12/21 MK all day/MVMCP at night;12/22 Epcot with Evening EMH.


This is my main concern: Will there be tips to help us schedule these days and make the best of it even if they aren't reccommended days or is the "plan" completely reliant on following his guidelines on best days to visit certain parks?

If we can't take advantage of those types of tips, are there enough other tips - MVMCP, transportation, characters, parade viewing, etc. that can't be found elsewhere to be worth the money?

Thanks!

 

[fAnnF]

if it's only for 2 days and you have your parks picked out already I would suggest a touring plans website, I found TGM to be confusing and a lot of reading.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I would say it would be well worth the 20 bucks. And if you think it is not, ask for a refund.

And welcome to the DIS, make those first time memories.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

I think for a two-day trip you'll be fine without TGM. He truly does have good info, but you'll glean plenty just by hanging around here and asking questions. You already know where you want to go, and there will be plenty of touring tips on this very board.

 

[checkwriter]

I have to tell you, I found TGM to be a bit intimidating at first. However, there is a LOT of info there, all designed to help you arm yourself to prepare your own touring plan.

My view was that I enjoy the planning as much as I enjoy the vacation. TGM gave me the tools to build my own touring plans. I thoroughly enjoyed doing that, and putting the work into building the touring plans expanded the vacation to include the planning stages as well as the trip itself.

If I did not have the time or inclination to plan, I would not have enjoyed TGM. It really depends on the type of person you are. IF you are a planner, you might enjoy TGM. If you prefer to take advantage of others' touring plans, try the Unofficial Guide site.

Either way, frankly, you will save time over those who simply wander into the parks and start standing in lines. Have a great two days!!

 

[badatz]

I went to WDW for 3 days/3 parks (MK,Epcot,MGM) at the end of June and also had my park days planned out. This was to be my 5th visit there. I heard about TGM and decided to invest $19 above the thousand or so that the trip cost.
First thing I learned was that he had different days planned as "Best Days" then I originally thought of based on other sources of research
I decided to go with his advice as well as the other park tour planning advice, and all I can say was that we were there from rope drop to park closing for 3 days, saw everything and never waited in line for more than 5-10 minutes, if at all, while stand-by time was between 20-120 minutes.
We basically waltzed through the parks like we owned them, and they were crowded.
Will his strategy work for you, I can't say, but the price is right and it's worth the effort, and you can always ask for a refund.
Did I, definately not!

 

[bakers3]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone! Still leaning towards it at this point. I do love to plan!

Keri

 

[ChairborneRangr]

TGM has lots of great Holiday season specific information. Join soon so that you'll have time to go through it and definately join the December "Club" - you'll get updates. The forums are friendly and helpful.

Go all the way through the Express planner once without clicking on any links, then launch from your express planner whenever you go back. You'll be able to click on "December 2006" for lots of great info.

 

[ajcolorado]

We've used TGM for our last big group trip and the information was great. We didn't need to use the money-back guarantee but I've heard that they're really good about refunding the money if you aren't pleased.

Since you love to plan, this might not be a good option for you but we used Build A Better Mouse trip - www.buildabettermousetrip.com - for our family trip. They do personalized touring plans and were very thorough, with all the special attractions info and live entertainment schedules.

 

[mommykds]

I used TGM this August & loved it. However I do not think I would buy it for just 2 park days.

 

[DebIreland]

I think it will be well worth your time and money to sign up. There will definitely be plenty of tips and info to justify the time and cost. Go for it!

 

[momto2inKC]

I do think you would greatly benefit from TGM's advice, especially since you do only have 2 days for the parks! Like previous posters have said, he has a money back guarantee, so if for some reason you're unhappy, get a refund!