TGM: useful or not?

[nluvwithmickey]

I'm thinking about subscribing. What do you think? I heard the site was hard to navigate and confusing, is this right? How much more useful is he than this wonderful site?

 

[my2boys1821]

I can't say for sure if TGM works or not. I have just subscribed last month for my upcoming trip in June. I can tell you that I have completely changed my itinerary due to his advice. Hopefully it will work.

I did find it confusing at first. But now I know how to work the site. Money back guaranteed, so it's worth a try.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Have never used TGM and have made itineraries for all of my trips. You can do it by just reading here.

**The first 2 itineraries I made I only used a guidebook.

 

[Dorisk3]

TGM is worth the money. His site can be a little difficult to navigate at first- but that is mostly because he has a large amount of really helpful information. You just need to learn how he organizes his information by using his site and then it will not be a problem for you. I used his plans last year and they really worked very well. The problem with using free advice here on the disboards is that you'll get many many different opinions on anything- making it very hard to make a decision. TGM has a business and since he wants to keep his business sucessful- the information you get in accurate, informative and valid. Good luck on your decision!

 

[jmhkd]

As a first time WDW planner, I have found the info on TGM priceless!!

 

[ajcolorado]

In the last six years, we've been to WDW as a couple w/ no children, as a family, with cheerleaders, with family, and with a large group of friends. We are information junkies and have read Birnbaum, looked at Passporter, read the UG every year, and check out the good sites like this one. We used TGM last June for our trip with 35+ people - most of whom had never been to WDW, some of whom had never been on a trip that didn't involve visiting relatives. We used TGM and found new and good information. Even though it was the 3rd week of June and very busy, we never waited more than 20 minutes for any attraction when we used the TGM touring suggestions.

TGM is perfect for the disboarders because we ended up here because we are planner/researchers. Anyone who feel inclined to register or even just lurk the forums is interested enough in trying to prepare effectively for the trip - not everyone is like that. TGM gives good information about the "why's" so that you can walk into the park and follow a plan with success but you can also make informed on-the-spot decisions if there is a ride breakdown or something that captures your fancy.

The site can get overwhelming because there are links to so much good information and so you can not complete the thought or information. Make sure you go through all the new user information once from start to finish without clicking on the link. Then go through the Express Planner information the same way. TGM also has a special forum or club for each month - you should join the one for the month of your trip so that you get alerted to information specific to that time. Once you've gotten a good overview, go back and click on links or do searches to your heart's content and you'll do just fine.

We were very satisfied with the service but my understanding is that TGM is really good about refunding your money if you just aren't happy.

 

[Hugpug]

So far I have NOT BEEN IMPRESSED with his site. He has been late in updating info which I have gotten already. Even with the park hours posted he has yet to update my guide. I have gotten no useful info yet that I have been able to get here and other places at no cost to me. Yes his site is hard to use and a lot of jumping around. That being said I still will give it the benifit of dought until I see more.

 

[notnothin]

As others have stated before, if you are a newbie to WDW, then TGM may be in your best interest. Personally, I have to agree with Hugpug, in that I really don't find anything there that I haven't learned from other sources. It wasn't worth the money in my case.

 

[familyfirsttimer]

I am a new subscriber to TGM and have LOVED it so far. I agree it is a little hard to follow at first (just imagine it was all in a book format, you'd have sticky notes everywhere flagging pages) but I have really just started to read the attractions details and sample park tours and I love it. For the least-crowded days chart AND advice, I think it is worth it. Also, as said by others, there is a money-back guarantee so you almost have nothing to lose.
Good luck!

 

[jbdreamer]

As others have stated before, if you are a newbie to WDW, then TGM may be in your best interest. Personally, I have to agree with Hugpug, in that I really don't find anything there that I haven't learned from other sources. It wasn't worth the money in my case.

Same with me. I have been going to WDW for years so I know a few things. My mother recently signed up for TGM for our August trip. We found he has some good ideas, and I have learned a couple tricks, but they are not 'hidden secrets' you can't find anywhere else. I actually had my itinerary planned before we joined TGM - because I'm so good, I didn't have to change a thing!

I am glad I didn't spend my own money.

 

[traciedee]

We will be there and june and I will be using TGm's best days and times. It's going to be hot and humid and if I'm at the right park on the right day, it will be way worth $20. Will let you know. I also like the adivce on where to views parades, etc. so we'll see. forums are also pretty friendly and helpful.

 

[FamiliaMia]

heads up: he doesn't make the itinerary for you. It involves a LOT of work and reading on your part.

 

[DrTomorrow]

One of these days I'm going to sign up just to see what all the fuss is about. Maybe I can even write a 'review', as long as I don't violate any confidentiality agreements and get neuralized .

One thing has concerned me about TGM for a long time: even those folks who think he is the greatest thing since sliced bread usually say things like "His site is hard to use at first", "overwhelming" and "hard to navigate"; doesn't sound as user friendly as a pay web site should be....

IMHO - YMMV - Be well!