Tour Guide Mike, am I missing something?

Hi all-
Here is a question for anyone who use the tourguide. Is there a search button or a way to search or do I have to just read or skim over all of the articles to find things?

disneydave
 
The best WDW sites are this one, www.wdwig.com www.digital-disney.com www.mousesavers.com There are a few others worth visiting for pictures too. S

I have tried numerous times over the past couple days and can't get the digital-disney site to come up. I've looked over wdwig.com and mousesavers and can't find any touring information there, so I'm assuming that it must be at the digital-disney site. Can someone please confirm? I hate to keep wasting my time trying to get in there, especially if it's only going to be a bunch of pictures. I'm looking for touring information that people are posting is available online, I just can't figure out where! I would really like to be able to find it.

Thanks!

Laura B.
 
Wow...

I suggest that you guys e-mail Mike and let him know about your concerns. He does have to catch up on a lot of articles and things and a search function would be very beneficial without a doubt. But a service can't be improved without giving direct feedback.

I have enjoyed it very much since I joined but am not in such a hurry to get everything just yet as our trip is in December. We have the meals portion of the trip planned out with what he has available though, but I only speak for myself.

Contact him asap regarding your concerns!
 
I have been pretty happy with TGM. I'm a Disney vet, and a vet of these boards, but I find his itinerary planning advice very useful. TGM's strong point is the parks. His Dining and Resort info is not worth paying for. It's nothing you can't find on Deb's site or by browsing here for a few days.

But, his tips on best use of fastpass, best days/evenings for each park, and what attractions to do when, are great. Maybe you could glean this information from these boards, but it's nice to have it in one place, set out for you in an organized manner. Our upcoming trip will be our first ever at a peak time, and I'm really glad to have this info.

I was skeptical about signing up, but then I remembered how much I've spent on guidebooks every year, even though they don't change (The Unofficial Guide STILL tells people that the parks open an hour early each day, even though that hasn't been true for a year and a half). This doesn't cost much more, and if I got ANYTHING out of it, I figured it would be worth it.

Plus, it's nice that I can access it from everywhere, and not have to carry a book around. If it's a choice between Birnbaum of Unofficial Guide and TGM, I'd choose TGM.
 

Hi all-
I'm seeking suggestions from tourguide users. I feel like I'm spending alot of time searching for things. Anyone else or just me? Do you have any tips to find the information quicker? I was trying to find some information on Illuminations and when I finally found Illuminations in the Epcot section, it said link coming :( I put things in my articles when I find them, anything else I should be doing to make navigation thru the site easier? :confused: I'm not trying to cause trouble, I just want tips on how to get around the site better or get the most out of it.


thanks-
disneydave:jester: :)
 
Originally posted by disneydave2003
Hi all-
I'm seeking suggestions from tourguide users. I feel like I'm spending alot of time searching for things. Anyone else or just me? Do you have any tips to find the information quicker? I was trying to find some information on Illuminations and when I finally found Illuminations in the Epcot section, it said link coming :( I put things in my articles when I find them, anything else I should be doing to make navigation thru the site easier? :confused: I'm not trying to cause trouble, I just want tips on how to get around the site better or get the most out of it.
thanks-
disneydave:jester: :)

Have you done a search on the DIS for Illuminations? I'm sure post your questions, someone will be able to answer them.
 
Originally posted by disneyjunkie
Have you done a search on the DIS for Illuminations? I'm sure post your questions, someone will be able to answer them.


Hi Disneyjunkie!!

I was just trying to find out some general information and I found it on Debs (I think) and I also found on these boards that there is a cruise for these fireworks along with tips on getting the cruise. I was just a little bummed that I spent a decent amount of time searching on the tourguide and when I found the section, it wasn't ready. :(

thanks-
disneydave:jester:
 
Originally posted by disneydave2003
Hi Disneyjunkie!!

I was just trying to find out some general information and I found it on Debs (I think) and I also found on these boards that there is a cruise for these fireworks along with tips on getting the cruise. I was just a little bummed that I spent a decent amount of time searching on the tourguide and when I found the section, it wasn't ready. :(

thanks-
disneydave:jester:

Glad to hear you found what you were looking for.

Just one question. Before you sign up for TGM, are you able to find out which articles are open and which are locked?

If you need help with any other planning tips for your trip feel free to ask. Happy planning.:D
 
Originally posted by mom2of2
Is TGM for Disney vets who don't even need a map?? NOPE it's for us newbees that have no clue as to what they are doing and helps us not to get overwhelmed with info. I printed out what I needed and stuck it in my passporter. The passporter does have details on resorts and it is MUCH better then TGM. It has it's pros and cons and no, it's not for everyone.

I agree with mom2of2, I don't think TGM is for Disney vets. After reading the reviews of TGM on this board I subscribed to TGM and after I started reading it, I felt like I was missing something. Via private message as to not reveal info per TGM's request, I asked another TGM user to tell me what they found so useful, what was "I" missing? She took a good deal of time writing what was beneficial to her. If I were brand new to Disney and enjoyed spending time on a site looking for/reading articles, TMG would probably be wonderful to me. However, since I have been to WDW several times I already knew about PS, when to make them, which ones are hard to get, Fastpass, Enight and which times and which days are most/least crowded in the parks, etc. We learned all of this from our own experiences and from books and various sites over the years. To me, TGM is another WDW site and it does have alot of info, I just think the info would be more beneficial to people who are new to WDW. And if you don't like spending time on the internet and prefer guidebooks, TGM isn't for you.

I was a little annoyed and I guess I still am that some of the articles I want to look at or photo tours are not complete. There's still some things I'm waiting to see and like Disneydave2003, I would love a search function!!!;) I really enjoy these boards and have found alot of information here. I also like Deb's, mousesavers and I love the Passporter. TGM is another source of information to add to or supplement what I use now.
 
Originally posted by disneyjunkie
Glad to hear you found what you were looking for.

Just one question. Before you sign up for TGM, are you able to find out which articles are open and which are locked?

If you need help with any other planning tips for your trip feel free to ask. Happy planning.:D

Thanks for the offer of help, I may take you up on that and you may regret it because there is alot to learn and I want to learn it:D ;) :D (just kidding)

Hmmm, I think before I signed up when I went to get into a section there was some sort of message that said "wait there's more, click to unlock preimium information" or something like that but I don't remember the site saying that a particular article or articles were coming soon but I could be wrong on that. Someone please correct me if that is not the case.

disneydave:jester:
 
Hmmm, I think before I signed up when I went to get into a section there was some sort of message that said "wait there's more, click to unlock preimium information" or something like that but I don't remember the site saying that a particular article or articles were coming soon but I could be wrong on that. Someone please correct me if that is not the case.

Dave,

I think that's correct, I recall there being little "locks" next to the premium content articles. If the original question was about what has been published, once an article has been published there is (usually, maybe it isn't always) a date under it ("Pub. Jan. 14"). If there is no date it usually means it isn't done yet, and if you click on it, that's what it says.

I don't have an navigation tips, Dave. The more time I've spent there, the better I have gotten at figuring out how to get around and find what I'm looking for. I wonder if they can't do a search because of the database structure? A search or index feature certainly would help sometimes.

In addition to putting things in "My Articles" I have been printing off things of interest and putting them in a binder organized in a way that makes sense to me. Later I'll organize what I want to take to the parks and put that information in my PDA so I have access to what I need while I'm there without having to lug the binder around. If anyone has any tips on the best ways to utilize TGM I'd like to hear them!

Laura B.
 
Originally posted by ByJiminy

In addition to putting things in "My Articles" I have been printing off things of interest and putting them in a binder organized in a way that makes sense to me. Later I'll organize what I want to take to the parks and put that information in my PDA so I have access to what I need while I'm there without having to lug the binder around. If anyone has any tips on the best ways to utilize TGM I'd like to hear them!

Laura B.

I think I've read in other threads that people were cutting and pasting articles or information. So I'm assuming they were copying it to a word document so everything would be in one place?
 
I, too, was disappointed that many articles and pics were not published. Since it is our first trip to Disney in 9 years though I found much of the information worthwhile (I just wish there was more info as I think I have read almost everything). I am anxiously awaiting my Deluxe Passporter (should arrive today) so I will be able to compare!

I have printed off many articles from TGM when I found something of interest so I didn't have to go back (they are all color coded by TGM to the park they pertain to). He even gives info for printing to save ink.

The site is somewhat difficult to navigate without a search feature - hopefully that will come in time.

If I was a WDW Vet I don't think I would purchase this but it is nice for 1st timers who love to read and plan for their trip. I even e-mailed him on a few questions regarding Cirque and Fantasmic and received a very informative answer that will help with my trip planning. That alone was worth the cost to me.

I found that much of the info was available on other websites but takes more searching. TGM is just another tool for planning that works for some and not for others..... you have to make that call.
 
Update of previous post - I've had some more time to play with TGM so to be fair I wanted to post again and say I have found some more tidbits of info that both DH and I have found interesting. They are mainly trivia items and hidden mickey stuff that I can't say I've seen anywhere else. I'm still disappointed by the lack of photo tours and agree with another poster that - so far - there isn't any new resort info that I haven't been able to get somewhere else. The trivia stuff makes me feel better about the sign-up fee and our trip isn't until December so maybe I'll get better at navigating the site. So all in all i'm still on the fence about it. Useful for newbies but not sure about vets!
 
I think I've read in other threads that people were cutting and pasting articles or information. So I'm assuming they were copying it to a word document so everything would be in one place?

I think so. I know there is something actually on TGM from someone who used this method, just getting what they wanted to take with them in the parks. And I emailed and asked if it would be okay to cut and paste and put the info into my PDA, and he said that was okay under the TOS. I just tried a little to see how it would work, because the PDA is new to me, so I haven't really done much.

Laura B.
 
After all of the great reviews, I was also disappointed with TGM. I thought there would be more tips, like what rooms to request at particular resorts. I also think the titles of the articles suggest that you will get more info than you do. To me, the majoirty of the articles are nothing more than common sense, like telling you to take advantage of early entry. I am hopeful the new articles will be better, but I tend to think he wrote the best ones first and now is trying to come up with things to say about the other topics. I hope I am wrong and that he adds content soon.
 
SandraC I tried to connect to the Digital Disney site you have posted but was unable to connect? I was curious as it is a site I have never seen before. Does anyone know if it is still in existance? Is it having tec. troubles or is it just me and my puter? Thanks
 
Try this http://198.65.141.39/ for Digital Disney. It has hours of videos, photos and audio of EVERYTHING Disney World. I enjoy watching the rides and seeing the resorts. I am a very visual person so Digital Disney is AWESOME! I also like Mouse Planet and Intercot for Disney information. There are at least one dozen very good Disney web sites to get free information. Number one on my list is THIS SITE! I can get up to date information and any question I have is answered here. As much as I like visual WDW stimulation I also enjoy instant gratification and I get it here! Sandra

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR MANY GENEROUS POSTS! S
 
I'm not affiliated in any way w/ the TGM site, except that I'm a happy -yes newbie- customer. I read the Passporter and became a Dis veteran (and junkie). Also have 2 guides for WDW w/ kids.

Admittedly, I wish all TGM's articles were published before my trip, especially since our trip was in Feb (1 week ago), and I purchased TGM in Dec. or so (imagine my surprise!). I too wish it was easier to search. However, TGM was very, no extremely, responsive to my personal itinerary questions. For example, he has articles on the best (least crowded) locations to view FITS and Spectro, and advice on which nights to go and on crowds. He advises not to go the 1st parade on a Sat. Vets might know this, but I sure didn't. I emailed him asking whether it would be crazy to go to MK from another park just to see Spectro, and if we could view it from the train station or beginning of Main St., as I had read on the Dis. He responded (in about 2 hours) that he thought any location on Main St. req'd staking out a spot for at least an hour or more before the parade, and that he'd never invest that kind of time if it were his vacation. And his advice on the best location to view FITs was right on the money. We were there, but hardly anyone else was. If all the vets know this info then more people would've been there (and he'd have to tell us a better location).

The difference between his advice and the Dis advice, is that on the Dis everyone (incl. me) has a different opinion. TGM's opinion is that of a professional tourguide. I liked knowing his experience w/ crowds, best times to eat, explanations for best times to ride certain rides. Passporter's itineraries often were similar (I compared), but there was no explanation for why to hit Dumbo first (as a matter of fact, it's listed as a C ticket!) if you have kids. Also, his details about the rides are much more comprehensive than Passporter or the other guides for kids. He described exactly what's scary on a ride (like the witch popping out in Snow White), whereas other guides just say 'dark, may be scary for kids'. W/ his info & advice, I was able to forewarn my 3 y.o. that the witch would pop out at us but would go away etc. She was fine on it w/ that prep.

Sorry to run on, but I do like his site. I also felt like his personal responses to my questions were worth the price paid in itself. At the same time, I was concerned about my getting my money's worth since so many articles were not yet written - I asked Mike about this, and he advised me to change my date preference. For example, although I was going in Feb. 2003, he advised that I could change my preference to Feb. 2006. I thought that said alot.
 
I have subscribed to TGM and am slightly disappointed. I leave in the next 3.5 months, and I too would like to see all the articles, but know that I won't benefit from it. I am enjoying the restaurant planning, parks information, and when to go. I do think it can be valuable, I just wish I would have waited until it was totally complete.
 












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