Tour Guide Mike.. Any discounts or Opinions?

[MOM POPPINS]

I am thinking about trying Tour guide Mike for our next trip... Does anyone know of any current discount codes? Any opinions on his planners?? Thanks!

 

[MrsJ Henry]

Mousesavers.com has a discount.
It was hard for me to figure out his site for a while and it was not what I thought it would be. That being said.... I love it!!!
But I have so many guide books etc.... I think he does give some great tips!!!

 

[mic_key_mouse]

There is a discount available here as well:

http://disneydollarless.com/

Blessings,
mic_key_mouse

 

[SeattleMark]

Have you been following this thread? http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=578854 It's aheated discussion about TGM vs UGD.

By the way, I'm having a heard time figuring out exactly what TGM offers from his Web site too. Very confusing.

 

[mic_key_mouse]

Hi Mark.

I have to agree that initial exposue to TGM by going to his homepage is a bit confusing. Once you purchase the product, fill out the questionairre, and begin to use it- it is still a little difficult to navigate.

It took me about an hour of clicking this and clicking that to get a feel for the layout, but after the initial 'learning curve' is over it becomes fairly easy to navigate.

Navigation issues aside, you pretty much know my other thoughts on TGM since you have been following the thread you linked in your post.

Blessings,
mic_key_mouse

 

[cocowum]

I tried TGM before our last trip and I found it confusing. My UG was alot easier to use and just as informative. I also thought the customized touring plans would be "customized" they weren't. I emailed TGM letting him know I wasn't satisfied just about about three lines saying It wasn't what I expected and I wanted a refund. I didn't think I was rude but TGM did! He had no problem refunding my money. Actually he said something like He wouldn't take my money if I was the last person on earth and that he would pray for me and he was sorry our paths ever crossed. He went on for quite awhile. For a second I was shocked and I called my DH to show him the email.Well my DH starts to laugh and says boy does that guy need a trip to the happiest place on earth It was sooo funny!!

Anyway my vote is for The Unofficial Guide

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Ok I took your advice and signed up I am already overwhelmed... I thought I would generate a plan for me, do I have to make a plan myself? Any help for a newbie to TourGuide Mike would be helpful...

 

[mic_key_mouse]

I can help you- don't get overwhelmed....you have to remember that almost anything you ever wanted to know about WDW is on those pages I would prefer to answer your questions by email or PM, as the information we will be exchanging isn't appropriate for a thread

My first suggestion is to go to your AVP and start clicking on all the links on that page, then use your back button and click on another one. Once you are familiar with everything on your homepage it gets much easier You will find a recommended itinerary under each of the main theme parks- I think it is the top link. There you will find what attractions you need to get to by a certain time of day. His recommendations work just as well as a 'go here first, then go here next' type of touring plan. Just take the ones out you don't want (if any). He doesn't do 'commando style' touring, but his order of attractions is right on IMHO.

The best days to go is another important link. I don't know how far into your planning you are, but this is important too.

Spend about an hour, maybe two, working through the different articles and by then you will have a 'feel' for it. I was overwhelmed the first couple hours, too- just give it some time By then you may not even need any help- but if you do PM or email me

I leave in 5 1/2 days, that gives us plenty of time to iron out any specific questions you may have Remember, it is just like any other site (including this one) with lots of information- there is a 'learning curve' to get comfortable with it

BTW, there is so much more to this site than most people know. If you take some time here as well- I think you will be surprised how much stuff is on this site

Blessings,
mic_key_mouse

ADDENDUM: At the top of your personal AVP planner is a like to 'introduce' you to all the features- check that out, too

 

[MrsJ Henry]

I also think this site is one of the best and that not only are the boards SO very helpful but just the site itself has a great deal of info .
Of course like I have said in other posts. I'm addicted to planning and research and have so much fun looking through many of the guidebooks and sites!!!!
TGM is confusing and no it does not really detail a plan for YOU. That is what I thought it did also and at first I was not very happy but after seeing everything that IS on his site and how you can develope it yourself with so much info... well... I felt better.

 

[blestmom]

I really like TourGuideMike. I have a great trip planned for this December, using mostly information from his site. I like that it is not a 'super-detailed' plan, because I prefer to be more flexible, just using his basic guidelines. His site has so much information! I've had contacted him twice about things, and he has always been courteous and friendly getting back to me. Just my .02 worth.
Deb

 

[mic_key_mouse]

I agree MrsJHenry

The thing about recurring trips to WDW is that you need to educate yourself and design your own plan based on recommendations from the various sources you choose to use. I now understand ride loading patterns, crowd patterns, etc.- so now I buy these resources and skim for new information. TGM does help you to develop a detailed plan for yourself, and his 'sample plans' and 'sample itineraries' are touring plans that work in the park as well as anything I have used. I don't want or need someone to plan my vacation for me, if I did I would pay Mike (or someone else) his fee of $95.00/hour and let him have at it.

I also agree with blestmom that a 'super detailed' plan isn't necessary, as there is so much more to WDW than the rides. His 'laid back approach' to touring makes a WDW trip a relaxing resort vacation. As I have said before, WDW isn't going anywhere- relax and see what you can this trip, then see the rest when you come back

Blessings,
mic_key_mouse

 

[punkin]

cocowum. that's very funny.

 

[Selket]

I love the TGM site and found his plans very useful for our trip last August. I also emailed him directly with a question about our youngest son (long story) but he emailed back right away and gave us several recommendations including getting a Guest Assistance Pass because the info wasn't on his site. I also wrote to thank him for the info when we got back from our trip.

I had the opposite experience of TGM than cocowum - he was very nice, helpful and his information was well worth what I paid for it.