Tour Guide Mike - End Product?

[kutchyone]

I am really trying to embrace his touring philosophy. Since this is not our first trip to DW it is a little easier. This is our first summer trip to DW, all other trips have been September/October so I had hoped on getting a step by step touring plan to deal with the crowds. I am reviewing the information provided and have the itinerary prepared. Next step is to set up a touring plan for each park making sure that the must see/do's are all figured in.

 

[LIFERBABE]

When I first signed up with TGM, I too was disappointed at first, that he didnt spit out my data in a touring plan. But I stuck with it and found lots of info that you dont find here or anywhere.

Even if you do find it here on the DIS, it may not be applicable for your travel dates, your family, etc. I am here on the boards all day every day, have been to WDW 8 times, and I still found TGM to be worth it.

His touring sample plan for MVMCP 2004 Friday night, was so on the money, it was scary!! We went on the last night, completely sold out, tickets selling on Ebay for $300 each, and we had a effortless fun time.

The one time we got off track you could hardly breathe, utter gridlock, just as TGM said it would be. We had rope view of the second parade with a 30 minute wait not 3 hours like most. We saw the special shows, took our photos, had time for cocoa and cookies and strolled out when it was over.
I was amazed the whole evening how we could be there on such a crazy night and not notice it but the one time. One lady even caught a glimpse of my notes and commented how organized I was! (NOT!) LOL

 

[kutchyone]

So far not much new stuff, hope that as it gets closer to our June trip we will receive that "special" information that everyone else raves about.

Thanks for letting me know about your experience.

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

I broke down and tried TGM. (Hey, I had a coupon code, so I justified the purchase by telling myself that I was spending less money.)

At first, I was pretty disappointed with the information. Like others, I was expecting this customized touring plan, all neatly organized and just waiting for me to print it out. Nope.

But I've been spending time familiarizing myself with the site and there is some valuable information on it that I plan to put to use on our next trip. They make a lot of sense to me, so we'll see. With the new nighttime EMHs, I've been thrown for a loop with my itinerary planning. None of the guidebooks address the nighttime EMHs and there have only been a handful of reviews here on the DIS due to the newness. TGM is helping me to get a little better perspective on things.

 

[Amirah95]

I like TGM...it's just another source for info for me along with my UOG, Birnbaum's and Passporter.

 

[petal picker]

I hate to sound dumb but what is tgm? We are going in June and would love to know the fastest way around the parks, we also will be there seven days. Sounds like a lot of time but isn't. I am taking my 3 grandchildren 7, 11, 12 and mom, dad, gramps and myself so I know we won't be skipping fast since there is so many of us.

 

[momm2four]

www.tourguidemike.com

an online guide that's more personalized to the time you are going to WDW


Lori P.

 

[kutchyone]

I have posted a request for TGM on his boards to please create a sample touring plan for the late night EMH. It would be very helpful to those of us who can only embrace his touring philosophy half way. Keeping my fingers crossed that he may follow through.

Also, hope that once Soaring opens he will include the best times to attend and place that attraction in his touring plan.

 

[GrandmaBarb]

There is definitely information re the extra hours in the parks. You just have to read thru and find it. His advice is sooo right, I know, I have used it again and again..
He will have updated info on Soaring etc as soon as he has it finalized and is sure it is absolutely correct. He will not post anything unless he is positive it is the right information. A few people have signed up, skipped thru, not read the starting info and the step by step plan and therefore are frustrated and unhappy. But it can only be because they do not follow the step by step plan. It is all there, everything you need. And the cost is such a small investment compared to books etc. And the folks on the forum are the most friendly, helpful and knowledgeable anywhere.
Try it and you'll see.

 

[kutchyone]

Thank you.

 

[becky7953]

I loved TGM! I wasn't looking for a strict schedule to do the parks, just info on best times and which parks. The thing I loved about TGM, is that it tells you about the rides. If there is a scary part on a kids ride, it tells you when to cover your childs eyes and ears. This worked great for me with my 2year old. ( She used to get startled easy when she heard loud noises) We are hopefully going back in 2006 and would use him again. I also use the passporter, and unofficial guide. I use the local library for those books.

 

[always quiet]

Hey GrandmaBarb,
I recognize your user name from the forums over on TGM. I'm Colleen over there!!

 

[GrandmaBarb]

Hi Colleen, "Small World" isn't it.
Catch you later.

 

[Hollua]

I'm a big TGM fan too. I just wanted to say that I start laughing whenever I read that you can find his information elsewhere, like here on the DIS. Yes, that may be true. But how is one supposed to tell the good info from the bad info? Really, I'm not joking. There is so much misinformation out there. Just look at the the "EMH or not" threads. All the diehard EMH fans say, "Yes use the EMH. Of course." At the same time others say avoid them like the plague. Well, who is right? TGM says they both are! It simply isn't that cut and dry. It depends on the time of year, which day, and which park you are planning to visit. Mike give great advice and explains so you can determine for yourself whether to use EMH.

Brian Noble has it just right. TGM is a philosophy. If you only embrace one aspect of it, you won't get maximum benefits. I visited WDW once a year and my trips before TGM were fun, but since taking the leap of faith and embracing more of a TGM philosophy they have been AWESOME. We go twice a year now and even during the summer crowds without hesitation.

 

[LIFERBABE]

I'm a big TGM fan too. I just wanted to say that I start laughing whenever I read that you can find his information elsewhere, like here on the DIS. Yes, that may be true. But how is one supposed to tell the good info from the bad info? Really, I'm not joking. There is so much misinformation out there. Just look at the the "EMH or not" threads. All the diehard EMH fans say, "Yes use the EMH. Of course." At the same time others say avoid them like the plague. Well, who is right? TGM says they both are! It simply isn't that cut and dry. It depends on the time of year, which day, and which park you are planning to visit. Mike give great advice and explains so you can determine for yourself whether to use EMH.

I agree, I love the Dis, but good luck getting 2 people to agree on anything! LOL
I agree the info is out there and much of what I have read has been posted elsewhere, but you cant take all that info to WDW with you. TGM gives you the tools you need to move freely around the parks, even when it's crowded.

 

[SnowyPrincesses:)]

I absolutely love this Disboards but let me tell you I am soooo glad I signed up at www.tourguidemike.com Yes, at first I was a little disorientated but once I got a foothold!!!! Wow! I can't wait to get into the parks and put this stuff to use! I love planning-and I love Disney! Mike's site is a great source for both. I like that he gives you the suggestion but then explains WHY to you. I just wish that more people left reviews for me to read. (if you are subscribed over there... get to it )
BTW on those boards I'm Oprah (my dog )

 

[GrandmaBarb]

Like with Colleen, it's a Small World. Hi back.

There are so many great people on the TGM website. They are the most friendly, helpful and informative people anywhere.
I like reading the posts on this board, but find some of the people to be rude and just "not nice' and I don't like that. I know I'm old and old-fashioned but I was taught respect for others and their opinions. I don't deal well with slams or insults or whatever the current term is.

thanks for being one of the "good" guys.
See ya

 

[eddieras]

i purhcased mousepal, and was looking at TGM - are there any programs that let you select which park, activities, meals and then they compile it into a personal schedule? i thought mousepal, did- my mistake, tho it still may be helpful. i see a similar planning thing on touring guides, but it justs is a place to organize your days.

is there one that will generate a personal schedule??
thanks!

 

[always quiet]

I've never seen or heard of one that will actually generate your daily schedule for you. All the ones I have seen only give you their ideas on which park/which day/which time then you have to compile them into your schedule.

If you only want to organize your days, My Disney Vacation on disneyworld.com has that kind of thing on their site now.

Another good feature of TGM is that he lets you chose which itinerary advice you like - one if you are using EMH, one if you aren't, one if you have kids, one if you don't. It's very personalized that way!

 

[rosiejo]

Hmm - I think I may have to get the credit card out and give TGM a try - I like the "free" parts of his site and I'd like to see more. i usually use ths UG and trawl the net for tips and info.

I've got almost 9 months to go so that could be long enough to maximise his site and make this a wedding trip to remember