Tour Guide Mike vs Unofficial Guide

[MamaK]

For those who've used Tour Guide Mike and/or the Unofficial Guide, do they give similar tips for itineraries or are they varied enough to invest in both?

I am a mom of three. My husband and I are bringing our 2 daughters (ages 3 and 4) to WDW in August. Any tips are appreciated. We're staying in the Poly.

- MamaK
adamskr@musc.edu

 

[MsLeFever]

I find that the information is quite different - at least in their approach to touring.

We've used UG in the past and are trying TGM this time around.

My advice? Either seems to have the potential to work. Would you rather have a book or a website? UG has a particular sense of humor which I enjoyed but it turns some people off. TGM's site is VERY full and not too intuitive so you need to have time to sift through all of the information.

 

[JRawkSteady]

I love both! I used TGM for the first time on my last trip and I am definitely going to use him again for my next! I've read through every single article, even if it was not appropriate to my particular trip, but they are updating every day!

UG is an awesome guidebook and Len is great! They do know what they're talking about, but they tend to exaggerate a bit about wait times and transportation times. I feel TGM is a bit more realistic in those terms. Another great option is to listen to the podcast WDWToday. Matt Hochberg from MGMStudios.org, Mike Newell from MouseWorldRadio, Mike Scopa from Mouseplanet.com, and Len Testa from the UG answer questions and discuss topics about WDW. It's very interesting, entertaining, and you can download archived episodes for free! (and you don't need an IPOD)

 

[disneysailor]

I find that the information is quite different - at least in their approach to touring.

We've used UG in the past and are trying TGM this time around.

My advice? Either seems to have the potential to work. Would you rather have a book or a website? UG has a particular sense of humor which I enjoyed but it turns some people off. TGM's site is VERY full and not too intuitive so you need to have time to sift through all of the information.

I totally agree with the above poster. The UG is seems to have more of a variety of information than TGM. Also, there you can bring it with you and there are handy charts that can be cut out. However, TGM information is constantly updated so if there are any changes before your trip, you're aware of them.

 

[steelmagnolia]

TGM is very information intensive but once you get the hang of it, really easy to use. I've used the service twice and am using it a third time for our upcoming trip. I've found the recommendations to be very accurate especially those concerning what parks to visit during specific days of our trip. And, no, I'm not connected to TGM in any way, just a satisfied customer.

 

[ski37]

I think BOTH are great.

The more info you can get, the better.

TGM is able to be more current since it is a website.

UG is a great book with a ton of info. The new one (2007) comes out in the fall I believe.

ski

 

[disneyeveryyear]

I have also used both.

For out trip this August, we have renewed with TGM, but haven't bought a new UG.

The best thing about Mike, in my opinion, is that he explains not only what and when, but the why behind it. If you can understand his reasoning, then you understand why you are doing it, not just blindly following a schedule.

In addition, his which days in which parks has always been right on the target for us. If EE changes at the last minute, Mike is able to see that, and adjust his recommended days before you leave.

 

[MJMcBride]

I love the UG. Its great.

Besides that Tour Guide Mike dude never stops smiling. Its freaking me out. Look up at the top of the page, he's still doing it. Why won't he stop smiling? Why?

 

[AllyCatTapia]

"Why won't he stop smiling? Why?"


probably cause he makes MONEY by visiting DISNEYWORLD


not to mention his legions of faithful followers

 

[MJMcBride]

I suppose its not a bad way to make some dough.

 

[cjtorres]

for how long do you have the service of TGM? i will go to wdw in dec. 2007, can i buy now this service?
sorry for my english

 

[Leigha]

The last time I checked you have from the time you sign up to about a month after your trip ends.

 

[cjtorres]

almost 19 months for $22.00? sound good to be truth

 

[88Keys]

I think BOTH are great.

The more info you can get, the better.

TGM is able to be more current since it is a website.

UG is a great book with a ton of info. The new one (2007) comes out in the fall I believe.

ski

Not quite true........

UOG has a website that is just as up to date (sometimes moreso) than TGM. Try Touringplans.com for free updates to the guide.

I've done both -- UOG wins -- restaurant and hotel prices included, easier to navigate around, and though TGM does seem like he knows how to tour the parks efficiently, UOG actually uses an amazing system of algorithms and dozens of "testers" to find the best touring plan.

 

[notnothin]

The last time I checked you have from the time you sign up to about a month after your trip ends.

This is still true. TGM expires around 30 days post-vacation.

 

[orlando79]

It is interesting to compare TGM, the UG and web forums as sources of WDW touring info.

We have visited WDW at least annually for many years (how come we never hear about people adding up all the money they have spent in Orlando!??)

Herewith my humble opinions:

Web fourms - it really takes some time and effort to glean and assemble information from many, many posts. Frankly, it is sometimes difficult to separate fact from emotion.

UG - I have bought the UG, as well as the official one, nearly every year; I end up looking at the latter more often. To be honest, I need to say that the style of the UG really turns me off, while the official guide sometimes seems too much like a promotion piece.

TGM - out of curiosity, I signed up for TGM for a trip pre-Christmas. In a week or so of browsing, my reaction is pretty positive. I learned more things (both background info and tip types of suggestions) than from the other sources in some time. Also, it seems to be updated fairly frequently. The presentation style is OK. He explains the reasons for his suggestions. As mentioned here, it is a bit disjointed, although he is trying to cover a great deal of information in an inherently hyperlinked format, where is it hard to present a lot of material in a linear fashion.

I like it.

 

[Jules224]

Hi, bumping this thread as i am tempted to invest in TGM however does he just do WDW parks? We will also be visiting SW, BG, DC, US & IOA. Is it still worth or is there another itinerary planner i should invest in?

 

[anneofgreengables]

How far in advance do you need to sign up for TGM to make it worthwhile for you? We are going Dec. 2006. Is it too late, as I understand one needs to learn how to navigate through all the info?

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

How far in advance do you need to sign up for TGM to make it worthwhile for you? We are going Dec. 2006. Is it too late, as I understand one needs to learn how to navigate through all the info?

I don't think it's too late.

I think I purchased mine last December, for my March trip. I had plenty of time to get the hang of it.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

Just to confirm.

TGM is more on target with which park to visit on what day than UG.

If this is true, I will invest in TGM for this info alone.