Tour Guide Mike.... WAS it worth it ???

[Dizzy over Disney]

Holy Cockroaches, YES! We went Nov 22-30 and wow... it really wasn't as bad following his plan. I'll be honest.. I was a bit skeptical and actually went against what he said one day because the weather was going to be nice...welll.. he was right... even in the beautiful weather!

Totally totally totally worth it!

 

[Dan Murphy]

 

[luvsJack]

ITA!! We were there the same week. Since I forgot to pack my printed plans, we didn't follow his touring plan for each park exactly; but we went to the park he suggested for the day and started out with the attractions he says to. From there we did our own thing but it still worked great. Going by the difference of opinions on this board as to the wait times and crowds size; I would say TGM was right on the money!

I will definitely be using TGM for our next trip!

 

[eliza61]

I'll be the lone dissenting voice.
I think part of my problem was that I finally purchased it after my 4th visit and all his tips I already knew. Since we generally go at a slower time we don't have long waits any way.
We never use it again especially now that we are "pros" and go every 14 months or so.

If it's your 1st time at the parks or you're going during a super busy time I'd probably say spring for it. If not save your money and buy a nice disney souvenier.

 

[DanMedix]

I agree that it could very well help during the busy times. However, the best plan to avoid long lines is to avoid going during peak times.

I tend to think of it this way: If 20,000 people followed TGM's advice, and went to a particular park one day, in a particular order, then that's 19,999 people you're going to have to wait in lines with. Add to that number all the people that aren't following their advice, and just "showed up". It's all relative.

TGM and UG can indeed help you. But there's a cost to it. If you follow the plans to the letter, there's not very much room for flexibility, or for other variables. (my In-Laws, for example). There's a balance to be had...you just have to find yours...

 

[Brian Noble]

I thought so. I buy it for friends and family when they go, as well.

If you follow the plans to the letter, there's not very much room for flexibility,

My experience has been that the TGM sample touring plans have a lot more "built-in options" than any specific UG plan. On the other hand, the UG folks have more sample plans.

Both services are inexpensive, and provide money-back guarantees. My standard advice is to try both of them, to see if either fit your vacation style. If so, keep the one you like most, and get a refund on the other. If not, just ask for refunds for both of them.

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

I have a running subscription, lol. We go sometimes 5 times a year, and I still make sure I have it every time. It doesn't matter how many times you've gone to WDW, his "best days" list is worth the price alone Plus, since I've bought it so many times, I think I'm down to less than $10 per purchase now!

 

[texhanddoc]

I completely agree with the OP. As far as the posters talking about cost: I have always found it astounding on this message board that people really complain about the cost of TGM or UG. When you consider the cost of a week long Disney vacation, the cost of these is so minute its almost not worth mentioning. You are spending anywhere from $1500 to $6000 for a one week vacation and that is NOT counting many extras that you buy for the trip like souveniers, clothes, backpacks etc and you are going to make a big deal over $20, especially when that $20 can have a significant positive impact on your vacation.

As far as TGM delivering I would completely agree. This will be our second vacation coming up using TGM. Our first was during October and during Columbus Day weekend and it was a hit. The only times we waited longer than 15 minutes on ANY ride was when we departed from his advice.

Now, I can really start a firestorm here by saying... I have read both UG and TGM and IMO TGM's touring plans and touring articles prepare you better for a disney vacation.

 

[wen774]

Its been useless to me. I find the site so difficult to navigate...and slow!

 

[ilandrazdsw]

This is my first trip back to WDW in over 10 years . We are going the week of Christmas/New Years (I know we are crazy ) so I thought it may help. I find the articles interesting and some of the ride order good advise, but for the most part it is pretty common sense (especially if you read the boards ). Unfortunately I didn't find the boards (never occurred to me to look back in Jan & June) or TGM before making ADRs, but according to TGM w are on track with common sense. We are however, doing early mornings and late nights to get our $$ worth...hey, the kids can snooze in the stroller whild mom and dad go on rides individually

 

[texhanddoc]

I dont disagree with using the DIS boards too. However, the DIS boards have subject matter that is all over the place, so the information that you receive is based on what the current hot threads are. You would have to be a DIS junkie for a couple to few months to get near the same amount of information that is condensed in UG or TGM imo.

 

[2infinityandbeyond]

TGM and UG can indeed help you. But there's a cost to it. If you follow the plans to the letter, there's not very much room for flexibility,

We use TGM and our experience is quite the opposite. If you know how to use the information from the site, you can be as flexible as you need to be. On multiple occasions we've gotten "off track" and we've been able to easily adjust our plans.

 

[anonymousegirl]

I used UG for my last trip in July and it was a resounding success. Longest wait during that crowded time was 20 mins for Jungle Cruise.

However, I am trying TGM for my upcoming solo 4-dayer. I found the site almost overwhelming but I am getting through it. I think it's just a question of learning how to navigate such a huge amount of information. I am using TGM's recommended days/parks and attraction order, plus advice for MVMCP and parade/fireworks spots.

I'll let you guys know next Sunday what I think!!!

 

[Jajone]

I thought so. I buy it for friends and family when they go, as well.


My experience has been that the TGM sample touring plans have a lot more "built-in options" than any specific UG plan. On the other hand, the UG folks have more sample plans.

Both services are inexpensive, and provide money-back guarantees. My standard advice is to try both of them, to see if either fit your vacation style. If so, keep the one you like most, and get a refund on the other. If not, just ask for refunds for both of them.

I love TGM and have used it the last 3 times we went. I feel like I know his touring plans like the back of my hand and no longer need it. Just a word of caution to those looking for a refund. I asked for one months ago and had to send my email 3 times before it got answered. The refund was granted, and I was told it would be sent in the mail and still haven't received it months later and several emails later. The reason I asked for a refund is because I only ordered it to use during the Easter season for his Easter updates that never came. Like I said, I know the plans very well and would not have paid up again if I didn't want the Easter info.

 

[Willow25]

We always use TGM and find it helpful but then again I love anything Disney to research but I find his which parks, which days very helpful.

 

[dolphindan1]

Its been useless to me. I find the site so difficult to navigate...and slow!

Although I dont find it useless....the site is not very user friendly....I wish the sample tours were all updated just not updated in different links...plus it is hard to find things....I do like the forums...but like others said the best days advice is priceless in my opinon....but other info you can get here or any other site....I think for OCD planners its a great investment....relaxed visitors will not find it helpful....JMHO

 

[dgaston]

Although I dont find it useless....the site is not very user friendly....I wish the sample tours were all updated just not updated in different links...plus it is hard to find things....I do like the forums...but like others said the best days advice is priceless in my opinon..

I agree with everything posted above. And for trip # 34 Dec 16 to the 21, I will be relying on TGM both for Park Touring and MVMCP advice.

I'll be reupping soon for 2009.

And I think the forums are great!

 

[Minnie M6]

For those who use TGM, what do you actually print and take with you on your trip? Just the touring plans or actual articles? We leave in 5 days and there is no room in my brain to remember all of the info in the articles. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by all of the information, and trying to sort out what I will need with me. I won't have computer access on the trip.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

Most Definitely.

The one day in September I ignored his advice because DH wanted to do something different, we hit crowds everywhere. The rest of the time following TGM, it was smooth sailing.

I also followed his advice mostly during a Nov. trip and it worked out too.

 

[kathyfranklin]

What are you paying for? I have the UG book - and am reading it (whew) so I understand the strategies, plus they have sample plans.
I could really use a specific plan - for the very days we'll be there.
Can I get that from TGM?
Thanks!