Tour Guide Mike - What To Expect?

[StinkerbellsMom]

Okay, here's the thing ... we've been to WDW a bunch of times and have always found ways
around the crowds and thoroughly enjoyed each and every minute.
We have AP's but this is the first time our family of 5 is going during Peak Season - Easter.
I am not sure whether or not I should get TGM. What is it? Do I get access to a website or
is it done by Email? How are things 'personalized' to fit our plans?
Will it advise us of days that we should take advantage of EMH mornings/evenings?
I keep reading rave reviews, but I wonder just how it all works ... any insight?
Thanks in advance!

 

[Mickey Fliers]

A subscription to TGM will give you access to his website and touring advice. The AVP (automated vacation planner) will not spit out a vacation plan just for you, but will rather give you up to date info regarding your vacation dates (you can also access the info for all the other months as well). You will be able to read all of the articles and really decipher how and "why" Mike does things the way he does. This is really helpful when plans get off track.

The best thing (for me anyway ), is that Mike will tell you his number 1,2, and 3 choice parks (as well as which to avoid) for each specific morning and evening. For example: Monday, April 18th - Morning - Go HERE. Evening - Go HERE, DON"T GO HERE. He gives very specific reasons WHY!! Also, he has great tips on parade/fireworks viewing, insider info on where you should try to sit on certain rides, etc.

I am of the belief that you should give TGMike a try. He will have very specific and insider advice for Easter week. Also, it is a no lose situation. He offers a money back guarantee. Best case scenario, you use TGMike and have a great time. Worst case, you use TGMike and it isn't everything you hoped for and you get your money back.

HTH and have a great trip

 

[TomD]

I too had been many times. I found this site and TGM at the same time. I wouldn't give up my membership at either place. I don't post much at either but I read lot

 

[johnvree]

There are a number of recent posts reviewing TGM you might want to check out. I have been to WDW a number of times and have reviewed just about every site and every book on WDW. I still joined and it was $20 well spent.

One word of advice. At first, his site seems difficult to navigate through. It's a little complicated and I often found myself unable to find things or to return to a page I had already been. Just stick with it. After a while, it becomes second nature.

 

[heatherbelle]

Pu it this way. If you've spent thousands of $$$$'s on going to WDW, then it seems silly not to spend another $20.

If you do a search for Tourguide Mike, you sometimes come across sites that give a discount. I think I saved $3.

Also if you subscribe for another trip, then TGM gives you a discount.

I wouldn't be without him. Again, I have read loads of books, and this site and also subscribe to touring plans.

My husband was amazed by how well I knew where everything was and when to go.

You do have to follow his advice of whuesen to go though to benefit from the queues. If you don't you end up queing for ages.

 

[traciedee]

It can seem difficult to figure out at first. What I like, is of course, the best days, times advice. I have not found anyone on any of the boards that has ever said he was wrong about that and to me that is worth the money. (We are going during a hot, busy time). I also like it that if I have a specific question I can look it up on line and not have to go search through a book. This is our first trip taking teens and grandma-I just want to be as prepared as I can!

 

[DisneyMama629]

If you have any problems after signing up post on the forums over on TGM's website. There are TGM "experts" there. They can usually link you to any information you need. They are very helpful. Also there is a pretty good no-flame policy there.

 

[Disneydreamer315]

Pu it this way. If you've spent thousands of $$$$'s on going to WDW, then it seems silly not to spend another $20.

If you do a search for Tourguide Mike, you sometimes come across sites that give a discount. I think I saved $3.

Also if you subscribe for another trip, then TGM gives you a discount.

I wouldn't be without him. Again, I have read loads of books, and this site and also subscribe to touring plans.

My husband was amazed by how well I knew where everything was and when to go.

You do have to follow his advice of whuesen to go though to benefit from the queues. If you don't you end up queing for ages.

Just thought I would point this out -- The Dis offers a 3 dollar off coupon code. Its at the top of this theme park page.

 

[StinkerbellsMom]

I keep reading absolutely wonderful reviews and you all have helped a great deal. While I was checking out the sites and reading all the posts I must admit I was confused. The TGM site did bewilder me a bit, but I definitely up for the challenge! And heck, what a great "Study Group"! LOL Thanks fellow DIS'ers ... I am using the $3 off right now and unlocking my own keys to the Kingdom! LOL

 

[lynz421]

TGM is a great site. If you use this site and TGM you should be able to plan the VACAY of a lifetime. I (we) are headed to WDW for our 3rd trip in 15 years so any help I could get is great. TGM and WDWINFO(disboards) are great. From the "reporter in the field" accounts and the Profession adive(TGM) I will be able to See and ride a majority of attactions and eat w/o long waits. As said before, your Vacay is thousands of $ drop 20 bucks and join. BTW who hasn't bought those Unofficial guide books? At least here andTGM give up to the minnute changes/additions.

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

Does the membership last one year?

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

Another question.......from his website, I see monthly plannners to August 2006. When will September 2006 and October 2006 become available? How much before will they become available before the 180 ADR mark? I know that September's 180 ADR mark is fast approaching.

Thanks.

 

[frankenpooh]

I'm using it right now for our March trip. The hotel and tickets were already taken care of when I signed up, so I don't need to use that part of the site. I am nervous about the peak season crowds as well, so I decided one more tool at my disposal can't hurt. I have printed off SO much information from TGM. Time will tell how helpful it will end up being. In the meantime, I'm having fun reading everything and continuing to plan.

 

[Disneydreamer315]

Another question.......from his website, I see monthly plannners to August 2006. When will September 2006 and October 2006 become available? How much before will they become available before the 180 ADR mark? I know that September's 180 ADR mark is fast approaching.

Thanks.

I am going in Aug/sept this year. You can use the Sept 05 express planner to start planning your vacation right now! The September Calendar Clipboard tells you exactly how to get your itinerary planning underway to beat that 180 day window!! It also tells you why and when the Sept 05 Express planner will be updated. I love the clipboards and the express planners, they are invaluable. Have you seen it yet? If you dont know where it is, ask in the forums!

 

[airtime]

Does the membership last one year?

No, it lasts from the day you sign up until 60 days after your trip ends.

I bought my TGM membership about a week ago. I was skeptical - as a WDW veteran, I thought I wouldn't get much out of it, but there is a money-back guarantee, so I thought I'd give it a try. I'm glad I did. There is a wealth of knowledge there that I didn't have. Also, the degree of organization it allows is helping me to plan the best trip I ever have.

If I were you, I'd give it a shot. If you don't like it, get your money back. (But I think you'll like it!)


Tim, who has been convinced.

 

[lillygator]

I joined to see if I could get new ideas, etc....and for $20 why not? I have found that it is a lot of work on my part though....I was expecting a "personalized" type vacation plan and it really isn't that at all. More work for me than I would have liked.

 

[Disneydreamer315]

Thats too bad Lillygator. If you dont think you have gotten any value out of tourguide mike, ask for your money back. There is no time limit.

 

[bwbuddy5]

I joined to see if I could get new ideas, etc....and for $20 why not? I have found that it is a lot of work on my part though....I was expecting a "personalized" type vacation plan and it really isn't that at all. More work for me than I would have liked.

The pre-fabs are there if you want them.

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

Thanks for the input. I think I will sign up as soon as we get the dates confirmed. As someome previously posted, I spend so much money on the books, why not TGM.

 

[lovevacations]

Thanks for the input. I think I will sign up as soon as we get the dates confirmed. As someome previously posted, I spend so much money on the books, why not TGM.

That was my same thought. $20 isn't a lot of money and it is really all the info you wil need plus a great forum. I have the UG and Passporter (for the maps) and I have fully fueled my Disney planning addiction!!