Tour Guide Mike -- worth the $$ ?

[Gales4Goofy]

Maybe this is a dirty word on these boards, but......

Has anyone out there bought the AVP on Tour Guide Mike's site? Would you recommend it? Basically, is it worth the 20 bucks?

I'm not asking anyone to "give away the secrets", or to trash Mike. I don't want to get anyone into trouble.

Just looking looking for a basic thumbs up or down.
Thanks !!

 

[javaj]

Absoluely worth it! We used TGM for our June 2004 trip and renewed right away for our Dec 2004 trip. It takes a few visits to his site after signing up (the more the better) to make the most out of it (because of so much info) so the sooner you can sign up, the better. Good luck deciding!

 

[Kaycee]

I haven't tried it myself (I think I enjoy planning as much as the trip itself) but I have read many positive posts from others who've tried Tour Guide Mike, and I don't recall reading even one negative post! And I don't see any problem with posting your question here on the DIS Boards. There's plenty of room for both Tour Guide Mike and the DIS Boards in planning a WDW vacation!

Happy planning!

 

[Lollipop Mom]

ABSOLUTELY worth it! We used it first for our trip between Christmas and New Years of last year. He puts out a "holiday survival guide" that can not be beat (he does this for all extremely busy periods...spring break, summer, easter week, Christmas/New Years etc). Despite the largest crowds Disney has ever had, we still didn't wait more than 10-15 minutes for anything and we were able to see everything we wanted to. We used it again for our trip in April of this year and that time our waits were more like 5-10 minutes tops. He has tips I haven't seen on any other site or in any guidebook. Some of the best tips are in direct contradiction to what you read on lots of these boards. He is in the parks just about daily and does a great job at keeping everything up to date with changes etc. He also participates on the message boards on the site as well.

It can be a bit overwhelming at first with all the info but once you get used to navigating it, you'll be all set. Start with his "express planner" to get the feel for it and once you start understanding the flow you can get through it all easily.

Keep in mind also that he does offer a $ back guarantee so if you disagree, you can get a refund.

 

[caribbeanme]

Definitely worth it! I also used TGM for my June 2004, and as soon as my subscription expired, renewed for my late Jan 2005 trip. While the disboards are indispensible, TGM has all the info you need right at your fingertips (closings/rehabs, crowds, best days to go, important info., countdowns to ressies). He even helped me chose my days for each park...

As stated by a previous poster, sometimes his touring plans are in direct contradiction to the ones here, and in the paper guides. My first MK day I tried the Unofficial Guide plan, got stuck a bit longer than expected in one ride (broke down for about 15 mins), and soon hit half hour to forty-five minute lines trying to catch up to the schedule. We ended up skipping entire lands just trying to get some respite from the long lines. Second MK day, got there late, went straight for TGM's plan, and was never in line for more than 10-15mins. We even got brazen and started dallying and enjoying the sights, and still easily got back on track and kept one step ahead of the major crowds. As our trip wore on, we used the Unofficial Guide when the stars were aligned (got there early, rides went as planned), but switched to TGM's whenever we went off the plan, or decided to spend part of a morning at the pool or at a brunch. I found that, when it comes to WDW, it doesn't hurt to have a diff. perspective, just in case Plan A doesn't work...

 

[simonmunro]

I joined and have nothing but praise for the man and his product. I had a technical issue on a Saturday night mind you and he answered right away. Now, that may not always be possible but apparently when it is possible to be prompt he is. I love the reams and reams of information and would refer anyone with all confidence.

 

[jcemom]

Definitely a Thumbs Up! I used it for my February trip and renewed for next year's trip as soon as I got home!

What I like is that he gives you the knowledge to create your own touring plans. He explains WHY you should go to ride X first, ride Y second, and so on. It makes it so much easier to adapt when things don't go as planned, or just because you either don't want to ride attraction Y, or maybe because your kids wanted to ride X twice. You come away with all the knowledge you need to be your own tour guide and the confidence to make the necessary decisions to keep your day running smoothly.