Tour Guide Mike

[WDWannabe]

Has anyone used this service?

Does it work?

Is it worth it? It's only $21, so ...

Thanks!

 

[tcfdick]

I have and I LOVE TGM!
It is worth every penny to not have to stand in long lines. If you follow his suggestions, you will not have to wait long at any of the rides. His site takes some getting used to because there is so much information, but it is definitely worth it. HTH
Sherry

 

[My2Cinderellas]

what is it? it's basically an online guidebook, with Mike's touring philosophy spelled out and lots of helpful hints. To see and do as much as possible, you need a plan. I have the Unofficial Guide and Passporter books, and subscribed to TGM. Can you tell I'm an info junkie?? All 3 have their good points and we took ideas from all 3, but used TGM for the bulk of our touring plans.

is TGM worth it? It was for me. We had never been to WDW before, and knew nothing when we started planning last summer. We had a great trip and put lots of the TGM information to good use. My DH has never checked out the TGM website, he has only briefly browsed the DISboards to get photography tips and left the rest of the planning to me. I took copies of several TGM articles with me, and gave them to DH to read each morning as we were getting ready. By the end of our 3rd day in the parks, DH was saying "Tour Guide Mike ROCKS!"

 

[kbmoo]

Yes, It is so worth it. I have been going to disney for years and I have so much from him. Worth every penny.

 

[denanbob]

Has anyone used this service?

Does it work?

Is it worth it? It's only $21, so ...

Thanks!

I will let you know in 12 days when we return and I post my trip report! We are leaving in 5 days for our first ever trip to WDW and thanks to TGM, I feel like I've been there 100 times and know the parks in and out. I know where every ride is, how to get from any point A to point B, the best seats in every show, etc.............I have learned SOOOOOO much from TGM. I will put all this knowledge to use very soon and I will report back when I return! Wish me luck!

 

[PrincessJen09]

I am also curious about how effective his site is. My family and I have been to Disney World many times...how is it for repeat visitors?

 

[WDWannabe]

denanbob, can't wait till you get back!!! No, not really, hope that you have a long long trip!!

Yes, please let me know how your trip went with your TGM plan. Looked at it today for our fall trip. Thought it would help me out with the mega info about WDW! Although I've been surfing the disboards for several years now, I don't know the half I should and I know I am going to go crazy!!

BTW, I am a former buckeye! Been in GA now for almost 18 years!

 

[huey578]

Has anyone used this service?

Does it work?

Is it worth it? It's only $21, so ...

Thanks!

I purchased the service last month and I'm not too impressed. But I've been to WDW numerous times and have figured out on my own by trial and error. I think it's a great service for newbies though. That I recommend. You get a three dollar discount if you click on the TGM link within Disboards.

 

[Kendra17]

I just subscribed to this the other day, but I"m not sure I am finding it as useful as all of you seem to find it. Is it just articles? If so, it's kind of a repeat of all the other guides. Am I missing something crucial?

I also have the Unofficial Guide and Passporter (and others that happen to be useless).

I've been to WDW many times. . . what am I missing on TGM's site that all of you find really beneficial?

 

[Stitch65]

I've been to WDW many times. . . what am I missing on TGM's site that all of you find really beneficial?

Well, I don't have the UG or the Passporter, but I do have TGM! I found the least crowded days article the most helpful and also his sample itineraries great, but I know that the UG also posts best days and such. I like the fact, too, that Mike or another TGMer is always at the parks and sometimes updates info as needed on the site.

I'm not sure how it stacks against the UG though, anyone here have both?

 

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

I just subscribed to this the other day, but I"m not sure I am finding it as useful as all of you seem to find it. Is it just articles? If so, it's kind of a repeat of all the other guides. Am I missing something crucial?

I also have the Unofficial Guide and Passporter (and others that happen to be useless).

I've been to WDW many times. . . what am I missing on TGM's site that all of you find really beneficial?

He does have tons of articles...about everything possible about WDW. If you click on the exra links, you'll find tons of great information. For example, he has an article or summary on every single attraction. At the bottom or side is a link for tips. He'll tell you precisely where to stand or sit, and TONS of other information that I didn't know. It does take some time to explore and figure it all out. I remember being very overwhelmed about all the articles at first, but if you take the time to really explore, I think you'll find everything you need. And if not...ask in the AVP forums over there. The Least Crowded Park charts are awesome! He's got excellent tips for the parades and shows. I can't wait to put all of his tips to good use in October.

And to the OP....he's got a money back guarantee, so you really can't go wrong!!!

 

[ajcolorado]

Mike, of TourGuideMike, owns and operates a VIP guided touring service. He has a number of full-time guides in his employ that are in the parks daily. He is constantly scrubing his information, although the pace of change sometimes affects even Mike.


TourGuideMike is his online service that publishes all the planning materials, and more, that he uses everyday for his VIP customers. There WILL be similarities with other guide publications since he is trying to provide full information on his site. There are only so many ways to present similar info. Where he is different is 1) his philosophy and 2) his presentation. Mike's philosophy is to have an overall enjoyable resort experience. The contrast between the UG and TGM is this... The UG rates best days based on the peak wait times at specific attractions each day, and will rate a day "OK" due to more ride vehicles being employed even if the crowds are heavier. Mike bases his best days on crowd levels and wait times between 5 and 15 minutes.

Neither is "Good" or "Bad" just different. If you want to avoid crowds as much as possible and never wait more than 15 minutes, you may want to take a look at Mike. If you are more in to "commando" and "maximum experience" you may want to look at the UG.

Our family has both.

We have used the UG exclusively on trips and we have used TGM exclusively on trips. Mike's is definately the more relaxing and enjoyable, and we still got to experience everything.

If you are currently a TGM subriber and are finding it less than satisfying, I recommend:
1) Go through the AVP Overview available on your home page
2) Join your month's Vacation Club
3) Read through your month's "Express Planner" completely without clicking any links. In fact, if you are reading any article, read it completely before clicking off on a link.

Some people find "contradictions". Always remember to use 1) the most specific advice and 2) the most recent advice. For example morning EMHs may be a good thing overall, but on a specific day a very bad idea. So if you read the MK article and it advises you that EMH is a good thing, yet you read the best days article for you specific day you plan to cisit and it say "stay away", it is not a contradiction, merely the difference between general concepts and specific day advice.

If you have questions, go to the TGM forums and ask for help. Also you can PM anyone with "manager" in their description under their screenname. They are all volunteers that are very well versed in TGM, the site, and TGM the philosophy.

And in the end, you can ask for a refund. Mike always honors those requests.

 

[WDWannabe]

ajcolorado, thanks for all of your information, you must have used TGM at some point. I have UG 2004...a little dated... Sometimes I think it (ug) almost scares you into not trying something...although, they have GREAT advice and have put alot of time into it....I think I will try TGM just so see what the difference is....I have nothing to lose!!! Thank you for your opinion, I feel you answered my question very well!

I feel most disboard posters answer honestly and thoughtfully!!! Thanks All!!!