Tour Guide Mike

[clonetothebone]

TGM is extremely over rated. He has no info that can't be found in other sources or by using common sense. To anybody considering using him, don't waste your money.

EXTREMELY over rated is exactly correct. I found one piece of info that I found interesting which conflicts with Unofficial Guide advice and other than that it's the same old thing. We are going to follow Unofficial Guide advice in 3 weeks and I guess I will find out who was correct. I enjoy the brutal honesty of Bob Sehlinger and Unofficial Guide much better.

I notice when people are comparing the two, people often say they like TGM because it is updated more often. Maybe it is??? I don' t know ...but things don't change that much at WDW and touringplans.com reports on the changes as well.

 

[dgaston]

I believe I'm a WDW vet, and have now subscribed to TGM for the 3rd time. One of my criticisms is that TGM is hard to navigate. You need to have enough time to get a feel for how his pages work. Do read the article about "how to get the most out of your AVP", and check out the forums -- very friendly and helpful people ready to answer questions about getting more out of the AVP. I like the personalized advice. As I mentioned on another thread, when DH and I were scheduled for a July 2005 trip and Hurricane Dennis was threatening Central FL I got an email from Mike with specific suggestions about touring. Luckily for us, Dennis turned further north. I have found MIke's suggestions very helpful, even directions on how to find the quickest pathway from Soarin' over to Test Track. And I love the Best Days advice. I do find tips there I haven't seen on these boards. I tend to use Disboards, Allearsnet, and TGM for my info.

HTH

 

[gymborocks]

I've been lurking here for months but this thread finally prompted me to join! Tour Guide Mike rocks!!! I don't claim to be an expert on Disney, but I have purchased several guide books that I have read cover-to-cover (including the Unofficial Guide, which I treasured until discovering TGM) and spent a fair amount of time on a few message boards, and I think TGM is far superior in terms of time-saving tips and specific itineraries. I can think of at least 5 very cool tips that I'll be using this fall that I haven't read anywhere else! Perhaps these tips are out there somewhere, but I don't have the time to read every single post on every single message board to find them all.

I was tempted to keep my mouth shut on this one because, in reality, the more people that think TGM is not worth it, the better my trip to Disney will be!!! My conscience got the better of me! It's well worth the money, IMO. (And I didn't find the site confusing in the least. Just follow his instructions on how to navigate your AVP and you'll be fine.)

 

[TerBear4]

I'm a second-time TGM subscriber!! I highly recommend joining months before you plan to go to WDW. The first time I joined it was only a few weeks before our trip and I printed out EVERYTHING he recommended. Some of his suggestions worked out nicely!!!!

I joined this second time several months ago - you get a discount if you are a returning subscriber! Alot of the info is the same as it was two years ago, but much of it has been updated. I still have found some really useful ideas from TGM. I do agree that the sight is slightly hard to navigate and sometimes I can't get back to a specific page that I was reading previously. Instead it takes me back to the 'sign in' page.

 

[HydroGuy]

The value of TGM depends on the person. I signed up with TGM last Feb and within 10 minutes found out something that paid for the subscription right there. Since then I have discovered a number of other things that have again paid for the subscription.

When I signed up I did not know about the TGM forums, but have found them to be so helpful that I usually post my WDW questions there rather than on DIS because I have gotten such thorough responses from people I feel like I almost know (other TGMers). I still frequent WDW DIS as well, but lurk alot.

Yes I agree that a lot of TGM info can be found elsewhere. The same can be said for the Unofficial Guide. In TGM's case, there is info there that is unique. And it is updated regularly by someone who is in the parks on an almost daily basis. It is not perfect. It is not for everyone. But I think many people would find the $20 well spent if they give it a chance. And before giving up on TGM, try posting a few questions on the TGM forums and just browsing them.

 

[lindalinda]

I joined a few days ago. I think if you dont have much info , and you are taking a trip with at least several days in the parks, and your trip is still months away, then it would be worth it. I got enough info for the 18$ I paid, but as was mentioned before...its not really personalized. Its pretty much "my way or else". I am only going to be at epcot 1 day, and it seems like that was not really an option. Still, 18$ isnt much in the grand scheme of things.

In a couple of years, when I take my neice and nephew for their first trip, I would probably do it again. I would just know what I was getting a little better next time.

 

[huey578]

Bit the bullett yesterday and spent the $18.95 for his service. While I am not done reviewing everything yet (there is a lot of information), I have yet to see any "revelations". Most everything, I already knew by reading the Unofficial Guide, or reading here on these boards. Even the parks he proposed for our visit in July are exactly what we planned to do anyway without his "expert advice." All pretty much common sense for anyone who has been to DisneyWorld before.

Anybody have the same thoughts about TGM, or different? Thanks.

I didn't find TGM very helpful. Most of the things he talks about I learned on my own after countless trips to WDW. It might be useful to a WDW newbie though.

 

[Quinn222]

I bought tgm for our Easter vacation trip and ended up getting my money back. I had a number of problems with it. First since it was supposed to be 'personalized' based on the information I gave when signing up, I did not like all the warnings to stay away from the EMH parks in the morning because of all the onsite people who would be there. Well I was an onsite person and would rather have had some information about how to make the most of my EMH time, not warned to stay away from myself.

I think you missed the point here. All the guide books will advise you to avoid extra magic hours parks even if you are eligible to use EHH. The point is that those parks are super crowded and you'd do better to avoid EMH and go to different park on those days. Unofficial guide advises that exact same thing. They weren't advising you to stay away from yourself, they were advising you that there are so many resort guests there clogging up the parks on EMH days that it's best to avoid them no matter what.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I just joined TGM a few days ago. I think the site has a lot of great information, that would be especially helpful for a newbie. For instance, for each attraction, there are reviews and tips. While the reviews don't help me much, since I already know what I love, like, and don't like so much, the tips provide new information for me, such as viewing areas. Also, TGM had the park hours up first, so considering how "patiently" I was waiting for them, that helped a lot.

Also the UG, Pass Porter, and other guidebooks, (all of which I have, and also love,) all cost about $20 as well, so it's in the same price range as them.

The differences though, are probably advantadges for making TGM more positive. It's more up-to-date, with information not in the 2006 guidebooks, plus has the interactive aspects, such as the message board.

 

["thegirls"]

Licorice~

I think the 'expert advice' is definately scattered within all the text. I think he is a brilliant marketer in that he does not just come out and state..."I am the only one who KNOWS bla, bla and bla. And if you follow this advise you will be MOre educated than the normal guest.
What he does is lay out a guide to learn all you can about all the parts of your vacation while doing it in a way so as to allow the individual to make a truely custom itinerary by using his 'secret' knowledge. All the 'secret' knowledge is there...the mission(if you choose to accept it) is to FIND it and use it to your advantage.
I think that is why he has so many loyal followers. Because all of us repeat customers know that his site is for real and TRUELY does let you visit all the attractions you PERSONALLY choose in less time and with waiting times less than 15 minutes!!!
As a TA, I searched high and low to find a supplement I could offer to my clients that would intice them to book with me. TGM has always impressed my clients and I have gained many loyal clients because I use his service!
And if I footing the bill(indivudually for each family I book) you KNOW I'm acting in a truely non-partisian way.

JMHI: if you view TGM as though he is a 'liitle' ADHD(NO offense, I use the term not in the clinical but in the metaphorical way) you can make your experience on the site alot less time consuming. My tip....just read the text in the center of each page and use only those links at first. You will be more knowledgeable in less time. View the margin(side links) as magazine articles you may or may not want to browse at your liesure. Like all real ADHD people( I am one and teach many of them) we tend to have lots of good information to share but sometime need some fine tuning on our delivery.

If TGM surf's these board I want you to know I an not meaning to insult you. So if you find this offensive just ask a moderator to remove it.

Debbie

 

[TheZeppo]

WDW is not a very hard place to figure out. If you keep your wits about you, you'll do fine. If people are clueless enough to not know about fastpass or able to figure out what park they want to go to on what day or what time the parade starts, most likely they will not even have any idea that TGM even exists or how to use him. He has no information that can't be found easier somewhere else.

 

[tink1978]

Bit the bullett yesterday and spent the $18.95 for his service. While I am not done reviewing everything yet (there is a lot of information), I have yet to see any "revelations". Most everything, I already knew by reading the Unofficial Guide, or reading here on these boards. Even the parks he proposed for our visit in July are exactly what we planned to do anyway without his "expert advice." All pretty much common sense for anyone who has been to DisneyWorld before.

Anybody have the same thoughts about TGM, or different? Thanks.

I agree with you...I got it about 3 weeks ago and it has not been helpful so far.

 

[checkwriter]

I've used both TGM and the UG. They each have their place. For me, TGM did a better job of integrating the Fastpass into the touring experience. I also felt more "in control" of my plans; like I had generated my own touring plans instead of following what the UG folks -- who do a great job, by the way -- put down for me.

Eight of us were down for ten days just before and after Easter this year. We spent very little time in lines, and had plenty of resort time to relax.

Agreed that the TGM site is hard to navigate. There's a lot of stuff crammed in there, and you need to be willing to explore the nooks and crannies to find it all. At first that was a little irritating, but I ended up not minding so much for some reason. Maybe that's because I enjoy the planning almost as much as I do the experience, but I can certainly appreciate that not everyone is like that. I think the site would benefit from a reorganization, but frankly I'm not about to suggest what that reorganization should look like.

The user forum is helpful if you're looking for something. Then again, I was very surprised at how quickly I received direct replies to my emails from the UG team.

 

[MomofCKJ]

I joined in Feb for our Dec trip and I love it. I think it is full of info and I have read a number of guide books and found some things at TGM that were not mentioned in other places.

It is overwhelming at first, the site, but if you take some time to read and get familiar it is easier. I love the forums there too. Very knowledgable friendly people! Our December group leader is great, quick to reply, full of tips and gets us the info fast!

I think it is worth it and come on, $20? When you are spending $4K for a trip what is another $20 to save you time and give you good advice? Worth it I say!

Allyson

 

[vatmark]

I joined in Feb for our Dec trip and I love it. I think it is full of info and I have read a number of guide books and found some things at TGM that were not mentioned in other places.

It is overwhelming at first, the site, but if you take some time to read and get familiar it is easier. I love the forums there too. Very knowledgable friendly people! Our December group leader is great, quick to reply, full of tips and gets us the info fast!

I think it is worth it and come on, $20? When you are spending $4K for a trip what is another $20 to save you time and give you good advice? Worth it I say!

Allyson

I'm in the TGM December Vacation club as well and I definitely agree our group leader is really good. He has really kept us updated on what's going on and when things are expected to come out. He always helps to answer questions as well.

As far as TGM goes. I love the site. I'm on my 2nd subscription now. We used him back in Oct. and had the best time. I have not seen the UG but what I like about TGM is that he just doesn't tell you go here, go there etc. He explains the reasoning behind it. I wanted to be able to come up with my own touringplan chosing the rides I wanted and still be able to minimize wait times. Just being thrown a tour plan and saying..follow this...gives you no flexability. With TGM there is lots of flexibility to make up plans that fit your family and allows for a relaxing vacation.

Annie

 

[nmclennan]

What do people expect to get for $20 - a private tour????

The site has a tremendous amount of very useful information. It is updated regularly and the forums are very helpful. It is a planning tool and you take from it what is useful to you. As many have said when you are spending thousands and thousands of dollars on the trip, what is $20.

We have used every planning tool and guide book available for our December trip and I can say that TGM is the one I use and refer to the most.

IMHO the value far exceeds the cost.

 

[Poohbear123]

WDW is not a very hard place to figure out. If you keep your wits about you, you'll do fine. If people are clueless enough to not know about fastpass or able to figure out what park they want to go to on what day or what time the parade starts, most likely they will not even have any idea that TGM even exists or how to use him. He has no information that can't be found easier somewhere else.

Thanks, I almost signed up for this, but decided to keep my $21.00!

 

[TheZeppo]

Originally posted by nmclennan
The site has a tremendous amount of very useful information. It is updated regularly and the forums are very helpful. It is a planning tool and you take from it what is useful to you. As many have said when you are spending thousands and thousands of dollars on the trip, what is $20.

Twenty dollars is twenty dollars. Why waste it?

 

[vatmark]

How is spending money on the UG not a waste of money? It has info. in it that can be found other places too. You have to pay for UG, Passporter, Birnbaum etc. They are just that...sources for Disney info. Why does it matter to some people where I choose to spend my money. I spent it TGM and have found it to be well worth the money. I didn't bother with UG or any of those others. If you try TGM and don't like it then get your money back. Simple as that. You can't knock it until you try it.

Doesn't sound to me like Zeppo has tried TGM if he thinks it is just info. on what times parades are at. Yes, anyone can say Oh I'll go to this park this day and then this park the other day. But is it really the right choice? TGM knows which parks will be the emptiest on which days. If you want to go to the most crowded park and stand on long lines go right ahead. I'll be the one leaving for an afternoon break after doing all the rides I wanted without waiting on any lines.

Annie

 

[TheZeppo]

Doesn't sound to me like Zeppo has tried TGM

I tried TGM read over his information for the better part of a week and was very disappointed in it. Having already read the UG and frequented The Dis, TGM was useless. If you are going to use one and only one source for information, by all means go to TGM. However, with so many other sources out there that are just as good and better, TGM is not worth the money and is highly over rated.