Tour Guide Mike ?

Andy Lou & Meg

Anywhere else but Disney is not a holiday
Joined
May 20, 2004
Messages
492
Has anybody ever used this service? We have booked to go through Dreams Unlimited who plan our trip, so I am not really sure if its worth it. Any useful thoughts?
 
I am using him for the first time this trip. I reckon I know a lot about Disney having been so often but I am finding a lot of useful tips. he also has a guide to the best days to visit each park on your trip. Not tried those out yet obviously but if they work could be very useful. The logic makes sense so they should work.

There is an awful lot of information on his site and it does take a lot of time to work your way through it and find the bits that are helpful to you.
 
I always use the Brits Guide to Orlando's Busy Days planner to organise my holiday, as well as checking which days are EMH in Disney parks (so I can avoid them and go the next day when it is quieter). New updates to the Busy Day's are posted on the Brit's Guide website.

Personally I prefer to plan myself because I am catering for the family who I obviously know really well.
 
Oh you still do your own planning, you just have more information on which to base it. I like Brit's guide but this is not the same as that and the two would work well together.
 

I am using him for the first time this trip. I reckon I know a lot about Disney having been so often but I am finding a lot of useful tips. he also has a guide to the best days to visit each park on your trip. Not tried those out yet obviously but if they work could be very useful. The logic makes sense so they should work.

There is an awful lot of information on his site and it does take a lot of time to work your way through it and find the bits that are helpful to you.

I can second that so far it seems great value to me :surfweb:
 
Oh you still do your own planning, you just have more information on which to base it. I like Brit's guide but this is not the same as that and the two would work well together.

Well I also incorporate touringguide's analysis of the busiest day schedules and Disney's EMHs to the actual planning of the itinerary. However, I am always open to new ideas (though lots of tips are gained from this site). How could I benefit from using this service then? What type of tips are given?
 
TGM's tips are based on his experience from his day job - escorting guests around WDW. He's in the parks virtually every day and constantly revises his tips based on what he sees. The bulk of the site is effectively an online guidebook which you organise to suit your own needs. Each and every time Disney makes an announcement of any kind, you will be notiified via your AVP (Automated Vacation Planner). That could be anything from park hours to new attractions to hotel discounts. Likewise, you will receive a notification each time Mike updates any of the articles on the site. There are also lively Discussion Forums.

I've been subscribing for several years and will continue to do so for the "Least Crowded Parks" information alone. This is much more detailed than anything else out there. For each day of the year (split between mornings and evenings), TGM will analyse the likely crowd levels at each park and provide his reasoning. If Disney changes something which is likely to impact that advice, he updates it. He also provides touring strategies - not so important for us because we no longer feel the need to experience all the attractions, but sound advice if that is your priority. I've certainly picked up one or two nuggets of information.

Other useful stuff includes where to stand for the parades and fireworks, the best showings to attend and on which days, information about checking in (and out) of hotels and detailed articles on all attractions, resorts, restaurants, transportation, activities, etc. I particularly like the fact that Mike always explains the reasoning behind everything.
 
I meant to add, if you're not already aware, that you can get a $3 discount as a DIS member - just click on the link at the top of the Theme Parks forum.
 
Love love TGM, the detail for each attraction and show are excellent with their own tips and hints, parade spots to get the best view, touring plans that make total logical sense to beat the crowds and they have worked my last 4 trips, i never stand and wait in line for anything really, the most crowded/least crowded parks per day charts are worth the money alone, tons of up to date reviews on restaurants/hotels......the list goes on and on, I think its brilliant value for money and i won't go to WDW without it (and my folder of print-outs:lmao: )
 
Thanks for that info, sounds an interesting site.

Claire we don't have problems with lines even going in July when we go first thing in a morning. However, it is a different story in the afternoons but usually we are doing something else and return to a park late afternoon/evening when lines are managable again. We have been spoilt by either walk ons or rides with very small lines that we cannot be bothered to line up in long lines if we see them later on in the day. I note that you say you don't have any problems with lines is this all day and at what time of the year? Thanks. Bev
 
After everybodys advise I have purchased TourGuide Mike and WOW, there is soooooooo much information. Its going to take me ages to get through all of it. Worth every penny. Thanks everyone!!!!
 
Hi bev,
I've used the info in early August, october and january:goodvibes
 
TGM's tips are based on his experience from his day job - escorting guests around WDW. He's in the parks virtually every day and constantly revises his tips based on what he sees. The bulk of the site is effectively an online guidebook which you organise to suit your own needs. Each and every time Disney makes an announcement of any kind, you will be notiified via your AVP (Automated Vacation Planner). That could be anything from park hours to new attractions to hotel discounts. Likewise, you will receive a notification each time Mike updates any of the articles on the site. There are also lively Discussion Forums.

I've been subscribing for several years and will continue to do so for the "Least Crowded Parks" information alone. This is much more detailed than anything else out there. For each day of the year (split between mornings and evenings), TGM will analyse the likely crowd levels at each park and provide his reasoning. If Disney changes something which is likely to impact that advice, he updates it. He also provides touring strategies - not so important for us because we no longer feel the need to experience all the attractions, but sound advice if that is your priority. I've certainly picked up one or two nuggets of information.

Other useful stuff includes where to stand for the parades and fireworks, the best showings to attend and on which days, information about checking in (and out) of hotels and detailed articles on all attractions, resorts, restaurants, transportation, activities, etc. I particularly like the fact that Mike always explains the reasoning behind everything.

Thanks for that - it does sound a very useful resource. Just one question though, how far in advance is information posted on the site? I am booked to go 30th March next year so would there be anything on there yet for April 2008?
 
Thanks for that - it does sound a very useful resource. Just one question though, how far in advance is information posted on the site? I am booked to go 30th March next year so would there be anything on there yet for April 2008?

There is nothing specific for April 2008 up yet, you can expect that in October when the April park hours are released.
 
Whilst there won't be anything for April, 2008, you can access all the information for April this year.
 
So did you have to wait in line in the afternoons and evenings longer than say 20 minutes?

Well the thing about TGM is that you will basically be done with touring by lunchtime, leaving your afternoons/evenings free to just soak it up and go do what you missed out on earlier, I can't say too much as there is a strict information leak policy and i don't want to get in trouble, but if you become a subscriber you'll see what sort of stuff you're doing evenings/ afternoons, its a whole plan/touring philosophy. Sorry, sounds a bit like a cult now doesn't it?:lmao: You'll see what i mean;)
 
Thanks Claire, this is what usually happens with us, we get all the rides done in the morning and relax in the afternoon catching shows and the like or jump out for a swim. Just was interested to see if you were having shorter lines in the afternoon as well. We are staying at the Royal Pacific this year so afternoon lines will not be problem for us in Universal/Islands.:)
 












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