Tour Guide Mike

[familyfun]

Is the information you pay for from Tour Guide Mike very much the same as the information that you can get from these boards and other Disney sites? I don't mind to pay for his service if he truly had information that you can't get anywhere else, but I also don't mind spending time reading these boards - I'm actually embarassed to say how much time I have already spent !

Also, am I correct to assume that he will update his information to include current crowd levels? Historically, late Jan. - early Feb. is low time for crowds, but according to posts here recently, looks like crowds are at an all time high.

Our trip is in late May, and the kick-off of the newest celebration is also in May. I assume he will take all of this and factor it into his advice? - or does he just rely on historical data?

I know he offers 100% guarantee, but I'd really like to know what you DISsers think!

THANKS!

 

[always quiet]

TGMike is definitely worth the investment!! There is a ton of information on his site that I have NOT seen elsewhere (and believe me, I am always scanning websites looking for the most current information). Not only can you benefit from his years as a WDW tourguide, but since he is always updating his site, making any changes necessary, it is always current. There is not one WDW guide book out there (at least to my knowledge) that has already incorporated the new MYW and EMH into their publications.

Go for it!! You won't regret it!!!

 

[lentesta]

I'm fairly certain the Unofficial Guide has updated its information, and it's available free on its website. Other threads here seem to indicate that the Official (Birnbaum) book has been, or is already revised. And I believe the Passporter is also updated, but I've not yet got mine. Not sure about the others.

Len

 

[Selket]

I think if you do a search on Tour Guide Mike (just in the title of the post) you'll find lots of threads about his service. If I could use just one planning tool for my WDW vacation it would be his website - I think it beats everything out there. His touring plans and information are very up to date.

I can't say enough positive things about his approach to touring WDW. He really gives you the reasons behind why he says to visit a park on a certain day and/or time and what attractions are best when and why. He provided touring plans - like an MK plan for thrill riders or an MK plan for those with young children that lists attractions to go to in a step by step fashion. However unlike other plans he gives the reasoning behind it so if you end up "off plan" for some reason it is easy to get back on and know what attractions are less crowded and when. He doesn't send you criss-crossing and marching all over the park. I print out his touring plans and a few other things (he has a page listing the info he recommends printing out) and I take that with me on my trip.

Since he offers a money back guarantee I don't think you have anything to lose by trying it out. There are also discussion boards over there for subscribers. On top of it all Mike seems like a very nice guy and very gracious to subscribers with his time. I needed some advice for taking my DS (who has several medical issues) on my last trip and he was VERY VERY helpful when I emailed him directly - his response made the difference in our trip I think.

If you are an information junkie you will love it!

 

[bigcrit]

Is the information you pay for from Tour Guide Mike very much the same as the information that you can get from these boards and other Disney sites? I don't mind to pay for his service if he truly had information that you can't get anywhere else, but I also don't mind spending time reading these boards - I'm actually embarassed to say how much time I have already spent !

Also, am I correct to assume that he will update his information to include current crowd levels? Historically, late Jan. - early Feb. is low time for crowds, but according to posts here recently, looks like crowds are at an all time high.

Our trip is in late May, and the kick-off of the newest celebration is also in May. I assume he will take all of this and factor it into his advice? - or does he just rely on historical data?

I know he offers 100% guarantee, but I'd really like to know what you DISsers think!

THANKS!

We purchased the Unofficial Guide on the recommendation of several friends. I can't attest to their Plans as we will be using them this May. I can attest that they go above and beyond to answer questions and their book is quite thorough. Good luck ...................

 

[bjakmom]

I'm a huge fan of BOTH UG and TGM - have been using UG for more years than I can remember (however many years it's been published, I'm sure!) - but for my 'big' family trip last year I also used TGM when he was brand new. Recently signed up again for this year's big trip. Love how Mike explains his reasoning, the details he includes, the pics, etc. He keeps the site up-to-date. Worth the $$ for my trip planning, definitely.

 

[PamPasH200]

I have bought and used every book about touring WDW. They are all good, but TGMike goes way beyond what they offer. While books may update sporatically, he is in the park touring with rich folks almost every day, and if something changes he updates immediately. His clients return again and again because they get to see and experience so many attractions in a short time. The guy knows the parks inside and out, and with his program, we are able to partake of his expertise. You spend some time planning for your group and then hit the parks and just enjoy! A couple of times we deviated from his suggestions and paid dearly for it with crowds triple what we were expecting.
TourGuideMike is the best way to have a fantastic time at WDW, even during the busiest seasons.
Pam

 

[familyfun]

I'm convinced! I think you hit it on the head when you said "information junkie". That's me! It truly is half the fun to plan and reserch for these trips. When we get the best seat for a parade, or ride all the rides we want and skip all the long lines, my kids say "Mom, you're the greatest!" I saved over $1,100 on our room by renting points from a DVC member instead of going through CRO and my DH thinks I walk on water. My friends call me first when they are headed to WDW. "How do you know all these things?" I READ EVERYTHING I CAN FIND!!

It is a huge chunk of change to go to WDW - we can't do it every year. I feel like I am getting more bang for my buck by being well informed. That's why I love all you DISsers!!

Thanks for all the input - I'm off to meet Tour Guide Mike!

 

[ajcolorado]

Your can save $3 on the cost of Tour Guide Mike by using the discount code from the Mouse for Less website.

www.themouseforless.com/membersavings/Benefits/TourGuideMIKE.shtml

We generally buy the Birnbaum guide, the Unofficial Guide and prowl around the boards, but we feel that TGM is worth the price. WDW experts may intuitively know some of this stuff but Mike's writing style makes the information very accessable to the person who goes to WDW from time to time but may not be a zealot.

 

[Selket]

That's great FF - look forward to seeing you over there. I think I'm selketine over there on the boards.

 

[FromVatoDisney]

I'm fairly certain the Unofficial Guide has updated its information, and it's available free on its website.
Len

Hi Len --

You'll let us know when the updated version of the BOOK is available in stores/on Amazon, won't you? I've been waiting! Thank you very much.