Tour Guide Mike??

[Mom to Will and Finn]

Could someone please explain Tour Guide Mike to me? I went to the website, but couldn't really figure out what it was, exactly. Would anyone like to explain in their own words what it is and how it works? TIA!

Eden

 

[AmyBeth68]

TourGuideMIke is a website, created and maintaned by Mike, a former WDW CM and now runs his own VIP touring business. His site offers tons of valuable information, as well as a guide to help you create an itinerary, exactly like the ones he uses with his VIP clients. His itinerary will help you to have fun at the parks, stress free, without waiting in long lines. I found TGM after commando-style park touring for years. I was always sooooo exhausted after our trips. Particularly with kids in school, we really can't travel at our favorite non-peak times any longer. So...after tons of trips to WDW I decided to use his site to help me plan a visit.

The results were truly wonderful. Everyone in my family had a great time and we have not stopped using his service since. I've renewed now for the 3rd time and find his info to be valuable and always right on the money.

What TGM does not do; however, is give you a printed out, customized itinerary. What he does is educate you on the best ways to tour the parks AND provices loads of information that he has collected from being in the parks day in and day out. But some people do expect to be able to sign on, type in their info/details, and get something to print out immediately. That isn't so...you still need to spend some time reading his articles and tailoring a plan that works for your group.

There are plenty of other wonderful guides...and many friends stand by the Unofficial Guide and their touring plans. I think they also offer a valuable service. But I've stuck with TGM because I know it works for my family now ...so "if it ain't broke". LOL!

 

[Mom to Will and Finn]

Thank you! So is it really worth the cost vs. just reading the tips on here? Does he provide info that others do not know about?

I appreciate your answering. It looks like I just might try it.

 

[disney4me4ever]

You might want to jump over to the Theme Parks board and do a search on Tour Guide Mike. There was a rather lengthy thread about this subject a few days ago. I signed up for TGM for our upcoming trip and I feel well prepared, itineraries made, and ready to have a great trip.

Nancy

 

[AmyBeth68]

IMHO I think it is worth it's weight in gold. There is definitely a LOT of information on these disboards...much of it excellent. However, I have found it to be confusing sometimes because there is lots of conflicting information out there. To wade through it all and figure out what is best seemed time consuming to me. I know that Mike gets paid, and very well indeed, for his VIP tours. So I know they have to work otherwise he wouldn't have a business. That is what sold me at first...he's there in the parks all the time....taking around the rich and famous . So with a little effort....a little reading....and a fun planning website...you can be your family's tourguide. They will think you are brilliant!

Trust me....our past few visits have been relaxing and we've done it all! Every park...every ride that we wanted to get on...and no lines. Can't beat it!

Goodness....I've been such a TGM cheerleader this week. I wonder if I should put away my pom-poms for a while. LOL!

 

[jakesmom98]

I used Tour Guide Mike for our first trip November 2003. Granted it was a slower time of year but we were able to do everything we wanted with virtually no waits. He also gives good advice on where to sit for parades and the fireworks. We had no one in front of us at the Animal Kingdom parade, Stars and Motor Cars at MGM, Share A Dream and Electric Light Parade at Magic Kingdom. We also had an awsome view for Wishes. We got to see quite a bit without rushing. One day I spoke to someone in line to get photos at the end of the day. She waited 45 minutes for Winnie the Pooh ride and we had walked right on earlier the same day.

I am thinking of using it again for our next trip in October due to all the new 50th Celebration stuff.