Touring plans - TourguideMike vs Unofficial guide

[KimR]

I'm thinking about registering with tourguidemike.com, based on the positive feedback I've heard, but I'm wondering what is the difference between the touring plans in the unofficial guide and those offered through tourguidemike? Is is worth it to have both?

Thanks!

 

[normmo]

I've only used the Unofficial Guide but in my opinion you wouldn't need any other touring plans. The UG plans work great and I highly recommend them.
Have a great trip,
Mo

 

[sm4987]

I've used both and it just depends. Tourguide mike has up to date information that can be helpful. telling you when to make your PS and emialing you with a notification so that you won't forget, park hours, etc. Tbooks are great for you to take along with you on your trip. Totally up to you.

 

[lentesta]

In terms of efficiency, I doubt TGM's touring plans save as much time standing in line as the Unofficial Guide's.

Len

 

[QuickGold]

Yea UG is best for avoiding waits in line.....unless you like waiting around

 

[cruisnfamily]

You can also go to www.touringplans.com and have an actual itinerary made up for you by the folks at the Unofficial guide. It's pretty cheap too. Tourguide Mike just gives you generalities not specifics. Touringsplans will give you a custom touring plan that can work in your PSs, afternoon breaks, whatever you want.

 

[jcemom]

I agree with the previous poster that said it all depends on what you are looking for. I absolutely love the Unofficial Guide! However, I really like TourguideMike too.

While the UG's touring plans are designed to save you the most time waiting in line and are probably the best time-wise, TGM's plans have much less hopping around. He tends to stick to one area of the park at a time. For me, that works better. I don't like backtracking any more than necessary. But that's just how I am, lol.

If you want something specifically tailored to you, then the custom touring plans would be your best bet. That's what I'm planning to try next trip. I also think the cost is very reasonable.

I do think that TGM's plans may be better for someone with small children though, as he has plans specifically for parties with kids that incorporated all the things my kids enjoyed most.

I'm sure you can't go "wrong" no matter what you choose!

 

[HaleyB]

Take a look at the UG custom touring plan page linked above. They can even do a park hopping plan and will plan around your PS and all. Tourguide mike is good but it is one size fits all and includes an afternoon break- with custom touring plans from touringplans.com you get to decide if you want a break or not in the afternoons... we are planing on getting tour plans from touringpans.com so I will report back in 3 months how they work!

 

[SpecialK]

I signed up for TGM and I'm regretting spending the money. I find the sight really confusing to navigate and I have yet to find the touring plans. (If anyone can help me out on that score I'd be grateful.)

Anyone ever use the Passporter plans? How do they compare ?

 

[jcemom]

Originally posted by SpecialK
I signed up for TGM and I'm regretting spending the money. I find the sight really confusing to navigate and I have yet to find the touring plans. (If anyone can help me out on that score I'd be grateful.)

No problem! After you've signed in, click on the "Vacation Articles" tab on the upper right hand side of the page. Then scroll down watching the left hand side of the page. Everything you need is listed there. The touring plans are under "Simple Step 6: Park Touring Like a Pro." Just click on the park you're interested in, "Magic Kingdom Sample Tours," for example. That will bring you to the page with the Magic Kingdom Touring Plans, then just click on the one you want to see.

There are also additional articles on this page to help you adapt the tours to fit your needs and for adapting them to use the EMH, etc.

The site can be difficult at first, but give yourself some time to get used to it. Once you learn where everything is it's easy. There is a lot of information there. What I like is that everything is explained. I don't like to do something/go somewhere just because someone says it's the "right" thing to do...I've always been the kind of person who wants to know WHY, lol. (Bet I drove my parents crazy, lol.)

 

[SpecialK]

Thanks, jcemom! I'm going to go explore that right now!

 

[trstno1]

I agree with jcemom. I think TGM's plans for small children seem a little easier to pull off. I'm leaving in a few weeks, and I'm planning to use TGM's plans for AK and Epcot. I haven't decided yet, but I'll probably try the UG's plan for MK. Actually, we'll be spending two days at MK, so maybe I'll try both.

By the way, I'm taking 23 month old twins and a 4.5 y/o.

 

[TammyC]

I also had a hard time navigating TGM, but with persistence, found some good information there. If memory serves me correctly, I think you have to click on My tour guide and make sure that you are signed in to get the "paid" information (as opposed to the free general information).