Unofficial Guide Vs. TourGuide MIke

[bwbuddy5]

Disclaimer: I'm a UG fan from way back....

It doesn't seem that "why" would allow you to make spur-of-the-moment changes (unless TGM is releasing enough "why" to enable you to be your own TGM and save some $$$ ), so wazzup?

You're right, generally speaking. In our case, we feel we have been enough just to hit the highlights now, and UG no longer seems applicable - TGM is much more adaptable. And, our family has a teacher in it, and we basically are limited to the most crowded times of the year - UG has always been helpful, but often incorrect. There have been numerous instances of outdated info in recent editions, along with flat-out wrong info. And, last time I checked, their book didn't have a "search" function (and I'm not a big touringplans.com fan).

 

[erikthewise]

It needs to be pointed out that UG does give specific which-park-which-day recommendations. I know they are available at their web site, www.touringplans.com, where they are occasionally updated. I think they may actually be printed in the 2006 edition, though I can't be sure since I don't have it in front of me; it doesn't really matter as you may as well use the online version anyway. The UG recommendations generally avoid EMH parks, which works well most of the time. (Obviously if you want to actually go to EMH you'd have to go against their recommendation!)

I haven't tried TGM yet, so I can't comment on it. I'll probably give it a try sometime this year. Given the prices of the two products I can't imagine them being an obstacle to using both if you wish.

My experience with UG is that they do give you plenty of general explanations so that you can modify their specific advice on the fly. In other words they don't tell you why attraction A comes before attraction B in their touring plan, but they do tell you why certain kinds of attractions must be done early while other can be postponed, how the crowds tend to behave in general terms, how the fastpass system works and when to use it, etc.

 

[dpuck1998]

TGM is well worth the money for the planning stage. It was very valuable for me on my first Disney Trip and made for a fantastic vacation. It's been said many times, but Mike does a great job of explaining things and giving you your options instead of just saying...go here...now here...then here...you get you should go here because of this, but if not try here because of this. More options and plans to suit your needs. Of course I'm a self proclaimed expert now and don't need any help

 

[Candleshoe]

(my BF just said, 'shall we?' and I was like, 'WOO!')

I wish I were a tag fairy!

 

[burly]

One of the biggest reasons I am doing the TGM thing is if I cannot understand something or If I need info that is not there I can just email Mike and he is good about getting back to me.
That being said I am a person who can never have enough WDW touring knowledge, it helps me adapt while in the parks.

 

[VSL]

I wish I were a tag fairy!

Why don't I ever think before I post such suggestive things?!

 

[Pluto4Pres]

I am a huge fan of the UG. But I think I will also get TGM for my next trip. We don't go commando much anymore, but I would still take the $20 gamble that it will be helpful. It's also guaranteed, so it's not much of a gamble. I think I would like to know the "why" and be able to strategize on the fly while I'm in the park if something unexpected comes up.

 

[jeankeri]

TGM and the site are up to the minute with changes and he really tries to get major changed up on the site to help you plan. Also, I never knew there could be so many uses for a towel on vacation.........

 

[maggiew]

I don't know if its helpful or more confusing, but the TGM plans for our trip dates are different than the UG. So its not repetitive. I plan to follow TGM plans, but since this is the first time I am a little worried that they are really different than UG. The explanations TGM gives make sense to me, that is why I am going to follow his suggestions.

Maggie

 

[HydroGuy]

It needs to be pointed out that UG does give specific which-park-which-day recommendations. I know they are available at their web site, www.touringplans.com, where they are occasionally updated. I think they may actually be printed in the 2006 edition, though I can't be sure since I don't have it in front of me; it doesn't really matter as you may as well use the online version anyway. The UG recommendations generally avoid EMH parks, which works well most of the time. (Obviously if you want to actually go to EMH you'd have to go against their recommendation!)

I haven't tried TGM yet, so I can't comment on it. I'll probably give it a try sometime this year. Given the prices of the two products I can't imagine them being an obstacle to using both if you wish.

My experience with UG is that they do give you plenty of general explanations so that you can modify their specific advice on the fly. In other words they don't tell you why attraction A comes before attraction B in their touring plan, but they do tell you why certain kinds of attractions must be done early while other can be postponed, how the crowds tend to behave in general terms, how the fastpass system works and when to use it, etc.

For everyone's info, the Unofficial Guide does include a best days list and it is no longer relevant or accurate because WDW keeps changing the EMH days. As you mentioned, their website keeps this up-to-date, and that is where you should go for this info. In fact, they have this info for free on their site.

I just subcribed to TGM a couple weeks ago. Our trip is in early May, and I have been surprised how much the advice on best days for each park differs between TGM and touringplans.com. So if you use both, you will need to sift through the differences. Personally, I have decided to go with TGM's advice in this area.

 

[erikthewise]

For everyone's info, the Unofficial Guide does include a best days list and it is no longer relevant or accurate because WDW keeps changing the EMH days. As you mentioned, their website keeps this up-to-date, and that is where you should go for this info. In fact, they have this info for free on their site.

I just subcribed to TGM a couple weeks ago. Our trip is in early May, and I have been surprised how much the advice on best days for each park differs between TGM and touringplans.com. So if you use both, you will need to sift through the differences. Personally, I have decided to go with TGM's advice in this area.

For what it's worth, UG claims that the choice of which-park-which-day has a relatively small effect on wait times, with time-of-year and touring strategy having a much larger effect. This is probably true, but as we have to make the which-park-which-day choice anyway, we may as well have advice on how to do it best!

 

[jeankeri]

I have used the TGM touring advice for the past 2 trips and it has worked beautifully. It does differ from the UG (and also from most tips posted on the Dis- TGM subscribers take their promise of secrecy very seriously ). So, by using the TGM touring plans/advice you are avoiding the crowds the UG suggests you avoid PLUS the UG crowds!! I cannot recommend TGM enough. And for those who like the tenor and tone of the UG (plus the jokes and stories) Mike is very readable and humorous. He really gets you in the spirit while you are planning away.

 

[HydroGuy]

For what it's worth, UG claims that the choice of which-park-which-day has a relatively small effect on wait times, with time-of-year and touring strategy having a much larger effect. This is probably true, but as we have to make the which-park-which-day choice anyway, we may as well have advice on how to do it best!

I know the UG says that, but TGM says different (at least he makes a big deal out of green/yellow/red days). I have been on the forums there and many of the TGM users swear by Mike's green days. When I suggested I might go to MK on a "yellow" day I got several friendly but firm responses that I should change my plans to make sure I do MK on a "green" day, and that will make a huge difference.

With EMH AM and PM, everyone agrees that EMH signficantly affects the whole day at many parks.

So, my conclusion is that this is an area where UG and TGM disagree.

 

[libertygirl]

I have recently joined TGM and am not sure how to decide on tour plans. his has divided into what ride to ride " upon park opening" "within an hour' so do I decide extaly what to do. Also, many of these rides are in spearate parts of parks, so do I jsut run all around the parks? I find it very hard to deal with. I like clear cut directions I did not expect this. Am I not using it right, should i just stick to the UG touring plans?

 

[madgomez]

I have recently joined TGM and am not sure how to decide on tour plans. his has divided into what ride to ride " upon park opening" "within an hour' so do I decide extaly what to do. Also, many of these rides are in spearate parts of parks, so do I jsut run all around the parks? I find it very hard to deal with. I like clear cut directions I did not expect this. Am I not using it right, should i just stick to the UG touring plans?

TGM does not have you running all around the parks, so it sounds like perhaps you haven't quite gotten the hang of the AVP. Before you decide to stick to the UG plans, please come by the TGM forums. We're a really friendly bunch and can help you navigate the AVP and put your itinerary together. We definitely don't want you running all over the parks - that would be very -un-TGM.