What can you get from Tour Guide Mike...

[MouseWorshipin]

...that you can't get from the Unofficial Guide and these boards?

 

[Novinha]

I used Tour Guide Mike, the Unofficial Guide, and the DIS boards for my two trips to WDW (May 2005 and Jan 2006). All three have merit and are very useful.

Just off the top of my head here, there are a few things that stand out about Tour Guide Mike that I did not get anywhere else:

-his "best days" calendar to tell you what park to go on each specific day and why that is the best park choice and why another park may be a bad choice. Other sources simply tell you where to go with no explaination as to why. We followed Tour Guide Mike every time and he was always right on.

-I like that Tour Guide Mike has articles relating to specific issues and topics. I just did searches on the things I wanted to learn about and almost always, Tour Guide Mike had written a detailed article about whatever topic I wanted to know about. This also makes printing easier. To be a bit specific there is an article about little hidden places in the Magic Kingdom, quiet places off the beated path to relax that are rarely crowded. My boyfriend and I printed that out and were able to take a rest all by ourselves with the help of this article.

-He had the best parade / fireworks viewing spots of anyone. He tells you where to go for the best view and for the least crowds. Some of this advice I had not seen anywhere else and it all worked like a charm. And he tells you why certain spots are good or not-so-good.

-I also liked his touring plans for Animal Kingdom better than any other I had read. His plans for AK are different but it makes a lot of sense, so we tried it and it was amazing; worked great. Of course now with Expedition Everest opening, that could all change...

-I liked that he has a set up for your ADRs. You type in what restaurants you want to eat at and on what day you want to eat there and Tour Guide Mike sets the timer for you and even emails you in advance to let you know that it is almost time to make your ADR for the restaurant. I LOVED this feature. I never had to worry about missing my day to make my ADRs. And it was always exciting to get that email.

-He also has THE most DETAILED instructions for getting Cinderella's Royal Table character meal. And yes, I know there are some instructions here on the DIS and in the Unofficial Guide, but I think Tour Guide Mike goes into much more detail about what to expect and what to do every step of the way.

-I also like a feature of his forum that is not here. You can subscribe to be included in a specific month for people who are going during your month so you can talk about issues dealing with that month. For example, I went in May 2005, the kick-off of the 50th anniversary celebration. I was nervous about the crowds and I was able to go in the May 2005 forum on Tour Guide Mike and talk with others who were going in May and what they were planning or thinking about that time. It really made me feel better about the whole thing and it was more intimate to have that.

I am sure there is more, but those are the biggest things that have stood out to me that I am thinking of right now. But I literally used a combination of all three (Unofficial Guide, the DIS, and Tour Guide Mike) to plan my trip and I think that worked out best for me.

 

[TAKitty]

I think it depends on what kind of a planner you are. I didn't like TGM because I didn't feel that I learned anything new. I think the DIS and the UG worked just fine.

 

[bizeemom4]

I subscribed to TGM for our thanksgiving trip last year. If you read the boards here and buy the Unofficial Guide, you need nothing more. TGM is a joke. Some of the information was outdated and his MVMCP planning advice was so wrong, I thru away my printout shortly after arriving at the party.

 

[johnvree]

There are plenty of guide books out there that cost $20 and are nothing more than a summary of WDW attractions and resorts, often containing outdated information.

Consider the fact that TourGuideMike's site is updated on what appears to be a daily basis and contains 100 times more content. Twenty bucks is a steal.

But, if you have been to WDW many times and have been reading boards like TheDis for years, then you can probably live without TGM. I fall into this class. I signed up for TGM and am glad I did.

 

[D L and K's Mom]

We just subscribed yesterday. I look forward to all the wonderful information !

 

[Liisa]

I have to agree with Novinha... TGM has great avice on touring the Animal Kingdom. Worked wonders for us! I'm looking forward to seeing how his plan alters once Expedition Everest opens officially. That being said, I use TGM and mix in some information from the UG and the DIS boards. But for what it's worth, I believe that TGM offers a unique perspective on touring and how to beat the crowds. We used his advice last December and I signed up again for our trip this coming September. If you don't want to spend the money, I don't think you "have to use" TGM. The UG has some very nice touring plans. But there are many people who use TGM over and over again - me included... so we must believe we are getting some benefit from his advice! Happy planning!

 

[disneyfan61]

I subscribed to TGM a couple of weeks ago for my April trip. I'm glad I did.
He has some great advice & who better than someone who gives tours for
a living!!! He knows his stuff & I think his touring plans make a lot of sense & he has given us some great ideas that we will put to use!!

 

[kutchyone]

You can get your money back if not satisfied, makes it easy to join that way! Check it out, I too was an avid planner and had been to DW many times but I found many new things and the park touring plan samples worked great with a little tweaking to suit our needs.

 

[traciedee]

I take bits and pieces from lots of sources. Love the forums for that 'oh so real and honest opinions and I like the guide books to point me in the right direction. Usually when I learn something new in a guide book I always ask about it on the forums. Just to get a reality check. I have not been to WDW before but I like some of TGM's ideas for touring and I'm going to rty out the best days and times. We will never be able to follow a true 'tour' plan, but I figure we can at least get the big ticket items out of the way before the crowds get too very horrible.

 

[Praise2Him]

We've been about 21 times since 2001, and I'm a huge planner (have bought every guide book out there, plus the DIS, Mousesavers, AllEars, etc.), so we already have a lot of info.

My question is...we have 2 short trips planned this year - first in May with 1 day in the parks, then in November with 2 days in the parks. Would it be worth it to get TGM for such short trips?

 

[Dawgdad]

I subscribed to TGM for our thanksgiving trip last year. If you read the boards here and buy the Unofficial Guide, you need nothing more. TGM is a joke. Some of the information was outdated and his MVMCP planning advice was so wrong, I thru away my printout shortly after arriving at the party.

First of all, I have no affiliation with TGM.
Now, I don't see a problem with offering a negative opinion (after all, we all want honest answers to our questions), But, saying that TGM is a joke is just plain RUDE. Didn't your mother ever tell you that if you didn't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything? If not, then let me offer that bit of free advice. If you don't think it's a good value - ask for your money back and I'll bet you'll get it. Until then, move on to a forum where rudeness is accepted. Any questions?

Russ (also, I used TGM for our last trip, and all week it seemed as if we zigged, when everyone else zagged - just like TGM said would happen.)

 

[Disneydreamer315]

Count me in as a TGM lover! I think it has the best Disney information out of all the guides. And, its different from what the others say, including popular opinions here on the dis.

I dont know if I would purchase it for a one day trip though. (Actually, I would cause I love to read the site, and I like to be kept in the loop of what is going on over there).

I guess I would say, you can purchase it, and if you dont think it is worth it, ask for a refund. I know I have said this before, but it just fascinates me that tourguide mike offers a full refund guarentee with no time limit. Could you return your UG after owning it for a month and reading it all? I dont think so! He believes in his site, and I tell you what, so do I. Its fantastic. JMHO

 

[heatherbelle]

I also used Tourguide Mike, and have bought other books etc.

I have to be honest here. I did find the site very complicated to use at first. You have to keep with it though. I have just subscribed again for my next holiday and this time I found it easier to use.

There are forums just like here, but they are not used as much as the DIS.

You are asked not to share tips on other sites. If we did, then Mike wouldn't make any money.

I found his info on the rides good. The only thing was, our family wouldn't arrive early. I was wide awake, but everyone else was asleep.

It would be nice if Mike could do some other plans for those who arrive late.

WE used suggestions for the firework viewing and these were great.

My husband was amazed at how much we did.

Yes we did spend hours in lines. But this was not Mike's fault, it was those other 2 who said is wouldn't take long.

Anyway they learnt their lessons and have promised that this year we will follow Mike's tips and us FP etc more, or go later in the day.

Overall I would recommend it. For the lady who has been 21 times, you probably don't need it. You'll kno who to work the park and where to watch the fireworks.

 

[johnvree]

We've been about 21 times since 2001, and I'm a huge planner (have bought every guide book out there, plus the DIS, Mousesavers, AllEars, etc.), so we already have a lot of info.

My question is...we have 2 short trips planned this year - first in May with 1 day in the parks, then in November with 2 days in the parks. Would it be worth it to get TGM for such short trips?

This is my only concern. When you join TGM I think you have access to his site for 60 days after your trip date. I am not sure how he would handle two trips in the same year. Also, it might be worth it for you to wait for your next big trip to make it more cost efficient. I say that because you have been to WDW 20+ times. If you were new to the World, I'd say you need TGM more than ever to try and make the most of your one/two day trip.

 

[swkmom]

I've been using TGM to plan our trip in June and love it! The site is great and has helped us to get even more excited about our trip!

 

[ajcolorado]

We used TGM this last June and never waited more than 20 minutes for anything as long as we following his touring advice, even thought the parks were very busy. We just about walked on to Soarin' but the line was 90 minutes long when we got off and the fast passes were already after noon.

People say his site is difficult to navigate and it does take some figuring out but as much as I love this site - an I reallly do - it is a hassle to search for a topic and then navigate through the "me to" and the "we've never done that" postings to get to find the information we really need. It is often easier just to post a new question than to try to find the answers in the archives. TGM is a much easier place to retrieve information.

By the way, we always buy a UG and we usually even buy the Birnbaum guide - we're just Disney info junkies. Since there is not a significant difference in price, I generally tell foks about both the UG and TGM and ask "Are you a book person" or "are you an internet person"? That usually helps them decide. We're all used to thumbing through the UG to get the info we need but people going to WDW for the first time sometimes find the size just as unfamiliar, and therefore as uncomfortable, as someone new to the TGM site.

We have friends who did their "Once in a lifetime" trip to WDW with their 4 boys and their deaf daughter. They found the TGM info the most adaptable for figuring out a good touring plan that works around the interpreter schedule. Having the reasoning for things allowed them to make good decisions when they were not free to simply follow a ready made touring plan or even to choose to be in a less busy park on a certain day. They rave about TGM and recommend it to everyone.

 

[Skroops]

TGM has a lot of useful information that I could not find elsewhere. It takes time to read all of the links he provides, but if you dedicate the time you can learn quite a bit. I have been on the DIS boards for over a year and I have many guide books and love other WDW information sites. I still have gotten new information from TGM's site.
Do you need TGM for a happy WDW trip? Nah, but it is helpfull and fun and costs less than lunch at Rainforest Cafe.

 

[Praise2Him]

Thanks for the info! I didn't realize it was only available for 60 days after your trip - I guess I thought it was good for a year.

I really do want to try it, but I guess maybe I'll wait for a longer trip!

 

[jillhou]

Leaving in 10 days.....just booked this vacation 6 days ago. Been several times - bug Disney freaks here - and have been on these boards for a while. Would TGM be of benefit to me? Not all that interested in parade viewing - want to ride the rides - see things we haven't seen before - use our time wisely...

Is 1 week online worth the cost? Is it enough time to navigate the site and get useful info???

Thanks for your advice..these boards are great.