Who has used Tour Guide Mike

[sydsdad]

As I've posted before, I am a HUGE fan of
www.tourguidemike.com !!!!

He has recently changed his format so that navigating
the sight is MUCH easier and intuitive

His ability to update and modify on the fly makes his tips ESPECIALLY for crowded times ------ priceless-
but what I'm really looking forward to is his new format for touring at the parks-

TourGuide Mike, these boards and a printer are ALL you'll ever need to take the ANGST out of WDW planning

TGM is a small price to pay when your spending SO MUCH $$$$
to make for vacation work!

 

[NCombs]

I have been trying to subscribe for 2 days and it just won't work. Is anyone else having this problem?

 

[Luvmyfam3]

I tried to sign up a couple of times yesterday and a few times today. Yesterday, it was saying that they were having technical difficulties. Today, it's saying that my credit card is declined (which is impossible...I went to my credit card website just in case) Anyway, I tried e-mailing them yesterday and today and haven't gotten a response. I admit I'm a little irritated at the whole thing. My trip is not too far away and I would like to see what they have to say about this busy time of the year! Hopefully, they'll get this cleared up soon!!

Kim

 

[NCombs]

I'm so glad it isn't just me. This is the exact thing that happened to me. I know my credit card shouldn't be declined and I got the technical problem message yesterday also. I find it VERY IRRITATING but then again I have no patience. It does make me wonder how well the new website is working.

 

[Lollipop Mom]

the new website is running fine for current members so it must just be something with new registrations. Normally Mike is REALLY good about responding to emails but he posted on the boards from his site that he is out of town because his neice had some sort of spinal cord/column surgery and his sister needed him there for support. I'm sure it's frustrating not to get a response but know that it's not typical to have that delay, he just has some other issues going on right now.

 

[NCombs]

Lollipop Mom

Thanks so much for the information. He promptly replied to the first email I sent asking a question and was very good to tell me to wait to sign up until the promotion came out so I was surprised at the lack of response later on.

Of course, now I know why and family comes first. I hope everything works out for him and his family. I wish them the best.

Again, thanks for the heads up.

 

[zippehsmom]

I have to add my .02 about TGM. I absolutely love TGM!! I just look at it as another guidebook (only better and more current). For our trip last July I purchased custom touring plans and I also made my own itinerary based on TGM. I only used the TGM plans because they just seemed to flow better. For example on one afternoon at MGM the customized plans had us going to Rockin Roller Coaster when we returned in early evening (5pm). I just didn't think that made much sense. Although, I have to say that working with Len was great, but I just felt like TGM fit our style a little more.

If people will go out and pay $18 bucks for a guide book that will be a year out of date, I don't see a problem with purchasng a subscription to TGM. BTW, I still purchase the guide books myself, but I like having ALL the info So, between The DIS, TGM, Passporter, the Unofficial and Official guide I think I'm getting close.

zippehsmom

 

[jcemom]

I think the UG is fun and entertaining to read. I love the pockets in the Passporter.

But if I could have only ONE trip planning tool it would be TourGuide Mike! I feel that his touring plans are very easy to follow, AND he gives you enough information to be able to easily adapt them if you want to do something differently. Essentially, he gives you all the know-how to create your own touring plans if that's what you'd like to do.

They may not be the most scientific, do the most in the least possible time, type of plans. However, they will allow you to enjoy the parks to the fullest possible extent, with very minimal time spent in lines. For the most part, you do not have to do a lot of backtracking and bypassing rides and attractions. Personally, and it definitely IS a personal decision, I feel more comfortable following a touring plan developed and recommended by an experienced tour guide, who has based every recommendation on his own personal years of experience, than a plan spit out by a computer. That is just my opinion though.

To be honest, if you're looking for "Commando-Type" touring plans, his may not be the best fit for you. His whole philosophy revolves around the idea that your vacation should be just that...a vacation. You should be Enjoying the parks, the resorts, and all the other activities that you're interested in (and paying for). It's not all about doing every single thing there is and seeing every single attraction in all of Disney World, but rather about enjoying the things that you do choose to see/do.

There are tips for where to sit/stand for the best views, the least crowded parade and fireworks viewing areas, the best times to schedule your meals. There are ratings based on age group. You can find restaurants sorted by type of cuisine, location, and style (family, value, romance).

I don't find it difficult to navigate at all, but I know that some do. At least now with the forums up and running if you have a problem or question, you can always ask! I'd be more than happy to help anyone if I can!

 

[WaltD4Me]

For those of you having trouble registering, I use TGM and I posted on the message boards over there that people were having trouble so hopefully Mike will see it and fix the problem.

He did post about his niece's surgery, that's probably why you haven't gotten a response, hope all went well.


Lisa

 

[caribbeanme]

I posted this before to answer another poster, and I'm still as happy with TGM as I was then:

Definitely worth it! I also used TGM for my June 2004, and as soon as my subscription expired, renewed for my late Jan 2005 trip. While the disboards are indispensible, TGM has all the info you need right at your fingertips (closings/rehabs, crowds, best days to go, important info., countdowns to ressies). He even helped me chose my days for each park...

Sometimes his touring plans are in direct contradiction to the ones here, and in the paper guides. My first MK day I tried the Unofficial Guide plan, got stuck a bit longer than expected in one ride (broke down for about 15 mins), and soon hit half hour to forty-five minute lines trying to catch up to the schedule. We ended up skipping entire lands just trying to get some relief from the long lines. Second MK day, got there late, went straight for TGM's plan, and was never in line for more than 10-15mins. We even started taking our time and enjoying the sights, and still easily got back on track and kept one step ahead of the major crowds. As our trip wore on, we used the Unofficial Guide when the stars were aligned (got there early, rides went as planned), but switched to TGM's whenever we went off the plan, or decided to spend part of a morning at the pool or at a brunch. I found that, when it comes to WDW, it doesn't hurt to have a diff. perspective, just in case Plan A doesn't work...

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Will TGM work for me? We're going to be staying at WDW 10 nights, starting on Dec. 23rd. We only plan on going to the parks 3 days. 1 day at MK, and Christmas Eve & NYE at Epcot. Promising DH & DS that we'd do other things was the only way I could get them to buy into the trip. We'll mostly be doing the special holiday offerings in the parks. Does he tailor his plans to include the Christmas shows and parades the week after Christmas? Also, any insider info. into getting the most out of NYE at Epcot? TIA for any input you can give me into whether or not it would be beneficial for me to use his service.

 

[jcemom]

I haven't gone at that time before, but yes, there is holiday-specific advice. I know it includes, among other things, the best park choices for each day, and tips on avoiding the crowds as best you can. Maybe after reading his advice, your family will "allow" you to include more park time. I've read many rave reviews from those who followed TGM's advice last Christmas and were very happy they did.

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

Originally posted by NCombs
www.tourguidemike. The subscription is good until 60 days after your trip, so it's not an annual subscription. In your case, it would be less. For me, it will be about 18 months.

And this is one reason I do not like TGM. You pay the same amount if you use the site for two weeks or two years, it just depends on when you tell them you are going to WDW.

I did TGM once, and found it to be nothing more than a collection of annoyingly written articles - the "cutesy" stuff got real old after awhile.

I see many people like it, but if you are even moderately familiar with WDW and are Internet savvy you will find virtually all the info for free elsewhere. There just isn't a lot of practical info - most of it I found to be common sense, or at least common-Disney-sense.

N.E.D.

 

[jcemom]

Originally posted by NewEnglandDisney
And this is one reason I do not like TGM. You pay the same amount if you use the site for two weeks or two years, it just depends on when you tell them you are going to WDW.

I did TGM once, and found it to be nothing more than a collection of annoyingly written articles - the "cutesy" stuff got real old after awhile.

I see many people like it, but if you are even moderately familiar with WDW and are Internet savvy you will find virtually all the info for free elsewhere. There just isn't a lot of practical info - most of it I found to be common sense, or at least common-Disney-sense.

N.E.D.

It's a trip planning site, therefore you use it to plan your trip, whenever that may be...two weeks from now or two years from now. I consider that an advantage because I plan a year in advance. I don't think it would be an improvement to have a set expiration, thereby limiting those who like to plan way ahead of time. When your trip is over, if you want to continue using it, then you renew for your next trip, at a discount. I think that's simple, straightforward, and fair.

While I agree that much of the information (not all) is available elsewhere, the advantage to the AVP is that it is all in ONE place, making it especially helpful to those who are short on time. (best parks by day including the water parks, touring plans, holiday specific advice including touring plans for MNSSHP and MVMCP, best views, best seats, best times of day, maximizing fastpass, restaurant info, reviews, resort info including driving directions and phone/fax numbers, tips for toddlers and children, transportation options, priority seating calculator with email reminders, best PS times guide, personalized email reminders, attraction ratings by age, beautiful photos, detailed activity info including how to get the best Cirque seats, advice specific to YOUR travel month/dates, ticket recommendations, the easiest-to-read park hours calendars I have found anywhere, previous months' calendars, forums, and much more.) The best feature is that the AVP explains WHY ride A is recommended first, ride B second and so forth. That enables you to change whatever you want because you understand WHY the park touring plans are set up as they are. Common sense? Maybe, but apparently most of the world is "common senseless" or the advice wouldn't work as well as it does! Some people wouldn't be standing in 40 minute plus lines for a ride while I ride the same things with less than a 5 minute wait!

If you find it annoying, well, I can't help with that. I guess it's all a matter of personal taste, but I certainly don't find helpful information annoying...and I most definitely don't find it annoying to walk onto rides other wait for, to have the best seats at the shows, to have the best times for my PS, or the least crowded views for parades and fireworks!

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

I used TGM to help me plan my "Magical Gatherings" vacation in Aug. Since I had 16 people ranging in age from 68 to 4, I figured I needed all the help I could get. There was a lot on the site that I already knew (thanks to the DIS!) but some of his suggestions were invaluable. I also ordered "customized" touring plans of MK and MGM from the UG at touringplans.com (I think). Those were so wonderful! Even though we went when it was extremely busy, following those plans we never waited in line for anything!

 

[tarheelmjfan]

KRISTIN'S MOMMY,
The customized touring plans sound more like what I'm looking for. We know what we want to do, and have already made our PS's for all 3 days. What I really need is advice on how to fit the things we want to do & see, around our dining times. What to go to 1st, etc. Are the customized deals detailed enough to allow you to enter all this info., and them give you the best itinerary? Hope this makes sense. TIA

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

That's exactly what it is! You enter the attractions you want to see, your ps times and they do the rest! It was wonderful! We never waited in line more than 10 minutes and we were there the first week of August! Len Testa will make them up for you, he was a great help!

 

[jcemom]

Originally posted by tarheelmjfan
KRISTIN'S MOMMY,
The customized touring plans sound more like what I'm looking for. We know what we want to do, and have already made our PS's for all 3 days. What I really need is advice on how to fit the things we want to do & see, around our dining times. What to go to 1st, etc. Are the customized deals detailed enough to allow you to enter all this info., and them give you the best itinerary? Hope this makes sense. TIA

Yes, as Kristin's Mommy said, that's how they work. In your situation that may be exactly what you are looking for!

 

[tjkraz]

I guess it was only a matter of time before this thread morphed from a sharing of opinions into personal attacks of OTHER people's opinions. Predictable, but disappointing nonetheless.

Originally posted by jcemom
If you find it annoying, well, I can't help with that. I guess it's all a matter of personal taste, but I certainly don't find helpful information annoying

Just for the record, N.E.D. never said that the information itself was annoying--rather the criticism was with the "voice" Mike uses to write his articles.

It was a stylistic choice on Mike's part, and I can certainly see how some would be less than impressed with it.

...and I most definitely don't find it annoying to walk onto rides other wait for, to have the best seats at the shows, to have the best times for my PS, or the least crowded views for parades and fireworks!

...a goal that can easily be accomplished by using any number of planning tools other than TGM, including the previously maligned "common sense" approach.

Different strokes for different folks.

 

[jcemom]

I sincerely apologize if my comments came across as a personal attack of others' opinions. I did not intend that at all.