WOW! Tour Guide Mike!

[dgaston]

Not over Easter, but my first subscription was over Christmas 2003. His plans were very helpful then, and again this Christmas 2005.

 

[Disneydreamer315]

I have not done over easter either -- but I had my sister in law go over easter using TGM. she got a day by day break down of each park, where to go and where not to go,, and why,, this was done for both the morning and the night. Also-- there were articles written specifically about how to survive easter, but I dont really know what they were about -- just that she thought they worked beautifully.

Now, every single day in 2006 is broken down day by day, park by park, morning and night --from Jan to July. I am going in August again this year, and august least crowded charts and itinerary planning thingy should be out soon, because august park hours are now out.

I do know he has tons of stuff for Summer survival-- not just drink lots of water either-- but how to get a last minute dining reservation, and how to kick your touring up a notch to handle those big crowds, specific advice about touring each of the parks during the summer and all sorts of other things too.

 

[2infinityandbeyond]

I was thinking of using TGM last year and didn't. I thought we did good. I am considering using it this year to do better. I just wasn't sure if it's good for people with small kids who can't do this and that at the exact moment. The little ones just don't let you.

Anyone with little ones use it successfully?? Mine are 2 and 4

One of the best things about TGM is that you WON'T have to follow a regimented plan. He does provide sample plans, but also provides information so you can make spontaneous changes to your plan and still avoid crowds.

We used TGM in November (Jersey Week) with our 3/5/6 y/o's. They're spoiled now--they don't know what it's like to go to WDW and wait in lines, like I did as a kid.

 

[dismom9761]

I was glad to read this thread.I recently subscribed and was also overwhelmed.I hope to get into it a little more tonight.Do you think the information about best days,etc will be on the site before I make my ADRs 180 days out??

 

[amburger]

Ooo, that sounds like an awesome site.

Question though, how far in advance do you think I should sign up for it? I don't want to do it too far, but I don't want to do it not far enough. Right now I'm thinking of a March 2007 trip.

 

[Pixiedust34]

Ooo, that sounds like an awesome site.

Question though, how far in advance do you think I should sign up for it? I don't want to do it too far, but I don't want to do it not far enough. Right now I'm thinking of a March 2007 trip.

I am subscribed for our 8/07 trip.

 

[sleepyone]

Is there lots of zig zagging around the parks in the plan?

 

[amburger]

I am subscribed for our 8/07 trip.

Oh, okay. Cool. How long do the subscriptions last or is it like a monthly fee type of deal?

 

[Disneydreamer315]

No matter when you subscribe, your subscription is good until 60 days after your trip. Its a one time fee of 21 dollars (and there are discount codes floating around these forums too).

The thing I like best is that there is NO zig zagging-- after all running back and forth across the park is NOT a restful enjoyable thing to do. His advice is really amazing on how to conquer the parks while touring them at a leisurely pace. Perfect for small kids who get easily side tracked. The first time I used tgm my kids were 4, 6 and 8. We got sidetracked alot. It didnt matter, because I knew why his plans work, so I could adjust them to suit us. He gives you a lot of information about crowd patterns and mentalities. It just makes sense.

 

[themudd4]

I have looked at TGM before, just never bought in. Had never heard of anyone doing so until now. I have used Birnbaums and the Unofficial Guide books to plan...is it really that much beter than the unofficial guide?

 

[Disneydreamer315]

Thats a loaded question. Some swear by tourguidemike, some swear by the UG. Personally, I guess you know where I stand- TOURGUIDEMIKE! (and I used UG for my first disney trip with kids-but I have not looked at one for two years now, so maybe my opinion does not count.)

But def tgm was not for some people. They liked UG better. So, ymmv-- but as its completely risk free, the only person who can really tell if its for you is you.

 

[2infinity&B-ond]

I too have subscribed to TGM for our upcoming trip in Dec 2006. I did so AFTER buying the UG after reading on here about all those who swear by the UG. I felt like the money I spent on the UG was a waste, since I knew most of the info already...and what I don't know, I can ask here! TGM seems (so far) to offer great advice...I can't wait to try it out! Especially since I will be there during a more crowded time.

 

[Selket]

Is there lots of zig zagging around the parks in the plan?

No! One thing I like is that there isn't much zig zagging. The only exception is when he recommends having someone from your party get a fast pass for an attraction while others do something else. This is different (for us) then having everyone hike back and forth across the park to see an attraction. Usually one of us (mom or dad) has no problem getting the FP while the other rides something with the kids or does something. The person getting the FP doesn't miss a major attraction (just to be clear).

He does allow plans that include afternoon breaks. His advice is very helpful on what time of day is best for you ADR's. But I agree you have to try it and see for yourself.

 

[staylor]

I love TGM. I too thought I knew just about all I could know about WDW. After all, everyone calls me to help them with their vacation planning. I found out about TGM before our last trip in Oct. 2005. I'm so glad I did. I learned so much. We are going again in March and May of this year so I've signed up again. Not only is his information great, but the boards are wonderful as well.

 

[sleepyone]

If you go at a not so busy time, do you still feel it was necessary?

Last year, we didn't have any waits and, I hope it's the same this year but, maybe I should look into TGM.

 

[scoutsmom99]

If you go at a not so busy time, do you still feel it was necessary?

Last year, we didn't have any waits and, I hope it's the same this year but, maybe I should look into TGM.

I went the last full week of September into the first week of October, which is generally considered a slow time and I found it very useful. For me the plans and best day advice was right on.

amburger and anyone else here is the code for $3.00 off code A82E8-2AH

 

[KathyTX]

A friend of mine told me that Tourguide mike is like taking a diet pill that actually works. You wake up 20 lbs thinner and amazed by the results.

ROFL! I haven't tried TourGuide Mike, but that description made me laugh!!!

 

[mom23boys]

I have used TGM twice. Once in August and this past January. I will never go to Disney without it.

Even though Jan was/is a slower time, we happened to be going DVC EE preview weekend. While some on the boards thought the parks were very crowded and encountered long wait times, we never waited anymore than 15 min for a ride.

 

[sleepyone]

Thanks!

 

[Goofy4Disney]

Are his plans helpful at all if you plan to go to a park that has EMH that day? I read the other day that EMH days are always more crowded.