Which is better Tour Guide Mike or Unofficial Guide?

[autismgoesdisney]

I am wondering if I should purchase Tour Guide Mike. I have used Unofficial Guide in the past and was happy with it, but I feel that this trip maybe I should try something different so that I can see different things?!?!

[churchpilot]

[Justsyd2]

We used UG on our last trip. It worked the way they said it would. We were very happy with them. We never waited more than 20 minutes for anything.

[marielynn724]

never tried tour guide mike, but i've always loved and sworn by the unofficial guide. other people i talk to about disney have also recommended UG.

[pfalcioni]

We've used both.

Ultimate Guide gives a great overview, but TGM gives the details of how and why to tour the most efficient way.

If you are a detail-oriented person, and don't mind putting in some time reading and thinking before you leave, you will LOVE Tour Guide Mike.

If you're not detail oriented, and you hate to plan, (you probably wouldn't be here!) TGM can still help, but may not seem as effective as it could be.

TGM doesn't just lay down a plan, but tells you why something works. This way of teaching really helps me, especially when something unexpected comes up, instead of throwing away the plan and having nothing, you can modify and make things work on the fly.

I used UG and TGM for our first trip, I now use TGM exclusively.

Both are good, but TGM suits my way of planning better.

[dizneedoll]

I've used both and I prefer the UG and it's Touring Plans website. I liked TG and like the PP said he does give good detailed info on the why's of touring. I just think you can find the same info he provides elsewhere on the internet without having to pay the high subscription fee. The UG website subscription is another option and the last time I signed up it was $7.95 or free if you have the latest copy of the UG, I think there have been some rate changes for the 2010 editions but it's still less then TG.

Happy Planning!

[Millie12591]

Loved TGM!

A lot of reading to get through, but well worth it!

[duffy]

Tour Guide Mike.

[quantumottle]

Originally Posted by autismgoesdisney

Which is better Tour Guide Mike or Unofficial Guide?

From my experience, they are both equally ineffective/outdated compared to Ridemax. Be sure to do your homework, there's a new and improved way to tour the parks.

[fleurbie]

Originally Posted by quantumottle

From my experience, they are both equally ineffective/outdated compared to Ridemax. Be sure to do your homework, there's a new and improved way to tour the parks.

Hi whats ridemax?

[Jillisa]

I used Tour Guide Mike last year when we went Spring Break, the week before Easter. It was great. I am a very detail orientated person and love planning (I'm a teacher) and he was spot on for the best days for each park. We got to do everything we wanted and it didn't feel like our days were "scripted" per say, we just knew what to do first, second, etc.
I am going back next Spring Break and will do the same. I will also check out ride max. Unfortunately, our SB this year is the week after Easter Sunday.

[quantumottle]

Originally Posted by fleurbie

Hi whats ridemax?

Ridemax is software for your computer that generates a detailed touringplan according to the exact rides you and your family want to ride, as well as the restaurants you and your family want to eat at, the shows you and your family want to see, etc. Consider it a personalized touring plan, unlike the cookie cutter ideas produced by TGM and UG.

Ridemax is also the ONLY one of the three to include WDW shows, instead of just telling you to pick up a times guide as you enter the park like TGM and UG do. And Ridemax also features a money back guarantee if you don't love it.

HERE'S a post on the Dis where lots of other people like myself have discovered the magic of Ridemax (there's 55 pages as of today).

HERE'S the Ridemax official website.

So far, the only people I've noticed who don't absolutely love Ridemax are those that are not very comfortable using a computer, which shoulnd't be too much of a problem for someone posting on the Internet, and also some people who are just too set in their ways to try something new.

At any rate, I always tell everyone I know about Ridemax, so far with 100% positive results. And it's got the money back guarantee, so what do you have to lose.

[fleurbie]

Thanks i'll have a look at this

[DisneyMom14]

I prefer TGM but now that I understand his way of thinking, I would one day like to try Ridemax.

[WildGrits]

I bought an UG years and years ago. I felt it was very indepth.

These days I really feel with all the info that is out there, I can't justify paying for info I can find online for free. Of course I am not of the mind set of criss crossing the park to see the big rides. My family visits during slower times so that we can go at our own speed.

If you are interested in seeing if there is things you are missing, the co-writer of UG has a podcast that is very enjoyable to listen to. And there are a few sites out there that touch upon the hidden magic like the umbrella at Studios and that sort of stuff.