Using a GPS to navigate to and around WDW

[Rob562]

Thanks Rob, will have to check it out. If you don't mind me asking, how satisfied are you with your TomTom so far?

It has its quirks, but it does its job. Most of the quirks have to do with the map data and not the TomTom unit itself. (I think I'd prefer Navteq map data as opposed to TeleAtlas) My one wish? Have it change from day colors to night colors automatically like the Magellan I got for my parents. While the switch on the TomTom is simple (it's the first icon under Preferences), it's still a pain...

I like the interface for avoiding parts of a route. My friend and I had lots of problems with his Magellan on a road trip to Pennsylvania, trying to get the thing to route over the Tappan Zee Bridge to go around NYC and not the George Washington going through it.

I do like being able to correct and change my own maps, though.
One problem I couldn't fix was on the street that I lived on as a kid is numbered starting from the wrong end, so addresses aren't in the right places. I couldn't figure out how to fix that myself, so I had to report it as an "other error" and type out the problem in text.

Though I just submitted a problem to TomTom yesterday that I'm not sure if it's a software issue or a map data issue. Twice in the past few weeks while on two different routes, it's spoken "exit left" and shown the "exit left" icon in the info bar, but on the map screen it shows the exit going off to the right, which is what the exit does in real life. It's a repeatable error, and I gave the two examples, so hopefully they'll have an answer.

While most of my daily driving is on roads that I know very well, I still take it with me most days as an easy way to see if I'll be late to work.

-Rob

 

[Mikester71]

It has its quirks, but it does its job. Most of the quirks have to do with the map data and not the TomTom unit itself. (I think I'd prefer Navteq map data as opposed to TeleAtlas) My one wish? Have it change from day colors to night colors automatically like the Magellan I got for my parents. While the switch on the TomTom is simple (it's the first icon under Preferences), it's still a pain...

I like the interface for avoiding parts of a route. My friend and I had lots of problems with his Magellan on a road trip to Pennsylvania, trying to get the thing to route over the Tappan Zee Bridge to go around NYC and not the George Washington going through it.

I do like being able to correct and change my own maps, though.
One problem I couldn't fix was on the street that I lived on as a kid is numbered starting from the wrong end, so addresses aren't in the right places. I couldn't figure out how to fix that myself, so I had to report it as an "other error" and type out the problem in text.

Though I just submitted a problem to TomTom yesterday that I'm not sure if it's a software issue or a map data issue. Twice in the past few weeks while on two different routes, it's spoken "exit left" and shown the "exit left" icon in the info bar, but on the map screen it shows the exit going off to the right, which is what the exit does in real life. It's a repeatable error, and I gave the two examples, so hopefully they'll have an answer.

While most of my daily driving is on roads that I know very well, I still take it with me most days as an easy way to see if I'll be late to work.

-Rob

Here's hoping I made the right choice. Was really leaning towards getting a Garmin nuvi 660 unit, but liked some of the TomTom features better and I got a sweet deal on the 920T unit. Still trying to figure everything out on it (like why it always tries to get me to go back to the main highways over here in Canada) and how to adjust the clock (it is always off by a few minutes).

My only knock on it right now would have to be the fact that I received a card with a code in the box for new maps for 1 year free, but when I go to the site and try to type the code in, it says something about the code not being available or recognized. I phoned the support number and they said that they changed it to be integrated into the Home software instead so that it was easier to do, then they told me you only get one month free. That is bull, considering the card with the code doesn't have an expiry date or anything on it.

 

[Bug715]

My friend got a Tom Tom for christmas and we used it from MGM to EPCOT and it worked fine. I don't think he loaded any maps from online.

 

[monorailguy01]

I really do not think you will need a gps if you are staying at WDW. You can take a bus to the parks, It will save you money on gas and parking. The gps is great if you do not know your way around the world. I find it easy to get around, follow signs and you will have no problem.

 

[Mikester71]

I really do not think you will need a gps if you are staying at WDW. You can take a bus to the parks, It will save you money on gas and parking. The gps is great if you do not know your way around the world. I find it easy to get around, follow signs and you will have no problem.

We usually just take the buses too around the WDW property, like you said, way cheaper and less hassles. The GPS was more for getting down there and around the outskirts of WDW. We have a long drive from Canada and even though it is mostly I75 south straight down from Detroit, we do stop off in other cities on the 2 day drive down. The last time down there, we ventured off of WDW property for a day to see some sights and do some shopping, and I remember feeling totally lost all the time. Had to keep asking for directions to get anywhere. This will hopefully help us navigate our way around down there better.

 

[kingdaniel97]

I just bought the TomTom Go 920T GPS this past weekend and can't wait to use it on our next trip down to WDW next March. I just wanted to hear from people who have used a GPS system to help navigate around WDW property to see how accurate they are. I know the 920T comes with this map sharing feature which allows you to download custom maps submitted by other TomTom users online. Are there any TomTom users who have tried this and if so, how did you find this feature (accurate, some what accurate, not at all)?

Sorry to tell ya dude, but you're better off using a blindfolded chipmunk to help you navigate... Seriously it keeps trying to make you go through CM only areas and sometimes even roads that don't exist. You can use it to get to the Disney property but just turn it off when you get on it.

 

[Rob562]

Sorry to tell ya dude, but you're better off using a blindfolded chipmunk to help you navigate... Seriously it keeps trying to make you go through CM only areas and sometimes even roads that don't exist. You can use it to get to the Disney property but just turn it off when you get on it.

Odd. Because the maps that came on my TomTom ONE, purchased in December (and updated for the one month of free updates) had all of the backstage roads marked as blocked.


-Rob

 

[kingdaniel97]

Odd. Because the maps that came on my TomTom ONE, purchased in December (and updated for the one month of free updates) had all of the backstage roads marked as blocked.


-Rob

/shrug
They must've updated it b/c last time I went it was very irritating.