Is anyone else disappointed?

[Tissa]

I can't see the 2010 rates either. I really wanted to see the EBD but I feel less pressure to book now. I can take my time and decide what I want to do.

I'm looking at Ireland but I'm trying to decide about doing it on my own or with a tour company.

 

[jenbadeaux]

fivebyfive,
I hope you get in on your backstage magic tour. I hear it is very special and neat.

I'm not sure waitlisting is a problem on the other trips. Backstage Magic is unique to Disney--you cannot go to another tour company and do that experience. The other destinations are offered by other tour companies--some more expensive, some less--but many very good operators who have been in business for a long time based on their reputations.

 

[vakamalua]

Have not been on ABD, and won't, if prices are going up and corners are being cut as I've read on this board.

We have used Tauck twice (Japan & the Danube River cruise) and took Abercrombie & Kent to Australia. The hotels we used were the best in the locations we visited. A&K is the gold standard by which we measure all other tour companies--EXPENSIVE, yes, but worth every penny.

 

[Bobo912]

I have a feeling that ABD knows exactly what they are doing.

Did they cut back the number of tours? Sure, but they had to CANCEL a boatload of them in 2009 because they didn't have enough participants. So it only makes economical sense that they cut back for 2010.

I am trying to book the Backstage Magic for April/May 2010. Rates just came out this morning - correct? Well guess what - all 3 dates in those months are waitlist only!

April 13th - 18th - waitlist
April 20th - 25th - waitlist
May 18th - 23rd - waitlist

Hopefully if this continues, they will add tours.

Or maybe the BSM trips are wait listed because people who were planning to book a more expensive trip had to go for their second choice. I certainly understand cutting the number of departure dates and not adding any new itineraries. But seems like they would want to fill up the dates they are offering as quickly as possible to avoid another cancellation fiasco. On the other hand, why not book as many as possible at the higher rate and if there are still opening offer a discount later. Oh well...all I know is ABD was going to get my deposit today and now they aren't, which give me an opportunity to explore other possiblities.

 

[DisneyGuy2009]

I have used Tauck before and was pleased with their guality of service. Everything from the hotels to the food were stellar. Tauck has been in the tour business for over 40 years and know what they are doing. AND their prices are much better than others that have raised their prices! The agent at Tauck said they are getting a lot of calls this morning. If you are looking for great air fare anywhere in the world I was referred by Tauck to KAYAK.com I took a look and the prices are the best I have seen.

 

[redzinner]

I can't see the 2010 rates either. I really wanted to see the EBD but I feel less pressure to book now. I can take my time and decide what I want to do.

I'm looking at Ireland but I'm trying to decide about doing it on my own or with a tour company.

Rates and Dates are posted under each adventure by a tab that says Rates and Dates.

Ireland Vacation Rates & Dates ¹
When you book an Adventures by Disney vacation, discover the Disney Difference:

• The services of two Adventure Guides
• Family Activities and special fun for the kids
• Accommodations
• Scheduled meals, activities & entertainment
• Luggage service
• Transportation within your adventure
• Cultural entertainment with local experts
• VIP access and exclusive activities

All prices are in U.S. Dollars. Airfare to and from the destination is not included in our land package prices.
Other Terms and Conditions apply.
Regular Rates
Prices for this trip vary within these ranges based primarily on when you book and travel; they are subject to change without notice.
Adult $3,119 - $4,099
Child $2,809 - $3,709
Trip Dates and Current Regular Rates
Call a Concierge Agent at (800) 543-0865†, or your Travel Agent, for availability. Canadian Guests
please contact your local Travel Agent. Rates based on double occupancy.
Adult Child
May 22, 2010 - May 29, 2010 (Adults only - 18 and over) $3,269 N/A
Jun 05, 2010 - Jun 12, 2010 $3,269 $2,959
Jun 15, 2010 - Jun 22, 2010 (Call For Details) N/A N/A
Jun 26, 2010 - Jul 03, 2010 $3,269 $2,959
Jul 06, 2010 - Jul 13, 2010 $3,489 $3,159
Jul 17, 2010 - Jul 24, 2010 $3,659 $3,309
Jul 27, 2010 - Aug 03, 2010 $3,489 $3,159
Aug 07, 2010 - Aug 14, 2010 $3,489 $3,159
Aug 17, 2010 - Aug 24, 2010 $3,489 $3,159
Sep 07, 2010 - Sep 14, 2010 (Call For Details) N/A N/A
Sep 18, 2010 - Sep 25, 2010 (Adults only - 18 and over) $3,269 N/A

(1) Your land package pricing, which will be confirmed once we receive your USD$300 per person deposit, is guaranteed at the time of booking for your party. Government fees or taxes are subject to change. Guests added to your party after the booking are priced at the prevailing rate at the time they are added. The child rate applies to Guests under 12 at the time of travel when accompanied by an adult in the same room. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. If you are traveling with children, check this trip's minimum eligibility age and recommended minimum age, which you can find in the Overview, FAQs and Itinerary. Prices are based on double, triple or quad room occupancy and a single supplement applies. Parties of four have the choice of booking as a quad or as two doubles, depending on availability. Please see "Notes on Accommodations" for room configurations.

Note on Accommodations: Subject to availability:
• Parties of three in Dublin are accommodated in one room with a rollaway and one queen bed, one king bed or two twin beds. Parties of three in Killarney are accommodated in one room having one double bed and one twin bed (and a rollaway upon request). Parties of three in Shannon are accommodated in one room having two double beds or one king bed (and a twin bed upon request).
• Parties of four booked as a quad: In Dublin, quads are accommodated in two connecting rooms, each having one king bed, one queen bed or two twin beds. In Killarney, quads are accommodated in two connecting rooms, each having one double bed and one twin bed. In Shannon, quads having more than two Guests over the age of 14 are accommodated in two connecting rooms, each having either two double beds or one king bed. All other quads in Shannon are accommodated in one room having two double beds and one twin bed.
• Parties of four booked as two doubles: In Dublin, accommodations consist of two rooms each having one king bed, one queen bed or two twin beds. In Killarney, accommodations consist of two rooms, each having one double bed and one twin bed. In Shannon, accommodations consist of two rooms, each having either one king bed or two double beds. Connecting rooms may be requested.

 

[aspen37]

I have used Tauck before and was pleased with their guality of service. Everything from the hotels to the food were stellar. Tauck has been in the tour business for over 40 years and know what they are doing. AND their prices are much better than others that have raised their prices! The agent at Tauck said they are getting a lot of calls this morning. If you are looking for great air fare anywhere in the world I was referred by Tauck to KAYAK.com I took a look and the prices are the best I have seen.

I'm not sure where you got your info but you were pretty much on the money. Thanks for trying to give us the info before had. I think none of us wanted to believe that they would do these things.
So are they really going to be doing more of the Gateway Tours?

 

[Bobo912]

Would somebody who is calling ABD today ask about a trip/date that has "Call for Details" instead of listing a price? I'm curious about that. They've never done that before.

 

[CarolynElizabeth]

Hmmm...I just looked at Ireland after reading the last post and it's still only 2009 dates. I refreshed the browser, etc. and still the same. Also...the North American trips (MidAtlantic, Alaska, Southwest, etc.) are still only 2009 dates as well. ???????

 

[Bobo912]

I have used Tauck before and was pleased with their guality of service. Everything from the hotels to the food were stellar. Tauck has been in the tour business for over 40 years and know what they are doing. AND their prices are much better than others that have raised their prices! The agent at Tauck said they are getting a lot of calls this morning. If you are looking for great air fare anywhere in the world I was referred by Tauck to KAYAK.com I took a look and the prices are the best I have seen.

Hey Disneyguy, do you work for Tauck? I don't suppose they pick you up at the airport like ABD does, do they? I would miss that. But it's not worth $2000.

 

[PPFQP]

Would somebody who is calling ABD today ask about a trip/date that has "Call for Details" instead of listing a price? I'm curious about that. They've never done that before.

I asked about the Alpine trip when I called this morning. There was nothing available on that date - she made it sound like there simply was no trip on that date.

 

[DisneyGuy2009]

Hey Disneyguy, do you work for Tauck? I don't suppose they pick you up at the airport like ABD does, do they? I would miss that. But it's not worth $2000.

No, I do not work for Tauck. Tauck could not pay me enough. I am in the medical field which is not remotely associated with anything having to do with the tour industry. I believe in the Tauck product because we have used them before and we were pleased with their product.

 

[redzinner]

Would somebody who is calling ABD today ask about a trip/date that has "Call for Details" instead of listing a price? I'm curious about that. They've never done that before.

I haven't called but I think those dates are already reserved by a Travel Agent or Group. Call for details could mean that there are spots available it's just that the Travel Agent 'blocking out' the date will get some commission for selling his/her bookings. Or it could mean something totally different just my thoughts.

 

[Bobo912]

I asked about the Alpine trip when I called this morning. There was nothing available on that date - she made it sound like there simply was no trip on that date.

Well that's just silly, isn't it? Why post a date if there is no trip scheduled. Thanks for answering my question!

No, I do not work for Tauck. Tauck could not pay me enough. I am in the medical field which is not remotely associated with anything having to do with the tour industry. I believe in the Tauck product because we have used them before and we were pleased with their product.

Disneyguy, I was joking. Didn't mean to offend you. I'm glad to hear you have good things to say about Tauck, since I'm now considering them myself.

 

[jenbadeaux]

Bobo912,
I don't work for Tauck and I've never used them (until now!) but transfers from the airport is included. Look under day 1 of the Galapagos itinerary. I copied here:
A transfer is included from the Quito Airport to the Swissôtel Quito
Also they appear to get your luggage for you as ABD does because under the need to know tab it says:
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home

 

[Bobo912]

Bobo912,
I don't work for Tauck and I've never used them (until now!) but transfers from the airport is included. Look under day 1 of the Galapagos itinerary. I copied here:
A transfer is included from the Quito Airport to the Swissôtel Quito
Also they appear to get your luggage for you as ABD does because under the need to know tab it says:
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home

YAY! Thanks, jenbadeaux. I haven't had time to read all the details. I'm supposed to be working. I figure there is no need to rush at this point, since there is no EBD to miss out on. So I'm going to take my time and research my options.

 

[Tozzie]

Hmmm...I just looked at Ireland after reading the last post and it's still only 2009 dates. I refreshed the browser, etc. and still the same. Also...the North American trips (MidAtlantic, Alaska, Southwest, etc.) are still only 2009 dates as well. ???????

I saw the dates on line before I left for work, even printed a few out now I go to the site and they are no longer listed so it isn't just you seems like they pulled the 2010 dates.

 

[DisneyGuy2009]

Disneyguy, I was joking. Didn't mean to offend you. I'm glad to hear you have good things to say about Tauck, since I'm now considering them myself.

Bobo912 not offended at all. I know you will be pleased with Tauck. I forgot to answer part of the prior question---yes they have airport transfers. Nothing worse than trying to get the transfers when you get to you destination. Everything is in your package with the exception of 1 or 2 meals and of course your spending money.

 

[jenbadeaux]

DisneyGuy,
Just curious--what trip did you just book with Tauck? Did you book with Tauck Bridges(the family division)or with a different division of Tauck?

 

[Diskidatheart]

The "Call for Details" are tentative trips. I called earlier this morning, hoping that maybe those trips were cheaper, but they are actually not "official" trips yet. It sounds like ABD is trying to avoid cancelling trips this year, so if you want to go on a trip that says "Call for Details" on the date you want to go, they will put you on a waiting list and call you if they do decide to offer that trip date.

The individual that I spoke with also said that they guarantee they will not cancel a trip this year within 12 weeks of the trip unless it's something related to security, such as political or weather danger.