Is anyone else disappointed?

[Traveling Tinkerbell]

Dear ABDLilly,

Your explanations do not make Marketing 101 sense. I would not drive away my core customers by taking away early booking rates similar to the past ABD practices while also increasing the booking rates and changing the hotel boarding room rules.

Core customers with ABD loyalty are worth more than any advertising budget that ABD could spend in any year. Many of us book with ABD far in advance (9-12 months) because of schedules. Many of us have been on 3 trips or more trips over the last 2-3 years. The Disney ABD magic has taken a sizeable
hit this day with this new ABD pricing direction.

BTW, we have not received any emails from ABD about the $100 per person returning guest special. I asked the ABD agent this morning and she said that was not an offer anymore. We have decided to move on to other opportunities.

 

[kjd469]

dear abdlilly,

your explanations do not make marketing 101 sense. I would not drive away my core customers by taking away early booking rates similar to the past abd practices while also increasing the booking rates and changing the hotel boarding room rules.

Core customers with abd loyalty are worth more than any advertising budget that abd could spend in any year. Many of us book with abd far in advance (9-12 months) because of schedules. Many of us have been on 3 trips or more trips over the last 2-3 years. The disney abd magic has taken a sizeable
hit this day with this new abd pricing direction.

Btw, we have not received any emails from abd about the $100 per person returning guest special. I asked the abd agent this morning and she said that was not an offer anymore. We have decided to move on to other opportunities.

ditto!!

 

[jenbadeaux]

ABDLilly thanks for posting. In response to some of your responses:

No one on this board found EBD's confusing. We know they sell out the first day. We are the ones they sell out to! That is why we all had it on our calendars to call and book today. The lack of EBDs is one of the premier reasons why most all of us on this board refuse to book today.

Your pricing structure showed little to no concern for the current state of the economy. As mentioned by a previous poster, another top company sent out postcards vowing to keep rates the same or lower than last year. I appreciate that. They want my business, they want to give me a great experience, and they understand the current stress on my pocketbook. They may not make as much money off me this year, but if they get my business and make me happy this year, perhaps I'll be a repeat customer and have some loyalty towards them. If you were going to take away EBDs, than the least you could have done is held your prices to 2009 levels. But to take away EBDs and increase your prices? How can you state this "is created with Guests needs in mind."? This was created with DISNEY'S needs in mind, not mine.

And as a two time ABDer(Southwest Splendors 8/08 and Quest for the West 7/09) I take exception to you saying you don't nickel and dime us. We had a lovely time on Southwest Splendors. Trip of a lifetime. But in addition to what I paid you for the 6 of us, I spent almost $2500 in extras and did NOT do a pre- or post- day. Quest did not have as many optional activities, but I did spend almost $1000 extra(again no pre or post day!). Tips to the guides alone cost us between $500-$600/trip! With Tauck, Costa Rica is HALF what you are asking and the guide's tip is INCLUDED! My best example of the fallacy of your statement: Fly fishing at Brooks Lake Lodge is included in the price--yet my bill on checkout from the lodge shows $35 in charges for flies to participate in fly fishing! That is the definition of nickel and diming--telling me an activity is included only to find out that the one essential thing needed to participate is not included and to not find out until after the fact.

ABDLilly, you have a great product. We thought we would be loyal guests for years to come. You are a business with the right to charge whatever you want for your product. But lets have some truth in advertising. Call a spade a spade.

 

[Tozzie]

Are you looking at a Tauck Bridges tour? I have only seen the regular Switzerland tour, and the price, based upon double occupancy is $4,890 (and that is a 2009 price) vs. the highest ABD price of $4,279.

I would be interested in seeing what you're looking at, if you could post a link.

Thanks

You are assuming I am talking about double occupancy rates which I am not so you are not looking at the same info I am looking at.

 

[Bobo912]

I just checked out the Thompson Family Adventures sight and was very impressed with what they have to offer. Lots of destinations, many offered by ABD, and many different. Plus, if you fill out their online survey, you get a coupon for $500 off a future trip....better than what ABD is offering me! Definitely worth looking into. And thankyou to those of you who suggested these other companies worth looking into...it helps all of us make our vacation decisions.

I just filled out the Thompson survey and ordered the Tauck Bridges brochure. Time to do a little comparison shopping.

 

[Tozzie]

ABDLilly thanks for posting. In response to some of your responses:

No one on this board found EBD's confusing. We know they sell out the first day. We are the ones they sell out to! That is why we all had it on our calendars to call and book today. The lack of EBDs is one of the premier reasons why most all of us on this board refuse to book today.

Your pricing structure showed little to no concern for the current state of the economy. As mentioned by a previous poster, another top company sent out postcards vowing to keep rates the same or lower than last year. I appreciate that. They want my business, they want to give me a great experience, and they understand the current stress on my pocketbook. They may not make as much money off me this year, but if they get my business and make me happy this year, perhaps I'll be a repeat customer and have some loyalty towards them. If you were going to take away EBDs, than the least you could have done is held your prices to 2009 levels. But to take away EBDs and increase your prices? How can you state this "is created with Guests needs in mind."? This was created with DISNEY'S needs in mind, not mine.

And as a two time ABDer(Southwest Splendors 8/08 and Quest for the West 7/09) I take exception to you saying you don't nickel and dime us. We had a lovely time on Southwest Splendors. Trip of a lifetime. But in addition to what I paid you for the 6 of us, I spent almost $2500 in extras and did NOT do a pre- or post- day. Quest did not have as many optional activities, but I did spend almost $1000 extra(again no pre or post day!). Tips to the guides alone cost us between $500-$600/trip! With Tauck, Costa Rica is HALF what you are asking and the guide's tip is INCLUDED! My best example of the fallacy of your statement: Fly fishing at Brooks Lake Lodge is included in the price--yet my bill on checkout from the lodge shows $35 in charges for flies to participate in fly fishing! That is the definition of nickel and diming--telling me an activity is included only to find out that the one essential thing needed to participate is not included and to not find out until after the fact.

ABDLilly, you have a great product. We thought we would be loyal guests for years to come. You are a business with the right to charge whatever you want for your product. But lets have some truth in advertising. Call a spade a spade.

Great Post!!!

 

[Traveling Tinkerbell]

ABDLilly thanks for posting. In response to some of your responses:

No one on this board found EBD's confusing. We know they sell out the first day. We are the ones they sell out to! That is why we all had it on our calendars to call and book today. The lack of EBDs is one of the premier reasons why most all of us on this board refuse to book today.

Your pricing structure showed little to no concern for the current state of the economy. As mentioned by a previous poster, another top company sent out postcards vowing to keep rates the same or lower than last year. I appreciate that. They want my business, they want to give me a great experience, and they understand the current stress on my pocketbook. They may not make as much money off me this year, but if they get my business and make me happy this year, perhaps I'll be a repeat customer and have some loyalty towards them. If you were going to take away EBDs, than the least you could have done is held your prices to 2009 levels. But to take away EBDs and increase your prices? How can you state this "is created with Guests needs in mind."? This was created with DISNEY'S needs in mind, not mine.

And as a two time ABDer(Southwest Splendors 8/08 and Quest for the West 7/09) I take exception to you saying you don't nickel and dime us. We had a lovely time on Southwest Splendors. Trip of a lifetime. But in addition to what I paid you for the 6 of us, I spent almost $2500 in extras and did NOT do a pre- or post- day. Quest did not have as many optional activities, but I did spend almost $1000 extra(again no pre or post day!). Tips to the guides alone cost us between $500-$600/trip! With Tauck, Costa Rica is HALF what you are asking and the guide's tip is INCLUDED! My best example of the fallacy of your statement: Fly fishing at Brooks Lake Lodge is included in the price--yet my bill on checkout from the lodge shows $35 in charges for flies to participate in fly fishing! That is the definition of nickel and diming--telling me an activity is included only to find out that the one essential thing needed to participate is not included and to not find out until after the fact.

ABDLilly, you have a great product. We thought we would be loyal guests for years to come. You are a business with the right to charge whatever you want for your product. But lets have some truth in advertising. Call a spade a spade.

Ditto!!!!!!!!!! Jenbadeaux, you are so right on message.

ABDLilly, we have always been early bookers with ABD as well. We knew there were always limited EBR slots for each tour. Core customers know the routines.

Many of us have been core DVC members, DCL Castaway members, premium annual passport park holders, and investors in the Disney Company for many years. WE have supported your Company and its programs for many years. Where is the loyalty back to the core customers that have made your programs successful and financially stable over the years?

 

[Tissa]

I think some are forgetting that while you were not confused by the EBD people on this board make up a small percentage of ABD customers. I remember one post with someone going on about False Advertising because the EBD was not available when he called weeks after the dates were out.

I looked into several different companies and Tauck is $100 or so more expensive for Ireland than ABD is and you will not be getting the Disney touch. I think some will be disappointed with other tours, some will be just as happy. I'm still not decided what I'm going to do yet but I won't threaten Disney just because I might find the prices high.

 

[fliplover101]

Hello everyone. I've been lurking around the boards for a while, but have never posted. I'm also quite confused by new rates and dates for 2010. I'd LOVE to go on the Backstage Magic trip this year, but I can't find the dates. There are new rates up (no EBD obviously) but the lowest price for 2010 *seems* to be almost $300 less than last year!! I'm currently studying as well as working, so that would be a HUGE difference for me, enough to perhaps make the trip possible, IF it's true. I was so excited when I saw the new rates up, but after reading this thread I'm afraid that maybe I've misunderstood.

Also, this would be my first ABD trip, so I'm curious as to what 'other' prices I should be aware of-required deposits, different rates for different rooms and occupancies, required insurance, etc. ANY extra money does make a big difference for me. Finally, I currently have an annual pass for Disneyland-has anyone been able to get some sort of discount, even a hundred dollars, and use their pass instead of the four day park hoppers normally included in the tour? Thanks!!!

 

[Nikisha421]

Hi Everyone. I am the Director of Marketing for Adventures by Disney and want to help clarify some of the questions and concerns posted today. For those of you who have traveled with us in the past, you know how we at Adventures by Disney treat our Guests… you’ve sent us emails and letters and posted on this site about the personalized service and attention. We always want to make sure that you feel important and listened to. Please take a minute to read this and hopefully it will clear up some of the confusion. Thanks! Lilly

Website – The website with new dates and pricing is live today. For some of you, depending on browsers, you may need to refresh your browser to get the latest feeds as the site updates. This is probably why some of you are seeing different information. By this afternoon PST, the need to refresh will no longer be an issue. Thanks for your patience!

Regarding EBR: Early Booking Rates were actually confusing and a misnomer for a lot of our Guests… and some of you will remember (depending on the trip and departure date), they often sold out in the first day of booking. Our new pricing structure was created with Guests’ needs in mind: Book early for great rates (and best availability). This means that our 2010 introductory rates will be among the best we offer all year. In addition, we’ve added triple and quad rates so if you choose to have additional family members or a friend share one room, the rate per person, decreases (pending availability). This provides Guests more flexibility and better pricing options.

Also – Past Guests – You should be receiving an email today from us with details. There is definitely a loyalty offer for you. It is $100 off per person (valid through Nov 30).

Regarding pricing: While you may be able to find cheaper guided family tours out there, you will wind up spending a significant amount of incremental funds to supplement all of the items of that aren’t included.

With Adventures by Disney, we always want your vacation to be as stress free and hassle free as possible, so we don’t nickel and dime you. In fact, one thing we hear consistently from Guests during and post travel is that they couldn’t believe how much the trip included .. that it was worth every penny and then some. Below is a list of everything included in each adventure.

Immersive Events and Activities
• Disney-trained Adventure Guides
• Activities with local experts
• Special thrills for Junior Adventurers
• Interaction with historical characters
• Immersive activities for everyone

VIP Experiences
• Private events and privately guided tours
• Backstage access
• Entertainment and special performances
• Bypass the lines at popular museums and attractions
• Fun surprises and gifts throughout your vacation

Admission
• National and regional park entrance fees
• Tickets and admission to events and attractions
• Nature and wildlife educational programs

Hassle-Free Travel
• Airport meet and greet upon arrival
• Transfer to/from hotels
• Transportation within your trip (including flights, trains, etc.)
• Snacks and refreshments en route
• Luggage service
• Concierge service to help plan free time
• Travel taxes

Dining and Resorts
• Outstanding accommodations
• Scheduled meals
• Dinner or movie night especially for kids
• Adult dining experience with wine tasting
• Taxes and gratuities
•
Regarding new itineraries – Our focus for 2010 is on giving Guests new and unique trip types to choose from. We will be announcing these new trips throughout the season. There will be some really exciting and completely new concepts… as well as the official launch of our Gateway Collection. Stay tuned and keep an eye out for announcements.

Thanks for the answers and isn't it wonderful that ABD has assigned a representative to our issues!

I will still try since it wil be my first trip!

 

[aspen37]

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.

April 13th is a DIS Unplugged podcast group tour. We have all 40 spots filled plus they have a waitlist for other dates. I'm not sure but they might have these dates on hold.

 

[gayleaboone]

We all were looking so forward to today!

I have been on three ABDs as a single mom with my now 9 yr old daughter (Costa Rica '07, Germany '08, and we just returned 10 days ago from Alaska). These trips have been wonderful for us, and I feel like I have been a walking, talking promotion for ABD---I could not say enough great things about it to whomever I met! I have given out the ABD website countless times.

One of the benefits I found with ABD was that it was more moderately priced than the A&K family trips and other companies. I also found that the people who took these trips (and appreciated a more moderate price) were down to earth, wanted to spend time with their kids, and wanted a "real" experience that the whole family could enjoy, rather than a more elaborate A&K trip revolving around adult events and non-kid friendly hotels. I always bragged that the ABD group understood parents and grandparents who wanted to vacation WITH their kids, and the tours were well priced to match that philosophy.

Unfortunately, it seems that the pricing has come much closer to other tour companies. I, too, was ready to sign up within the next month for next summer's ABD trip, but now find myself less in a rush because of the higher prices and the lack of EBRs (which greatly helped my travel budget). I may still go with ABD, but I think I will need to look around first---and I truly hate having to do that when I am such a fan!!!!

ABDLilly, how about a more substantial loyalty discount, or add EBRs----it's never too late to add those to the structure! (and btw, thank you for responding on the boards--the group today is a little testy, but I think we are just disappointed---we all got up early to see the 2010 rates and tours....)

 

[Bobo912]

I think some are forgetting that while you were not confused by the EBD people on this board make up a small percentage of ABD customers. I remember one post with someone going on about False Advertising because the EBD was not available when he called weeks after the dates were out.

I looked into several different companies and Tauck is $100 or so more expensive for Ireland than ABD is and you will not be getting the Disney touch. I think some will be disappointed with other tours, some will be just as happy. I'm still not decided what I'm going to do yet but I won't threaten Disney just because I might find the prices high.

I don't know that anyone is "threatening" Disney. The first thing I did this morning was go to the ABD website, with my Disney Visa in hand, planning to book the Galapogos trip. The EBD rates for last year were $4159 for an adult and $3699 for a child. Iwas hoping to get something similar, but would not have been surprised to see an increase. But the price I would have to pay is $5519 and $4979, for adult and child, respectively. That's a big difference. Too big. I don't know about everybody else, but there's no threat here. I'll either go with a different company or not at all. I am a huge ABD fan. I am very sad and disapoointed.

 

[Phil1019]

I AM SOOOO DISAPPOINTED!! I have taken two ABD trips - Backstage Magic & Costa Rica. I so wanted to go to Austria, however they have pulled that trip. AND -- NO EBD! What's up with that? I definitely will be looking at another tour co. or cruise for next year.

 

[kjd469]

I think some are forgetting that while you were not confused by the EBD people on this board make up a small percentage of ABD customers. I remember one post with someone going on about False Advertising because the EBD was not available when he called weeks after the dates were out.

I looked into several different companies and Tauck is $100 or so more expensive for Ireland than ABD is and you will not be getting the Disney touch. I think some will be disappointed with other tours, some will be just as happy. I'm still not decided what I'm going to do yet but I won't threaten Disney just because I might find the prices high.

Don't be so sure about how "small" these groups are....as I can see today, a lot of people who don't regularly post, felt compelled to put in their opinions today...just because a person doesn't post doesn't mean the numbers aren't there. Also, as past happy guests, we are walking, talking, free advertisements for ABD...through my husband's job, we literally have access to thousands of potential future ABD customers...everyone in his company, and our friends and family knows that if they want Disney vacation advice to ask us first....will we be so exuberant and quick to recommend ABD now?....probably not. The average person has NOT heard of ABD and past guests are likely their number 1 advertisement.

 

[gayleaboone]

Don't be so sure about how "small" these groups are....as I can see today, a lot of people who don't regularly post, felt compelled to put in their opinions today...just because a person doesn't post doesn't mean the numbers aren't there. Also, as past happy guests, we are walking, talking, free advertisements for ABD...through my husband's job, we literally have access to thousands of potential future ABD customers...everyone in his company, and our friends and family knows that if they want Disney vacation advice to ask us first....will we be so exuberant and quick to recommend ABD now?....probably not. The average person has NOT heard of ABD and past guests are likely their number 1 advertisement.

Very true that there are more people looking forward to this day that it would seem---I have only posted once before today but have followed the boards for a long time. Everyone I spoke with on our Alaska tour (7/22-7/29) looks on the boards and everyone knew that the new dates, tours, and, we thought, early booking rates, would be published today. Over the weekend, I even heard from some of our co-adventurers from other years saying: "Monday is the day!"

 

[Tracie Wallace]

I have to say that I am also disappointed in their pricing. I was going to put a deposit down for Germany next year for the 3 of us (myself, DH, and DD). For 2009 with the early booking rate the cost was $2,259 each for a total of $7,677. For 2010 the cost is now $3,419 per person, a total of $10, 257 - a difference of $2,580.

We went on the Emerald Isle trip in 2008. At these prices I would rather do it on my own. I'll miss the Disney touch and the tour guides, but I'll be able to design my own itinerary.

 

[northernlights]

I agree completely. We just returned from Viva Italia and had a great time. However, I would never have booked the trip at the 2010 prices for a family of 4, what with the price increase and lack of an early booking discount. At these prices they are putting these trips beyond the reach of upper middle class families and into a relam that only the rich can afford. We plan on visting Ireland and England within the next several years and we will definitely be doing it on our own.

 

[HappyGrumpy]

I think some are forgetting that while you were not confused by the EBD people on this board make up a small percentage of ABD customers. I remember one post with someone going on about False Advertising because the EBD was not available when he called weeks after the dates were out.

I looked into several different companies and Tauck is $100 or so more expensive for Ireland than ABD is and you will not be getting the Disney touch. I think some will be disappointed with other tours, some will be just as happy. I'm still not decided what I'm going to do yet but I won't threaten Disney just because I might find the prices high.

These people who are passionately responding are the ones who's advise I trust the most! They are seasoned ABD'S and have EVERY right to be saying what they are saying because it's true and this is capitalism at it's best.

Some people would have you think that capitalism is wrong and unfair well I have news for you Disney (fill in the blank). Would not exist with out it!

Word of mouth advertising is THE biggest form of advertising. Marketing 101 as TT mentioned earlier. No one is threatning anything and how absurd to interpret it that way. They are providing INVALUABLE fearless feedback that
is the raw truth. Kind of like our own little town hall meeting here on the boards so until someone's life it threatened be careful that your not judging free raw speech with an inability to handle confrontation.

 

[vakamalua]

I just went to check out the 2010 itinerary, dates and rates for China but only 2009 is on the website. How do I find it?