I am very disappointed so much so that I looked at the tauck website and am actually going to book with them for next year. I can't believe I am even saying that but I am not happy with ABD right now and am not spending my money on their trips.
I am very disappointed so much so that I looked at the tauck website and am actually going to book with them for next year. I can't believe I am even saying that but I am not happy with ABD right now and am not spending my money on their trips.
Today 12:29 PM
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.
I'm with you Tozzie. We have talked about nothing but the ABD Galapogos trip since we returned from Alaska. I was certain that I would be booking with ABD. But with no EBD, I'm just not going to do it. I was willing to pay more for the ABD trip, but it is just so much more than the Tauck trip, I can't justify it.
In addition, weve 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.
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 youve 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, weve 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 arent included.
With Adventures by Disney, we always want your vacation to be as stress free and hassle free as possible, so we dont nickel and dime you. In fact, one thing we hear consistently from Guests during and post travel is that they couldnt 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.
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
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.
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, weve 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.
I for one am not buying the company line, there are several issues I have with ABD and this years trips and I am not really willing to sink a chunk of money into an ABD trip this year.
That certainly wasn't the case when I tried to book the Alpine trip this morning. I was told we *had* to book two rooms because of my daughters' ages. (15)
Regardless, I appreciate you taking the time to address these issues on the message board. There is certainly no disputing that Disney puts its customers first and does everything with the "Disney touch." Unfortunately, the lack of early booking discount, lack of dates in our time frame, and our inability to book a quad room means that we're pursing other options. I'm sure ABD is a great option for families with younger kids, but it's just not going to work for us in 2010.
I wonder if it will be too late, though. I know not everyone does, but we make our vacation plans pretty far in advance. We usually book about 9-12 months before the trip. We have to start planning *now* for next summer because our schedules are so tight.
I looked at the Tauck trip to Switzerland VS ABD Alpine Magic (which is the trip I want to go on) they have similar itineraries, with tauck being two days longer. The cost for the longer trip is within $20 of what I would pay for ABD for the shorter trip. If I don't like tauck I can always go back to ABD so we will see.
We have been on 4 ABD's and loved every one. We have also traveled with Tauck (not with kids) and the level of service is comparable and excellent. I received a letter from Tauck not long ago explaining how they were aware of the economy and they were renegotiating all their contracts for 2010 and would offer most trips at the same or lower price. The past ABD's were priced right. They were less than Tauck and A&K and Thompson Family Adventures. The new prices are precariously close to those higher end companies. Without the EBD we feel no need to rush into booking (we booked the first week like many of you, in the past). We have more time to research some other companies. Hopefully, Disney will rethink their plan for this year, if not, they will lose many loyal repeat guests.