Gack! My Backstage Magic is Cancelled!

[inkkognito]

We were scheduled for Backstage Magic on April 8, but I just got a call that not enough people are booked on that date so it's cancelled. Ugh!! There are other dates available, so we are seeing what we can do about our flights. We booked mine on FF miles, which throws a wrench into the proceedings. I just can't believe they didn't get enough people for the very first date...I am soooo bummed.

[eva]

I hope everything works out for you. Yikes! Now I'm nervous about our Viva Italia trip on 09/14. :earseek:

[MJGirl]

I'm so sorry about this... I can't believe that they didn't get enough people. I'm wondering if I should worry about my August adventure. I booked with DVC points. I hope if ABD cancels the tour, I get my incentive points back.

[inkkognito]

We ended up switching to April 22, which they said should be a "go" (I think that one hit final payment, so hopefully that does indeed mean they have enough people locked in). I am just so surprised that this trip is not more popular. When we read the description, we JUMPED at it! It was a pain changing the flights, but hubby managed to do it.

[MJGirl]

We ended up switching to April 22, which they said should be a "go" (I think that one hit final payment, so hopefully that does indeed mean they have enough people locked in). I am just so surprised that this trip is not more popular. When we read the description, we JUMPED at it! It was a pain changing the flights, but hubby managed to do it.

Great news ... After I posted, I called ABD and the said my tour was "so far so good", although tours can get cancelled at any time. I haven't booked flights yet, but am planning on flying Southwest, so I can always redirect the money if need be, plus I'm not cancelling the repo, so I will still need to fly to LA.

[wdwsos]

I hope everything works out for you. Yikes! Now I'm nervous about our Viva Italia trip on 09/14. :earseek:

I don't think I'd worry about Viva Italia -- it's one of the most popular itineraries. Even though it's one of the most expensive, I get more requests for that one than any other. China is selling really well, and Quest for the West and Southwest Splendors are always popular.

I think that you have to be a big Disney fan (as we all are) and/or a big movie/Hollywood fan (my three kids are in the film business) to get excited about Backstage Magic. Otherwise, you'll think it's a pricey way to go to Disneyland. Even with our family history, my husband sadly didn't have any interest in an AbD trip to California.

Personally, I think it's a fantastic itinerary and worth every penny! There are things on this trip that I'd never get to do otherwise. I may have to find a friend to go with me. :)

Dotti

[bradk]

wait.. what?!?! i never got that call... ugh... calling them.. and crying

[bradk]

don't forget, the final payment date came and went on the April 8 before it was canceled.

anyway, I called and was told the 22nd is a definite. this is killing me though in all sorts of ways.

at least they promised they'd cover the difference in flight cost. one flight alone jumped up over $200. the real downside is the flight i was on initially must be sold out so now i'd be getting into LA 2 hours later.

[dingoballs]

don't forget, the final payment date came and went on the April 8 before it was canceled.

anyway, I called and was told the 22nd is a definite. this is killing me though in all sorts of ways.

at least they promised they'd cover the difference in flight cost. one flight alone jumped up over $200. the real downside is the flight i was on initially must be sold out so now i'd be getting into LA 2 hours later.

Did you book your air thru ABD?

[bradk]

no, i did it on my own. i even have myself arriving 3 days earlier and leaving 1 day later and she told me it's not an issue. that they're very sorry that this happened and they'll make good on whatever.

i'm just glad i didn't spend a lot of time figuring everything else out. i did have the hotels booked, but nothing i can't undo. just hope i can get decent rates given the fact that the airfare is dramatically higher.

[bradk]

now i'm officially in the 22nd group which i'm told is at least 75% full (not the best news i've heard considering groups go up to 40, but whatever). i dunno what dates i was looking at last night through my tears but the flight change wasn't that bad, ~$200 total, i got the flights i wanted and i managed to even get some of the better seats on the plane.

not gonna be so eager to buy my ticket to see wicked now though.

[dingoballs]

no, i did it on my own. i even have myself arriving 3 days earlier and leaving 1 day later and she told me it's not an issue. that they're very sorry that this happened and they'll make good on whatever.

i'm just glad i didn't spend a lot of time figuring everything else out. i did have the hotels booked, but nothing i can't undo. just hope i can get decent rates given the fact that the airfare is dramatically higher.

Thanks! What a hassle for you. But I'm happy to hear that ABD at least picked up the $$ difference in airfare.

[trampslady]

This is what I fear from my German Fairytale tour in September. I'm booking my own air (but flying nonrev as an airline employee), and I really need to book the hotel for the additional two-three nights we plan on arriving early. That said, I'm so afraid the whole thing will cancel!

[Aunt Cawa]

Just got off the phone booking the June 3 Backstage Magic trip for DH and myself. Just wanted to let people know that the May 13 and the May 27 tours have been canceled. Guess third choice was the charm!:thumbsup2

[inkkognito]

Wow...glad I'm doing it this year. Doesn't sound like it might be offered in 2009! It's a shame, as it really seems like a perfect tour for Disneyphiles.

[Aunt Cawa]

We decided to go ahead and book because we also think that this tour might not be around next year. The chance to go to the Jim Henson studios in addtion to all the great Disney stuff was just too good to pass up.

[MJGirl]

I called ABD last week and so far my August 12 tour is a go! They seem to think the summer tours will be safe

[disneytraveler]

I hope they continue the tour another year . I want to book it at some time.

[MJGirl]

I hope so too ... especially for Passporter. If you check out there website, they are planning a special Backstage Magic tour in the fall for their 10th anniversary.

[Joan1]

We ended up switching to April 22, which they said should be a "go" (I think that one hit final payment, so hopefully that does indeed mean they have enough people locked in). I am just so surprised that this trip is not more popular. When we read the description, we JUMPED at it! It was a pain changing the flights, but hubby managed to do it.


I am actually not surprised - first many families with children cannot travel then. Secondly for the cost of what it offers, even with the VIP things I don't think it is worth it.

For 2 people the prices aren't bad but when you have 4 or more family members I think they are out of reach for a lot of people

[JC Butterfly]

How I WISH they had a different pricing structure on this tour.

I would love, love, love to see the Disney Studios some day, but alas, I just couldn't justify this tour. $2700 for 6 days is too steep for me.

I know that Disney is first class and everything will be beyond top-notch, so maybe it is just jealousy talking.

But for that same amount of money I will spend two weeks in France (plus I'll get to see Disneyland Paris for the first time, yeah!)

I do wish they would/could open the Studios for some VIP tour or something in the future -- but I guess that's what makes this so special.

[bradk]

on that same token, i find it kind of pompous that they can justify charging so much for a studio tour when sony, universal, warner brothers and paramount offer it for much less and as little as you get to see on some of those, i can't really imagine much more of disney studios will be exposed. i'm not even sure what goes on at disney studios (considering parts of POTC and Desperate Housewives for example are filmed at Universal).

but i can live with that. it's the hotels that are killing me. that's half the price right there.

[bradk]

national treasures 2 also fillmed at universal (at least in part) i might add.

[BriarRosie]

Wow, I'm really glad I booked mine, too. When my friend asked me to consider joining her, the offerings appealed to me. But the part that closed the deal was that we had the adults-only date in December, and I would finally be at DLR to see their holiday overlays for Haunted Mansion and It's a Small World. (Hopefully the refurb should be completed by then!)

[Politzania]

I just joined to commisserate (and gripe) along with y'all :(

My husband and I booked the May 6 - 11 tour, with the intention of flying in from Indiana the weekend before and attending The Disney Podcast Network's Westfest fan event - we'd already paid for our banquet tickets and had a good lead on getting into Club 33 (thanks to one of the other Festers) as well....

AAAARRRRRGGGGHHHH!

Our travel agent is pursuing the possibility of compensation - AbD already said they'd take care of any charges involved in changing our flights, but we're hoping for some additional recognition of the other activities we'd planned that we can't reschedule. I'm not normally an Entitlement kind of person - but we've been been talking about Club 33 and the Westfest stuff almost every day since the holidays - it's just frustrating.

We were offered the April 22-27 or May 20-25 tours - tho it sounds as if the April one is getting pretty full. Grump grump grump...

[bradk]

i have a feeling they're gonna go delta and just cancel poorly booking dates and merge them all together. i doubt, for at least 2008, there will be a group not at least almost full.

[MJGirl]

I was talking to ABD reservations this morning and my tour (August 12) is 30% full. She doesn't think there will be a problem for us!

[Aunt Cawa]

Glad to hear MJGirl :thumbsup2 When I booked our June 3 tour ABD was pretty sure this trip was a go too. Have my fingers crossed for both of us!:goodvibes

[Politzania]

Well, we're confirmed for the Apr 22-27 session of the AbD Backstage Magic tour (:wave2: BradK & inkkognito) We're also currently booked for a 3 day stay at the Hojo beforehand - tho some medical issues that just came up may require cancelling that... sigh....

I'm a little concerned about being the "guinea pigs" for this tour - guess we'll just hope for the best!

[bradk]

the hojo anaheim? you're aware that anaheim is like 90 mins away from LA on a good day, right? just a mini-commute you have on that tuesday.

[bradk]

the entertainment schedules for april are up on the disneyland site btw..

according to that, big thunder and gadget's go coaster are scheduled for refurb starting the 28... that's a near miss.

[SailingBeagle]

Just got off the phone and the 6/3 Backstage Magic appears to be a go, for at least now. It makes me sick to think they can cancel for lack of participation. That is not Disney like.

They said it is over 50% booked, but she would not tell me how many people they need for it not to be cancelled.

Anyone else booked on 6/3 tour?

[Politzania]

the hojo anaheim? you're aware that anaheim is like 90 mins away from LA on a good day, right? just a mini-commute you have on that tuesday.

We've been in the LA area before -- last May we drove from LAX to Pasadena (visiting family), then to Anaheim, then to downtown LA (Convention Center area) and back to LAX -- so we know we've got some driving to do. The extra days at DL will be worth it, tho.

[bradk]

ok, just checking... i'm adding a day at DL afterwards (arriving at BUR and playing in LA a couple of days) and leaving from LGB Monday I think.

they allow you to upgrade their tickets from the 3 day to 4 day for $20 (or $25, can't remember which).

[MJGirl]

To you lucky folks going on the first trip in April, you are getting down to the wire. Can't wait for your trip reports!!!! Have fun!

[inkkognito]

Thanks....I am soooo excited! Counting down the days :goodvibes

[global_mom]

Thanks....I am soooo excited! Counting down the days :goodvibes

Will you guys post the details when you return?!?! I soooo wanted to do this ABD (as I have posted before) but just could not pay the price since there are 5 of us. Have a great trip!!!

[inkkognito]

My website is banned here so I won't be able to link to the full and sordid details of our trip. I'll at least post some highlights here tho'.

[bradk]

i plan on blogging it myself although i'm not very good at that sort of thing

[global_mom]

Thanks guys, cant wait to get the details!! I keep thinking that I should just throw caution to the wind and just sign us up for the darn thing. I wish that I could leave our 6yo at home, that would save the need for a second room, but she would FREAK OUT if we all went to DL and left her behind. Any other ABD and she is happy to stay at home with her "MiMi" for a week as that seems more fun to her than museums and tours! :goodvibes

[MJGirl]

My website is banned here so I won't be able to link to the full and sordid details of our trip. I'll at least post some highlights here tho'.

i plan on blogging it myself although i'm not very good at that sort of thing

Can you please pm me with the links so I can follow along with ya! Thanks!

[Aunt Cawa]

Hi
A June 3 person here. Would love to get details from any trips prior to ours. Feel free to PM with details to links. We are so excited about this trip. We did Southwest Splendors last summer and it was fabulous. And the chance to do Jim Henson Studios is just too much for this Muppet person to pass up. (Ok my ringtone is "Moving right along" but you didn't hear it from me :goodvibes )

Thanks!

[bradk]

i plan on posting whatever on stitchkingdom.com

i just need to figure out the logistics.

[dingoballs]

My website is banned here so I won't be able to link to the full and sordid details of our trip. I'll at least post some highlights here tho'.

Why was your website banned here?

[konslerg]

i plan on posting whatever on stitchkingdom.com

i just need to figure out the logistics.

Blogspot.com is a pretty easy blog site to use.

[inkkognito]

Why was your website banned here?
I don't think I'm allowed to say (and I'm not 100 percent sure myself anyway!)

[bradk]

i can take another look at blogspot.com, i just figured it'd be easier to implement my own.

i gotta figure out what i want to do. i'll have my laptop and my ipod. if i can get wifi, i'll be able to send emails from the ipod so it'd be nice to be able to at least send emails to post.

[RJake1]

I'm working with a travel agent now and she's telling me that a lot of the Adverture Tours to Europe in August are sold out, so that should be good news if you're worried about cancellation.

[inkkognito]

Good news for Europe anyway. But Hollywood/Disneyland doesn't seem to be at the same level of popularity. That surprises me...I thought it would be big among Disney fanatics (like myself).

[bradk]

i think if you look at the microcosm that is DIS, you'll find that a good percentage of people look at Backstage Magic as a way to pay 'HOW MUCH for Disneyland?!?'

the same thing occurs on the ABD Q&A site. I've seen questions where people wonder why it costs more when they can do the same things on their own for less. and the poor ABD folk have to constantly remind people that they CAN'T do most of these on their own.

but i can't say i'm shocked either. i doubt most go to USH because it's a working studio, it just happens to be something else going on in addition to The Simpsons ride. I've spoken to Sony and WB and asked about their tours and how far to book in advance and they speak to me like I have 7 heads (which I take offense to as I only have 5). They get enough traffic to keep the programs alive, but there aren't enough people in the world all that interested in going to a movie studio.

I'm sure once the tours start happening and people start reporting back on specifics, interest will grow. But I think us guinea pigs make up the minority.

[dingoballs]

i think if you look at the microcosm that is DIS, you'll find that a good percentage of people look at Backstage Magic as a way to pay 'HOW MUCH for Disneyland?!?'

the same thing occurs on the ABD Q&A site. I've seen questions where people wonder why it costs more when they can do the same things on their own for less. and the poor ABD folk have to constantly remind people that they CAN'T do most of these on their own.

but i can't say i'm shocked either. i doubt most go to USH because it's a working studio, it just happens to be something else going on in addition to The Simpsons ride. I've spoken to Sony and WB and asked about their tours and how far to book in advance and they speak to me like I have 7 heads (which I take offense to as I only have 5). They get enough traffic to keep the programs alive, but there aren't enough people in the world all that interested in going to a movie studio.

I'm sure once the tours start happening and people start reporting back on specifics, interest will grow. But I think us guinea pigs make up the minority.

I think you've hit the nail on the head. If cost was the ONLY factor, AbD would be out of business. But it's not, and that's why we are hooked on these Adventures.

We're looking forward to reading your trip report... please include the good, the bad & everything in-between.

I'm also interested to hear what you think of your AbD backpack, so please post your thoughts when you receive it okay? :surfweb:

[Joan1]

I think you've hit the nail on the head. If cost was the ONLY factor, AbD would be out of business. But it's not, and that's why we are hooked on these Adventures.



I have said this before and will note it again

Most people with 4 or more people in the family these are very cost prohibitive unless they are well off and most times those people have been to many of the places that ABD go to already. Normal every day people and even people with a little more in the pockets maybe that stay at the deluxe hotels at Disney with or without a discount still find it cost prohibitive when looking at 4 people.

We always stay at deluxe hotels at Disney but can't justify the costs of the ABD. We traveling each year and travel extensively, we don't stay at value hotels but more at hotels that offer more amenities and more of what we like. Example, we don't go to Europe and stay at hotels that are 100 or less euros per night because they don't offer what we are looking for

To give an example the Backstage Magic tour for 4, 2 adults, 2 children age 11 and younger, would cost $9876 in value season, which is almost $2000 per night. This goes to $11,396 during peak season ($2800 per night) when most schools are out and families can travel. That is only for a 5night vacation. This is NOT including any airfare. A 6 night ABD to Tuscany during value season is less then the Backstage one for 5 nights. Furthermore these prices include the early booking discount they are higher if the discount is not available. Even the China one is less per night then the above. During peak season China averages at $1700 per night for a family of 4

We are taking a 15nt Panama Canal DCL cruise in a verandah room for 4 in August for the same amount. Personally I wouldn't spend almost 10K on a 5nt vacation. Two weeks yes but not for less then one week no matter how big of a fan we are of Disney products and destinations

For two people traveling I can see where most people will find it a good value but for 4 or more they are pricing themselves out of most middle to upper middle incomes.

Everyone has to do what is right for them but personally I have travelled to Europe many many times even before the internet existed to search for travel information. I cannot see paying over $2000 per night on some of these tours especially after the hotel they stuck us in on the Southwest Splendors (the Grand Hotel). I would never pay more then $100 per night for that hotel and the food on some parts of the tour really did leave a lot to be desired.

I can stay at a Four Seasons somewhere for $600 & up a night and get an amazing room and service if I wanted to go that route of paying a lot for a night somewhere

On our Southwest Splendors tour there were more couples, granted we went in May, then families and 50% of the people on the tour were using their DVC points to pay for the ABD
The friends we travelled with were also using their DVC points