Recommendations for 1st ABD Tour

[CT4Explorers]

First post (of hopefully many). Our family went to Disney last year and we are looking to take our Disney experience into our travel beyond the parks. We got a brochure from Adventures by Disney and they look great. Can anyone recommend what trip to go on first? It seems Italy is popular.

Thanks!

[InstImpres]

Tell us a little more: how old are the children? Are you working with a specific budget?

All of the tours having amazing things to them, picking just one is hard

[CT4Explorers]

We have two kids 8 and 5. For an ABD tour me may just go with our 8 year old for the first time while the 5 has a vacation with the grandparents.

My wife is from the UK and our 8 year old is enamored with Europe so I think that is where I would want to go first.

Budget...good question....would probably want to be in the $3000 per person range.

Thanks for your help!

[KyleRayner]

I just booked my first ABD trip and its to Italy. I'm going on the Viva Italia Tour on 9/21/08. I chose that tour because its always been a dream of mine to go to Italy. But the other trips look amazing as well. In future years, I would love to do the China trip, Australia Trip, Spain trip, England/France trip, Vienna/Czech Republic trip and go back to Italy for the Rome/Amalfi Coast trip. Boy that sounds expensive :scared1: LOL!!!

[InstImpres]

While I am sure it is tough to leave one child home, the nice thing is you will fit in 1 room. Is the older child a girl? If so, Once Upon A Fairytale may be the way to go. There are still some early booking rates available and that could keep you in budget

[CT4Explorers]

LOL, something tells me my list will grow quickly on the amount of destinations to go to. Thanks for the advise on the Once Upon a Fairytale, I will definitely look into it.

[MJGirl]

If you want to get an idea on the London Paris tour, please check out my blog (link in my signature). It was a fantastic trip and I believe the youngest on the tour was 6.

[CT4Explorers]

Thanks! I will check it out

[KLondon]

I'll second MJ Girl. The London/Paris tour is amazing and really great for kids.

[Smarge]

OK, I've just booked our first tour and apparently lucked out in choosing the London/Paris tour. My kids will be 7 and 9 the week of 6/5/08, and I'd appreciate learning more about why this particular trip is great with kids, as well as any must-see/must-do items that are not included on the regular Disney itinerary (as well as might-as-well-skip and do something else instead!). Also, should we extend any # of days for any reason (Paris Disneyland?)? It's expensive, but while we're over there we might as well max the benefits of the trip since it's unlikely we'll go to London/Paris again anytime soon. (Already considering the Adventures Australia trip for the future!)

[LocustPoint]

If you are looking for something in the States, I highly recommend the Southwest Splendors trip. Nothing beats the first time you see the Grand Canyon. That is a memory I will remember forever.

[CT4Explorers]

I appreciate all the advice. I have just signed my daughter and I up for Costa Rica on 7/15-7/21. It will be a surprise for her and unfortunately her mom (my wife) wont be able to make the trip as we have a 4 year old at home (my turn next year to stay home).

Definitely looking forward to the trip and looking forward to taking the whole family at some point soon.