Once Upon a Fairy Tale-Germany-June '08

[krdisneybound]

Anyone booked for this for the June 21st trip?
Will be departing on 6/19th from FL

Made my final payment yesterday.

[53disfan4life]

We are on the 6/21 trip to Germany (I assume you put your departure date in since that's when it really starts!) and cannot wait. Family of 4 including our 18 yo daughter and 13 yo son. Went on Southwest Splendors last summer and experienced our best vacation ever. We still run our photos as a screen saver so we can remember it each day. I know it will be a great trip and can't wait to read some reports from those first trips.

[krdisneybound]

Yep, that's right. I leave FL on 6/19.

Will be arriving in Frankfurt on the 21st at 9:35 a.m.

When will you be arriving in Frankfurt??

What airlines are you on?? I'm on a Delta flight out of NY (Kennedy)

[53disfan4life]

Our Delta flight goes through Cincinnati (coming from NC). We are arriving in Frankfurt on Wednesday and traveling down to the Black Forest area for a few days. We'll be back at the airport Saturday to meet what I'm sure will be our excellent guides and great traveling companions for the trip. We are a family of introverts but really enjoyed our group in the Southwest- the Disney quality and Disney camaraderie was a great combination!

[krdisneybound]

guess I'll see you at the airport on Saturday.

[sleepingbean]

I will be anxious to hear a trip report! We really want to go, but we're thinking 2010 when the girls are a tad older (they are 5 and 7 now).

[Evildisneysiamese]

We are booked for the June 21st trip to Germany. We are arriving a day early flying out of Atlanta. My wife and I are bringing our 10 year old daughter. We did London-Paris last year and had a wonderful trip.

[krdisneybound]

We are booked for the June 21st trip to Germany. We are arriving a day early flying out of Atlanta. My wife and I are bringing our 10 year old daughter. We did London-Paris last year and had a wonderful trip.

looking forward to meeting up with you. My flight is thru Atlanta also. Possibly we are on the same flight.

[Evildisneysiamese]

Could be. We are departing in the late afternoon of the 19th on Delta. We booked the extra day in the front but have not yet made any plans. The extra time does help though with adjusting to the time change.

[krdisneybound]

I'm on Delta also. Let's check w/each other as we get closer. I am leaving on the 19th also.

[krdisneybound]

got my box and backpack items from ABD today.

anyone else get theirs?

[53disfan4life]

We haven't received ours yet but have been checking the porch every day when we come home. We are very excited and looking forward to seeing the final itinerary. I'm glad you posted about yours- perhaps tomorrow will be our day! I just hope I don't read about too many things we haven't thought about! Looking forward to meeting you folks in Germany! Prost!

[53disfan4life]

Received ours today! The excitement is building and the way time passes by- we'll be in flight before we know it.

[trampslady]

Can't wait to hear back from you all once your fairytale trip is complete. We will be on an adults only Germany trip in late September.

[kimberh]

Please report back when the trip is over, Can't wait to hear about It! Wishing you the best.:goodvibes

[amsae]

We are a group of 16 going on the July 12th trip, but what we are going to do is fly into Paris on the 9th and take a private tour of Paris, then stay the night out in Normandy with the same tour bus. Next day, see the D-Day beaches and tour the area, then spend the night across from the train station in Paris. Next day, we booked train tickets to Heildelburg to start the Disney adventure. Should be fun!:banana:

[sleepingbean]

amsae - that sounds great. I think we would try to extend our stay when we go, too. When making such a long distance trip, it's a shame to only stay 9 days!

[st141414]

Hello,
We're meeting up with a tour in Germany on July 25th - can't wait!

We are very interested in hearing your trip report!
Have fun!

[JsMom2]

Hello,
We're meeting up with a tour in Germany on July 25th - can't wait!

We are very interested in hearing your trip report!
Have fun!

DD(9) and I are also on the July 25th trip. We just got our pre-trip box today!! :banana: :banana:

[Kris10luvsDisney]

I can't wait to read your trip report! I'd love to do this as my next ABD trip!:)

[cheer4bison]

I'm so glad to see this thread. My DH, DS(8), and I are hoping to book the Germany ABD trip in June of '09. I'm so anxious to hear your trip reports when you folks return this summer. I want to know how hot it is in Germany in June and whether this trip is as exciting for little boys as it seems it would be for little girls. (Sleeping overnight in a castle has an obvious appeal for little princesses-in-training.)

Please take lots of photos to share!

[JeanfromBNA]

We want trip reports!:hyper:

[abbyjt]

We are booked on the June 27 trip to Germany. Anyone out there booked on that one. We are a family of 5. Mom, Dad, 14 girl, 11 boy, 10 girl. This is our 3rd ABD trip.:cool1:

[krdisneybound]

Guess they overlap the trips by a day or so. Our trip ends on June 29th.

The suitcase is half way packed. Should be a great trip. ABD sent me my tickets this week and I'm ready to go.

[krdisneybound]

just a quick note to those going on the 6/21 trip. Don't forget to call your cc company and let them know there will be charges on your card(s) outside the U.S. I went and got my travelers' checks, stopped the paper, stopped the mail, added International calls to my cell phone and arranged for the pets to be boarded. Also, am having a new air conditioner put in the house while I am away. Lordy knows what I am going to forget to do :confused3

[53disfan4life]

We think we have everything covered- but there's always something. . .hope it's not major! We leave tomorrow and are completing our packing now- hopeful that our airline connections work out as planned- I should have stopped watching the news weeks ago! We plan to wrap up our Black Forest time and will meet our Disney group at the hotel on Saturday. I understand our group has about 30 folks total and about 7 of them are younger than 18 (counting my 13 year old son). We are very excited and know it will be a great trip- see you in Heidelberg!

[krdisneybound]

Two (2) days and counting -------- YIPEE

[jhryb]

Two (2) days and counting -------- YIPEE

I hope you have a wonderful trip. I can't wait to read about it when you come back. I am anxiously waiting for the 2009 trips to open for booking and I am trying to decide between Italy and Germany, so I am looking forward to reading a trip report on Germany.

[trampslady]

My husband and I are going on this adventure on September 26, and we've never been to Germany or anywhere in Europe before. I need help on what sort of clothing to pack. We generally are carry on sorta travelers as we pack light and I work for an airline. We are flying with Lufthansa, and the luggage guidelines are rather strict.

Can anyone help with suggested attire for this adventure? We are in our early 40's and aren't cold natured.

Funny, this is like a huge trip, but I haven't found myself making any plans at all--I guess that's the beauty of a guided tour--at least I hope that's the case!

[isyt]

I hope everyone got off ok, I can't wait to hear about their trip !!

[sleepingbean]

I know I am so excited FOR you guys! Can't wait to hear all about it :)

[krdisneybound]

checking in from the Crown Royal in Heidelberg.

Having a wonderful time. Met last evening for the initial reception and get together. 29 people. About 8 children under 18.

About 3 families had just come off another ABD tour and they told us all about it. Seems two are being done back to back by many.

Buffet breakfast and very yummy.

Going to Heidelberg Castle today and Wine Tasting at Zum Ritter St. George. Dinner at Zum Ritter Hotel tonight.

Jet lag was absolutely present last evening. Crashed and did not wake up until phone rang.

Lucked out on the fligt from JFK to Frankfurt. Had all 3 seats to myself and that was wonderful.

Our guides are Jennae and Dave.

Yesterday´s Word of the day

Guten Tag

Word of the day today

Sprechen Sie English?


I went to elementary school in Munich and it the language does come back to you - a little at the time. :confused3 :thumbsup2


P.S. - the key is to pack very light. I managed to do it this time.

[cheer4bison]

KRDISNEYBOUND,

Thanks so much for taking the time to log in and update on your trip! Can't wait to hear more!:thumbsup2

What is the weather like there now?

[trampslady]

"P.S. - the key is to pack very light. I managed to do it this time."

We generally pack carryon only, but doesn't seem possible for this trip considering we can only carry one 18 pound bag each (and a personal item each).

How light did you pack?

I'M SO EXCITED FOR YOU GUYS...HAVE TONS OF FUN!

[DVC Mary]

Sounds like a great tour. Have fun Kay & everyone! 3 seats to yourself Kay. That seems unheard of today where every flight is PACKED.

Which 2 ABD trips are they doing back to back?

[krdisneybound]

besides the essentials, I brought 4 pairs of slacks and several tops to change from day to day and night to night. Tops and slacks that do not need ironing. It is working out very well. Did not overoad on anything at all.


"P.S. - the key is to pack very light. I managed to do it this time."

We generally pack carryon only, but doesn't seem possible for this trip considering we can only carry one 18 pound bag each (and a personal item each).

How light did you pack?

I'M SO EXCITED FOR YOU GUYS...HAVE TONS OF FUN!

[krdisneybound]

yesterday was fabulous. Heidelburg Castle was amazing.

day 3 should be ---

going to Hotel Burg Trendelburg

Departing for Alsfeld. It could have been the city inhabitated by the characters made famous by Jacob and Wilhelm, the BRothers Grimm. Celebrated sons from the region know as Hesse. (taken from the booklet we were given): not my verson at all................. :listen: You can imagine Snow White with a basket of ingredients for supper she will prepare for her seven hardworking friends. Hansel and Gretel spellbound by sweets in the bakers window. And little red riding hood to retell her harrowing account with that calculating wolf.

We will see Rapunzel staring at the picturesque townsape from her prison in the nearby woods. The maiden with her very long braid will probably appear.

Will be going to the Alsfeld Museum today.

It was uncommonly hot yesterday.

Apparently a/c is not used over here and for us spoiled Americans; it can be brutal. Yesterday was one of those brutal days. The hotel was horribly hot and muggy. Thus why I am up at 4 am this morning. Supposed to be a little cooler in Alsfeld.


Everything will not be posted, as it would ruin the whole trip for those who have it booked. Surprises are the best :thumbsup2

FAIRYTALES TO COME TRUE - you have to be around when they happen...:goodvibes :goodvibes

Word of the day --
Schloss
meaning castle or palace

[krdisneybound]

We think we have everything covered- but there's always something. . .hope it's not major! We leave tomorrow and are completing our packing now- hopeful that our airline connections work out as planned- I should have stopped watching the news weeks ago! We plan to wrap up our Black Forest time and will meet our Disney group at the hotel on Saturday. I understand our group has about 30 folks total and about 7 of them are younger than 18 (counting my 13 year old son). We are very excited and know it will be a great trip- see you in Heidelberg!

HEY: Are you home yet??? I just got home at 9 pm on Monday (tonight). Delta asked if I would wait until Monday (instead of Sunday morning) and they put me up in the Kapinski at the Airport and food vouchers and $1,000 in ticket vouchers. Of course, I said "yep". They needed 3 volunteers. So I rested and watched the Soccer game in the BeirGarden between Terminal 1 & 2. Can you believe Spain won???????

Will be waiting for the e-mail from to all of us from our friend, Anita. ................


P.S. - all my luggage did not arrive home with me but it is supposed to be delivered tomorrow. They traced it on another flight.

[trampslady]

I'm so glad you guys are home safe, and you scored a good deal (and day of rest) from your airline.

Can't wait for a report and tips for our trip in September!

[krdisneybound]

KRDISNEYBOUND,

Thanks so much for taking the time to log in and update on your trip! Can't wait to hear more!:thumbsup2

What is the weather like there now?

wow - so sorry I forgot to answer you. Cold not get to internet too much of the time.

The weather was absolutely great the whole time. We had rain one day and the whole time we were on the Coach traveling. So it did not really interfer with any of the activities or tours.


----------------

I am working on a little trip report and finish what I started. Hope to have it finished shortly. A lot of it is like the other trip reports. Everyone states things a little differently.

[krdisneybound]

I'll give a little trip report here: Some of it is repetitive, please just overlook it. Someone asked me to report to them and I just brought it over to this thread.


Flights were very long and tiring - happy to have landed in Frankfurt.

There are quite a number of activities that we did but have been asked not to give everything away so as to surprise those that are booked for the future - That is only fair to those individuals so that they will have goose bumps all over, as they occur and not knowign about it.


Day 1:
checked in the Crown Royal in Heidelberg.

Having a wonderful time. Met last evening for the initial reception and get together. 29 people. About 8 children under 18.

About 3 families had just come off another ABD tour and they told us all about it. Seems two are being done back to back by many.

Buffet breakfast and very yummy.

Going to Heidelberg Castle today and Wine Tasting at Zum Ritter St. George. Dinner at Zum Ritter Hotel tonight.

Jet lag was absolutely present last evening. Crashed and did not wake up until phone rang.

Lucked out on the fligt from JFK to Frankfurt. Had all 3 seats to myself and that was wonderful.

Our guides are Jennae and Dave.


I went to elementary school in Munich and it the language does come back to you - a little at the time.


P.S. - the key is to pack very light. I managed to do it this time

yesterday was fabulous. Heidelburg Castle was amazing.


going to Hotel Burg Trendelburg

Departing for Alsfeld. It could have been the city inhabitated by the characters made famous by Jacob and Wilhelm, the BRothers Grimm. Celebrated sons from the region know as Hesse. (taken from the booklet we were given): not my verson at all................. You can imagine Snow White with a basket of ingredients for supper she will prepare for her seven hardworking friends. Hansel and Gretel spellbound by sweets in the bakers window. And little red riding hood to retell her harrowing account with that calculating wolf.

We will see Rapunzel staring at the picturesque townsape from her prison in the nearby woods. The maiden with her very long braid will probably appear.

Will be going to the Alsfeld Museum today.

It was uncommonly hot yesterday.

Apparently a/c is not used over here and for us spoiled Americans; it can be brutal. Yesterday was one of those brutal days. The hotel was horribly hot and muggy. Thus why I am up at 4 am this morning. Supposed to be a little cooler in Alsfeld.


Everything will not be posted, as it would ruin the whole trip for those who have it booked. Surprises are the best

FAIRYTALES TO COME TRUE - you have to be around when they happen...

We left the Crown Royal for a 3 hour bus ride = excuse me ----------- COACH RIDE------------- :rotfl2:

headed for Alsfeld - this was the town that could have been inhabited by the characters made famous by Jacob and Wilhelm, the Brothers Grimm. Just imagine Hansel and Gretel and Snow White and Little Red Riding Hood.

Our hotel was Trendelburg Castle, also we called it RAPUNZEL's Castle

We stayed there for 2 nights. Met Rapunzel and her long locks.

There was bike riding and archery at Stammen. I did not ride, 'cause the ride was 5 miles out and 5 miles back. So the coach driver took myself and another lady around the City and to a local grocery store. That was very exciting.

Supper was at Sabab urg Castle, (sleeping beauty's castle), which was very, very nice.

SIDE NOTE: hard to remember what we did in order, if you don't write it down. I think the mind is going......:confused3 But so far I think I remember most of it.


Then we went to Lowen Castle in Kassel. This was the day that it rained, but everything still proceeded and we just walked in the rain. Eventually it stopped.

Then we started the Romantic Road to Lowenburg Castle.

If Walt had lived 300 years ago, Lowenburg Castle could have been his creation. Wilhelm IX, ruler of Hesse-Kassel, is today considered the "Walt of his era".

The Romantic Road is a tourist route created in the 1950s and stretches north/sosuth across the two dozen towns in outhern German, from Wurzburg to Fussen, Romantische Strafse is identified by signposts along the espressway, or autobahn.


Then we headed to Rothenburg. We departed for the Night Watchman's Walk, which was very informative.

The Bakerys were to die for in each place.

We went to a Pretzel shop and made our own Pretzel's and was taught how they are made, as we did them ourselves.

fact: The average American will eat approximately two pounds of pretzels each year. In Philadelphia the average American eats as much as 20 lbs. each year. YIKES !!!!!!!!!



lets see ------------

Next we headed to the story town of Giengen. Went to the Steif Bear Factory. Just amazing. We got to make our own bear face.

We then continued the Romantic Road to Munich, the capital of Baveria and Germany's 3rd largest city.



Onto Munich. Had quite a long City tour with an amazing guide. Best guide ever seen on any tour anywhere. He stayed with us as we traveled to Schloss Neuschwanstein. This is the Schloss that King Ludwig II started to build and only finished 1/3 of it when he died at 41 years of age. The story of his life is also amazing. IT IS TRULY A STORYBOOK CASTLE.

Then it was time to say Auf Wiedersehen.

The trip was fabulous. Hopefully I hit the high spots to give you a little information. So much more happened.

Hotels we stayed:

Crown Royal
Eizenhut
Hotel Burg Trendelburg
Hotel Kempinski
I also stayed at Hotel Kempinski Airport the last night, compliments of Delta along with food vouchers and $1,000 travel vouchers. That actually paid for my airfare on this trip.


I'll post a few pics shortly, when I get them downloaded.

[trampslady]

On behalf of those dying to go on this trip (only a couple more months for me!), thank you for taking the time to share details. Sounds wonderful!

I'm in a pickle trying to decide what I should pack. We are light packers and can go on a 14 night cruise with carryon. I'm really trying hard to make this happen on this trip--may not be doable. What sort of clothes would you say you wore most often?

[krdisneybound]

On behalf of those dying to go on this trip (only a couple more months for me!), thank you for taking the time to share details. Sounds wonderful!

I'm in a pickle trying to decide what I should pack. We are light packers and can go on a 14 night cruise with carryon. I'm really trying hard to make this happen on this trip--may not be doable. What sort of clothes would you say you wore most often?


Most of my separates were wrinkle free and those that were not, were fine once I had them on for a short while. No one notices anyway.

Take a couple extra tops to interchange with the same pants/shorts.

There were quite a few items that I did not even wear.

Most of the ladies wore shorts on the tours. I am just used to slacks more.

I did take a rolling backpack that held most of everything that I bought.

It is not a "dress up" event on any day at all.

Do take a poncho or light rain jacket and a fold up umbrella.
We needed it one day. BUT IF YOU FORGET, the guides have extras on the Coach for use.

[trampslady]

Speaking of buying things, I'm trying to gear myself up to avoid impulse purchases-mainly because I'm really bad at that, and I don't need a bunch of trinkets. We travel every Christmas, so I'm talking myself out of ornaments; I don't need a coocoo clock; and my husband said no to any steins.

I often pick up a nice piece of jewelry these days to remember my trips. What "gotta have" things would you suggest for Germany memories or gifts for folks back home?

I'm really looking forward to the Steiff visit as I collect bears and have several Steiff bears. I was hoping we were constructing a whole bear but figured it would be just the "face."

I appreciate your insight and the time you've taken to share with us!

[krdisneybound]

What surprised me is at the Steiff Factory. There were no Christmas items at all. No Santas or anything. Had there been, I would have been in deep trouble. I did join the Steiff Bear Collection and got a very nice gift. The exhibits are the most awesome exhibits I have ever seen.


Speaking of buying things, I'm trying to gear myself up to avoid impulse purchases-mainly because I'm really bad at that, and I don't need a bunch of trinkets. We travel every Christmas, so I'm talking myself out of ornaments; I don't need a coocoo clock; and my husband said no to any steins.

I often pick up a nice piece of jewelry these days to remember my trips. What "gotta have" things would you suggest for Germany memories or gifts for folks back home?

I'm really looking forward to the Steiff visit as I collect bears and have several Steiff bears. I was hoping we were constructing a whole bear but figured it would be just the "face."

I appreciate your insight and the time you've taken to share with us!

[trampslady]

Good to know about the bear collection......

I'm really getting geared up for the trip! Very exciting! Did you find that the meals offered were good? My husband is worried about this. He's not a picky eater, but a big eater. I assured him that heavy German food will be just the bill, and we can supplement with pretzels!! HA!

[trampslady]

Good to know about the bear collection......

I'm really getting geared up for the trip! Very exciting! Did you find that the meals offered were good? My husband is worried about this. He's not a picky eater, but a big eater. I assured him that heavy German food will be just the bill, and we can supplement with pretzels!! HA!

[abbyjt]

Hi, I have been reading this thread for a while now. We just got home from the Germany trip. It was great. No need for a trip report as it has all been said, except, of course, for the surprises. There are not really too many must have items to buy in Germany. Perhaps some Xmas stuff. Some on our trip bought coo coo clocks. You can have the big stuff shipped and then they take off the tax.

Speaking of tax, no one tells you this stuff (and we asked them about it). Anything (total purchase) you buy that costs more than 25 euros, you can get the tax back as long as the store participates in the tax free thing. The catches are, you need to ask for the form each time you make such a purchase and then have the items available at the airport to show to the tax agent. So don't pack them. Nobody told us not to pack them. I had all the receipts and the forms all filled out. The desk is right where you are dropped off at the airport, but we decided to check in first and then come back. Wrong move. You can't get the tax back without the items. The lady told us to go ask the airline for our luggage back. We chose not to. The tax is 19%. So it is worth the extra work to get some euros back at $1.60 a euro. We spent 65 Euros (over a hundred dollars) on 3 small teddy bears at Steiff.

As for the food, it is OK. Nothing fabulous. Lots of pork and veal. Disney offered chicken or fish as an option most of the time. Meals on our own, we chose thai and falafel.

Hope you have a great time.

[trampslady]

Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate all details. We've never been to Europer before so there are so many things running through my head! I definitely want to have things shipped if at all possible. Did Steiff offer that service?

[abbyjt]

Sorry Trampslady,
One family on our tour asked to have things shipped from Steiff, but they said they no longer do that. I would ask anyway when you are there. Perhaps the person she asked was wrong. Stuffed creatures are easy to stuff in a suitcase.:cool1: You can always order on line, but of course that's not the same as being there.

[sleepingbean]

Thank you for posting! I will be excited to see pictures too :)
Love it!

[krdisneybound]

you are so right about the tax and the items purchased.

I had all the items in one place, except for a few, in a roll backpack and they just unzipped it and looked inside. Did not really look at the items. I got back $100 US and that greatly surprised me. What I did was walk around all the stores in each place and then pretty much purchased from one main store so I didn't have a lot of different receipts. They also keep your original receipt, so don't pack that. The tax declaration booth(s) are right next to security in most cases.

abbyjt: you are so right. I won't buy veal or pork for a while. :rotfl2:

now that I look back on the whole trip, the "surprises" were not "so great". We knew they were actually in the works. :confused3

I got my CD from ABD yesterday with all the pics on it. There were over 600 of them. But way too expensive to get individual cc's. Glad I had my camera with me. You should receive yours w/in two weeks. To buy all the pics at once wasn't too bad a price. I might look into that.

I think you must have had Jason & Stephanie as your guides. The tours overlap about 2 days with two sets of guides. Ours were Dave and Jannae. So Dave and Jannae are on tour now and Jason and Steph are on their way back up to Frankfurt to get ready for the new group on Saturday. Besides their salary, the tips work out pretty well for them and no tax at that. But they really do a super duper job. ;)


Hi, I have been reading this thread for a while now. We just got home from the Germany trip. It was great. No need for a trip report as it has all been said, except, of course, for the surprises. There are not really too many must have items to buy in Germany. Perhaps some Xmas stuff. Some on our trip bought coo coo clocks. You can have the big stuff shipped and then they take off the tax.

Speaking of tax, no one tells you this stuff (and we asked them about it). Anything (total purchase) you buy that costs more than 25 euros, you can get the tax back as long as the store participates in the tax free thing. The catches are, you need to ask for the form each time you make such a purchase and then have the items available at the airport to show to the tax agent. So don't pack them. Nobody told us not to pack them. I had all the receipts and the forms all filled out. The desk is right where you are dropped off at the airport, but we decided to check in first and then come back. Wrong move. You can't get the tax back without the items. The lady told us to go ask the airline for our luggage back. We chose not to. The tax is 19%. So it is worth the extra work to get some euros back at $1.60 a euro. We spent 65 Euros (over a hundred dollars) on 3 small teddy bears at Steiff.

As for the food, it is OK. Nothing fabulous. Lots of pork and veal. Disney offered chicken or fish as an option most of the time. Meals on our own, we chose thai and falafel.

Hope you have a great time.