South Africa Safari: December 2009

[WeLoveABD]

We booked the safari for the end of Dec 2009 (we'll be there Christmas and New Year's Eve)--sounds jam packed. Anyone else out there signed up for this trip?

[Traveling Tinkerbell]

We signed up for the South Africa trip for July 6, 2009.

[abdmom]

We're booked for July 15.

[HockeyHeather]

Traveling Tink,

I am going to book a South Africa trip on Monday for in June or July. I didn't see July 6 as a choice. I read about there being a signature trip for South Africa, but I can't find any information about it on the ABD site. Are you still going to visit Egypt after your South Africa trip?

[Traveling Tinkerbell]

HockeyHeather,

Yes, that date for South Africa is a signature adventure. Disney did not list the signature dates on their web site Friday morning. We had to ask them.
Yes, we are still planning to stop in Eypgt on the way back home. I hope you and your mother can join us for the trip.

[abdmom]

What have they added with the signature adventure? How much is the additional cost?

[Traveling Tinkerbell]

I have copied and pasted Disney's explanation of the signature adventure for South Africa adventure below. The cost was $500 extra per person then with the loyality discount, the cost was $400 extra per person.

Here is a link to the same place - http://www.disneywebcontent.com/portal/site/csa-abd/menuitem.b9e1d84045e3013045686510f8b471ca/?vgnextoid=fd1c643b23f6b110VgnVCM100000174b17acRCR D&SiteID=1866

South Africa - 12 Days/11 Nights
July 6 & 27, September 14 & December 15

Safari to South Africa – Cape Town, The Garden Route and Kapama Game Reserve
Imagine riding with in a safari jeep as a skilled tracker leads you through one of the most stunning and diverse game reserves in all of Africa, or learning age-old survival secrets of the wild on a ranger-lead Bushwalk. Exploring cosmopolitan Cape Town, perched on the edge of the Indian Ocean, with bustling markets, a lively waterfront and sumptuous food. Discovering beautiful Boulders Beach, then meeting African penguins in their natural habitat. And concluding your grand adventure at a Boma, a torchlit barbecue feast and show that is, like everything else on this trip, one of the most extraordinary experiences on the planet.


Special Signature Features:

VIP meet & greet at aircraft and luxury sedan transfer
Upgraded accommodations to the five-star Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town’s lively Waterfront area
Upgraded accommodations to the five-star Main Lodge in Kapama Game Reserve
Exclusive VIP gift in-room amenity
VIP memento gift from the Gold of Africa Museum’s exquisite gift shop
Special entertainment from the Township Boys Choir in addition to the Cape Minstrels at the Castle of Good Hope exclusive dinner
Exclusive “African Skies” themed dinner with dance entertainment
Exclusive “Sundowner” dinner experience at the Knysna Elephant Park
Exclusive Catch & Release Fishing for Junior Adventurers at Kapama Game Reserve
All included dinners feature complimentary wine and beer

[Traveling Tinkerbell]

HockeyHeather,

I will be glad to send you all the information as we narrow down our Egypt plans. I will send you some information later today of what tours we have looked at so far for guides, etc.

[sayhello]

I have copied and pasted Disney's explanation of the signature adventure for South Africa adventure below. The cost was $500 extra per person then with the loyality discount, the cost was $400 extra per person.Wow! For the Yosemite trip, the Signature adventure was an extra $900 per person!

Did they give you the loyalty discount on the tour, and on the Signature supplement?

Sayehllo

[Traveling Tinkerbell]

Wow! I wonder why on the Yosemite Signature adventure there is a bigger charge per person ($900). The loyality discount was applied only one time by Disney. I wish they had applied it both to the tour and the Signature part.

[disneytraveler]

I was considering S Africa but with the single supplement and airfare afterwards i was not sure if i wanted the singature or the regular one. Maybe
another time. Since its a new tour i decided on Germany.

[Traveling Tinkerbell]

HockeyHeather,

You might want to read this article on the web about Egypt. Here is the link
http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/10765.

[PatriciaH]

Wow! Only $500 extra for the signature. I am really tempted to do this trip next year. I am just wondering how DH would be with the air. He is 6'4 so we would have to get a really good seat or business class air. I will see how he does with our Europe trip coming up. I am shocked at the price for the SA trip. I thought it would be close to $7,000pp comparing it to other tour companies.

[HockeyHeather]

Traveling Tinkerbell,

I booked the July 6 South Africa adventure today. The early booking discount wasn't available. Did you get one? I did get the $100 loyalty discount for both my mom and me. Does it show the cost on the ABD website for the signature trips? I can't seem to find it.

I read the article you recommended about Egypt. That tour sounds wonderful. Did you send me (PM) any of the tour information about Egypt? Do you still have the e-mail list from the Enchanted China trip? I can't seem to find mine.

[Traveling Tinkerbell]

HockeyHeather,

I have just sent you an (PM) email to your address (I had from the China email list). It is great to hear that you are signed up for the South Africa trip. We will keep in touch.

[PatriciaH]

I checked prices today for the September 14th Signature trip and it is $600 more pp on that date. $4,999pp with the EBD. The EB rate is still open on 10/5 for the adults only trip as well ($4,399.) I am having a hard time deciding between SA and Alaska but I guess I better hurry up and decide if I want an EB rate!

I am a travel agent so I do not know if I should take my chances and see if any discounts pop up for the trips in the future or book at the EB rate. Any feeback from other TA's? There were quite a few good discounts this year!

[abdmom]

We are booked on the July 27th signature trip to S.A. I booked on Monday - tried to book Sunday, but they had a computer glitch. I had originally booked the regular trip on opening day for July 15, but then decided I wanted the signature. When I called on Sunday (2 days after bookings opened), all of the EBD's for the July 6th signature trip were gone. The ABD agent said that there are fewer EBD's available for the signature trips than for the regular trips.

IMO, the extras that come with the signature trips are well worth it at $600 pp. Right now, the EBD vs regular pricing difference is $400 pp. That could change depending on demand.

I found out about ABD around October/November last year. By then, all the EBD's for China, which was the only trip I wanted, were gone. I ended up paying $1000 pp above the EBD price. :scared1:

It's hard to know whether there will be future discounts. I wouldn't count on it for the S.A. trips. Any other tour companies that I have looked at are in the $7000-$8000 pp range. There may be discounts on Alaska.

Perhaps you could book both and think it over in the 14 day grace period? :confused3

[vegs1]

We are looking to hopefully do the Signature trip next September.

My question is this. I'm getting confused over the best time to go. We read in an African Safari guide that the best time is their winter (no leaves on trees...better ability to see game). That would mean our summer. Has anyone heard when the best time to go is?

Also...I've been told that it is important to be treated with anti-malarial drugs as Kruger Park (where Kampana Reserve is located) is in a malaria area. I was also told that the drugs for malaria (and the illness itself) are very hard on children under 10 years old...damaging to the kidneys. Just wondered what others have found out. I know malaria can be fatal but don't want my child having problems because she took the drugs to not get the illness.

Thanks for any input.

:)

[WeLoveABD]

I read for whale watching, the Sept to Nov time frame is best--and yes, their winter is our summer and vice versa. Still, the weather in their hot season isn't too bad. I don't know about shots needed etc--we went a little overboard for China, and likely will for this one too (especially with the back country safari aspect).

[vacatravel]

We are booked on the July 27th signature trip to S.A. I booked on Monday - tried to book Sunday, but they had a computer glitch. I had originally booked the regular trip on opening day for July 15, but then decided I wanted the signature. When I called on Sunday (2 days after bookings opened), all of the EBD's for the July 6th signature trip were gone. The ABD agent said that there are fewer EBD's available for the signature trips than for the regular trips.

IMO, the extras that come with the signature trips are well worth it at $600 pp. Right now, the EBD vs regular pricing difference is $400 pp. That could change depending on demand.

I found out about ABD around October/November last year. By then, all the EBD's for China, which was the only trip I wanted, were gone. I ended up paying $1000 pp above the EBD price. :scared1:

It's hard to know whether there will be future discounts. I wouldn't count on it for the S.A. trips. Any other tour companies that I have looked at are in the $7000-$8000 pp range. There may be discounts on Alaska.

Perhaps you could book both and think it over in the 14 day grace period? :confused3

We are new to the Adventure by Disney tours. We booked the signature tour for July 27 2009 for myself, my husband and our daughter who will be 9 at the time of travel. I am most concerned about the antimalarial drugs that we will need to take prior to travel, especially for our daughter who has some food sensitivities. Has anyone had any experience with taking these drugs either for themselves or their children?
Thanks!

[WeLoveABD]

For malaria--we had our then-7 yr old and 14 yr old take oral meds shortly before our ABD trip to China, without any problem. In China, ABD was very good about giving us bottled water, and they scout out areas for clean bathrooms, risk-free (and sanitary) restaurants and the like. One parent had a bout of stomach flu, but we don't know where that came from--probably more related to the long flight, or possibly airline food (there were a couple of internal flights where Disney had us take our own lunches rather than eat the airline's food). As I understand it, there are different ways to take the malaria drug--seemed like the most common was 4 doses spread over a number of days just before you travel (pills); difficult if your child has trouble swalling moderately sized pills. There may be a liquid--not sure about that.

[vacatravel]

For malaria--we had our then-7 yr old and 14 yr old take oral meds shortly before our ABD trip to China, without any problem. In China, ABD was very good about giving us bottled water, and they scout out areas for clean bathrooms, risk-free (and sanitary) restaurants and the like. One parent had a bout of stomach flu, but we don't know where that came from--probably more related to the long flight, or possibly airline food (there were a couple of internal flights where Disney had us take our own lunches rather than eat the airline's food). As I understand it, there are different ways to take the malaria drug--seemed like the most common was 4 doses spread over a number of days just before you travel (pills); difficult if your child has trouble swalling moderately sized pills. There may be a liquid--not sure about that.

Thank you for the response and feedback on how your children handled it. I checked the cdc website and it directed me to one of our local hospitals that has a travel clinic. I will be contacting them tomorrow to see what they suggest for our 9 year old. Thank you.

[vacatravel]

We are booked on the July 27th signature trip to S.A. I booked on Monday - tried to book Sunday, but they had a computer glitch. I had originally booked the regular trip on opening day for July 15, but then decided I wanted the signature. When I called on Sunday (2 days after bookings opened), all of the EBD's for the July 6th signature trip were gone. The ABD agent said that there are fewer EBD's available for the signature trips than for the regular trips.

IMO, the extras that come with the signature trips are well worth it at $600 pp. Right now, the EBD vs regular pricing difference is $400 pp. That could change depending on demand.

I found out about ABD around October/November last year. By then, all the EBD's for China, which was the only trip I wanted, were gone. I ended up paying $1000 pp above the EBD price. :scared1:

It's hard to know whether there will be future discounts. I wouldn't count on it for the S.A. trips. Any other tour companies that I have looked at are in the $7000-$8000 pp range. There may be discounts on Alaska.

Perhaps you could book both and think it over in the 14 day grace period? :confused3

I called ABD today and they said that there are two other children on the trip so far - a 10 year old and a 13 year old. Are you traveling with children? Our daughter is 9 years old and I am wondering if there will be many children since the distance is so far. We are still within the 14 day grace period so we are trying to decide if we are definately going. I am a little leary about safety in Cape Town but I am assuming that Disney has it all checked out.

[abdmom]

Sounds like us. :goodvibes I'm also considering it long and hard during the 14 day grace period.

[vacatravel]

Sounds like us. :goodvibes I'm also considering it long and hard during the 14 day grace period.

Are you still contemplating going? My research tells me that tours are pretty safe. Most of the warnings are geared for single travelers or those traveling without a tour group. I also checked with ABD and the tour guide even flies with us back to the Johannesburg airport on the last day.
I have now turned my attention to the next stumbling block - airfares! We are near Boston, MA so I started checking airlines out of Logan and the fact that we are flying out of three different airports makes it challenging to check fares. My husband does not want to fly economy so I am checking into business class. Virgin Atlantic had some very reasonable fares but they stop flying into Cape Town at the end of March.
On a separate note, are your children excited about the trip? We told our daughter that we still have not made a final decision. If we cancel, my second choice is the Viva Italia.
Hope to hear from you soon.

[abdmom]

I haven't yet told the kids. Though I did consult dd as to which tour she would prefer. I was hoping to do a less expensive tour with their little brother who will be 4. Either the tours were not as good as I'd hoped or they were not appropriate for a 4 year old (or both). I hadn't considered the S.A. trip. But on August 1, as I was sitting at my computer, my sister who was visiting from out of town, volunteered that she would babysit the littlest one so that we could go on a trip with just the two older kids. So, I grabbed S.A. I'm still going over the pros and cons (especially the money aspect).

We're a few hours by plane west of you. The cheapest airfares that I have seen are $1500. But, it ranges up to $2400 per ticket. I find orbitz to be the easiest to check airfares for a multicity itinerary.

[PatriciaH]

The details are up for the Signature Adventure. Looks like a lot of nice extras for the price. It is showing an extra of $600pp so if you got $500 good job!

• Select alcoholic beverages for adults at included dinners
• Exclusive meet & greet at aircraft gateway by Adventures by Disney representative
• Private escort through luggage & customs
• Deluxe sedan transfer between airport & hotel
• VIP gift at Cape Grace Hotel
• Boy's Choir performance at Castle of Good Hope
• Gold of Africa Museum souvenir gift
• Tasting top-flight wines at the Spiers Estate
• "African Skies" dinner in George
• Dinner at Knysna Elephant Park
• Spa Wellness treatment at Kapama Main Lodge
• Children's Choir performance at farewell banquet
• Glass of Cap Classique made at Bramon Wine Estate
• Evening game drive with private "Sundowner" (drinks included)

This alone sounds worth it to me:

Dinner at Knysna Elephant Park
Venture to the land where gentle giants roam for a private feast on a platform surrounded by the bewitching Knysna forest and formidable Outeniqua mountain range. As you dine, the elephants stroll by to join the feast. The handlers will show you how to feed these beautiful beasts their own special snacks. It's an incredible, unforgettable meal!

[sayhello]

The details are up for the Signature Adventure. Looks like a lot of nice extras for the price. It is showing an extra of $600pp so if you got $500 good job! Interesting, the Signature for Yosemite doesn't have nearly as many "extras".

• Select alcoholic beverages for adults
• Upgrade to two 5-star hotels
• VIP gift at St. Regis Hotel
• Exclusive rock climbing lessons
• "Camera walk" with professional photographer
• Lunch with historical character John Muir
• Upgraded menus for all included lunch and dinners
• Limo transfer from hotel to airport

It really looks like the "Camera" walk and rock climbing lesson in Yosemite are the only added activities (the lunch with John Muir is in place of the walk with John Muir you're missing because of the rock climbing lesson.)

Plus the upgraded hotels (in 2 of 3 spots). Granted, the Ahwanhee is a HUGE upgrade from the Yosemite Falls Lodge, but I was hoping for more activities, as this itinerary was a little short on them.

And it's an extra $1100 per person! Sounds like South Africa definitely gets the better deal as far as Signature goes!

Sayhello

[vacatravel]

I was pleasantly surprised to see that ABD posted the signature trips on their website. I had called to see if we are on our own at the airport and they actually checked with the supervisor for an answer. I was glad to see that you have someone meeting you at luggage and customs. This is a huge plus since I read some "interesting" stories about the airports in South Africa. I wish they offered some signature trips to the European destinations too.

[PatriciaH]

I was talking to a lady at work that is from South Africa today and told her we were thinking of booking the SA trip. She was shocked! She said Disney better make people sign waivers since they are taking a great risk going there. Made me a bit nervous but I am not really afraid to travel most places. I wanted to be a photojournalist for a long time:) She still has family there that can not get out and says she is scared for their lives. I guess they left a lot behind to flee to the US (land, family..) She said she has been all over the world and SA is still the most beautiful place she has ever seen but she would never take her own daughter there. She said the violence is crazy. Ugg. I really want to book. My parents think we are crazy for even considering Africa. :confused3

[vacatravel]

I was talking to a lady at work that is from South Africa today and told her we were thinking of booking the SA trip. She was shocked! She said Disney better make people sign waivers since they are taking a great risk going there. Made me a bit nervous but I am not really afraid to travel most places. I wanted to be a photojournalist for a long time:) She still has family there that can not get out and says she is scared for their lives. I guess they left a lot behind to flee to the US (land, family..) She said she has been all over the world and SA is still the most beautiful place she has ever seen but she would never take her own daughter there. She said the violence is crazy. Ugg. I really want to book. My parents think we are crazy for even considering Africa. :confused3

We have some of the same concerns. Everything I read said that SA is a very violent country. Having said that, I have also read that it is extremely beautiful and as long as you take sensible precautions you should be safe. Most of those precautions involve traveling in a group. Most of the violence involving tourists tends to take place in the townships and with tourists
traveling alone.

[vegs1]

For malaria--we had our then-7 yr old and 14 yr old take oral meds shortly before our ABD trip to China, without any problem. In China, ABD was very good about giving us bottled water, and they scout out areas for clean bathrooms, risk-free (and sanitary) restaurants and the like. One parent had a bout of stomach flu, but we don't know where that came from--probably more related to the long flight, or possibly airline food (there were a couple of internal flights where Disney had us take our own lunches rather than eat the airline's food). As I understand it, there are different ways to take the malaria drug--seemed like the most common was 4 doses spread over a number of days just before you travel (pills); difficult if your child has trouble swalling moderately sized pills. There may be a liquid--not sure about that.

Hello there...
I'm a little confused over the above posting...maybe it's how I'm reading it and if that's the case...my apologies.

You have mentioned taking the malaria oral meds and then talk about being given bottled water, risk free and sanitary restaurants, etc. Malaria is caused by mosquitos. Is there a connnection there that I'm missing? My understanding is that you should definitely also be taking Hepatitis shots to prevent those illnesses from restaurant workers who neglect to wash their hands...drinking unsanitary water or food, etc, as hoping that the restaurant is risk free doesn't mean it is if the workers don't maintain proper handwashing techniques.

Our travel medicine bureau here told me that malaria medications can cause quite a lot of harmful effects on children under 10 so that was definitely a concern of mine also.

We're still mulling this trip over as a result.

Sure sounds like an awesome adventure though!

[WeLoveABD]

It was intended to be broader than just malaria--mostly to provide assurance that Disney has traveler comfort AND safety well in mind, from everything we experienced on our two ABD trips to date. The frequently asked questions for each trip on the ABD website include questions re shots etc--although the impression I always get is best to check with your own doctor, or go to one of those travel clinics that provide shots specific to the countries you are travelling to.

[vegs1]

It was intended to be broader than just malaria--mostly to provide assurance that Disney has traveler comfort AND safety well in mind, from everything we experienced on our two ABD trips to date. The frequently asked questions for each trip on the ABD website include questions re shots etc--although the impression I always get is best to check with your own doctor, or go to one of those travel clinics that provide shots specific to the countries you are travelling to.

I figured you meant more than just malaria....thanks for the info. I'm sure hoping we can go. I'd love to do the Dec. 09 trip (Christmas and New Year's in Africa !) but can't imagine being away from the majority of our family at Christmas so it may be September if we end up going. No matter which one...I'm sure it will be absolutely fabulous. Hopefully, they'll continue it on past the April 2010 date.

[PatriciaH]

Have any of you made your final decisions yet? Did you keep the trip or cancel? Still trying to decide on a date and may book this week!

[abdmom]

I am keeping my reservation. This may always change. But, I figure with the discounts I got, and with what the tour includes, it is a good deal and I should keep it.

[cappygirl]

I was talking to a lady at work that is from South Africa today and told her we were thinking of booking the SA trip. She was shocked! She said Disney better make people sign waivers since they are taking a great risk going there. Made me a bit nervous but I am not really afraid to travel most places. I wanted to be a photojournalist for a long time:) She still has family there that can not get out and says she is scared for their lives. I guess they left a lot behind to flee to the US (land, family..) She said she has been all over the world and SA is still the most beautiful place she has ever seen but she would never take her own daughter there. She said the violence is crazy. Ugg. I really want to book. My parents think we are crazy for even considering Africa. :confused3


My FIL is South African but moved away when he was out of high school. He's been too afraid to go back so I was really excited when I saw that Disney is now offering this trip. I have total faith (too much? maybe!) in Disney and I seriously doubt they would offer a trip if they believed it to be too dangerous. I'm assuming they take EVERY precaution necessary.
We're booked for Ireland in '09 (my dream trip!!!) but I'm hoping in a few years this trip will still be around. Maybe if we give him grandchildren we can convince my FIL to take us all on this adventure!!

[sayhello]

Whoops, posted in wrong thread! Sorry folks!

[PatriciaH]

OK, I took the plunge and held the 9/14/09 Signature South Africa trip last night! I got the early booking discout, the $200 loyalty discount and the Costco gift card (will probably be $400.) I still have to join Costco and add the number to our reservation. The RES agent added a note that I would be doing that. He was great (Mo.)

I will think about it for the next few days, but I am pretty sure we are keeping it. I did not tell DH I held it because this one will probably be a Christmas surprise like our last one. He said he was interested in the trip if we could get a discount. If any travel agent discounts come out next year, I will just re-book and loose the deposit if they are a much better rate! I just wanted to be sure I got the space and EBD in case they do sell out. Final is not due until June so at least I have some time to pay it off! :laughing:

Now I need to tell my friend to send me some programing work. That is how we paid for a lot of our trip coming up-extra work. I would love to make enough to pay for business class air too! I need to do more Expo-TV-ing.

I am nervous but really excited. Africa has been a dream of mine for a long time... :woohoo:

[disneynafrica]

Hi, all! For those of you who are nervous about coming to South Africa, Don't! We are an American family who has been living here in Cape Town for the last five years.....it IS beautiful, and I have personally been to the places that Disney has on your tour schedule!

I would be more than happy to answer any questions you have about coming here....yes, right now it is winter time (although, technically yesterday was the first day of spring here in Cape Town).

I also have two small girls...we have never had a problem with malaria. It is very modern here, alot like San Diego (Cape Town is)...with weather being opposite seasons but alot like the mediteranean climate of California. No humidity.

What would you like to know? You're going to love South Africa....hakuna matata!!!!:thumbsup2

[Pamlur]

We are leaving next week for our second trip to S. Africa; it's an incredibly beautiful country! We are meeting a group of friends, like we did in 2006. Be aware of your surroundings, just like you are everywhere else, and enjoy.

[Traveling Tinkerbell]

Dear DisneyAfrica and Pamlur,

We are excited about our July 2009 trip to South Africa. We are thinking of adding some extra days at the end of our ABD trip. We are interested in going to Victoria Falls. What would be the best way to get there from Johannesburg? What airlines within the continent of Africa have the best reputation for safety and service? What are some experiences and sites you would suggest for us to do? Should we hire a private guide to help us visit these sites? Thank you for any information you can share!

[WeLoveABD]

We are interested in side trips as well, except we'll be there in December--and also DisneynAfrica, tips on travel to SA from San Diego would be much appreciated!

[disneynafrica]

TravelingTinkerbell, Victoria Falls is absolutely breathtaking! You thought Niagra Falls was cool...this is a great side trip if you can do it. Getting there from Jo'berg is best by flying. I did know some college girls that hitched hiked down here from Victoria Falls, but not sure that is for everyone! :scared1:

As for airlines that we use while here, kalula is a great one and also Mango. Mango is a subsiderary of South African Airways, so if your using them to fly from the USA you may be able to use frequent flyer miles. Both are great, and although, are basic and no frills, get you where you need to go and are very reputable!

One of the best all around travel centers that I could recommend for checking on prices and side trips is Flight Center here in South Africa. Do a search on google for flight centre, South Africa. They also have a travel center in every mall here in Cape Town and around the country and actually beat out any USA prices we were looking at the last time we flew to the States! They are great to work with too....and will do any conversions for you. So if you are looking to book while here, check your flights with them for side trips...they up to the minute on country specials too.

"What are some experiences and sites you would suggest for us to do? "

While you are here in Cape Town, I know Disney has your itinerary pretty much spelled out for you, but there are a few places that locals love that you would enjoy seeing. Kirstenbosch gardens are a beautiful and rare treat to see...especially if you're into local fauna and flora. It is a beautiful place that sits at the foot of Table Mountain....you can even hike up the side of the mountain to the top (takes about 2 hours). Also, just outside of Cape Town, if you hire a car, there are beautiful wine farms and little towns that are withing a few hours drive of the city....places like Franschoek (famous for it's cheese) and the Breede River Valley, where taking a trip down the breede river on an outside dinner cruise (they will cook you an authentic spread of African fare right on the boat as you cruise the river)...its a beautiful relaxing experience! Those are just a few things we love to do as a family who lives here....

"Should we hire a private guide to help us visit these sites?"

Yes...me! Ha! No, seriously, my take on private guides (since I live here) is that they are too expensive and limiting...but I totally understand that if you don't know where to go then a guide can be helpful. I once joined a group of ladies that came to Cape Town and did a tour of the area with a tour guide. They invited me along - so I spent the day with them. Several times I had to "convince" the guide to take the ladies a few places I knew they would want to see (we were already in the area, but he had his "schedule" to stick to)...afterwards, and even though it erked the guide that we were a bit "late" to the lunch place he had reserved, the ladies thanked me for insisting that we stop at these places and they got to see some sights they wouldn't have if I hadn't of pressed the guide when I realized where he was taking them. So, my advice? Make sure if you get a guide, that you tell them EXACTLY what you are wanting to see.....they live here, and what they think is everyday and wouldnt be anything special, you might find the opposite as an American.

Im sure Disney will make sure you see the best stuff though.....:thumbsup2

Let me know how long you think of staying for sidetrips....hey, you could come to my house for a side trip...he,he...if you really WANT to see local stuff! :laundy:

WeLoveABD, as far as getting here from San Diego, we flew out from LA using United, then took South African Airways from D.C. to JoBerg and then to Cape Town. Now, since this past June, Delta flys direct from New York or DC straight into Cape Town (with a small stop in Dakkar half-way to re-fuel, but you don't get off the plane). We did this just recently this July. Now, if you can find a good deal to get to either of those places, it really cuts your traveling time down to get a direct flight into cape town....I can tell you that going from International to domestic in Jo'berg is NO fun at all, especially when you have already been traveling for 18 hours or more. We like to get on a plane (in NY or DC) and know that when we get off, we are here in Cape Town and don't have another airport or flight to try and get to! Just my two cents.....but everyone is different. So, check on Delta, South African Airways and British, but keep in mind the direct flight routes are a bit easier on the body! Hope this helps a bit....:confused3

[krdisneybound]

After a whole lot of talking and figuring this out, we will be going on the Africa trip on 9/14/09. Cash for one and points for the other. The EBD is still available and I will get the loyalty discount plus transfer it to Costco for their rebate. The 9/14 is one of the signature trips also. Always a plus.

[vacatravel]

hi, I just wanted to let you know that we changed our reservation from the South Africa Safari to the Central Italy tour. We decided that the flight would be too long for our 8 year old this year. We are hoping that we can book the trip in another year or two when she is a little older. I'm jealous of all of you who are going. Have a wonderful trip and I will be checking back to see what you thought about the trip. Enjoy!

[WeLoveABD]

The flights there are daunting to say the least! Our youngest will be 9 by the time we head there next December (2009)--once Disney has their group flights available, we'll ck with them and compare. Looks like from our neck of the woods (San Diego), we have to fly to London, then from there to Jo'berg, and then a hop to Cape Town. We may do a day layover in London to break it up. Other better suggestions welcome! (For example--anyone have experience booking flights through Disney--and have they been cheaper, or at least more direct??)

[sayhello]

The flights there are daunting to say the least! Our youngest will be 9 by the time we head there next December (2009)--once Disney has their group flights available, we'll ck with them and compare. Looks like from our neck of the woods (San Diego), we have to fly to London, then from there to Jo'berg, and then a hop to Cape Town. We may do a day layover in London to break it up. Other better suggestions welcome! (For example--anyone have experience booking flights through Disney--and have they been cheaper, or at least more direct??)I don't know if the South Africa trip is being handled differently, but in the past, ABD has not done "group flights". Disney will book the best airfare they can find for you (or if you find a better airfare, you can tell them specifically what you want them to book.) But they don't have group arrangements with the airlines like the cruiselines do. At least not yet. So far, the airfare they've offered me for my 2 trips was higher than what I was able to find on my own.

Sayhello

[tiggrbaby]

Hi! I have never gone on an ABD, but I am very interested in the African trip. My sister would really love to do a real safari for her 50th in the summer of 2010. We figure something led by Disney would be safe and memorable. We would definitely be interested in the Signature trip, but I can't find any date published yet. Anyone know if that means they won't have them, or is it just too early? And how early should I look into booking something like this?

Thanks!

[abdmom]

The dates for summer 2010 will not be published until August, 2009. I do wish Disney would publish the dates further ahead.

In order to get the early booking rate, it is best to call on the first day that bookings open. We went on the Enchanted China trip this year. I didn't find out about ABD until a few months after bookings opened. By that time, all of the dates were booked up except one which required me to pull my kids out of school a few days early.

[JsMom2]

We're looking at either South Africa or China for 2010, and this thread has already answered most of my questions about SA. :thumbsup2

For those of you who are booked on the SA trip, please fill us in on your return.

Thanks!!

Wendy

["Got Disney"]

The flights there are daunting to say the least! Our youngest will be 9 by the time we head there next December (2009)--once Disney has their group flights available, we'll ck with them and compare. Looks like from our neck of the woods (San Diego), we have to fly to London, then from there to Jo'berg, and then a hop to Cape Town. We may do a day layover in London to break it up. Other better suggestions welcome! (For example--anyone have experience booking flights through Disney--and have they been cheaper, or at least more direct??)


We are also from SD...can you tell me how many hrs and the price you are looking at to fly please? We are considering this trip. Not a bad idea to stay in London for a couple days:thumbsup2

[WeLoveABD]

It would be great to have fellow San Diegans on the trip! We were looking at flights on British Air - the flights are too far off to price for next year, but to give you an idea as to times offered this holiday season, I copied a flight option from BA's website below. The flight is from Los Angeles to London, then London to Capetown. The return flight is from Johannesburg, to London and then LA:


15:45 17 Dec
09:55 18 Dec
Los Angeles
Heathrow (London)
BA0278
British Airways
World Traveller Plus

20:05 20 Dec
08:50 21 Dec
Heathrow (London)
Johannesburg
BA0057
British Airways
World Traveller


14:00 21 Dec
16:10 21 Dec
Johannesburg
Cape Town
BA6419
Comair
Traveller


17:00 2 Jan
19:10 2 Jan
Johannesburg
Cape Town
BA6429
Comair
Traveller


20:55 2 Jan
06:35 3 Jan
Cape Town
Heathrow (London)
BA0058
British Airways
World Traveller


15:10 5 Jan
18:15 5 Jan
Heathrow (London)
Los Angeles
BA0269
British Airways
World Traveller Plus

Let us know if you decide to go!