Quest for the West vs. Southwest Splendors

[brewcrew]

I was talking with the kiddos about going to the Grand Canyon and they said "Can we go to Yellowstone instead?" Has anyone done both to compare them? I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be disappointed in either but was hoping for some feedback. Thanks alot!

[Joan1]

I went on the Southwest one but not the Quest for the west. In reading the descriptions the Wyoming one seems to be more active then the Southwest one. Read the desciptions of each to see what activities you will be doing and what will appeal to your family the most

[jenbadeaux]

Give me a month and I'll give you the answer! We did Southwest Splendors last summer and are doing Quest for the West in July. I'll let you know how they compare.
I found Southwest Splendors very active. It was our best vacation ever! SayHello has an awesome trip report that I would highly recommend you read.
Highlights of our trip for us (we are a family of 6--me, dh, dd 19, ds 11, ds 9, and dd6) were the hike to delicate arch, the jeeps in sedona, white water rafting, helicopter rides over grand canyon*, horseback riding*, hummer rock climbing*, and everyone's absolute favorite the ATVs*.
(Anything with an asterisk after it is an optional excursion at an additional charge.)
I would highly recommend Southwest Splendors. And from what we hear Quest for the West is their most popular itinerary. We'll see soon!

[sayhello]

:) I see jenbadeaux pimped my Trip Report already! :thumbsup2 I would pay her for the PR, but, hmmmm.... I'm not making any profit off this, either! If only I could get a commission from ABD.

I have not taken Quest for the West, so I cannot comment on a comparison of the 2 trips. As jenbadeaux says, it *is* one of ABD's most popular itineraries. Southwest Splendors, though, is a FABULOUS, active, fascinating, fun-filled trip, and one of the best vacations I've ever taken. I would HIGHLY recommend it. (Although I don't think you could go wrong with *either* trip!)

See the link in my Signature for my Trip Report on Southwest Splendors. Enjoy!

Sayhello

[brewcrew]

Give me a month and I'll give you the answer! We did Southwest Splendors last summer and are doing Quest for the West in July. I'll let you know how they compare.
I found Southwest Splendors very active. It was our best vacation ever! SayHello has an awesome trip report that I would highly recommend you read.
Highlights of our trip for us (we are a family of 6--me, dh, dd 19, ds 11, ds 9, and dd6) were the hike to delicate arch, the jeeps in sedona, white water rafting, helicopter rides over grand canyon*, horseback riding*, hummer rock climbing*, and everyone's absolute favorite the ATVs*.
(Anything with an asterisk after it is an optional excursion at an additional charge.)
I would highly recommend Southwest Splendors. And from what we hear Quest for the West is their most popular itinerary. We'll see soon!

Hi jenbadeaux! Have you returned from Quest yet? Any comparisons? Thanks!

[jenbadeaux]

Brewcrew,
We fly out day after tomorrow(Thursday) at 6:30am. Trying to figure out what to pack! Will post next Thursday when we return.
Jen

[HappyGrumpy]

We fly out day after tomorrow(Thursday) at 6:30am. Trying to figure out what to pack! Will post next Thursday when we return.
Jen

We leave Aug 25th very interested in your perspective on the trip and the weather! I am actually going through our wardrobe tonight to see what I have and what I may need to get! So any advise is welcome:thumbsup2

[sayhello]

Brewcrew,
We fly out day after tomorrow(Thursday) at 6:30am. Trying to figure out what to pack! Will post next Thursday when we return.
JenHave a GREAT trip Jen! Looking forward to your report when you get back!

Sayhello

[Turtlemom]

Me toooo! We're taking the August 11 trip, so I'm very excited to hear from Jenbadeaux about her trip! From the news reports, looks like it might be warmer than usual in Wyoming, but I'm sure its cooler than it is here in Virginia!

Turtlemom :woohoo:

[HappyGrumpy]

but I'm sure its cooler than it is here in Virginia!


I am in Chesapeake as you can tell but curious to know where you are if you don't mind me asking!

[Turtlemom]

We're in McLean, VA--right outside of D.C.

Turtlemom

[whiteside61]

Hello all! We leave tomorrow morning (Friday) at 6:30 am to fly to phoenix! Our southwest tour starts on Saturday the 25th! we are packing in earnest today! I thought we were all set, but now some of our kids(we have four children) are notifying me that they need new water shoes, more shorts, new sneakers....you know, the day before we leave. :rolleyes: so, it will be a hectic day plus wrapping up work to get away for 11 days. Oh well, we are so excited!!! Will check in and report when we return after August 4th!

[glassslipper2004]

Good luck and have a great time! I'm actually getting worried about where to buy water shoes this time of the summer - where did you find them?

[sayhello]

Have a GREAT trip, whiteside61!!! Can't wait to hear your report when you get back.

Good luck with all the last minute crazies! Kids! Whatcha gonna do? :confused3

Sayhello

[HappyGrumpy]

We're in McLean, VA--right outside of D.C.

Ok Cool! Hope you guys have an awesome trip! Looking forward to a great report! You are so lucky to live near the "BIG" airports! getting air out of Norfolk is such a treat!:rotfl:

[abbyjt]

[QUOTE I'm actually getting worried about where to buy water shoes this time of the summer - where did you find them?[/QUOTE]

Try lands end. They ship pretty fast. I don't know when you are leaving. Also try places like target and Kmart. Go now.

[jenbadeaux]

BrewCrew,
We are back from our Quest for the West! Having done Southwest Splendors last summer, I feel like I might be able to provide you some insight on the differences in the two tours.
We had a lovely trip with a lovely group of people. Interestingly, 5 of the 7 families had done an ABD already. 3 of us had done Southwest Splendors(2 of us last summer and the other family in 2007) and the other 2 families had done Costa Rica(seperately, not together). I think this caused the group to bond much more quickly than last year. Everyone was already comfortable with group travel and ABD. Although it took a few more days for us to come together at Southwest Splendors, we became a very tight knit group and still keep up with several families from that trip. Our guides on SWS were Maura and Geraldine, on Q4tW we had Landon and Daniel.
So, which trip to do? They are similar in that both trips start at a nice hotel, then do a national parks hotel which is rustic but clean and definitely serviceable with a GREAT location, and then end up at a SPECTACULAR resort with many outdoor activities.
At SWS, you board the motorcoach instantly and have it all week. There is a lot of bus time because you see alot of sights. The longest ride is 6 hours, broken into two 3 hour segments seperated by a trip through monument valley. We came to know our bus driver well and felt like he was a member of the tour team. At Q4tW, you only have a bus on day 3,4 and 5. The trip is a day shorter than SWS. The longest bus ride is 4.5 hours split into a 1.5 hour ride and a 3 hour ride. The bus rides never seem long, and they play movies and games to make the time pass. But if your kids do not like long drives, then this may be a factor.
How does your family do with getting up in the morning? SWS had lots of early bag pulls and meeting times. We are early morning people, so this was fine. Q4tW has some early mornings, but also several mornings where you don't meet until 9am.
Q4tW seemed to us (and to all 3 families I polled who have done both) to have alot more on your own time. SWS tended to keep us busier and when we had down time, it was quickly filled with optional excursions or special surprises such as passes to the IMAX presentation of the Grand Canyon(fabulous) or the invitation to take the bus as a group in the evening of on your own time to watch the sunset at the canyon(stayed at the Grand then remember) and then to eat pizza and Disney picked up the drinks for us. (Our whole group chose to do this). We all remarked that there really were no special surprises on Q4tW. They made our dinner ressies but that was about it. Totally by the handbook. Does your family want more or less down time?
White water rafting: much more intense rapids at Q4tW. Water is cold(49 degrees) so not as much swimming and no bucket fights like on SWS. Also no chance at a "dry" raft for older/younger guests who want to avoid getting soaked. You will get VERY wet. No way past it, got to go through it. We found both trips fun, but different.
Hiking: On SWS there is another option on the Delicate Arch hike for those who find it too strenuous. They can do a bus tour of the other arches in the park. On Q4tW there is no option. You have to hike(or sit in the parking lot for several hours, I guess). No options given. While it is shaded and cool, there are some pretty good inclines and the whole hike is on rocky, very uneven surfaces, and the air is thin at that altitude(almost 8000 feet). Fine for kids and most adults, but on SWS we had some older ladies that might have found this challenging.
No one could answer which trip they liked best(and I quizzed everyone!). They are both alot of fun with alot to see and do. If you have any specific questions, I"ll be happy to try to answer them.

[sayhello]

jenbadeaux,

Glad to see you back, and that you had a good time on Q4tW! Interesting comparison of the 2 trips! Will you be doing a trip report on top of this? :)

Interesting that so many families were on 2nd ABD's and that they were SWS & Costa Rica. There's been a whole thread trying to choose between these 3 trips...

Sayhello

[HappyGrumpy]

BrewCrew,
We are back from our Quest for the West! Having done Southwest Splendors last summer, I feel like I might be able to provide you some insight on the differences in the two tours.
We had a lovely trip with a lovely group of people. Interestingly, 5 of the 7 families had done an ABD already. 3 of us had done Southwest Splendors(2 of us last summer and the other family in 2007) and the other 2 families had done Costa Rica(seperately, not together). I think this caused the group to bond much more quickly than last year. Everyone was already comfortable with group travel and ABD. Although it took a few more days for us to come together at Southwest Splendors, we became a very tight knit group and still keep up with several families from that trip. Our guides on SWS were Maura and Geraldine, on Q4tW we had Landon and Daniel.
So, which trip to do? They are similar in that both trips start at a nice hotel, then do a national parks hotel which is rustic but clean and definitely serviceable with a GREAT location, and then end up at a SPECTACULAR resort with many outdoor activities.
At SWS, you board the motorcoach instantly and have it all week. There is a lot of bus time because you see alot of sights. The longest ride is 6 hours, broken into two 3 hour segments seperated by a trip through monument valley. We came to know our bus driver well and felt like he was a member of the tour team. At Q4tW, you only have a bus on day 3,4 and 5. The trip is a day shorter than SWS. The longest bus ride is 4.5 hours split into a 1.5 hour ride and a 3 hour ride. The bus rides never seem long, and they play movies and games to make the time pass. But if your kids do not like long drives, then this may be a factor.
How does your family do with getting up in the morning? SWS had lots of early bag pulls and meeting times. We are early morning people, so this was fine. Q4tW has some early mornings, but also several mornings where you don't meet until 9am.
Q4tW seemed to us (and to all 3 families I polled who have done both) to have alot more on your own time. SWS tended to keep us busier and when we had down time, it was quickly filled with optional excursions or special surprises such as passes to the IMAX presentation of the Grand Canyon(fabulous) or the invitation to take the bus as a group in the evening of on your own time to watch the sunset at the canyon(stayed at the Grand then remember) and then to eat pizza and Disney picked up the drinks for us. (Our whole group chose to do this). We all remarked that there really were no special surprises on Q4tW. They made our dinner ressies but that was about it. Totally by the handbook. Does your family want more or less down time?
White water rafting: much more intense rapids at Q4tW. Water is cold(49 degrees) so not as much swimming and no bucket fights like on SWS. Also no chance at a "dry" raft for older/younger guests who want to avoid getting soaked. You will get VERY wet. No way past it, got to go through it. We found both trips fun, but different.
Hiking: On SWS there is another option on the Delicate Arch hike for those who find it too strenuous. They can do a bus tour of the other arches in the park. On Q4tW there is no option. You have to hike(or sit in the parking lot for several hours, I guess). No options given. While it is shaded and cool, there are some pretty good inclines and the whole hike is on rocky, very uneven surfaces, and the air is thin at that altitude(almost 8000 feet). Fine for kids and most adults, but on SWS we had some older ladies that might have found this challenging.
No one could answer which trip they liked best(and I quizzed everyone!). They are both alot of fun with alot to see and do. If you have any specific questions, I"ll be happy to try to answer them.

So refreshing to hear you had a great time! Awesome!

Since you are a seasoned ADB'R did you feel that any corners were cut on this trip. With the lodging? the Food? Did you feel that the description of the trip met your expectations?

We leave on the 25th!

Thx HG

[kristilew]

BrewCrew,
We are back from our Quest for the West! Having done Southwest Splendors last summer, I feel like I might be able to provide you some insight on the differences in the two tours.
So, which trip to do? They are similar in that both trips start at a nice hotel, then do a national parks hotel which is rustic but clean and definitely serviceable with a GREAT location, and then end up at a SPECTACULAR resort with many outdoor activities.

or special surprises such as passes to the IMAX presentation of the Grand Canyon(fabulous) or the invitation to take the bus as a group in the evening of on your own time to watch the sunset at the canyon(stayed at the Grand then remember) and then to eat pizza and Disney picked up the drinks for us. (Our whole group chose to do this). We all remarked that there really were no special surprises on Q4tW.

Having been on SWS this year, I want to clarify a few differences between Jenbadeaux's experiences and the current offerings:

The national parks hotel on SWS (different this year) is NOT clean or serviceable by any defintion. It is a hell hole. Though, yes, it does have a great location.

There were no special surprises on SWS this year. You could go to the IMAX, but you were paying for it.

I think special surprises in general have gone the way of the dodo this year wtih ABD. They're still good trips, but it's important when making a choice between two trips to compare the current offerings. Of course, I'm keeping hope alive that Disney will go back to super service in the future.

[jenbadeaux]

Kristilew,
I read your posts on your Thunderbird experience. I am truly sorry. We were very happy at the Grand--maybe Disney will return there.
Interesting that all the "extras" were gone on SWS this year as well.

HappyGrumpy,
I never felt that corners were cut--just no special touches. They kept to the book. But the book had some awesome things in it. The Wort was very nice. Our rooms were seperated far from our children and they rectified that immediately. We were not connecting, but we were right next door. In Jackson, there is quite a bit of on your own time. We LOVED the Alpine Slide--I'd recommend buying 3 rides apiece--that was perfect. The Maze was also enjoyed by the kids--you will pass it on your way to the Alpine Slide. Jackson is very walkable, and it took us about 15 minutes to walk to the Slide. We did both those things on Day 1(arrival day).
For day 2, we had booked a hot air balloon ride through the Wyoming Ballooning Company but it was cancelled for weather. You can book this in advance for Day 2--you do not have anywhere to be until 11:15(except to grab breakfast)-- and the trip is 6am-9am and they pick you up and drop off at Wort. When that cancelled there wasn't much left for us to do in Jackson except for Ripley's Believe It or Not which killed time but certainly wasn't my first choice!
Things I wish I'd known--the Jackson playhouse where you go for lunch on Day 2 is doing a production of Grease at night. Supposed to be really good. Would have been such a treat for Disney to surprise us with tickets! By the time we found out about it at lunch on Day 2, we already had plans that night to have dinner with relatives that live closeby in Alpine.

The Old Faithful Snow Lodge was great! We had the lobby to ourselves at night--we'd sit up sipping wine and visiting. Very nice lobby--quiet, cozy, and clean. The rooms were immaculately clean. No TV, no AC, but this is national park policy in all national parks. Disney can't make them have AC, nor can they build hotel on National Park land. So they have truly given you the best option available. We went to the Old Faithful Inn and wandered into the rooms being cleaned to compare. The lobby is IMPRESSIVE--but the rooms are decidedly not. No bathrooms in rooms--common ones in hall--think college dorm. Obviously no AC, no TV. They have a newer wing with bathrooms in rooms, but older than Snow lodge with stains in tubs. Trust me you are where you should be. In Snow Lodge, GREAT gift shops!
Things I wish I'd known: Apparently the front desk has a limited number of extension cords available. Wish I knew and had asked for one. Or pack a small one--you'll thank me! The fan would be so much more effective if you could get it in front of the window. No outlets anywhere by windows. Guides told us this is #1 complaint they get. But I slept fine--just used sheet not comforter for covers.

And, oh, Brooks Lake Lodge. Lovely, lovely place. We had the 2 bedroom cabin with loft called Avalanche. I asked--it rents for $2900/night. Wow.
The spa is fabulous--I recommend the ginger lime salt glow or a massage.
Enjoyed horseback riding in morning, fly fishing in afternoon, canoeing on our own. Some people hiked. Inside there is darts, ping pong, table shuffleboard(may have to buy that--it was the hit with ALL the kids and adults). Food was gourmet and SPECTACULAR! Adam is the manager and he is wonderful--your wish is his command!

So no extras, but did get what we expected which was a fabulous trip, many new friends, and great memories. You will have a wonderful time--enjoy!

[HappyGrumpy]

The Old Faithful Snow Lodge was great! We had the lobby to ourselves at night--we'd sit up sipping wine and visiting. Very nice lobby--quiet, cozy, and clean. The rooms were immaculately clean. No TV, no AC, but this is national park policy in all national parks. Disney can't make them have AC, nor can they build hotel on National Park land. So they have truly given you the best option available. We went to the Old Faithful Inn and wandered into the rooms being cleaned to compare. The lobby is IMPRESSIVE--but the rooms are decidedly not. No bathrooms in rooms--common ones in hall--think college dorm. Obviously no AC, no TV. They have a newer wing with bathrooms in rooms, but older than Snow lodge with stains in tubs. Trust me you are where you should be. In Snow Lodge, GREAT gift shops!
Things I wish I'd known: Apparently the front desk has a limited number of extension cords available. Wish I knew and had asked for one. Or pack a small one--you'll thank me! The fan would be so much more effective if you could get it in front of the window. No outlets anywhere by windows. Guides told us this is #1 complaint they get. But I slept fine--just used sheet not comforter for covers.


Thank You so much for your info and your advise! Outstanding!! Glad your home safe and had a great time!

HG

[tksbaskets]

HappyGrumpy,
I never felt that corners were cut--just no special touches. They kept to the book. But the book had some awesome things in it. The Wort was very nice. Our rooms were seperated far from our children and they rectified that immediately. We were not connecting, but we were right next door. In Jackson, there is quite a bit of on your own time. We LOVED the Alpine Slide--I'd recommend buying 3 rides apiece--that was perfect. The Maze was also enjoyed by the kids--you will pass it on your way to the Alpine Slide. Jackson is very walkable, and it took us about 15 minutes to walk to the Slide. We did both those things on Day 1(arrival day).
For day 2, we had booked a hot air balloon ride through the Wyoming Ballooning Company but it was cancelled for weather. You can book this in advance for Day 2--you do not have anywhere to be until 11:15(except to grab breakfast)-- and the trip is 6am-9am and they pick you up and drop off at Wort. When that cancelled there wasn't much left for us to do in Jackson except for Ripley's Believe It or Not which killed time but certainly wasn't my first choice!
Things I wish I'd known--the Jackson playhouse where you go for lunch on Day 2 is doing a production of Grease at night. Supposed to be really good. Would have been such a treat for Disney to surprise us with tickets! By the time we found out about it at lunch on Day 2, we already had plans that night to have dinner with relatives that live closeby in Alpine.

The Old Faithful Snow Lodge was great! We had the lobby to ourselves at night--we'd sit up sipping wine and visiting. Very nice lobby--quiet, cozy, and clean. The rooms were immaculately clean. No TV, no AC, but this is national park policy in all national parks. Disney can't make them have AC, nor can they build hotel on National Park land. So they have truly given you the best option available. We went to the Old Faithful Inn and wandered into the rooms being cleaned to compare. The lobby is IMPRESSIVE--but the rooms are decidedly not. No bathrooms in rooms--common ones in hall--think college dorm. Obviously no AC, no TV. They have a newer wing with bathrooms in rooms, but older than Snow lodge with stains in tubs. Trust me you are where you should be. In Snow Lodge, GREAT gift shops!
Things I wish I'd known: Apparently the front desk has a limited number of extension cords available. Wish I knew and had asked for one. Or pack a small one--you'll thank me! The fan would be so much more effective if you could get it in front of the window. No outlets anywhere by windows. Guides told us this is #1 complaint they get. But I slept fine--just used sheet not comforter for covers.

And, oh, Brooks Lake Lodge. Lovely, lovely place. We had the 2 bedroom cabin with loft called Avalanche. I asked--it rents for $2900/night. Wow.
The spa is fabulous--I recommend the ginger lime salt glow or a massage.
Enjoyed horseback riding in morning, fly fishing in afternoon, canoeing on our own. Some people hiked. Inside there is darts, ping pong, table shuffleboard(may have to buy that--it was the hit with ALL the kids and adults). Food was gourmet and SPECTACULAR! Adam is the manager and he is wonderful--your wish is his command!

So no extras, but did get what we expected which was a fabulous trip, many new friends, and great memories. You will have a wonderful time--enjoy!

THANK YOU for posting this! We leave on Saturday for our QFTW trip and another thread is filled with disappointments and although I like advanced warning had me feeling uneasy about our vacation.

A couple of questions if you'd be so kind:
1. Do you need actual hiking shoes (or would it be nice to have them) over a pair of sturdy tennis shoes for the hikes?

2. How much was the balloon ride going to be for a family of four? I have never done this and it would certainly be unique!

:goodvibes Teresa

[LoveMickey]

I too thank you for posting.

In addition to the question on hiking boots (I'm planning on bringing mine), do you think I can use crocs for the white water rafting.

I'm a first time ABD person.

Luggage: I understand that we can each bring one piece of luggage. I normally only take 1 piece plus a carry-on. I'm planning on bringing the ABD back pack. Can I bring a carry-on plus the backpack during the trip? I'm asking about the trip itself, not about the restrictions of the airlines.

Thanks for the info. Have a good day.

[tksbaskets]

I too thank you for posting.

In addition to the question on hiking boots (I'm planning on bringing mine), do you think I can use crocs for the white water rafting.

I'm a first time ABD person.

Luggage: I understand that we can each bring one piece of luggage. I normally only take 1 piece plus a carry-on. I'm planning on bringing the ABD back pack. Can I bring a carry-on plus the backpack during the trip? I'm asking about the trip itself, not about the restrictions of the airlines.

Thanks for the info. Have a good day.

I heard that you can wear the crocks rafting IF they have a back on them. I'll tell you for sure in a week :cool1:

[jenbadeaux]

In answer to the above questions:

Tennis shoes are fine for the hikes. I just looked back at our pics and scrutinized the shoes. Everyone in tennis shoes except 2 people in hiking boots. Found my tennis shoes perfect.

Crocs were the shoe of choice for the white water rafting. MUST have strap on them and MUST be positioned behind your heel. I wore water shoes because I am the one nerd in the world who does not own crocs. My kids and husband all wore their crocs. Absolutely NO flip flops allowed. (The guides will tell you this the night before.)

Hot air ballooning--will run you around $1000 for a family of 4, depending on age of children. Unlike SWS, their are not many add on excursions available for this trip. So if you decide to bite the bullet and do the ballooning, it will be about your only big out of pocket expense. We talked to different ballooning companies, but went with this one for a few reasons. The pick up time was later (5:45 compared to 4:30), the pick up and drop off was included in the price(others were $100 extra per person!!), they have a 20 year unblemished safety record, and they came highly recommended from a travel agent. The website is http://www.wyomingballoon.com/indexani.html.

Carry ons on the bus: You can carry on the bus whatever you'd like. There is overhead storage(like airplanes) above the seats. But the beauty of this trip is you should not need to be carrying around much of anything! Do not bother packing sunscreen or bug spray--the guides keep bottles and bottles of it in their backpack and pass it to you as you exit the bus to apply. They tote it along on the hike if you need more. They have snacks aplenty on the bus and water is handed to you at the beginning of each hike. When done, crush bottle and hand empty to guide. He will put it in his backpack and dispose of it when the hike is over. Need more water? It's in your guides backpack. For things to do on bus ride--we played Disney jeopardy, watched movies, spotted wildlife out the window--herds and herds of bison, just like your 4th grade social studies book pictures--amazing. Bus time is bonding time with the group. The guides have activity books and crayons for the kids. Mine bring gameboys, but use them much less frequently than you would think.

[sayhello]

I wore water shoes because I am the one nerd in the world who does not own crocs. Nope, you're one of two! :yay: I've tried to like crocs, but just do not find them comfortable! I wore my Keens for the rafting on SWS...

Sayhello

[glassslipper2004]

Are they really telling us one piece of luggage each, not counting carry-ons? In other words, can't we bring one suitcase/duffel, plus a carry-on, and the guides will transport those bags from place to place? I'd be surprised.

It's really too bad about the lack of surprises and extras. Last summer we were given wine, without extra charge, at all of the included dinners. Maybe it's just different in Europe, but it is strange that they wouldn't even include soda.

I haven't seen many posts on this board lately for the Italy trips, at least other than Dottie's. I wonder if they are cutting corners in Europe as well?

I'm trying to keep up my spirits for this trip, and the hotels at the beginning and end look nice. But you can guarantee I won't be making reservations in August of 2009 for another Disney trip next summer. Seems like a good time to wait and investigate other options.

[tksbaskets]

Nope, you're one of two! :yay: I've tried to like crocs, but just do not find them comfortable! I wore my Keens for the rafting on SWS...

Sayhello

Three of us! No crocs here but I do have a nice pair of water shoes packed :thumbsup2

[Phil1019]

Hi, I just came back from the Costa Rica trip. Wine was included and left at the table at only one of the resorts, however soda was always include with meals.

[Turtlemom]

Thanks for all the great info on QFtW. Jenbadeaux--glad to hear you had a great time. We leave on our trip in about 1 week. I have one other question about the whitewater rafting on Quest. I've got water shoes--but what do you wear???? On SWS we all wore swimsuits and shorts, but it sounds like its going to be COLD on the Snake River. Did you wear a swimsuit? or warmer clothes. Any suggestions????

Thanks in advance!

Turtlemom. :confused3

[jenbadeaux]

We wore bathing suits. Wet suits are available for rental (around $8) before you get to the river when the bus stops at the rafting company office. We were strongly discouraged from getting one, as the guides told us that while the water is cold, the sun is hot. I still wanted one, but did not go rent one, because everyone would have had to wait on me while I filled out paperwork, tried them on, etc. It rained and was overcast during our rafting, but they did provide rain jackets and rain pants at the launch site for free. They were blue and looked like the Gorton's fisherman's outfit. Everyone partook of these. Feel free to go to www.floatographs.com and look at our rafting pics--just look under Barker-Ewing as the rafting co. and Bernie as the guide on 7/24/09 at 2pm(may say 1:30pm--can't remember).
Towards the end of the rafting, the sun did come out and the rain stopped. It did get very warm, very quickly, so I do understand the guides point.

[brewcrew]

Okay, I just got home from camping and was excited to read your review! First off, don't camp in Florida in August. Second, I HATE CROCS! Give me a good old pair of water shoes too! I am glad that you had a good time. I think either SWS of QFTW will be fine for our family! We're goin on this trip to see some of our beautiful country so I don't think we'll be disappointed in either. Well, maybe except for the Thunderbird. welcome home and thank you for all of your help!

[Turtlemom]

Thanks again Jenbadeaux! Great pix!!!! I'm definitely not too proud to look like a Gorton's fisherman, so I will wait for the water pants and jacket rather than the wet suit. One last question--how hot/warm was it on your trip?? I'm still trying to figure out whether to pack mostly long pants or shorts. And do I need more than one fleece top for the evenings???? Just can't get a good feel for this on weather.com, which gives one temperature (around the mid 70's) for all of Yellowstone!

Thanks!!!

Turtlemom :surfweb:

[jenbadeaux]

Temperatures are very different than here in the South. 42 degrees there is NOTHING like 42 degrees here! Not nearly as cold, because it is so dry.

Basically mornings are brisk, around 40s or 50. Layers are the key. I did capris and tanks with long sleeve jacket. By 11am or 12, you are shucking the jacket and tying around waist. By 6 or 7pmish, jacket is going back on. Many people did shorts, tanks, jackets. Afternoons are hot, especially in Jackson(1st 2 days of trip) because not as much shade. On hikes, there is plenty of shade, so my capris were fine, but shorts would have been fine as well.

As another point of interest, Wyoming doesn't have nearly the amount of night that we do. It surprised us that it doesn't get dark until around 9:30pm, and the sun comes up around 5:30am.

Hope this helps!

Also--check the weather for Dubois, WY for Brooks Lake Lodge. It is much higher elevation, so temps in Yellowstone are not as accurate. I also find www.wunderground.com to be a better source of weather information--just my opinion.

[Turtlemom]

Thanks!!!!!! That helps tremendously. I was getting ready to pack long jeans and sweatshirts. I know we'll need one pair of Jeans for horseback riding, but I won't pack too many long/heavy pants. We probably would have roasted! But low 70's sound cold for a Virginia girl. Back to capris and t-shirts with jackets (with a few shorts thrown in). I'll also check out your weather website. Thanks for all the help.

Turtlemom :worship:

[SueT]

I didn't get that "surprise and delight" feeling that I expected from Disney on SWS. I am a very well traveled person and have traveled with my young boys (9 and 10) through many parts of the US, Europe and Asia. We have seen a lot, and expected a little more "pixie dust" from Disney. With that said, we did have a great time. Kristilew I think we were on the same SWS trip.

[kristilew]

hi, Sue :wave2: Welcome to the Disboards! I've actually already mentioned your reaction on one of these threads, talking about your good experience with A-L tours. You should post a link to your pictures - they are awesome.

For anyone doing SWS, SueT did the helicopter ride over the GC and her pics are amazing - it definitely looks worth doing.

[kjd469]

hey Kristilew...i was surprised to hear that you guys didn't get any included drinks other than lemonade on your SWS tour. On ours, we were "treated" to beer, wine and sodas on the first night, but they made a point of telling us this was a special treat ''on ABD"....then, at the Grand Canyon,on the night we had on our own, they invited us to the pizza place in town, and ABD picked up the tab on our non-alcoholic drinks, on our on-your-own night at Red Cliffs Lodge, the included dinner in the restaurant, also included any sodas that we wanted, and the final dinner at Red Cliffs, all drinks were complimentary; cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks. I wonder why the differences, since we were only 2 weeks after you?:confused3

[jenbadeaux]

Do you think the differences have to do with the guides? KJD's experience is the same as ours from last summer on SWS. We had Geraldine and Maura as our guides. Do you mind me asking who your guides were KJD and Kristilew?

[kjd469]

That's the weird part jenbadeaux...all 3 of us had Geraldine and Maura!

[kristilew]

Hmmm, well the first night, now that you mention it, there was a table set up with drinks. DH always retrieved ours, and as he had started a tab BEFORE the dinner started, I had assumed that everything went on that. I guess I was wrong about it.

I didn't do the pizza place at GC, so don't know about that. I will edit my post to take that out. I was making assumptions (and you know what that makes...) based on what others in our group had reported about that meal.

I do know we paid for our beer on the last night, though, and were told at dinner on our own that we had to pay for "special" drinks, ie, soda or alcohol. We did have a truly surly waitress that night, though, so perhaps it was just her and not ABD policy.

I guess where it really showed up to me was at times like the lunch at Red Cliffs, where there was the water/lemonade area but sodas were displayed at kid eye level and we were mixed in with families other than ABDers. Naturally, all the kids wanted the sodas they saw the other kids drinking, and frankly so did I. We had to go to a little window and charge those to our room.

I suppose that I've been overly negative about the drink thing. Put in the most charitable light, they were probably making sure we stayed hydrated by pushing the water. And as it was always bottled water, they weren't being cheap - it costs as much as soda.

otoh: It was just a thing that chafed me a little in comparison to the last trip. There was always a broad choice at meals in Peru, and the only time, really only one time, that sodas were not included was at Machu Picchu - this was the Lodge's policy, not ABD's, and our guides insisted on paying for our sodas themselves when the saw that everyone had ordered them thinking they were included.

Still, the whole point of reviewing here is to give an accurate picture, so I'm going to go back and remove all the drink comments. I'm glad to be wrong about it, since it means ABD isn't "slipping" as much as I felt like on initial reaction. :upsidedow

[glassslipper2004]

So I guess that means we'll probably have Geraldine and Maura on our trip in a few weeks? (Hi, Geraldine and Maura - see you soon!)

I am truly getting excited for the trip, despite everything. I think I am going to go for the helicopter ride at the Grand Canyon - DH really wants to do it, and since this is likely to be our only family trip to the southwest :rotfl: we might as well do it this time!

As for the drinks - as with so many things, it seems like it is the way that things are presented that effects us as much as the things themselves. If the sodas hadn't been displayed, you probably wouldn't have cared so much that only water and lemonade was available. Unless, of course, you really like soda... By any chance, was iced tea around? It also sounds like the guides are really trying to minimize the annoying parts of the trip, which of course is in their interest, but I think they have a lot to do with the experience as well.

[whiteside61]

Just back from SWS and we had an Incredible time!! I can't wait to give details (no time now) but it really exceeded our expectations! And....we found the Thunderbird to be quite satisfactory...in other words, we wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Our guides were Korey and Geraldine...LOVED THEM!! Can't wait to give more details and I will soon. I promise!!!

[Turtlemom]

Whiteside61--I woulld love to hear the details about your trip! We did SWS last summer and had a wonderful time. I'm glad to hear your trip was great.

Turtlemom

[sayhello]

Just back from SWS and we had an Incredible time!! I can't wait to give details (no time now) but it really exceeded our expectations! And....we found the Thunderbird to be quite satisfactory...in other words, we wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Our guides were Korey and Geraldine...LOVED THEM!! Can't wait to give more details and I will soon. I promise!!!Whee! Looking forward to your report!

Sayhello