OMG, I got my box!

[sayhello]

I got my box today! My tour doesn't leave for well over 2 months yet, but I've received my box! It's supposed to be 45 days before, but this is more like 61! Not that I'm complaining, but I wonder what, if anything, it means? Is my tour sold out? Or do they just send the boxes for the end of the season earlier than those for early in the season?

Whatever, I HAVE MY BOX! :cool1: I got the green backpack, and I really love it. It's a nice size, padded back and straps, tons of compartments, pretty color, great logo. Definitely going to be using this while on the tour! And my countdown calendar (that I can't even use for over a month!), yellow luggage handle thingy, and itinerary book. It just feels so much more *real* with the box in my hands!

:love:

Sayhello

[HappyGrumpy]

OMG! I am so jealous SayHello!!! We are 60 days out as well and I am hoping our box will come soon too! It will seem so much more real!!

I wonder are all the back packs the same or are their certain colors for certain trips! Who Cares you got your box and hopefully ours is coming as well!

Did it come USPS/FedEx/UPS?

Time to count down! WOO HOO!:cool1::cool1::cool1:

HG!

[sayhello]

OMG! I am so jealous SayHello!!! We are 60 days out as well and I am hoping our box will come soon too! It will seem so much more real!!

I wonder are all the back packs the same or are their certain colors for certain trips! Who Cares you got your box and hopefully ours is coming as well!

Did it come USPS/FedEx/UPS?

Time to count down! WOO HOO!:cool1::cool1::cool1:

HG!I'm not sure about the color thing. Nobody has commented yet if everyone on their tour had the same color backpack or not, and we haven't had enough of the same trips going for people to have commented "we got the same color as you". Maybe we could start a thread & see if there's a pattern... I've only heard of people getting blue or green.

It arrived UPS 3 Day Select. It was cool, as I got home, and saw it on the front porch (yes, UPS just leaves stuff on the porch here... took some getting used to, but so far, it hasn't been an issue!) I couldn't remember ordering anything. Then I saw the ABD logo on the outside! :cheer2: It was such fun!

It's funny, but they list the black box the paperwork comes in as a "Memory box". But I'm not sure how that's supposed to work...

Hopefully you get yours SOON!

Sayhello

[Tozzie]

I'm not sure about the color thing. Nobody has commented yet if everyone on their tour had the same color backpack or not, and we haven't had enough of the same trips going for people to have commented "we got the same color as you". Maybe we could start a thread & see if there's a pattern... I've only heard of people getting blue or green.

It arrived UPS 3 Day Select. It was cool, as I got home, and saw it on the front porch (yes, UPS just leaves stuff on the porch here... took some getting used to, but so far, it hasn't been an issue!) I couldn't remember ordering anything. Then I saw the ABD logo on the outside! :cheer2: It was such fun!

It's funny, but they list the black box the paperwork comes in as a "Memory box". But I'm not sure how that's supposed to work...

Hopefully you get yours SOON!

Sayhello


I am glad you got your box that makes it real.

As for the colors, on my trip all the ABD backpacks that I saw were the same color as mine and that was the blue.

[redzinner]

Woot! You're off to Alaska (in 8 weeks :) ) ... whatever, it's real!
I'm thinking Europe is blue and US is green ? :confused3 Just a guess

[Tozzie]

Woot! You're off to Alaska (in 8 weeks :) ) ... whatever, it's real!
I'm thinking Europe is blue and US is green ? :confused3 Just a guess

No, my trip was in the US and I received a blue backpack

[whiteside61]

That is so exciting! I wish mine would come! We are less than 30 days out and I have received nothing yet. I booked through AAA travel and I'm afraid my travel agent isn't very good:mad: She made her commission on the booking and that's the last I've heard from her. Any correspondence I've received from ABD shows up weeks late after she forwards it to me. I'm annoyed. I have spent alot of money on this trip and I wish I had booked directly through ABD. Sigh. Live and learn.

[brewcrew]

I'm jealous! I know you will have fun and I am looking forward to more great pics!

[Nikisha421]

I just want to book a trip so badly...I cant take this wait!!!!!!!!!!!

[HappyGrumpy]

Does UPS deliver on Saturdays?? I WANT MY BOX!!!

SayHello, I cannot wait for your trip report! I could so go for Alaska next year and Italy and South Africa..oh and a DCL cruise! Of course this is after I win the lottery or I hit a really good penny stock!!!:rotfl:

I am so excited!

[figmentfan2009]

That is so exciting! I wish mine would come! We are less than 30 days out and I have received nothing yet. I booked through AAA travel and I'm afraid my travel agent isn't very good:mad: She made her commission on the booking and that's the last I've heard from her. Any correspondence I've received from ABD shows up weeks late after she forwards it to me. I'm annoyed. I have spent alot of money on this trip and I wish I had booked directly through ABD. Sigh. Live and learn.

I would start by becoming your travel agent's worst nightmare and hound her until she gives you an answer. If you can't get anywhere with her, call ABD directly and explain to them what the deal is. They were going to re-ship our bags if we were in Florida when they came and they weren't delivered correctly... they should be able to work with you.

[HappyGrumpy]

would start by becoming your travel agent's worst nightmare and hound her until she gives you an answer. If you can't get anywhere with her, call abd directly and explain to them what the deal is. They were going to re-ship our bags if we were in florida when they came and they weren't delivered correctly... They should be able to work with you.

amen to this!!

[whiteside61]

I would start by becoming your travel agent's worst nightmare and hound her until she gives you an answer. If you can't get anywhere with her, call ABD directly and explain to them what the deal is. They were going to re-ship our bags if we were in Florida when they came and they weren't delivered correctly... they should be able to work with you. .

Thanks for the reply. I did leave a very unhappy voice mail for my TA and of course she won't get it till Monday and probably won't get back to me until midweek, BUT I did call ABD and they were most helpful and are sending an email to my agent and will check on the whereabouts of our boxes!!! See? Shoulda booked directly with ABD!

[Phil1019]

I too booked through AAA. It does depend on the agent regarding how good the service is. I have a great agent who has been right on the ball! I have received everything in a timely manner. Ask to speak with customer service instead of directly to the agent that is not working for you. Maybe someone will put a fire under her butt. I am sure with the way the economy is, AAA will not want to forfeit your future business with them!

[sayhello]

whiteside61, I think calling ABD was the best thing. Hopefully THEY can get results. But I'd still be calling that TA on Monday, and Tuesday, and Wednesday, and Thursday, and Thursday afternoon, and.... :thumbsup2 That's too bad about AAA... I used to use them a LOT, before the internet.

I'm really itching to do my Alaska Trip report, too! The big downside this year is I'm not even *going* until the end of the season, and a month after the dates for 2010 should be out, so I'm not going to be able to influence inspire folks to sign up for Alaska if it's offered next year! :rotfl:

I'll tell you, every trip report I read, I want to go on THAT trip! It's so hard to choose! But I'm leaning towards Italy. My sister really wants me to come visit her in Israel, and Italy & Israel aren't *THAT* far apart...

Sayhello

ETA:Oh, I agree with Phil1019! Talk to Customer Service or a Manger. The kind of service you're getting is not good for AAA's image!

[HappyGrumpy]

I'll tell you, every trip report I read, I want to go on THAT trip! It's so hard to choose! But I'm leaning towards Italy. My sister really wants me to come visit her in Israel, and Italy & Israel aren't *THAT* far apart...


My husband has forbidden me from watching James Bond Casino Royal:lmao: I watch it on blue ray b/c they filmed part of the movie in Northern Italy on Lake Como where the Alpine Magic trip goes to and then The Movie ends in Venice which would require a different ABD trip! It looks AMAZING! He is like one trip at a time please or I am gonna have to donate
plasma or a kidney!:rotfl:

Then where I work we demo a South Africa Safari Trip in iMovie to show how to edit your family videos. Everytime we show a customer I am like "ok South Africa"!!!

And of course there is Alaska! SayHello I would not worry about the timing of your trip b/c I know your report WILL inspire regardless!

However if they EVER offered and ADB to the Holy Land I am so there:cool1: I know the likely hood is thin b/c of safety issues(I assume ABD would look at it like that) but OMG Would that be a trip!

But I just want my box! Ho Hum!

HG

[disneylove69]

That is so exciting! I wish mine would come! We are less than 30 days out and I have received nothing yet. I booked through AAA travel and I'm afraid my travel agent isn't very good:mad: She made her commission on the booking and that's the last I've heard from her. Any correspondence I've received from ABD shows up weeks late after she forwards it to me. I'm annoyed. I have spent alot of money on this trip and I wish I had booked directly through ABD. Sigh. Live and learn.

When I book my DCL cruise or resorts through a TA the tickets come from them not Disney. Call your TA she may have them.

[KayGuidance]

We received our backpacks last Monday and now have 40 days to start our ABD vacation. We are going on the Viva Italy trip (August 10-with pre and post nights). Have been reading all the trips reports and can't wait to got.

BTW, our backpacks are blue. We went two years ago to Ireland and they were black at that time. These backpacks are a little smaller, same pretty logo, but the zippers are not as substantial as the Ireland ones.

I think I like the smaller bags, as I tend to overpack and this just might help me.

Kay:rolleyes1

[whiteside61]

Yay! Our boxes are here! Or at least they have arrived at the AAA office. My TA called me back on Monday morning, apologizing, for apparently they have been in her back room at the office for several weeks and she didn't even know it:rolleyes:

In fairness, she had never booked a ABD trip before so didn't know to expect the pretrip stuff. So, all's well!

[BecABD]

I'm going on the Discovery Down Under tour next month and our backpacks are green. I did the Viva Italia tour a year and a half ago and our backpacks were green then too, although much bigger, more like a school bookbag. I definitely like the new ones better. Smaller and lots more organizational compartments! I didn't use the big backpack in Italy, except to put my dirty clothes into. I will actually use this smaller one. I plan on doing London/Paris for New Year's but Alaska is definitely on my list!

[sayhello]

whiteside61, YAY! glad you're getting your stuff! You are just going to have to educate this TA!

BecABD, last year we got messenger bags. TOTALLY useless as a travel bag. I haven't found a use for it yet. It's too bad, because it's well made, and very pretty, but way too big, bulky & heavy for travel. I really like these backpacks, and plan on using it while on hikes on the trip!

Sayhello

[kristilew]

BecABD, last year we got messenger bags. TOTALLY useless as a travel bag. I haven't found a use for it yet.

Sayhello

Sayhello, I have heard, (couldn't say myself :rolleyes1) that the messenger bags will perfectly hold 6-8 bottles of beer while one is riding her bike down the street to the neighbors' for a porch sit.

[sayhello]

Sayhello, I have heard, (couldn't say myself :rolleyes1) that the messenger bags will perfectly hold 6-8 bottles of beer while one is riding her bike down the street to the neighbors' for a porch sit.:rotfl2:

Sayhello

[HappyGrumpy]

Oh where Oh where is my ABD box?

Oh where Oh where could it be?

Oh where Oh where is my ABD box?

Oh where Oh where could it be?

So I was feeling sorry for myself today and thought I would share by ripping off a nursery rhyme. I have not allowed myself to get excited about this trip and now that I see boxes going out and I am working way too much overtime at work, Aug 25th cannot get here fast enough!

HG

[figmentfan2009]

I can TOTALLY relate.

Want to annoy a lot of people wherever you work? Start a countdown to trip in a visible place where you work so anyone who stops in can see it. It is a morale booster as you watch the long stressful days melt away and it is fun to watch other people get just a little irritated and jealous with your countdown...

:rotfl:

[sayhello]

Want to annoy a lot of people wherever you work? Start a countdown to trip in a visible place where you work so anyone who stops in can see it. It is a morale booster as you watch the long stressful days melt away and it is fun to watch other people get just a little irritated and jealous with your countdown...

:rotfl:The first 2009 ABD catalog I got fell apart (it was poorly glued) so I got a new one, and pulled out the pages from the old one for my Alaska trip. They have been prominently displayed on my work bulletin board for weeks now! And the countdown calendar is going to join it!!!! Many people stop and go "Is *THAT* the trip you're going on????" I love it!

Sayhello

[tksbaskets]

.

Thanks for the reply. I did leave a very unhappy voice mail for my TA and of course she won't get it till Monday and probably won't get back to me until midweek, BUT I did call ABD and they were most helpful and are sending an email to my agent and will check on the whereabouts of our boxes!!! See? Shoulda booked directly with ABD!

Or use my GREAT TA. She answers emails practically 24/7 (or so it seems). She is right on top of everything. Hope everything works out for you.

Our box arrived about 2 weeks ago for our 8/2 Quest for the West trip. Green backpacks here :goodvibes

[HappyGrumpy]

I can TOTALLY relate.

Want to annoy a lot of people wherever you work? Start a countdown to trip in a visible place where you work so anyone who stops in can see it. It is a morale booster as you watch the long stressful days melt away and it is fun to watch other people get just a little irritated and jealous with your countdown...

Yeah for annoyance..great idea!:cool1:

The first 2009 ABD catalog I got fell apart (it was poorly glued) so I got a new one, and pulled out the pages from the old one for my Alaska trip. They have been prominently displayed on my work bulletin board for weeks now! And the countdown calendar is going to join it!!!! Many people stop and go "Is *THAT* the trip you're going on????" I love it!


SayHello...Pure Genius! Now I need to find my book!!! :thumbsup2

[glassslipper2004]

We got our box today too. The kids' backpacks are the same as last year - really nice light blue and green ones. The adults have darker green.

I have to admit, I am a little down about our upcoming trip, having read Kristilew's recent report on it. DH is mad at me for being negative, but I think I just have to let it work though - I'm sure by the time the trip actually comes around I will be excited for it, and my expectations will have been appropriately lowered.

[kristilew]

I am so sorry to have made you feel any less excited. :sad2: Really, I think you'll have a great time. The ABD rep on our trip said the two highest rated trips are Italy and SWS, so you'll have done both. I just know you'll be posting on here in a few weeks saying that your trip rocked (or, should I say red rocked :laughing:)

[Tozzie]

We got our box today too. The kids' backpacks are the same as last year - really nice light blue and green ones. The adults have darker green.

I have to admit, I am a little down about our upcoming trip, having read Kristilew's recent report on it. DH is mad at me for being negative, but I think I just have to let it work though - I'm sure by the time the trip actually comes around I will be excited for it, and my expectations will have been appropriately lowered.

Go with an open mind, otherwise you are going to be miserable on the trip. My original trip was canceled and I had to go on a different itinerary I was very upset about it but I made of my mind to go with a open mind and not think about it and I had a wonderful time. I really hope you have a great time.

[sayhello]

I have to admit, I am a little down about our upcoming trip, having read Kristilew's recent report on it. DH is mad at me for being negative, but I think I just have to let it work though - I'm sure by the time the trip actually comes around I will be excited for it, and my expectations will have been appropriately lowered.I'm so sorry to hear this. I haven't been on any other ABD's yet, and no Europe ones, so I really have no basis for comparison. I thought this trip totally rocked, and things kristilew mentioned, like the motorcoach vs a smaller bus, the food, etc, didn't really bother me that much. Again, no basis for comparison...

I *really* hope you can go with an attitude that it is going to be a great trip. Attitude really is everything! This wouldn't be one of ABD's most popular trips if it wasn't a blast!

Sayhello