Guide Questions

[ABDguide]

As an ABD Guide I thought I would register on here to answer any questions you may have. Obviously I can only speak from my personal experience and am only able to answer general questions on ABD.

I have nothing but great words to say for ABD, and hopefully by joining you all on here I'll be able to help you all in creating your Adventure of a Lifetime. For obvious reasons I wish to remain anonymous (all I'll say is I work on European Adventures) and as a result there may be some questions I can't answer, but I'll do my best!

[adambomb85]

How fun! Well, I have been wondering a few things and your opinion would be terrific. I leave in about two weeks for my Backstage Magic Tour. I was wondering about the following:

1. My Dbf and I want to see "World of Color" and were debating doing a dinner package one of the nights of the trip, but also don't know if our AbD will include something special for our group...what would you suggest?

2. We were also hoping to get a theme park view from our room in Grand California. Is this something our AbDs may be able to help with when we arrive?

Thanks so much!

[ABDguide]

How fun! Well, I have been wondering a few things and your opinion would be terrific. I leave in about two weeks for my Backstage Magic Tour. I was wondering about the following:

1. My Dbf and I want to see "World of Color" and were debating doing a dinner package one of the nights of the trip, but also don't know if our AbD will include something special for our group...what would you suggest?

2. We were also hoping to get a theme park view from our room in Grand California. Is this something our AbDs may be able to help with when we arrive?

Thanks so much!

I would recommend speaking to your Booking Agent on both of these questions as I run Adventures outside of the Park environment. They can sometimes give you an 'insight' in to the activities on the Adventure but not spoil any surprises! As for rooming requirements - you're in a Disney hotel, and travelling with Disney. They'll do the best they can for you, but perhaps mention this to your Booking Agent too. Any special rooming requirements (such as feather-free bedding etc.) are forwarded to the Guides in location.

[RSM]

As an ABD Guide I thought I would register on here to answer any questions you may have. Obviously I can only speak from my personal experience and am only able to answer general questions on ABD.

I have nothing but great words to say for ABD, and hopefully by joining you all on here I'll be able to help you all in creating your Adventure of a Lifetime. For obvious reasons I wish to remain anonymous (all I'll say is I work on European Adventures) and as a result there may be some questions I can't answer, but I'll do my best!

Hi ABDguide. Welcome to this board, I'm sure you can bring a unique perspective. We will be doing Alpine Magic on 6/20, and would like to book paragliding in Zermatt. Is this something the guides can help out with or should I try to book it on my own before leaving (although I'm not sure on the times when we arrive in Zermatt or return to the hotel after ziplining). Hopefully you can help out. Thanks.

[ABDguide]

Hi ABDguide. Welcome to this board, I'm sure you can bring a unique perspective. We will be doing Alpine Magic on 6/20, and would like to book paragliding in Zermatt. Is this something the guides can help out with or should I try to book it on my own before leaving (although I'm not sure on the times when we arrive in Zermatt or return to the hotel after ziplining). Hopefully you can help out. Thanks.

For an activity like that I would suggest trying to book it in advance (although I'm sure your Guides will be able to help you out if you decide to leave it until in location). Give your Booking Agent a call and they might be able to suggest when might be a suitable time to make the booking for - but always be aware that on an Adventure everything is subject to change as there are many factors that can alter the exact timings on the day. It's one of the more interesting aspects of being a Guide - we have to constantly adapt to the changing World and its events around us!

[tigger_ttfn]

Welcome! We have been on one ABD (Ireland) last year and are two weeks from our second ABD.

My question is do you ever sleep? :lmao: Our guides were always working so hard to make everything so smooth for us. :worship:

[ABDguide]

Welcome! We have been on one ABD (Ireland) last year and are two weeks from our second ABD.

My question is do you ever sleep? :lmao: Our guides were always working so hard to make everything so smooth for us. :worship:

What a great question! Yes, we do sleep - in fact I often get the best nights sleep when I'm on an Adventure! Maybe that is down to working hard during the day, or the great hotels that we stay in having such comfortable beds!

[2GirlsMama]

Thanks for joining our board! I have only great things to say about our ABD guide last summer. We are still in contact with her and are honored to call her a friend.

We are really looking forward to our China adventure in a few weeks. The guides make the trip so very special.

[WeLoveABD]

Hello Mystery Guide! A couple of comments/questions:

1. Will ABD ever put up a bio tab so we can see photos and short bios of the ABD guides?
2. Will the new adventures be announced in August, as in the past years?
3. Will ABD consider a rewards program for frequent users of ABD--maybe earning points toward a free pre-night, or some other upgrade bonus?
4. What is the likelihood of more DCL and ABD pairings? Sounds like the med one is going well, and we hear rumors of a possible Alaska cruise/Alaska ABD...

The guides really make the program work--keep up the good work!!

[ABDguide]

Hello Mystery Guide! A couple of comments/questions:

1. Will ABD ever put up a bio tab so we can see photos and short bios of the ABD guides?
2. Will the new adventures be announced in August, as in the past years?
3. Will ABD consider a rewards program for frequent users of ABD--maybe earning points toward a free pre-night, or some other upgrade bonus?
4. What is the likelihood of more DCL and ABD pairings? Sounds like the med one is going well, and we hear rumors of a possible Alaska cruise/Alaska ABD...

The guides really make the program work--keep up the good work!!

Believe it or not we are actually kept in the dark about developments as much as all you on here! We stay glued to the website like all of you, and when things go live on there we get e-mails from the office - but that is the first we hear! Sorry I can't help you, but quite often we find this DisBoard as a great source of information to ourselves!

As for the bio idea - have you suggested it to AbD? They do read all comments and feedback very carefully and take everything on board. I'm not too sure how they'd be able to make the bios though - there are quite a few of us spread around the World! And anyway - you can find out more about us by asking lots of question on the Adventure! We all have quite diverse backgrounds - we like questions! :)

I guess the idea of me joining this board was really to help with any general questions about the Adventures rather than the 'behind the scenes/planning' part of it as we really don't know anything on that side of things. Sorry!

[LTFrench]

Awww, one of our very recent guides, and a most special one, at that(!), was just saying how she thought it would be very beneficial to us all, for AbD to allow/encourage guides to participate. I whole heartedly agree! Welcome!!!

[Icemann]

ABD is just the name ,you guys are the company IMHO if it weren't for the guides their wouldn't be an ABD,Our guides last year were the best and we still keep in touch.Our trip next month with ABD will be great I now this because the guides got high marks from everyone here on the board.Can't wait to go and see who are guides will be.And by the way Welcome :goodvibes

[tchrrx]

When will we find out the names of our guides? Do we have to wait until we get there?

We received the box with our backpacks, luggage tags, and pre-trip booklet. Will receive any other information before we leave?

[ABDguide]

Awww, one of our very recent guides, and a most special one, at that(!), was just saying how she thought it would be very beneficial to us all, for AbD to allow/encourage guides to participate. I whole heartedly agree! Welcome!!!

Great minds think alike - it was through a discussion with a Guest on my trip a couple of weeks ago that prompted me to join this board. Thanks for all the welcome messages - I hope I can be of help.

[ABDguide]

When will we find out the names of our guides? Do we have to wait until we get there?

I think you only find out when you arrive - it may be that your Booking Agent can inform you of their names a few days before you travel, but I don't think they'd know much before that as even our schedules can change at the last moment.

We received the box with our backpacks, luggage tags, and pre-trip booklet. Will receive any other information before we leave?

I believe that is all you get until we meet you in destination when we give you your storybooks etc. As guides we really don't get involved in any of the pre-trip process - we simply get all the information on our guests given to us a few days before the trip starts.

[kamik86]

What adventures have you been a guide for??

I really want to go to Italy so keep thinking about doing an Italy ABD... Of course this has to have 3 normal ABD choices AND the cruise which goes to Italy so that I can't choose!! (not that it matters I have to pay off the DVC we bought a few months ago before I can start saving for this... I'm almost half way done with paying it off though... so maybe in 2 years I can manage it!)

[ABDguide]

What adventures have you been a guide for??

I really want to go to Italy so keep thinking about doing an Italy ABD... Of course this has to have 3 normal ABD choices AND the cruise which goes to Italy so that I can't choose!! (not that it matters I have to pay off the DVC we bought a few months ago before I can start saving for this... I'm almost half way done with paying it off though... so maybe in 2 years I can manage it!)

I can't really openly discuss which tours I have run as there really aren't that many of us guides in each destination and I would rather remain anonymous. All I will say though is that whichever Italy Adventure you choose (or any ABD trip for that fact) you won't be disappointed. Viva Italia is the most popular trip that ABD have, so I would suggest getting a booking in early if you do decide to take it.

[sayhello]

Welcome, ABDGuide! It's great having a Guide presence here to answer questions! I have the deepest respect for all the ABD Guides, and fully believe that it's the Guides who make the trips. The Disney quality is part of it, but it's the Guides who really implement it, and make things special and fun and smooth and easy. So thanks to all of you for what you do!

Sayhello

[rav4lcrv]

Thank you for your thoughts, looking forward to our trip on the Disney Magic in the Med. with the ABD add on. Are most of the Guides from the parks? We took a tour in DL and our guide there told us that a few from DL had gone as guides.

[WeLoveABD]

Here is a topic that has been of some discussion--do the guides prefer tips in US dollars, in the local currency (for foreign travel of course!) or ?? We used to pay tips with Travelers Checks (safer to carry around), and I am leery of carrying around a lot of cash--or hoping to have a working and nearby ATM on or near the last day of the trip. Any helpful advice? Thanks again for coming on board!

[ABDguide]

Thank you for your thoughts, looking forward to our trip on the Disney Magic in the Med. with the ABD add on. Are most of the Guides from the parks? We took a tour in DL and our guide there told us that a few from DL had gone as guides.

Many of the American guides are from the Parks and simply leave their day-time role to run a trip, but not all of them. In Europe guides generally only work for Disney during the ABD season, and then have to find work elsewhere during the off season.

[ABDguide]

Here is a topic that has been of some discussion--do the guides prefer tips in US dollars, in the local currency (for foreign travel of course!) or ?? We used to pay tips with Travelers Checks (safer to carry around), and I am leery of carrying around a lot of cash--or hoping to have a working and nearby ATM on or near the last day of the trip. Any helpful advice? Thanks again for coming on board!

I had seen that was discussed and was waiting for someone to raise the question! I understand that Travellers Checks are safer however many of the guides in Europe (i.e. non-American guides) cannot pay them in at their local bank or have to pay a substantial charge to do so. It is also the case for personal cheques made out to guides in US dollars.

Obviously local currency would be preferred for European guides however dollars are also welcome. I think I have read a suggestion of just leaving any large amounts of cash locked in your room safe which is a great idea - just remember to take it with you if you have more than one hotel on your Adventure!

It should be mentioned that we never expect tips from our Guests and therefore any tips given, in whatever format, are always very welcome when our Guests have had a great Adventure as a result of our involvement.

Edit: I believe that because of the problems European guides have when cashing Travellers Checks, ABD have now removed that from the Storybooks you get at your Welcome Meal as a suggested format for giving tips to guides

[HappyHilda]

Hello! I am heading to Italy in 2 weeks and am trying to select an appropriate power adapter converter. At the risk of sounding technically inept :confused:, I'm not certain what I need. I'll need to charge cell phones, cameras, an iTouch, and things like that. I think I need both the converter and adapter (or a combined unit), correct? Someone also told me I should look for one that can be used for continuous charging. I would very much appreciate any insights from an expert!

[ABDguide]

Hello! I am heading to Italy in 2 weeks and am trying to select an appropriate power adapter converter. At the risk of sounding technically inept :confused:, I'm not certain what I need. I'll need to charge cell phones, cameras, an iTouch, and things like that. I think I need both the converter and adapter (or a combined unit), correct? Someone also told me I should look for one that can be used for continuous charging. I would very much appreciate any insights from an expert!

I'm not sure what you mean by 'continuous charging', but you certainly need a converter rather than just an adapter. Most of the hotels we use have some you can borrow for your stay, although I would not rely on that. Many of the Guides use a block-style adapter/converter as they take any kind of input (e.g. European input, American input etc.) and you can choose which output you want by just moving different selection tabs. I hope that makes sense!

[Diskidatheart]

Hello! I am heading to Italy in 2 weeks and am trying to select an appropriate power adapter converter. At the risk of sounding technically inept :confused:, I'm not certain what I need. I'll need to charge cell phones, cameras, an iTouch, and things like that. I think I need both the converter and adapter (or a combined unit), correct? Someone also told me I should look for one that can be used for continuous charging. I would very much appreciate any insights from an expert!

Hilda, most electronic devices now-a-days do not need a converter, but to be sure, you should be able to see on the back of the device 110 - 220 volts. If it doesn't say this, then you will need the converter also. Be careful when buying an adapter for Italy. We bought an adapter for our trip and it said in small print, good for Europe except Italy. Italy uses a special adapter. Keep in mind that a converter converts the US 100 volt items to 220 volts and that's it. An adapter allows you to plug in your device into the the foreign outlets. Chances are your iTouch does not need a converter. Your cell phones may not either if they are newer but I would check with your provider to be sure. Also, if buying a converter, make sure that it is sufficient for the devices that you are using, such as a hair dryer. If you are using a 1800 watt hair dryer, you will need a converter that is OK for that much wattage. Some hairdryers also have converters built into them as well (we bought a travel sized one for our Italy trip that didn't need a converter and it was $15 at Target). Same with battery chargers, some have a built in converter. We decided to buy a new battery charger because the new one had a converter in it and it was cheaper than an actual converter.

[hushupu]

Wow this is great. I'm sure I will have plenty of questions once I decide on a tour. One thing I was curious about, Is there any formal training for the guides?

[HappyHilda]

ABDguide and Diskidatheart, thanks SO much for the education on converters / adapters! Particularly for the warning about Italy adapters - I'll be sure to get one that is appropriate.

[kristilew]

HappyHilda, to add to the converter discussion - I have yet to find one that works well for flat irons. :confused3 My next overseas trip will include a newly purchased flatiron that can be used with both US and European voltages. If this is something you use, you may want to do the same (who wants bad hair in vacay photos?)

Travel/luggage stores have a good selection of adaptors/converters with clear indications for what countries they work in.

[sayhello]

I bought a converter at AAA, and it worked wonderfully, even with my 1500 watt hairdryer.

Sayhello

[LTFrench]

We only used an adapter in Italy. Most of our things did not say 120/240. My Chi flatiron worked without an issue as did my curling iron and Ion hairdryer. We had no issues, thankfully, LOL!

[HappyHilda]

Wow - kristilew, sayhello and LTFrench, thanks for all the great advice! The phone and camera chargers do say 110-240, so I think I'm okay there. Sounds like there is a visit to AAA or Mori in my very near future!

[mesabravo]

As I'm going on my firt ABD to Germany in Sept, I was wondering a little about what guide are able to help with on pre and post nights. How early do they arrive? Just wondering as we are scheduled for 3 pre and 3 post nights. Thanks a bunch!! Oh, and one more questions, what do the guides like to do on the down time? I mean besides sleep?

[sayhello]

As I'm going on my firt ABD to Germany in Sept, I was wondering a little about what guide are able to help with on pre and post nights. How early do they arrive? Just wondering as we are scheduled for 3 pre and 3 post nights. Thanks a bunch!! Oh, and one more questions, what do the guides like to do on the down time? I mean besides sleep?I don't know for sure, but I highly doubt the Guides will be there 3 days before the trip. They will likely be there the day before, to get things set up. It really depends on what's going on with the trip they are doing before yours. They can definitely make suggestions for you once you meet them. And the same goes for after the trip, as they'll be working on the next trip. I'd plan on making your own plans, and not count on the Guides for pre- and post-days.

And as for "down time", it's been my experience that the Guides don't *have* down time. They are constantly working behind the scenes, making and double-checking arrangements. The only down time they have is if they are not running a tour. At which point, from what I've heard, they try to go home.

Sayhello

[WeLoveABD]

I hear they frequently are drunk and often arrested.

(HA!!! Just kidding!!)

I agree with SayHello that they never seem to stop working.

On our Germany trip (Christmas 2009) our German guide helped us arrange for train tickets to Salzburg during one of our post-tour days, which really helped us out. There are limits to what they can do (sometimes dependent upon the availability of internet access etc)--but I am confident that if there is any way to help out, they will. And at least, they can provide a lot of helpful tips for touring pre or post.

[sayhello]

Bump.

Hey, ABDGuide, do you mind if I make this thread a Sticky? That way, it will be easier for folks & you to find!

Sayhello