We got back on Tuesday night from Southwest Splendors. This was our third ABD trip and it was every bit as wonderful as the first two. We already have some great trip reports on SWS, so I'll give you the Reader's Digest version.
Our adventure guides, Chris and Tiffany, and motor coach driver, Dan, were awesome. We had a group of 16 - 9 adults and 7 kids, ranging in age from 7 to 16. They were all very nice, well-behaved kids and it was a pleasure traveling with them and their parents. Since the group was small we were able to make a few extra stops that are not typically a part of the itinerary.
The Amara was beautiful and so peaceful. We all had ground floor rooms by the pool. I loved Red Cliffs Lodge. Everyone there was so nice and helpful. Our entire group was upgraded to the cabins by the river. There was a lot more room than we needed for the just the two of us, but it was a wonderful surprise. The Thunderbird was not as nice as the other resorts, of course, but it's definitely worth giving up a little luxury to be able to stay on the rim. I took a walk before breakfast one day and when I stepped out of the room, there was a elk just outside the door grazing in the grass. I had the rim trail almost entirely to myself. And during our free afternoon we were able to use the shuttles to visit several areas of the park and attend some ranger talks. On our Tauck trip to Yosemite last year, the biggest disappointment was the lack of time in Yosemite Valley. Our lodge was just outside one entrance to the park, but it was over an hour drive to Yosemite Valley. So we didn't have much time there and I felt rushed the entire time. Staying in the park is definitely the way to go.
All of the meals we had with the group were very good and actually better than I expected.. We had buffets for breakfast every day and they were all good, even at the Thunderbird, although I'll admit that I had heard so many bad things about the eggs that I didn't have the courage to try them. We were very fortunate to be at Red Cliffs for their Sunday brunch. It was fabulous. Their regular breakfast buffet was very good also. We had some good meals on our own, as well. I recommend the prickly pear ice cream at the Black Cow Cafe in Sedona. It's next door to the Cowboy Club.
The entertainment provided by ABD was excellent, especially the Hopi musicians and dancers at the Grand Canyon. All of the activities with the group were a lot of fun. On our own we did the Hummer tour and ATVs at Moab. Both were great. We did the bus tour at Arches National Park, rather than the Delicate Arch hike, because I knew it was going to be hot and I figured DS would get cranky before it was over. Since our group was small, the guides split up, rather than both guides going on the hike as they usually do. If you're going on SWS and debating whether the Delicate Arch hike is for you, but afraid you'll be missing out by going on the bus tour, let me reassure you that the bus tour is great. We saw 10 arches, I believe. We exited the bus several times and took some shorter hikes up to the arches to see them up close and take photos. The local guide, Preston, was knowledgable and entertaining. I think I made the right choice for us. But the hikers had a good time too.
I'm probably forgetting some things that I meant to tell you all about. Did I mention how fantastic Chris and Tiffany are?
Guess I did, but it can't be said enough. If anybody has any questions, I'll be glad to tell you what I know.
Our adventure guides, Chris and Tiffany, and motor coach driver, Dan, were awesome. We had a group of 16 - 9 adults and 7 kids, ranging in age from 7 to 16. They were all very nice, well-behaved kids and it was a pleasure traveling with them and their parents. Since the group was small we were able to make a few extra stops that are not typically a part of the itinerary.
The Amara was beautiful and so peaceful. We all had ground floor rooms by the pool. I loved Red Cliffs Lodge. Everyone there was so nice and helpful. Our entire group was upgraded to the cabins by the river. There was a lot more room than we needed for the just the two of us, but it was a wonderful surprise. The Thunderbird was not as nice as the other resorts, of course, but it's definitely worth giving up a little luxury to be able to stay on the rim. I took a walk before breakfast one day and when I stepped out of the room, there was a elk just outside the door grazing in the grass. I had the rim trail almost entirely to myself. And during our free afternoon we were able to use the shuttles to visit several areas of the park and attend some ranger talks. On our Tauck trip to Yosemite last year, the biggest disappointment was the lack of time in Yosemite Valley. Our lodge was just outside one entrance to the park, but it was over an hour drive to Yosemite Valley. So we didn't have much time there and I felt rushed the entire time. Staying in the park is definitely the way to go.
All of the meals we had with the group were very good and actually better than I expected.. We had buffets for breakfast every day and they were all good, even at the Thunderbird, although I'll admit that I had heard so many bad things about the eggs that I didn't have the courage to try them. We were very fortunate to be at Red Cliffs for their Sunday brunch. It was fabulous. Their regular breakfast buffet was very good also. We had some good meals on our own, as well. I recommend the prickly pear ice cream at the Black Cow Cafe in Sedona. It's next door to the Cowboy Club.
The entertainment provided by ABD was excellent, especially the Hopi musicians and dancers at the Grand Canyon. All of the activities with the group were a lot of fun. On our own we did the Hummer tour and ATVs at Moab. Both were great. We did the bus tour at Arches National Park, rather than the Delicate Arch hike, because I knew it was going to be hot and I figured DS would get cranky before it was over. Since our group was small, the guides split up, rather than both guides going on the hike as they usually do. If you're going on SWS and debating whether the Delicate Arch hike is for you, but afraid you'll be missing out by going on the bus tour, let me reassure you that the bus tour is great. We saw 10 arches, I believe. We exited the bus several times and took some shorter hikes up to the arches to see them up close and take photos. The local guide, Preston, was knowledgable and entertaining. I think I made the right choice for us. But the hikers had a good time too.
I'm probably forgetting some things that I meant to tell you all about. Did I mention how fantastic Chris and Tiffany are?
Guess I did, but it can't be said enough. If anybody has any questions, I'll be glad to tell you what I know.
Man, that *is* a change! That would have been nice... This trip just gets better & better all the time. I didn't think it was possible! 
). I learned so much on the DIS boards before we went, and chatted a good bit about it afterwards too. I know you've been thinking about it for a long time too - isn't it great when things work out so well? So... what's your next trip?
