Backstage Magic

[YodasMom]

I'm considering doing the Backstage Magic Tour this fall, possibly either the September or October adult only tour since I can apply both the D23 and DVC discounts. I'm traveling solo and the charge to book single is pretty high, so these discounts would help.

Maybe I'm missing something but are there any recent trip reports or informational threads about people's experiences or plans? Just wondering if the tour is the same this year as it was a couple of years ago when I read trip reports? Do you still recommend it as much as before? Any tips or suggestions for plans during or after the trip?

I would like to stay a couple days longer after the tour since I have only been to DL once when I was 16 a long time ago!!! I'm a WDW veteran, though.

The price scares me but with the 2 discounts, I may not be able to get it as low in the future. It's a tour I've wanted to do since ABD started. And, I've not done an ABD tour yet.

Thanks for any suggestions or experiences anyone can share!!!

 

[sayhello]

Here's a Trip Report in the Trip Report Sticky that is from last June:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=45293203&highlight=backstage#post45293203

You may want to also go over to the DIS Exclusive ABD Trips Forum, because a lot of those trips are Backstage Magic trips.

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=184

Also, if you're using the Search function, try looking for BSM, as a lot of the folks here abbreviate it like that.

There's been some tweaking of the trip, but I don't think there's been major changes in the last 2 years. And ABD's Single Supplement is actually on the low side as Single Supplements go. It's usually about 40% of the double occupancy per person price. Sad, but true.

Sayhello

 

[YodasMom]

Thanks for the links! I didn't know there was another forum. I will check it out. I was looking for something closer to 2013.

When I spoke to an ABD rep yesterday, she said the hotel for the Hollywood portion of the tour is now at the Loews. I don't know if this is much different than the Renaissance.

Yes, I'm used to single supplements, but added on to these our prices is going to be a stretch. Looks like it would be worth it though.

Thanks!

 

[sayhello]

Thanks for the links! I didn't know there was another forum. I will check it out. I was looking for something closer to 2013.

The other Forum is strictly for DIS Podcast exclusive trips. But, as I said, a *lot* of those trips are Backstage Magic!

When I spoke to an ABD rep yesterday, she said the hotel for the Hollywood portion of the tour is now at the Loews. I don't know if this is much different than the Renaissance.

Yes, I'm used to single supplements, but added on to these our prices is going to be a stretch. Looks like it would be worth it though.

Thanks!

The Lowes Hollywood Hotel used to be called the Renaissance Hollywood. Same place, new owners.

Sayhello

 

[YxlsMom]

We just went on the tour in February and it was fabulous and worth every penny!

The Loews hotel WAS the Renaissance. It's the same hotel, but got bought out by Loews, so just the names are changed. The location is amazing. It's part of the complex where the Dolby Theatre (where the Oscars are) is.

Our group was not adults-only, but due to the time of year, there were only a few "kids" in the group. The youngest was 12 and the oldest were seniors in high school. There was one woman who traveled on her own like you're planning to do. She was very charming and would join various groups during various parts of the tours. Although, when we started on the first night, we were a bunch of strangers. By the last night, we were all old friends.

The tour is totally worth the money because you get to see so many things that most in the general public never get to see. There were very few areas where we were not allowed to photograph, but our guides took a few pictures there and are sending us a CD with all of the ones they took. (They would also regularly take a large group photo and then individual "family group" photos at special locations too.)

We got to go to several places that were not on our itinerary, but I saw on some trip reports here. I think that a lot of these are based on availability, so they don't want to promise and then disappoint. They will tell you that they have "surprises" because sometimes I don't think they even know for sure.

We got to have breakfast at Club 33 in Disneyland. That was a dream come true for me. I never thought I'd be able to get in there! We got to visit the Disneyland Dream Suite also. And keep your fingers crossed that you'll get to see a celebrity or two!

The trip is exhausting because you go, go, go, from sun-up to sun-down, but it is completely worth it. The food was amazing at the restaurants they took us to. Most of the time, they were buffets.

You will get several fast passes for Disneyland and California Adventure--but only one for Radiator Springs. We hardly used ours because there are not a lot of attractions that take them. The ones they give you are only good for that day, so you can't save them for your days after, but I highly recommend adding on a day or two so you'll have more time to see everything. The parks are relatively small, but there is a lot to do there.

I hope you choose to go and I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time!

 

[YodasMom]

Thanks, "Say Hello" and "YxlsMOM"!!! I did read after I posted that the Renaissance was bought out by Loews. Wow, the location must be amazing! I didn't realize it was where it is.

YxlsMom, your review was really helpful! I'm glad the tour is just as exciting as it sounded like it used to be. And, the fact that you got to have a meal at Club 33 is just awesome. I knew that occasional groups were lucky enough to eat there before, but didn't know if that was still happening at times.

I do plan to schedule this tour and now just need to decide when to do it. I had planned to go to WDW Food and Wine again this year, but maybe I will do this instead.

Thanks again, both of you!!