San Francisco and Napa Long Weekend (formerly DVC only) Meets Thread

[sayhello]

Please post here if you would like to talk with anyone else who has signed up to travel to San Francisco and Napa with ABD.

You can also share information/ask questions about the San Francisco and Napa Long Weekend ABD.

Please try and keep this thread on topic to discussion and questions about this ABD. Off topic posts will be deleted or moved.

Thanks!
Sayhello

Roll Call:

Previous:

• Jul 10 - 12, 2014
  • - bliscum
  • - rav4lcrv & ??
• Aug 13 - 16, 2015
  • - Anonymousegirl (Lori) & DH (Trevor)
  • - AlwaysPlanning (Ann), DM/DGma (Marilyn) & DD's (Emma & KK)
  • - thedistraveler & DH
  • - Kindra657 (Kindra)
  Sep 3 - 6, 2015 - calypso726 &

 

[Computer Magic]

Since I'm not DVC, I can't go on this trip. I hope they take time to visit Walt Disney Family museum. This is a must see for anyone in SF. I was able to visit in 2012 during the DCL Pixar Cruise when a port. Another fun port exclusion was John Lasseter family winery.

 

[bliscum]

This ABD does include the Disney family vault plus vineyard started by Diane Disney miller.

 

[bliscum]

I have signed up for the July 10-12 trip. It is just me traveling. Anyone else going?

 

[Cousin Orville]

Sorry not us. We're not DVC. We are planning on going to Napa in the fall on our own. Should be lots of fun. I hope you'll consider reporting back. Of the 2 ABD's I've done, I've only met one other diser. I'm a little surprised considering how few other internet resources discuss ABD.

 

[alagille]

Sorry not us. We're not DVC. We are planning on going to Napa in the fall on our own. Should be lots of fun. I hope you'll consider reporting back. Of the 2 ABD's I've done, I've only met one other diser. I'm a little surprised considering how few other internet resources discuss ABD.

On that note, Cousin, I would love it if you would share what you've found. ABD on DIS is very quiet and I would love to know what other sites share ABD feedback, reports, insight, etc.

 

[alagille]

Sorry not us. We're not DVC. We are planning on going to Napa in the fall on our own. Should be lots of fun. I hope you'll consider reporting back. Of the 2 ABD's I've done, I've only met one other diser. I'm a little surprised considering how few other internet resources discuss ABD.

Sorry, just read the first post, maybe start another thread with info about ABD sites available in the internet.

 

[Cousin Orville]

Over the last year I've become somewhat of an ABD-aholic. "Hello my name is CO, and I'm an ABDaholic." As much as I've tried to find additional resources or trip reports out there, there really aren't many. The only thing I've found of mild interest are a few ABD reports and interviews on YouTube. Hopefully this forum will continue to grow.

 

[alagille]

Well, I booked my first ABD in the west (no, not SF,napa) this summer to see the red rocks and Indians. I'm so excited I can't STAND it! my boys will be 8& 5.5 so, I'm coming to the ABD daily just to see if someone might have whispered a new tidbit about a trip, any trip. With only maybe another 32-34 people on my trip, I know it is slim to no chance of meeting them. No one on my rollcall yet for my trip. I have gotten so used to the DCL forum that it has spoiled me.

 

[nunzia]

I was excited to see this offered, and being DVC was considering it. However, I find the itinerary a little lacking. I'd like to visit Silverado vineyard, but wish they had Lasseter winery in there too. I visited there already on a Cruise excursion and would like to go again. I was also hoping a Pixar studios visit would be included. That would seal the deal for me.

 

[sayhello]

Over the last year I've become somewhat of an ABD-aholic. "Hello my name is CO, and I'm an ABDaholic." As much as I've tried to find additional resources or trip reports out there, there really aren't many. The only thing I've found of mild interest are a few ABD reports and interviews on YouTube. Hopefully this forum will continue to grow.

There's been a huge lack of trip Reports for ABD. I've done a lot of searching, also. There was one blog that had a couple, but they are YEARS old, and only for a couple of trips. Even when ABD tried to start a website, it ended up being the mod posting questions and only a few folks answering. Should I do that to kickstart the Forum? I've warned people that ABD's are addictive! But do they listen to me? If I had more vacation time, I'd be taking even more of them.

Well, I booked my first ABD in the west (no, not SF,napa) this summer to see the red rocks and Indians. I'm so excited I can't STAND it! my boys will be 8& 5.5 so, I'm coming to the ABD daily just to see if someone might have whispered a new tidbit about a trip, any trip. With only maybe another 32-34 people on my trip, I know it is slim to no chance of meeting them. No one on my rollcall yet for my trip. I have gotten so used to the DCL forum that it has spoiled me.

The Forum should pick up a bit when we get closer to the summer, and people are actually getting ready for, and taking their trips. It is, unfortunately, a rarity to have DISers on an ABD with you (unless you're doing one of the newer trips, or something like Backstage Magic or a DIS Exclusive trip). I've taken 5 ABD's, and except for the DIS exclusive trip, I've only had 2 other DISers on my trips (one on the Med cruise and one on my Greece trip.) It's definitely not like the DCL forum. But then, the numbers are way smaller. 40-ish people on an ABD vs thousands on a cruise. The odds are a bit against it.

I was excited to see this offered, and being DVC was considering it. However, I find the itinerary a little lacking. I'd like to visit Silverado vineyard, but wish they had Lasseter winery in there too. I visited there already on a Cruise excursion and would like to go again. I was also hoping a Pixar studios visit would be included. That would seal the deal for me.

Could you (or any DVC member) please post the itinerary? I'm curious to know what it covers, but that's not something those of us who aren't DVC can see.

Thanks!
Sayhello

 

[bliscum]

ABD definitely is addictive. This will be my tenth excursion.

 

[nunzia]

tinerary: Day 1
Breakfast at The Fairmont Hotel San Francisco
Meet your fellow Adventurers in the Crown Room at the top of the Fairmont for a hearty breakfast and unparalleled views of the city, the East Bay, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge before setting off on your first day of adventures in San Francisco.

Guided Tour of the Bay
Board a motorized trolley car and head over to historic Fisherman's Wharf where you'll saddle up for a bike tour along the edge of the bay and into the Presidio. On the way you'll stop at the Palace of Fine Arts and then peddle on to Fort Point.

Lunch in San Francisco
After working up an appetite, enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the city's celebrated dining establishments.

Afternoon On Your Own
Stroll through the vibrant historic districts, famed museums and world-class shops of San Francisco that await your attention.

Dinner at Waterbar
Savor the flavors of some of San Francisco's freshest seafood and other regional fare at this stunning restaurant that features gorgeous panoramic views of Treasure Island and the Oakland Bay Bridge.
Accommodations: The Fairmont San Francisco Hotel |Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerItinerary: Day 2
Napa Valley
Enjoy breakfast on your own before you set out across the Bay Bridge and travel into the vineyard-draped scenery of breathtaking Napa Valley.

Silverado Vineyards in Napa Valley
Visit one of Napa Valley's finest vineyards, home to some of the region's award-winning wines and co-founded by Diane Disney Miller. Tour the winery and the beautiful barrel room, a magnificent wooden structure resembling an inverted boat hull. Adults will enjoy a wine-blending lesson while Junior Adventurers will take part in a hands-on olive oil infusion experience.

Lunch at the Vineyard
Sit down for a mouthwatering catered lunch served family platter style and featuring gourmet Napa influences. You'll eat at the winery overlooking the scenic valley.

Muir Woods National Monument
Take a stroll amongst the tallest living creatures on Earth on the boardwalk built through the magnificent redwood trees at Muir Woods National Monument. Escorted by your Adventure Guides, you'll experience the natural beauty and wonder of the giant redwoods.

Dinner On Your Own in San Francisco
Fog City and all its local fare is yours to savor as you explore San Francisco and its amazing culinary flavors. Be sure to ask your Adventure Guides for their restaurant recommendations as well.
Accommodations: The Fairmont San Francisco Hotel |Meals included: LunchItinerary: Day 3
Angel Island State Park and Guided Tour
Start your day with a ferry ride to Angel Island where you'll enjoy a guided tour of this state park on the largest island in the Bay area. You'll learn about its past as a U.S. immigration station, which earned it the nickname of the "Ellis Island of the West." You'll enjoy expansive views of the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz and the United States Immigration Station from the comfort of an open-air tram.

Picnic Lunch on Angel Island
Catch up with your fellow Adventurers and enjoy a catered picnic lunch surrounded by the beauty of the island.

Ferry to Tiburon and Afternoon On Your Own at the Hotel
Depart Angel Island for Tiburon via ferry before heading back to the hotel where you can relax and prepare for a very special evening.

Farewell Dinner at the Presidio Social Club
Relive your adventures over contemporary culinary twists on San Francisco's most popular dishes at the iconic Presidio Social Club. This former military barracks is now a modern eatery with a distinct Northern California vibe.

Walt Disney Family Museum Private After-Hours Tour
Cherish a private behind-the-magic tour of the Walt Disney Family Museum, where you'll learn about the life and genius of the man-behind-the-mouse, Walt Disney, through interactive exhibits and a screening of a Disney short.
Accommodations: The Fairmont San Francisco Hotel |Meals included: Lunch and DinnerItinerary: Day 4
Breakfast on Your Own
Enjoy breakfast on your own before bidding a fond farewell to your fellow Adventurers.

 

[Cousin Orville]

I'm a bit surprised they're only going to Silverado. I guess they are a bit limited since it's a family trip.

 

[sayhello]

Thanks for posting the itinerary. It looks nice, especially for such a short trip. And I love the Fairmont!

Sayhello

 

[rav4lcrv]

We have done Alaska cruise & Med. cruise with ABD and enjoyed both very much, looking forward to booking this one

 

[rav4lcrv]

Booked the July 10-July 12 trip with a pre day at the Hotel. Was surprised the 2 previous trips we took with ABD add on to cruise do not count as an actual ABD trip.

 

[sayhello]

Booked the July 10-July 12 trip with a pre day at the Hotel. Was surprised the 2 previous trips we took with ABD add on to cruise do not count as an actual ABD trip.

I've added you to the rollcall in the first post. Looks like you're on the same trip with DISer bliscum.

Do you want to list the rest of you party?

I'm not sure what you mean when you say "the 2 previous trips we took with ABD add on to cruise do not count as an actual ABD trip."

Sayhello

 

[rav4lcrv]

Sayhello, We were told our previous trips do not count as total ABD trip since they were an add on to the cruise, so don't know if we earn points or what. For roll call it will be: DW -Jeri-58 & Myself- Gary 61

 

[Bobo912]

The only perks I've received as a returning guests is the $100 discount and the insider pins. If you're not eligible for that after you spent thousands on 2 ABD add-ons, that a bit ridiculous.