12 Night China May 15, 2011

[iloveokw]

Just booked my husband and 19 yr old daughter. They are very excited. Has anyone done this trip? Any tips?

 

[smep013]

Congratulations! You are all going to love this trip!

There are a few threads on this board with reviews of the trip - just search for Enchanted China.

My husband and I took the July 3, 2010 trip and had an amazing experience. From the guides to the accommodations to the tours and Disney touches, it was the trip of a lifetime. You will be thrilled.

We are excited for our Adventure this summer - to Peru!!!

 

[2GirlsMama]

I was on this trip last year with smep013 (HI!). She is absolutely right, you are going to have the trip of a lifetime. Just remember to pack some TP and life will be great! We will be glad to answer any questions.

I think there is a tread called China 2010 that had a lot of information, too.

Our family is still debating between Ireland and Germany. I think we are leaning toward Germany today...

 

[jamie@dvcstore]

Hi iloveokw,
Congrats on booking your trip. I apologize I have not been on an ABD trip so I do not have any insight to offer. I just wanted to say have a great time. That is a trip I hope to take one day.

 

[smep013]

Hi 2GirlsMama! We think of you guys often - hope all is well.

Good tip about toilet paper - and bring plenty of antibacterial wipes. I also recommend checking out this website to "assist" in the bathroom... a great trick for us girls! go-girl.com.

Don't take this the wrong way --- I was not sick, but felt I needed these things... you will be fine, but good to have on hand: Pepto (the small dispoable tablets are easy to transport) and Immodium (not sure of the spelling) and cold/sinus meds. Just in case!!!

It was hot, so we were glad we had out hats with us. And umbrellas, though most times our guides / hotels made them available.

If I think of anything else, I'll write again.

 

[disneyphx]

We did the trip too and absolutely loved it! Our 5 year old thinks the only way to go to China is with Adventures by Disney.
I second the tips - having used smep013's umbrellas and rain poncho and 2 Girls Mama's toilet paper!

 

[iloveokw]

Thanks so much for the help.....it is a ways off....but I am already making lists.

 

[lb4747694]

For anyone going to China, the most important word you need to learn is "buyao" pronounced (boo-yow), which means "I don't want" You'll have a lot of entrepreneurial folks coming up to you to try to sell you things.
Don't say anything other than buyao, as they'll take an sort of engagement as interest in their products. They're nothing, if not persistent

Also, when you're on your own, if anyone approaches you and invites you to get some tea or an to go to an art show, don't go with them. It's a scam. Google "tea ceremony scam" and you'll get the picture

Not trying to make you paranoid or anything, it's just that China is a bit overwhelming to the first time visitor and the locals will know how to exploit your politeness.

 

[iloveokw]

Thanks for your help!

 

[wiltwyck]

haven't done it - but it sounds incredible!!

 

[lizavance]

Just booked my husband and 17 yr old daughter. They are very excited. Has anyone done this trip? Any tips?

My husband and I are booked on the same trip after our Egypt trip cancelled. We are soooo excited - watched everything on the History & Travel Channels to learn a little. We look forward to meeting you there!

 

[iloveokw]

Sorry your Egypt trip got cancelled, but glad you booked this one. I am releaved that it is past the 70 Day cancellation date because they are really excited about this trip and these are the only dates they could go!

 

[abdmom]

We went in 2008 and had a great time. I'm thinking of taking my youngest this year. He'll be 6. Last time I just took my 2 oldest and they were 9 1/2 and 12 1/2. For anyone who's taken a younger one to China, how did they do? It will just be me and him, so no other adults to do the wrangling, LOL.

 

[DisFan10]

Just booked my husband and 19 yr old daughter. They are very excited. Has anyone done this trip? Any tips?

We also went in 2008 and had a great time!

At the Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center in Chengdu, we made a donation to the Center for the oppportunity to hold a Panda cub in our lap. It was an amazing (and somewhat surreal) experience...

If they still offer this activity, I highly recommend doing it. It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

 

[lizavance]

We went in 2008 and had a great time. I'm thinking of taking my youngest this year. He'll be 6. Last time I just took my 2 oldest and they were 9 1/2 and 12 1/2. For anyone who's taken a younger one to China, how did they do? It will just be me and him, so no other adults to do the wrangling, LOL.

I have never taken a small child - I have enough trouble wrangling my husband!

 

[roosterandmouse]

We are taking the June 12th departure trip for the 12-day China tour. Our six year old, Emily, who was adopted from China 5 years ago will be with us if you would like to join us.

As of this last weekend, ABD told me that there were 34 booked with numerous kids but none younger than 10, besides Emily.

Emily would enjoy a playmate.

She's a well seasoned traveler, having been on a half-dozen trans-Atlantic flights since we brought her home from China and she had a blast on our ABD Germany trip when she was four.

I am more worried about my wife who gets a little claustrophobic on long flights. We just booked our flights to China and that first day of travel including layovers and connections will be 23 hours for us.

 

[abdmom]

We are taking the June 12th departure trip for the 12-day China tour. Our six year old, Emily, who was adopted from China 5 years ago will be with us if you would like to join us.

As of this last weekend, ABD told me that there were 34 booked with numerous kids but none younger than 10, besides Emily.

Emily would enjoy a playmate.

She's a well seasoned traveler, having been on a half-dozen trans-Atlantic flights since we brought her home from China and she had a blast on our ABD Germany trip when she was four.

I am more worried about my wife who gets a little claustrophobic on long flights. We just booked our flights to China and that first day of travel including layovers and connections will be 23 hours for us.

Unfortunately, school here doesn't get out until the last day of June - and I'm a teacher, so no skipping for me. Have a great time!

 

[lizavance]

We just got our pre-deparure package!!!! Wahoo!!!!

 

[familia]

Congratulations! The Adventures by Disney trips sound amazing and I can only hope we have the chance to take our little ones in the future!

 

[jm-mom]

Have a great trip. China is just awesome. We've been twice to adopt our children and it was nothing short of amazing. A couple of important tips -- don't drink the water, eat ice or even vegetables and fruits washed in water unless your guide feels it's safe. Only buy bottled water from a reputable source. Many street vendors collect water bottles and refill them with tap water and pass them off as new. Also, if you're going to the Forbidden City, read up on it before you go. It will help you understand the beauty and history of what you are seeing. The Forbidden City in the summer can be one of the hottest places on earth so wear a hat or bring a fan or something. They also have very few places to sit down. Don't be afraid to try the Chinese toilets. In some cases that may be all there is and bring t.p. with you when you head out each day. Lastly, enjoy some Chinese foods even if they may not be what you'd normally order at home. Some of the things that look strange are actually very tasty. It will be the trip of a lifetime.