ABD Backstage Magic 2/20 - 2/25/11 *** Close to Selling Out***

[planaholic]

I have always wanted to compare the Studios so I'm pretty sure I will wind up going. Let me know if anyone is interested.

JJ,

I *might* consider coming in early to check out the studios. I'm already going on a long-planned trip to Southern California with my sister in December, but US was vetoed from that itinerary.

I have not booked my airfare or looked into additional hotel nights, so that might not pan out. I'm a *bit* (understatement of the year ) overwhelmed at work at the moment, so I'm just pleased I managed to book the tour and send in my forms.

I'll let you know for sure if I'm interested at some point...but I wouldn't let me hold up any planning.

 

[mikelan6]

Just as an FYI, the Hilton at Universal City is at $179.00 for the night of the 19th.

 

[princessbride6205]

Just as an FYI, the Hilton at Universal City is at $179.00 for the night of the 19th.

I've stayed there many times. Just a 5-10 minute walk to City Walk and the park. I've also stayed at the pricier Sheraton next door. Happy to answer questions if anyone has any.

 

[skunkvette]

Cathy and I are considering the Universal Backstage tour on Saturday 2/19.

If anyone else is interested, we will be staying at the Renaissance and will probably have a rental car.

From what I see on their site, a group of six or more gets a 10% discount.

It is not a cheap date, at around $240 a person, but I remember Pete raved about it when he went (last year?).

Anyone else interested?

 

[bkoehl]

Cathy and I are considering the Universal Backstage tour on Saturday 2/19.

If anyone else is interested, we will be staying at the Renaissance and will probably have a rental car.

From what I see on their site, a group of six or more gets a 10% discount.

It is not a cheap date, at around $240 a person, but I remember Pete raved about it when he went (last year?).

Anyone else interested?

Possibly, what time does it start?

 

[skunkvette]

Possibly, what time does it start?

Don't know yet haven't gotten that far, I will give them a call early next week to see what the tour hours are, they are not posted on the site.

Also, I will check on reservation availability/logistics.

 

[mikelan6]

$240 is a bit steep. Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank also has a behind the scenes tour (I did it years ago), and it's $40 per person.

 

[skunkvette]

$240 is a bit steep. Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank also has a behind the scenes tour (I did it years ago), and it's $40 per person.

I should have clarified, $240 is for the VIP (all day) tour which includes meals and backdooring rides at the park.

I need to go into the Podcast achieves and listen to Pete's review of his tour at Universal, I if I remember correctly he took the VIP and said it was worth it.

 

[bkoehl]

I should have clarified, $240 is for the VIP (all day) tour which includes meals and backdooring rides at the park.

I need to go into the Podcast achieves and listen to Pete's review of his tour at Universal, I if I remember correctly he took the VIP and said it was worth it.

My husband said he wanted to do this right after I post so I think we are definitely in for the day. We were thinking of going to Universal anyway and he remembered how much the podcast crew raved about this. If I remember correctly he thought it was betterthan some of the backstage tours at Disney.

ANYWAY, we are in for this!

 

[mikelan6]

Would you all do the Universal tour on Sunday? If Kevin, John, Pete and Walter go, I'd go as well.

 

[bkoehl]

So called on times for the Universal Tour. Usually starts around 10 or 10:30AM and lasts 6-6 1/2 hrs. 2-2 1/2 hrs on the movie set, rest in the theme park.

What time do we have to be at the hotel on Sunday? Would we have enough time to do this then? We might be interested for Sunday if it works out better for people for the group discount. It will probably make Sunday a little hectic though depending on what time we have to meet the group.

 

[skunkvette]

What time do we have to be at the hotel on Sunday? Would we have enough time to do this then? We might be interested for Sunday if it works out better for people for the group discount. It will probably make Sunday a little hectic though depending on what time we have to meet the group.

The group meets for the start of the adventure late in the afternoon/early evening in the hotel. I want to say that I remember it being 5:30 or 6PM.

You do need to check in with ABD prior to the first meet, not sure how flexible that is. The ABD check in was in the hotel lobby.

Cathy and I would go on the Universal tour either Saturday or Sunday - whichever might work better for a group event.

 

[bkoehl]

I emailed Kevin about times, here's what he said:

"ABD requests that you check in between 3 and 4pm.

The guides will be in the lobby and they will ask you to choose your lunch
at the Henson Studios.

The Welcome reception and dinner starts at approximately 5:45."

Skunkvette mentioned that check in may be flexible but I think my husband and I will just plan on going on Saturday if anyone wants to join. Seems rushed to do it on Sunday.

 

[skunkvette]

Not sure if ABD is flexible on the check in, I do know it was extremely casual.

It went like this:

"We state our names"

"Okay,here are your room keys, see the hotel desk clerk if you want to extend credit card charging to your room and what do you want for lunch tomorrow"

That was it.

We can go either day, but agree Sunday may be rushed to get back to the hotel.

Frank

 

[DisneyKevin]

Hi Folks,

I dont know how many of you know what has been going on during the last two weeks, but I have some information to share.

Approximately 2 weeks ago, someone on the ABD Board asked if the ticket included in the BSM Adventure was a three or a four day ticket. After some discussion , it was pointed out that the ABD website stated a 3 day ticket.

After several phone calls where I was told it was a 4 day ticket, someone finally checked and I was told that it would be a three day ticket.

I have made phone calls, complained to anyone that will listen and written a letter.

I am happy to say that I got a call from Disney / ABD letting me know that everyone traveling on a 2011 Backstage Magic Adventure will definitely receive a 4 day park hopper ticket as part of the package.

There is a small change and it might affect some of you.

ABD has changed their policy regarding transfers on the day of departure.

As of now, the final transfer from the Disneyland Resort to the airport on the last day of the Adventure, will be at 4:00pm.

ABD asks that your departing flight be no later than 7:00pm.

I realize that some of you have already booked airfare based on old information.

If this is the case and you have questions or concerns, please email me at Kevin@DreamsUnlimitedTravel.com.

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[mikelan6]

Thanks, Kevin. My flight departs around noon from LAX, so the 7:00 PM deadline won't affect me. I don't know if I will get to use the fourth day ticket, though. Oh well.

 

[planaholic]

Thank you so much Kevin for your valiant fight for our extra day!

ABD asks that your departing flight be no later than 7:00pm.

Do they not want our flights later than 7pm because the latest they will take us over there is 4pm? This may seem like a silly question, but why would they care if my flight was at 10pm as long as I didn't expect a transfer after 4pm? Couldn't I just a.) choose to wait a long time at LAX or b.) arrange my own transportation to LAX?

I just want to make sure there isn't some other magical reason why the flights should not be after 7pm.

- Lindsay

 

[DisneyKevin]

Do they not want our flights later than 7pm because the latest they will take us over there is 4pm? This may seem like a silly question, but why would they care if my flight was at 10pm as long as I didn't expect a transfer after 4pm? Couldn't I just a.) choose to wait a long time at LAX or b.) arrange my own transportation to LAX?

I just want to make sure there isn't some other magical reason why the flights should not be after 7pm.

- Lindsay

ABD always leaves 3 hours between your departure from the DLR to LAX.

If you are willing to wait or schedule your own transfers, then I'm sure ABD will be alreight with that.

 

[princessbride6205]

Kevin - thank you so much for following up with ABD on this and helping to change their minds about the 3 vs. 4 day passes.

 

[bannermouse]

Thank you Kevin for your successful efforts to get the pass to be a four day pass! We plan to fly back home Saturday so the extra day will definitely help.

Bannermouse