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

[Yvet]

This is what Kathy replied to my shuttle tip in our ADB thread:

Super Shuttle can be a pain when it stops to pick up more people. I highly recommend the Disneyland bus by Gray Line to get to DL and back!!!! It is so easy and much better than being cramped in a van.

http://www.coachamerica.com/graylineanaheim/tours_shuttles.cfm

 

[stitchlover]

Besides the point, I don't know if I want to be in Hollywood that night. LOL. I've always wanted to visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, so I might drive up there. I am renting a car when I arrive.

Another option might be to visit Universal, which I have not been in a long time.

Sounds like you have some good ideas. I have heard wonderful things about the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library but I think I might be a little too nervous to rent a car and drive out there. Why? I don't know. I grew up driving in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex which isn't exactly easy.

I have a friend who is living out there now (until late November) and he was going on and on about Universal when I saw him this past Sunday for lunch.

Sounds like you have some decisions to make Michael!

I had been chatting with Nancy Johnson about maybe getting together Saturday evening if I came out early. Nikki and I were "along for the ride" via Facebook as she was picking up dinner from a food truck last night and we talked about maybe going to grab a bite to eat if I come in a day early.

So I guess I have some decisions to make too!

 

[stitchlover]

Maybe with everyone's help, we can talk her into riding Space Mountain (she hasn't ridden Space Mountain in WDW in many years).
Bannermouse

Then we need to get Rose on Space Mountain. It is WONDERFUL at Disneyland. Not to be missed. My daughter hates Space Mountain at WDW but loves the one at DL and she really isn't a big coaster fan. She will ride Big Thunder Mountain. But she won't ride Everest, Rockin' Rollercoaster, Tower of Terror. None of the big ones. So if she will ride Space Mountain at DL you know it's good!

 

[bannermouse]

Thanks, Rose won't ride Everest or Rockin Rollercoaster in WDW, but she does right Thunder Mountain and Tower of Terror, so maybe we can convince her to ride Space Mountain in Disneyland.

bannermouse

 

[bannermouse]

Thanks Yvet for the update on the shuttle service. I will look at both companies and than decide which to use.

Bannermouse

 

[stitchlover]

Have no idea if you would be interested in this but when we went to DL in 2008 we used a car service. My husband isn't really a "people person" (notice who is NOT going on this tour ) and the shuttle just wanted his type thing.

Here is the information: Go Sedan Cars 800.991.RIDE Their pricing includes Tax and TIP. They take care of the tip. They meet you at the baggage claim area with a sign and the driver takes your bags to the car and loads them and unloads them at the hotel for you.

I called and for 2 people TO the Renaissance is:
$77.88 for a Chrysler 300
$89.68 for a Lincoln Town car

For 2 people FROM Grand Californian to LAX is:
$94.40 for a Chrysler 300
$106.20 for a Lincoln Town Car

We did the Chrysler 300 and there was 3 of us with LOTS of luggage and we had plenty of room.

Like I said I know it might not be for everyone and I'm sure the shuttle is must more reasonably priced. But just in case anyone else is interested in another transportation type.

 

[bannermouse]

Thanks for the latest update Suzette. I will just have more choices to choose between...

Bannermouse

 

[bkoehl]

So excited! Finally convinced my husband to do this an just sent my reservation in...hope there are still 2 spots available!!!

 

[princessbride6205]

Welcome! I'll bet there are still 2 spots.
I did not convince my husband to do the trip, but I did convince him to let me go solo!

 

[bkoehl]

Welcome! I'll bet there are still 2 spots.
I did not convince my husband to do the trip, but I did convince him to let me go solo!

Yes, solo was my next angle if he didn't give in!

 

[Merry Mousketeer]

Hello and welcome to our newest ABD travelers!

I haven't read any past trip reports because I really want to experience this trip with fresh eyes and no expectations. However, if you have access to the Fall 2010 issue of D23 magazine with Tangled (Rapunzel) on the cover, there is an interesting behind-the-scenes article on the Imagineering campus. After reading the article, I am even more excited about our trip!

I'm not a D23 member this year, but I purchase the magazine at Borders and Barnes & Noble.

See ya real soon!

Michael

 

[mikelan6]

Did everyone receive their ABD paperwork yet? My roommate, stitchlover said she got hers, but I haven't yet ... not that I'm worried or anything.

 

[Plutes]

Did everyone receive their ABD paperwork yet? My roommate, stitchlover said she got hers, but I haven't yet ... not that I'm worried or anything.

Mike, we got ours right away - just a couple of days after booking! Maybe you should check with Kevin...

 

[stitchlover]

Michael,
Definitely check with Kevin because one portion of the paperwork says if they don't receive it back in 14 days they will assume you have cancelled. Not that you are approaching your 14 days but you might want to follow up on it. I'm dropping my initial set back in the mail this afternoon when I got back into town near the post office.

Suzette

 

[DisneyKevin]

Folks....please do not worry about that 14 day thing.

Consider that a non-issue. Send your forms back in a timely fashion, but dont fret.

Mike...I'm checking with ABD now.

I'm typing while I'm on hold.

 

[stitchlover]

Kevin,
Do you sometimes groan and say oh my goodness these people are getting on my nerves?

 

[DisneyKevin]

Kevin,
Do you sometimes groan and say oh my goodness these people are getting on my nerves?

Not at all.

No complaints here.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Folks....please do not worry about that 14 day thing.

Consider that a non-issue. Send your forms back in a timely fashion, but dont fret.

Mike...I'm checking with ABD now.

I'm typing while I'm on hold.

I love getting to quote myself.....

I've spoken with ABD and they tell me the paperwork went out on 8/17.

I've been asked to wait a few days and if it doesnt show up, let them know and they will send another set.

Mike...just drop me an email if you dont get them by Wednesday or so.

Thanks.

 

[bannermouse]

Kevin,
Do you sometimes groan and say oh my goodness these people are getting on my nerves?

I hope it is only "sometimes" I can see him asking himself: "Why did we schedule 3 ABD trips for next year, why did we schedule 3 ABD trip for next year, why did we schedule 3 ABD trips for next year?" as a mantra, saying it over and over and over again.

Bannermouse

 

[princessbride6205]

I received my paperwork on Friday.

Did everyone decide on their trip insurance? I have never purchased trip insurance before, but will probably do so this time. I checked out the "Insure My Trip" website and read the paperwork in the packet from ABD.

Mouseketeer Michael - I may have to pick up a copy of that D23 magazine you mentioned.

I read one or two trip reports, but after the 2nd one, was worried about magic spoilage. As much as I want to keep reading, I know I need to step away from the TRs!

The only thing I'm nervous about is that they said on the podcast that ABD may make some tweaks to the adventure for 2011. One of the things that is not on the published itineraries is the park where they visit the Carrolwood Pacific train. If that's gone, it's not a deal-breaker or a trip-ruiner by any means, but I would really love to see it.