ABD China 2017

[sayhello]

I changed the ending of my trip after reading through all the messages on this forum. I agree with sayhello that too much time would be spent in transit by moving on the last night instead of just staying put at the Peninsula, so I'm going to do the add-on there and forget about the second day at Shanghai Disneyland. With the Fastpasses, I think we can cover the highlights during our time at the park with ABD. I booked the Water Town Visit and Courtyard Life Style Experience at Jinze Water Village on Cousin Orville's recommendation for June 15th; the tour looks amazing! At night, I have reservations for the Old Jazz Bar at the Fairmont on the Bund, with lunch the next day at M before flying home. Can't wait!!

I saw you guys discussing the water towns. Guess I need to do some Googling, because I have no idea what those are.

I, unfortunately, am leaving EARLY on the 16th, so there's no leisurely morning for me!! I *hate* early morning flights, but it was really the only decent option Cathay Pacific had. At least I don't have to worry about getting myself to the airport!

Sayhello

 

[Karen Stevan]

It's kind of funny thinking of Southern California as "International study", but, duh, for you guys, it is!
Sayhello

Yes it is....what was funny for me was hearing another person on our Southwest Splendors tour refer to my son and I as "foreigners". I hadn't thought of it that way before but we are! Because Michael identifies as American with his occupation and social network being based in the U.S. and the appreciation he's had for American culture since middle school, I expect he finds the distinction even stranger. Hopefully, everyone will embrace a couple of Canadians joining the tour. We'll have fun, eh?

 

[sayhello]

Yes it is....what was funny for me was hearing another person on our Southwest Splendors tour refer to my son and I as "foreigners". I hadn't thought of it that way before but we are! Because Michael identifies as American with his occupation and social network being based in the U.S. and the appreciation he's had for American culture since middle school, I expect he finds the distinction even stranger. Hopefully, everyone will embrace a couple of Canadians joining the tour. We'll have fun, eh?

I'm sure we'll manage somehow!

Sayhello

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

My physician told me to get the Hep A and B shot, which is done now and again in one month to give me immunity during the trip. For lifetime immunity, there's a third booster in six months. I am encouraging Michael to go Monday to a travel vaccination clinic to get the Twinrix vaccine covering both of these, with his second shot on May 31st or June 1st.

My doctor also advised me to get the typhoid vaccine because we're going to some smaller places like Yangshao. That vaccination is a real pain and I don't know if Michael will bother with it. You have to keep it in the fridge and take it orally on an empty stomach (one hour no food before, two hours no food after) four times, every second day, over eight days. I have one more dose to go tomorrow. As long as you complete the cycle one week prior to departure, i.e., May 28th, you are immune.

Karen, I just want to thank you again for mentioning the vaccine issue. My husband and I have been scrambling, but we are getting our second Hep A and Hep B right before we leave, MMR boosters, tetanus shots, and the kids are currently taking the typhoid pills--their pediatrician recommended the pills above the shot for longer immunity. As the typhoid pills require a doctor prescription, my husband and I are either going to do the shot or just not get that one. (The other shots you can just go to Walgreens to get). If you hadn't mentioned this though neither of us would have had the Hep A, which *all* of our doctors have said we definitely should have. I'm actually very disappointed that ABD did not send anything mentioning that the CDC recommends certain vaccines for travel to China and that you should leave plenty of time to get immunizations. I didn't see anything in the emails they sent. SayHello found something on the website, but that hardly seems sufficient. Calfan mentioned that Thompson had sent a booklet of information with vaccine info for their trip to China! I'm going to send them feedback on the issue, but so glad you posted about this.

 

[sayhello]

Karen, I just want to thank you again for mentioning the vaccine issue. My husband and I have been scrambling, but we are getting our second Hep A and Hep B right before we leave, MMR boosters, tetanus shots, and the kids are currently taking the typhoid pills--their pediatrician recommended the pills above the shot for longer immunity. As the typhoid pills require a doctor prescription, my husband and I are either going to do the shot or just not get that one. (The other shots you can just go to Walgreens to get). If you hadn't mentioned this though neither of us would have had the Hep A, which *all* of our doctors have said we definitely should have. I'm actually very disappointed that ABD did not send anything mentioning that the CDC recommends certain vaccines for travel to China and that you should leave plenty of time to get immunizations. I didn't see anything in the emails they sent. SayHello found something on the website, but that hardly seems sufficient. Calfan mentioned that Thompson had sent a booklet of information with vaccine info for their trip to China! I'm going to send them feedback on the issue, but so glad you posted about this.

I second this, @Karen Stevan!! Vaccines were totally not on my radar, and it was your mentioning it that made it click that maybe that was something I needed to check into. I also have an appointment for the second Hep A & Hep B shots just before we leave, and am getting the Typhoid shot from a local travel clinic that my doctor recommended. So I should be all set, thanks to you!

CaliforniaGirl09, I wonder if the stuff about vaccines will be in our box when it arrives? In other words, totally useless...

Sayhello

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

CaliforniaGirl09, I wonder if the stuff about vaccines will be in our box when it arrives? In other words, totally useless...
Sayhello

I had the same thought, LOL! Still no box for us 4 weeks out now. I sent ABD an email through the website and said they should send something about immunizations out 7 months ahead. That would have given us the full immunity time for the Hep A & B.

This kind of thing really makes me appreciate the experience I had with Nat Geo and what Calfan had with Thompson. Their pre-trip contact is MUCH more personal, and you get a lot more useful information up front. Any time I had a question for NatGeo, I had someone to contact and she was also great at making sure we had things taken care of, etc. For the amount of money I'm paying for this trip, there should be at least some personal pre-trip hand-holding/contact. Even a single call to follow up on everything and make sure we have everything done would have been appreciated. A pre-trip checklist for each specific trip would definitely be useful. But that's probably in the box, too!

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

Bang head. I just received a totally non-responsive email to my note to ABD I replied and hopefully they'll do better on the next.

 

[AlixaLock]

We are so excited for our upcoming trip. We leave for Hong Kong on June 21st and our ABD portion starts not the 25th. We've got dinner reservations, shots arranged, extra days and tours arranged. My mind is turning to packing. We are a family of 3--myself, my husband and my 9 year old daughter and I'm wondering what people are planning to bring luggage-wise. I'm thinking of investing in a new backpack for touring, but I'm stuck on what to use as the carry on... and what will we do with all those souvenirs! LOL

 

[Cousin Orville]

We are so excited for our upcoming trip. We leave for Hong Kong on June 21st and our ABD portion starts not the 25th. We've got dinner reservations, shots arranged, extra days and tours arranged. My mind is turning to packing. We are a family of 3--myself, my husband and my 9 year old daughter and I'm wondering what people are planning to bring luggage-wise. I'm thinking of investing in a new backpack for touring, but I'm stuck on what to use as the carry on... and what will we do with all those souvenirs! LOL

Remember you'll (most likely) get the duffle from ABD to help with some souvenirs (or dirty laundry).

Where do you have dinner reservations?

 

[Karen Stevan]

We are so excited for our upcoming trip. We leave for Hong Kong on June 21st and our ABD portion starts not the 25th. We've got dinner reservations, shots arranged, extra days and tours arranged. My mind is turning to packing. We are a family of 3--myself, my husband and my 9 year old daughter and I'm wondering what people are planning to bring luggage-wise. I'm thinking of investing in a new backpack for touring, but I'm stuck on what to use as the carry on... and what will we do with all those souvenirs! LOL

The "unique" things I'm packing for this trip are: prepackaged tissues, DEET repellant, glasses prescription, light rain gear, electric adaptor, sunglasses and sunscreen, hydrocortisone cream for insect bites, smog mask, walking shoes with grip, small backpack, hat, moisturizer, Frogg Togg chilly pads (I think). I am expecting hot, wet weather for early June, bugs and questionable air quality.

I got a concierge to take care of the Visas for Michael and myself. I am crossing my fingers it will all proceed smoothly. I ordered my currency today, getting a mixture of USD (for the tips mostly), HKD and Yuan.

What is everyone doing about phone plans? Michael has AT & T, but I am challenged calling him from Canada at the best of times the service is so wonky! I was hoping not even to turn my phone on and just go rogue!!

Wish I had time to learn Mandarin, but I don't see a window!

 

[AlixaLock]

Remember you'll (most likely) get the duffle from ABD to help with some souvenirs (or dirty laundry).

Where do you have dinner reservations?

Thank you! In Hong Kong we have reservations at Ming Court and Nobu. In Shanghai, we are going to Mr and Mrs. Bund for our anniversary dinner. We are also planning an additional day in Shanghai Disney doing a VIP tour and will book dinner there when the 45 day reservation window opens up soon. We are still working on Beijing ... recommendations welcome on all front!

Jen

 

[AlixaLock]

The "unique" things I'm packing for this trip are: prepackaged tissues, DEET repellant, glasses prescription, light rain gear, electric adaptor, sunglasses and sunscreen, hydrocortisone cream for insect bites, smog mask, walking shoes with grip, small backpack, hat, moisturizer, Frogg Togg chilly pads (I think). I am expecting hot, wet weather for early June, bugs and questionable air quality.

I got a concierge to take care of the Visas for Michael and myself. I am crossing my fingers it will all proceed smoothly. I ordered my currency today, getting a mixture of USD (for the tips mostly), HKD and Yuan.

What is everyone doing about phone plans? Michael has AT & T, but I am challenged calling him from Canada at the best of times the service is so wonky! I was hoping not even to turn my phone on and just go rogue!!

Wish I had time to learn Mandarin, but I don't see a window!

Thank you! Phone plans are next on my list, we are AT&T as well, but my husband has another service selected for his work phones. Hopefully, something will work ... or not and we'll just disconnect! LOL

I am prepping for super hot and wet weather ... extra socks are a must! I'm also planning to put together a little first aid kit in the event of colds or other ailments ... I always find these things daunting to purchase overseas, even in english, and I am lost in Mandarin. We brought Frogg Toggs to WDW in August last year and loved having them. Maybe will throw a few in for this trip, thanks for the recommendation!

 

[AlixaLock]

We're staying 2 extra nights in Shanghai. For one of the days we're taking a private tour out to the Shanghai water towns.

There are several options, but we booked a tour with Miki, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g308272-d2522351-Reviews-Miki_Tours-Shanghai.html

Seeing a water town was something I really wanted to do on my 2014 visit, but didn't have a change.

I would strongly recommend spending just a little bit of time at night and walk along the Bund promenade. That gives you the awesome view over the river to Pudong. Certainly that and Hong Kong are 2 of the most spectacular skylines to see at night anywhere. Shanghai was my favorite skyline. Absolutely spectacular.

Thanks for this recommendation as well! We booked the all-day Tongli Watertown Tour with Miki for one of our post-trip days!

 

[Karen Stevan]

Thank you! In Hong Kong we have reservations at Ming Court and Nobu. In Shanghai, we are going to Mr and Mrs. Bund for our anniversary dinner. We are also planning an additional day in Shanghai Disney doing a VIP tour and will book dinner there when the 45 day reservation window opens up soon. We are still working on Beijing ... recommendations welcome on all front!
Jen

We booked the Symphony of Lights Harbor Cruise in HongKong for our first night. I am assuming we have enough time after the welcome dinner to get to the dock for departure at 7:45 PM.

I found Beijing super challenging to figure out for evening dining because our hotel doesn't seem to be near the best district for nightlife. Based on my research, night one we would take three subways to Baodu Huang at 15 Dongzhimenwai Dajie for noodles (green sign with four yellow characters), and then over to Great Leap Brewing at Ziming Mansion Unit 101, which looked like an interesting spot to hang out.

Day two I wanted to go to the Panjiayuan Market, and then subway to Najia Xiaoguan, 10 Yong'an Xili for Manchu cuisine.

In Chengdu, we're having dinner at the hotel for now.

I am going to also take into account any suggestions from our guides. Neither Beijing restaurant appears to take reservations, and I was astonished trying to book dining at the Disney resorts to discover the agents speak only very broken English. I think it will be quite the experience but I can always dust off my universally appealing pantomime skills!

 

[Cousin Orville]

Thank you! In Hong Kong we have reservations at Ming Court and Nobu. In Shanghai, we are going to Mr and Mrs. Bund for our anniversary dinner. We are also planning an additional day in Shanghai Disney doing a VIP tour and will book dinner there when the 45 day reservation window opens up soon. We are still working on Beijing ... recommendations welcome on all front!

Jen

I'm still looking myself.

HK:

Possibly Lung King Heen - a top 100 restaurant and #17 in Asia.
There are also several small, casual restaurants specializing in a specific HK style that I'm interested in:
Tim Ho Wan - west of Mongkok (there are several around HK) - Michelin starred. BBQ pork bun, dim sum
Chee Kei - near Peninsula. Wonton noodles soup
Tai Cheong Bakery - HK Island - sells egg tarts
Yat Lok - HK Island - BBQ goose -Michelin starred

Many of these don't take reservations, so where we go probably will depend on where we are in HK at the time. I haven't eaten at any of them, but the reviews on line and on youtube look good.

Shanghai:

We're also looking at Mr and Mrs Bund

Beijing:

My two favorites were Huang Ting for Peking duck and Capital M. It was very nice and had a lovely view. Pictures are buried somewhere in my trip report.

This time we're looking at Capital M, Lost Heaven, and Country Kitchen at the Rosewood. I'm also looking forward to ABD's dinner at Duck de Chine as I'm a big Peking Duck fan.

 

[AlixaLock]

I'm still looking myself.

HK:

Possibly Lung King Heen - a top 100 restaurant and #17 in Asia.
There are also several small, casual restaurants specializing in a specific HK style that I'm interested in:
Tim Ho Wan - west of Mongkok (there are several around HK) - Michelin starred. BBQ pork bun, dim sum
Chee Kei - near Peninsula. Wonton noodles soup
Tai Cheong Bakery - HK Island - sells egg tarts
Yat Lok - HK Island - BBQ goose -Michelin starred

Many of these don't take reservations, so where we go probably will depend on where we are in HK at the time. I haven't eaten at any of them, but the reviews on line and on youtube look good.

Shanghai:

We're also looking at Mr and Mrs Bund

Beijing:

My two favorites were Huang Ting for Peking duck and Capital M. It was very nice and had a lovely view. Pictures are buried somewhere in my trip report.

This time we're looking at Capital M, Lost Heaven, and Country Kitchen at the Rosewood. I'm also looking forward to ABD's dinner at Duck de Chine as I'm a big Peking Duck fan.

Lung King Heen in Hong Kong was recommended to me and might replace Ming Court. I have Capital M on my short list for Beijing, along with a couple local places serving a spicy chicken that I'm dying to try.

We have 3 full pre-days in Hong Kong and are debating day trips. I don't think we are going to do any extra time at Hong Kong Disneyland. Debating maybe a Macau trip or Lantau Island to see the Giant Buddah...

Decisions, decsions...

 

[Cousin Orville]

Lung King Heen in Hong Kong was recommended to me and might replace Ming Court. I have Capital M on my short list for Beijing, along with a couple local places serving a spicy chicken that I'm dying to try.

We have 3 full pre-days in Hong Kong and are debating day trips. I don't think we are going to do any extra time at Hong Kong Disneyland. Debating maybe a Macau trip or Lantau Island to see the Giant Buddah...

Decisions, decsions...

We're arriving 2 days before and are looking at day trips as well. Lantau Island is probably highest on the list. This will be my 3rd trip to HK and I'd really like to go to Macau this time. But it will be my wife's first trip, and I'm not sure Macau warrants all the travel time away from HK.

Yes, decisions...

 

[Cousin Orville]

Thanks for this recommendation as well! We booked the all-day Tongli Watertown Tour with Miki for one of our post-trip days!

Be sure to report back. I'm looking forward to the Watertown tour as well.

 

[Cousin Orville]

We booked the Symphony of Lights Harbor Cruise in HongKong for our first night. I am assuming we have enough time after the welcome dinner to get to the dock for departure at 7:45 PM.

I found Beijing super challenging to figure out for evening dining because our hotel doesn't seem to be near the best district for nightlife. Based on my research, night one we would take three subways to Baodu Huang at 15 Dongzhimenwai Dajie for noodles (green sign with four yellow characters), and then over to Great Leap Brewing at Ziming Mansion Unit 101, which looked like an interesting spot to hang out.

Day two I wanted to go to the Panjiayuan Market, and then subway to Najia Xiaoguan, 10 Yong'an Xili for Manchu cuisine.

In Chengdu, we're having dinner at the hotel for now.

I am going to also take into account any suggestions from our guides. Neither Beijing restaurant appears to take reservations, and I was astonished trying to book dining at the Disney resorts to discover the agents speak only very broken English. I think it will be quite the experience but I can always dust off my universally appealing pantomime skills!

Are you taking the Junk cruise? I saw that sailing in the Harbor during the light show. It looked pretty cool.

What Shanghai DL restaurants are you looking at booking? Do you have to call ahead or are you waiting until you get there on property? I haven't research anything yet on SDL.

 

[Karen Stevan]

Are you taking the Junk cruise? I saw that sailing in the Harbor during the light show. It looked pretty cool.

What Shanghai DL restaurants are you looking at booking? Do you have to call ahead or are you waiting until you get there on property? I haven't research anything yet on SDL.

The reviews indicate it is a junk-like boat; it looks like a great way to see the skyline at night and celebrate the start of a magical trip!

Because we're doing the Tongli Water Town tour, we aren't going to Shanghai Disney the next day. I was looking at Shanghai Min because I thought they might have a tasting dinner, but was disappointed with the reservation system and my difficulty communicating. I also thought the Royal Banquet Hall looked appealing as a novelty, but thought it would be like the Beauty and the Beast dining experience in WDW, which was a little underwhelming. I think I am happiest staying with the ABD tour of Shanghai DL and spending our extra day off-site.