Adventures by Disney Vacations?

[Amy]

Has anyone taken an Adventures by Disney vacation? If so, what did you think of it? Was it worth it? Was it too geared toward kids? Did adults feel left out?

DH and I will be married 25 years next month, and one of my dreams has always been to visit Germany and see Neuschwanstein. (DH has been to Berlin a few times for business, but he's never done any touristy stuff.) Unfortunately, we have no one to watch DS17 this year (DS19 will be at college), so we'll have to celebrate our 26th anniversay in style next year when both boys are away at college. Anyway, I'm a big planner, so we were talking tonight about where we might go next year, and DH said that even though we'll have 2 kids in college, it makes sense to try to visit Germany sooner rather than later while we're both still relatively young and healthy. (I'm a 7-year breast cancer survivor, so I know how priceless good health is!) Plus, if we're planning a year ahead, we should be able to afford it as long as neither of us loses a job or anything.

Anyway, I was looking online and the Adventures by Disney trip to Germany has everything that I want to do; there are even 2 tour dates that are adults only. I'm trying not to get too excited, but this is something I've been wanting to do for a long time - DH remembers me telling him on our first date that I wanted to see Germany one day.

But like anything related to Disney, this tour is a little more expensive than some other tours I've seen. I need to compare the tours more closely to see what's included in each one, but I figured I"d ask here first to see if anyone has taken a Disney vacation and what you thought about it. I'm hoping it's like WDW - yes, you pay more to stay at WL vs. Motel 6 off-site, but look at what you're getting for the money.

Thanks!

 

[nursetink]

I am interested in hearing the responses regarding Adventures by Disney. We are considering ABD for a future trip.

We just returned from Germany 1 1/2 weeks ago. We toured the Neuschwanstein Castle, and it was amazing. I will try to remember how to post a picture.

 

[MM27]

check out the Adventures By Disney board here on the DIS. I've read a few really good reports from people that have taken trips.

 

[TDC Nala]

They have adults only tours - no one under 18 allowed. They're not offered all the time - usually in the non-peak seasons.

They do all the same things on the adults only tour that they do on the regular tour - except the special dinners for children.

 

[nursetink]

I did remember. This is not the best picture, but the 1st one I was able to find.

 

[clarabelle]

I did an ABD to Ireland last month -loved it.

A few things to consider -price -they are terribly expensive.
But.....
If you break down the trip into the many events packed into a day. Consider how much those things would cost on your own-it really is a value.
Hotels were central, food was fine (not amazing) Guides were fabulous.
Never had to wait in a line. Or get confused about where to go next.
Some free time almost every day -but guides would make suggestions about things to do and places to eat.

What you are really paying for is the stress free factor. No arguing over a map in the rental car.
Also -if we had been on our own -we would have let costs talk us out of some things -and probably would have missed out on something really special.

If you don't want to be with other people -obviously this is not the trip for you.
If kids get on your nerves (there were a few on our trip who were a bit rowdy) Then do adults only or go with another company.
If you want to sleep in -and do a lot of spa time -again not the best choice.

Come over to the ABD board and see what you think.

 

[Amy]

check out the Adventures By Disney board here on the DIS. I've read a few really good reports from people that have taken trips.

I did an ABD to Ireland last month -loved it.

A few things to consider -price -they are terribly expensive.
But.....
If you break down the trip into the many events packed into a day. Consider how much those things would cost on your own-it really is a value.
Hotels were central, food was fine (not amazing) Guides were fabulous.
Never had to wait in a line. Or get confused about where to go next.
Some free time almost every day -but guides would make suggestions about things to do and places to eat.

What you are really paying for is the stress free factor. No arguing over a map in the rental car.
Also -if we had been on our own -we would have let costs talk us out of some things -and probably would have missed out on something really special.

If you don't want to be with other people -obviously this is not the trip for you.
If kids get on your nerves (there were a few on our trip who were a bit rowdy) Then do adults only or go with another company.
If you want to sleep in -and do a lot of spa time -again not the best choice.

Come over to the ABD board and see what you think.

Thanks to you both - I've been a DIS member for many years and never knew there was a whole board devoted to Adventures by Disney. Off to check it out now.......

 

[clarabelle]

It is not a heavily traveled forum!!

A link with some more notes about my trip

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2212979&page=3