Anyone else notice the reduction of meals in the 2017 trips?

[DisneyKevin]

Oh, man. Steiff was the main reason I was looking at that particular trip...

Good thing we weren't planning on doing Germany since we only travel on Adult Exclusive trips and the Steiff Museum would have been a major thing for us as we both love teddy bears.

We don't drink...but they are doing a private beer tent in Munich/octoberfest instead of the steiff visit. Sigh.

We are going to ask for some help to do a steiff visit instead of watching people drink beer. My hubby already booked us for the last one in Sept next year....sigh. They removed the steiff part but kept dress up in fairy tale clothes? And children's stories? I just don't understand. Steiff bears are not really children's toys, they are mohair collectibles?

Anyone have any clue why they would remove steiff, but keep other children's activities in the adult itinerary?

I have spoken with management at ABD and the Steiff tour was removed from the Adults only Adventure because feedback suggested that guests didn't have enough free time in Munch.

I am told that the tour is being added back in and the website updated, but it will not include lunch.

This will mean an earlier departure from the hotel on that day.

If the removal of the Stiff tour was what was keeping you from booking, good news...now there's no reason not to book.

 

[Cousin Orville]

...I am told that the tour is being added back in and the website update...

Impressive quick response by ABD!

 

[TXTransplant]

They removed steiff for adults and for the whole month of sept...shame, that is part of why I was going to do the trip In the first place.

We didn't do adults only, nor did we go during Oktoberfest, so my comments weren't directed towards those specific itineraries. Personally, I think removing Steiff for the adult-only itinerary is a good change. I've commented here before that it's a cute activity but is geared toward very young children. The museum itself is along the lines of the It's a Small World ride, but on a MUCH smaller scale. Having been, I really don't think it's appropriate for an adult's only itinerary, especially at this price point. The "tour" is just a walk through of displays of teddy bears and other animals. At no point do you actually get to see the items being made. The "make-your-own" activity is fun, but if I'm going to Germany, I personally would rather have more time in Munich.

The "children's stories" in Alsfeld is much more than that. You take a guided tour of this beautiful city. And the Red Riding Hood play (for lack of a better term) is very well-done, and it's short enough to leave plenty of on-your-own time in Alsfeld.

The difference between the Steiff visit and the dress-up in Rothenberg, is that the Steiff Museum takes significantly more time. I don't think we spent an hour doing the dress-up, which meant more free-time to explore Rothenberg.

The Steiff Museum is a stop on the way to Munich. The tour, stuffed animal activity, and the lunch take up about 1/2 a day. There is no way to opt out because you are on the bus to Munich when you stop there. Making the animal head was cute, but I would have rather had the time in Munich. Also, I think ABD got push-back when they dropped the meal at Hofbrauhaus. The revised itinerary (that another poster says has now been changed) adds that back.

 

[Rapunzellover]

My thoughts:

Good change: France (way better, imo, almost no overlap with london/paris now-- though they could have kept the extra day and added something else non Paris related)

Neither good or bad change: Australia (more Sydney, but no Tasmania. Less days, but cheaper-- a plus for solos like me)

Horrible change: Italy (losing a day-- no Castel San Angelo!!!). Booooo.....hisss.....that's a magnificent view! Fortunately they kept everything else. But low marks for keeping the Venice hotel off the main island. No excuse for that!

 

[White Rose]

We didn't do adults only, nor did we go during Oktoberfest, so my comments weren't directed towards those specific itineraries. Personally, I think removing Steiff for the adult-only itinerary is a good change. I've commented here before that it's a cute activity but is geared toward very young children. The museum itself is along the lines of the It's a Small World ride, but on a MUCH smaller scale. Having been, I really don't think it's appropriate for an adult's only itinerary, especially at this price point. The "tour" is just a walk through of displays of teddy bears and other animals. At no point do you actually get to see the items being made. The "make-your-own" activity is fun, but if I'm going to Germany, I personally would rather have more time in Munich.

The "children's stories" in Alsfeld is much more than that. You take a guided tour of this beautiful city. And the Red Riding Hood play (for lack of a better term) is very well-done, and it's short enough to leave plenty of on-your-own time in Alsfeld.

The difference between the Steiff visit and the dress-up in Rothenberg, is that the Steiff Museum takes significantly more time. I don't think we spent an hour doing the dress-up, which meant more free-time to explore Rothenberg.

The Steiff Museum is a stop on the way to Munich. The tour, stuffed animal activity, and the lunch take up about 1/2 a day. There is no way to opt out because you are on the bus to Munich when you stop there. Making the animal head was cute, but I would have rather had the time in Munich. Also, I think ABD got push-back when they dropped the meal at Hofbrauhaus. The revised itinerary (that another poster says has now been changed) adds that back.

Thanks for the info!

I have experienced the steiff bear workshop in the USA in NYC, and it was very much an adult experience. I was the youngest attendee, or close to it. We spent four hours sewing faces, paws and eyes into the Bears with very very large needles that we stabbed through the head...we had German bear designers there helping us. We got to choose the eye color, mouth color, thread to use on the paws, and sew the paw lines on the hands and feet. And no expertise was required.

From what I am gathering, this is not the same level of experience. Attached is the bear I made. We also had personal embroidery on the feet, and the last step was putting the button and tag on his ear.

 

[TXTransplant]

Thanks for the info!

I have experienced the steiff bear workshop in the USA in NYC, and it was very much an adult experience. I was the youngest attendee, or close to it. We spent four hours sewing faces, paws and eyes into the Bears with very very large needles that we stabbed through the head...we had German bear designers there helping us. We got to choose the eye color, mouth color, thread to use on the paws, and sew the paw lines on the hands and feet. And no expertise was required.

From what I am gathering, this is not the same level of experience. Attached is the bear I made. We also had personal embroidery on the feet, and the last step was putting the button and tag on his ear.

The ABD experience isn't even close to that. You get the head of the animal and you are allowed to stuff it with cotton stuffing. There is no selection of eyes or anything else. The heads are completely pre-made. You do not get to sew it up; the staff do that. The staff also airbrush the face on the animal. You can choose what features you want airbrushed (eyelashes, whiskers, rosy cheeks, a bow, etc) but you don't get to actually do it yourself. And it's only the head of the animal - nothing else. You can look at my trip report from last June to see what we made.

It's cute, but I'd rather have Munich/Hofbrauhaus/Oktoberfest.

If you are choosing the Germany ABD specifically/solely for this activity, I think you will be very disappointed.

 

[White Rose]

It's cute, but I'd rather have Munich/Hofbrauhaus/Oktoberfest.

If you are choosing the Germany ABD specifically/solely for this activity, I think you will be very disappointed.

We do not drink, so Oktoberfest is not a draw for us, and is a slight negative. We always travel in sept/October, so that is why we are going then...I Was concerned it would be a waste of time waiting while others are drinking, so am hoping it's not like that. (I have a tiny fear that Oktoberfest will be drunken partying, and my hubby and I stilling there, bored, wishing I was at the steiff museum...lol!)

 

[TXTransplant]

We do not drink, so Oktoberfest is not a draw for us, and is a slight negative. We always travel in sept/October, so that is why we are going then...I Was concerned it would be a waste of time waiting while others are drinking, so am hoping it's not like that. (I have a tiny fear that Oktoberfest will be drunken partying, and my hubby and I stilling there, bored, wishing I was at the steiff museum...lol!)

The Germans like their beer, but it's not some drunken frat party. There will be great food, live music/entertainment, people in costume, etc. Not to mention, you will be in Munich. You could always opt out and do something else in the city.

It will be a great cultural experience unique to Germany.

Considering that you've already had a very extensive Steiff experience, I think you actually stand to be even more disappointed by the ABD activity.

And considering their are 7 other days of absolutely fantastic, memorable experiences, I would definitely not let this one thing be a deal-breaker on booking the trip.

 

[DisneyKevin]

I happen to love the Steiff tour.

I thought it was charming and interesting.

I didn't like the "play" I'm Alsfeld at all. We walked away and had ice cream.

There is something for everyone.

 

[AquamarineSteph]

I have spoken with management at ABD and the Steiff tour was removed from the Adults only Adventure because feedback suggested that guests didn't have enough free time in Munch.

I am told that the tour is being added back in and the website updated, but it will not include lunch.

This will mean an earlier departure from the hotel on that day.

If the removal of the Stiff tour was what was keeping you from booking, good news...now there's no reason not to book.

Thanks for doing that! That's great news!

 

[White Rose]

The Germans like their beer, but it's not some drunken frat party. There will be great food, live music/entertainment, people in costume, etc. Not to mention, you will be in Munich. You could always opt out and do something else in the city.

It will be a great cultural experience unique to Germany.

Considering that you've already had a very extensive Steiff experience, I think you actually stand to be even more disappointed by the ABD activity.

And considering their are 7 other days of absolutely fantastic, memorable experiences, I would definitely not let this one thing be a deal-breaker on booking the trip.

It was close to a deal breaker. We were looking at Italy as a serious alternative. I did not want to go all that way just to miss one of the two parts I was looking forward to, the most! I am looking forward to shopping there in the steiff museum, more than anything. Since I already have the personalized bear, the simple type will be a great addition! I read your review and what you create looks much less stressful then what I did! (Creating the bear in NYC was quite stressful...wanting it to look good, working with such a large needle...while it was fun, it was WORK!) That experience gave me a great appreciation for the skill of the steiff designers.

I am not completely wound up thinking the steiff event will be exactly the same, I expect it to be unique and entertaining. It is the birthplace of the teddy bear. I like teddy bears. Simple as that. I am expecting to see more of German history and culture. The important parts of the trip, for me, are the last two days, so I am happy the steiff piece is back in, and hopefully I get the chance to shop...there are many styles of their bears only sold in Germany, and at least one only at their museum. Steiff is a part of German history. The story of Margarete Steiff, the creator, is remarkable...a polio victim, and a woman, started the company in the late 1800s!

If it was not part of the trip, we were going to figure out a way to stay an extra day, and travel back three...it is about 2 hrs from Munich I think, and would have cost us quite a bit extra.

 

[DisneyKevin]

It was close to a deal breaker. We were looking at Italy as a serious alternative. I did not want to go all that way just to miss one of the two parts I was looking forward to, the most! I am looking forward to shopping there in the steiff museum, more than anything. Since I already have the personalized bear, the simple type will be a great addition! I read your review and what you create looks much less stressful then what I did! (Creating the bear in NYC was quite stressful...wanting it to look good, working with such a large needle...while it was fun, it was WORK!) That experience gave me a great appreciation for the skill of the steiff designers.

I am not completely wound up thinking the steiff event will be exactly the same, I expect it to be unique and entertaining. It is the birthplace of the teddy bear. I like teddy bears. Simple as that. I am expecting to see more of German history and culture. The important parts of the trip, for me, are the last two days, so I am happy the steiff piece is back in, and hopefully I get the chance to shop...there are many styles of their bears only sold in Germany, and at least one only at their museum. Steiff is a part of German history. The story of Margarete Steiff, the creator, is remarkable...a polio victim, and a woman, started the company in the late 1800s!

If it was not part of the trip, we were going to figure out a way to stay an extra day, and travel back three...it is about 2 hrs from Munich I think, and would have cost us quite a bit extra.

There is definitely a chance to shop at the Steiff Factory and there were some unique designs.

We also found great Steiff shopping in Rothenburg and usually at better pricing.

Something else to keep in mind....Steiff wouldn't ship anything and almost all of the shops in Rothenburg shipped.

The Kathe Wolharrt stores allow you to shop between several stores and then have everything shipped in one order.

 

[White Rose]

There is definitely a chance to shop at the Steiff Factory and there were some unique designs.

We also found great Steiff shopping in Rothenburg and usually at better pricing.

Something else to keep in mind....Steiff wouldn't ship anything and almost all of the shops in Rothenburg shipped.

The Kathe Wolharrt stores allow you to shop between several stores and then have everything shipped in one order.

Thank you! We are probably going to get the exclusive item, as long as it does not break the bank. We might buy one or two small other pieces...I will keep my eyes open for the locations you mentioned. I have a contact at Steiff North America, and she has been able to get a few (very few) European exclusives, they are provided by her German counterpart.

FYI...the website is updated! Shows lunch at the Hofbrau Haus and also steiff without lunch...perfect compromise. Nothing else was removed, moved or changed. Since it is an adults only trip, maybe the Steiff portion will be slightly more geared towards adults? If not, I know what I am getting into.

 

[anncro54]

I received an email yesterday saying that there is a change in the hotel on my Ecuador trip in October. I'm wondering if this is because of the earthquake but have not been able to get ahold of anyone at ABD. I have been calling since I got the email and keep getting put on hold. I wait for like 10 minutes and then hang up because all I hear is dead air.

 

[Cinderella's Slipper 2015]

I received an email yesterday saying that there is a change in the hotel on my Ecuador trip in October. I'm wondering if this is because of the earthquake but have not been able to get ahold of anyone at ABD. I have been calling since I got the email and keep getting put on hold. I wait for like 10 minutes and then hang up because all I hear is dead air.

Quite possibly this could be the case. Out of curiosity, what hotel were you originally staying at? I know that on the last September trip to Central Europe, our hotel in the German Alps was changed cause the other hotel closes down for the season.

 

[anncro54]

The original hotel was Hacienda Pinsaqui and the new one is Puertolago Country Inn and Resort . Both are in Otavalo, Ecuador.

 

[anncro54]

I just googled them both. The cost of the new hotel is less than half of the original hotel. I certainly hope its a decent place.

 

[Cinderella's Slipper 2015]

The original hotel was Hacienda Pinsaqui and the new one is Puertolago Country Inn and Resort . Both are in Otavalo, Ecuador.

I did a quick google search and found a report that the Otavalo region didn't report any major damage and hotels were operating as normal. I could be an operational issue that has required the change in hotel. Maybe your group numbers changed and the hotel couldn't accommodate anymore or any number of other issues could have caused the change.

 

[sayhello]

I received an email yesterday saying that there is a change in the hotel on my Ecuador trip in October. I'm wondering if this is because of the earthquake but have not been able to get ahold of anyone at ABD. I have been calling since I got the email and keep getting put on hold. I wait for like 10 minutes and then hang up because all I hear is dead air.

As Cinderella's Slipper said, it could be any number of reasons why it changed. The most likely is that there weren't enough room available for the timeframe you will be there. Perhaps certain hotels may be over-booked due to people being forced out of their homes? I wouldn't completely discount it being a side-effect of the earthquake, but it sounds like it's not damage-related.

Sayhello

 

[carpenta]

I happen to love the Steiff tour.

I thought it was charming and interesting.

I didn't like the "play" I'm Alsfeld at all. We walked away and had ice cream.

There is something for everyone.

I was never a bjg teddy bear fan but also enjoyed the Steiff tour more than I expected. Much like Vermont teddy bear it was nice to see how one person's love turned into a large corporation which employs a lot of people. The museum was also enjoyable to us. The "play"?....not so much.