Average ABD travel group size?

[vikequeen]

I've seen some posts here suggesting that Disney has increased the travel group size and diminished some traveler's experience. We are getting ready for our first ABD in a few weeks and have a second booked in the summer. Have never done any tour group before, and I'm getting a little nervous. I was told by disney that 40 was the max on our costa rica trip (33 booked), and 34 on our yellowstone montana trip (28 booked). Anyone know if this is a lot/an increase over past trips? How many is too many to have a good trip? I assume that ceiling varies a lot depending on the adventure. Thanks for any insight.

 

[sayhello]

40 has been the max (for most trips) for a few years. Some trips, like the Montana trip, are limited based on the limits of the hotels or activities on the trip. Some of the trips can easily handle 40 people, some can't. 40 was way too many for Iceland, because the infrastructure just wasn't there for that many people in certain places at one time.

There were some trips a few years ago that had well over 40 people on them, and that was pretty much agreed to be way too many.

I've never been on either trip, but from what I've heard, 33 on your Costa Rica trip should be fine. I'd also think 28 on the Montana group would be OK. It's when they approach or go over the 40 mark that it gets unmanageable.

Sayhello

 

[vikequeen]

Thanks that's very helpful. not sure why I am getting so nervous about this trip!

 

[sayhello]

Thanks that's very helpful. not sure why I am getting so nervous about this trip!

Probably just because you don't know what you don't know. I've done 10 ABDs, and I still get nervous before my trips! That's one of the things this Forum is extremely good for! Feel free to come here and ask questions, even if it's just for reassurance! This is a really friendly place, and nobody's going to judge if you ask "too many" questions!!

Is Costa Rica first? It's a very popular trip! I'm sure you're going to have an amazing time!

Sayhello

 

[vikequeen]

Yes, we go to costa rica in a few weeks. I am spending the morning on google researching. I live in MN. its extremely cold and windy out there. This is an excellent distraction today Thanks again . . . I've ready many of your posts on these boards and you are SOOOO helpful!

 

[lpm23]

I think we had 36 on Costa Rica and it was no problem at all. Everything was very well organized and we didn't have any issues based on group size. All rest room stops etc were well organized and we were never waiting more than a few mins. It's a great trip. One suggestion- there is one day with very winding bus travel. I would definitely recommend bringing medicine if anyone in your group is prone to car sickness.

 

[TravelJunkieHubby]

We had just under 40 for Costa Rica last Spring Break (March 2018) and that included the destination manager from ABD since it was the first trip of the season/new itinerary. Zip-lining is a definite highlight and it was a good mix of pre-teens and teens. Pura Vida!

We did Italy (Viva Italita) last July and that was 42 people... guides did their job but it seemed pretty crowded but part of that is just the crowds in Rome/Florence/Venice in general. For most of the time we had to wear ear piece headsets to hear what the guides were saying.

 

[RebelHawk]

We had 40 people on our Peru trip not counting our guides. It was certainly a full group and we didn't get a chance to really talk with everyone in our group before the trip ended. Our NYC trip was only 20 other people and felt much more intimate. Backstage Magic (DIS Exclusive) trip had 35. So far we have 39 people booked on our upcoming Norway trip so we have another full one coming up. Once we get past our pay in full day we'll reach back out to ABD and see what the count is.