Backstage Magic for Honeymoon?

[louloubelle84]

My boyfriend and I live near WDW and have annual passes. We are both in our late 20s and have no kids. We both love Disney, but have never been to Disneyland. We've discussed going there for our honeymoon next year. This may be the only time we make it to Disneyland, so we want to do it right! For those who have been, do you think the Backstage Magic trip would be good for a honeymoon?

 

[sayhello]

Welcome to the DISBoards, and to the Adventures by Disney Forum!

I haven't taken the Backstage Magic tour yet, so I can't answer your questions, but we do have several folks who have taken it (some multiple times!) so I'm sure you'll get some answers soon!

I know it's a very popular trip, but I don't know how it would be as a honeymoon! It's definitely a great trip for people who love Disney.

Sayhello

 

[louloubelle84]

We are definitely Disney-lovers! I really hope to hear from some people who have been before It's more expensive than our normal vacation, so I want to be sure it's worth it for our honeymoon. I'll need to start saving now! We're looking at next summer, and those dates/prices aren't out yet.

 

[heart]

Don't know what kind of wedding you're planning, but would just think of having a bit of a break (at least a couple days of rest) between your wedding and this kind of tour.

My wedding was MANY years ago but it was pretty big; we were exhausted. If my maid of honor hadn't called to wake us, we would have missed our plane for our honeymoon cruise--and that was on Premeire--the Big Red Boat that was affiliated with Disney at the time.

Our ABD Backstage Magic was just two years ago but it was also pretty tiring. Our guides kept us going--in a good way--from morning to night.

 

[Miss SD]

A honeymoon couple was on our Backstage Magic tour in 2010. We saw them again at the D23 Expo last August, and they agreed that the ABD tour was fantastic!

That said, this couple lived a few hours north of DLR, the groom proposed in front of Sleeping Beauty castle, as his father did years before. Needless to say, we're talking about huge DL fans!

I don't have a personal opinion either way about whether it's a good idea. Just wanted to let you know that, yes, it's been done before.


ETA: heart, weren't you on that tour in July 2010?

 

[louloubelle84]

Thanks for the response! I appreciate it. We are both huge Disney fans, but will be completely new to Disneyland. One thing I wonder about is whether we will have enough "alone" time. I read the days can be really long.

 

[Miss SD]

Thanks for the response! I appreciate it. We are both huge Disney fans, but will be completely new to Disneyland. One thing I wonder about is whether we will have enough "alone" time. I read the days can be really long.

Um, yeah, that's true, but I didn't want to go there.

Seriously, though, the days are long. If you want more "alone" time, I'd stay a few nights before or after the tour. You're from Tampa so I don't know if you need a "beach" experience, but you might consider staying near the water for a relaxing couple of nights before or after. I'd recommend southern OC or northern San Diego County, but I'm biased.

 

[louloubelle84]

Well, he used to live in SoCal, so I know he'd want to extend the trip to show me some more sites. It's a little difficult for me because I'm a planner, and the online itinerary doesn't give any times! I'm not really a morning person... but I'd be willing to wake up early if I knew it was worth it! Basically I'm torn between planning my own Disneyland vacation or "splurging" on this experience, realizing it may be the only time we ever visit.

 

[BasilofBakerstreet]

I say splurge! I did this trip in 2008 and am planning on going back when I can save enough money

The days are long. Typically days start at 7AM with luggage pick up or breakfast starting at 7 meaning you need to get up earlier than that to be ready by 7AM.

You do have time on your own. Some days it's the whole afternoon/evening One day it's only a few hours.

I loved the behind the scenes aspect and the character breakfasts. You are also (or were when I was on it) given 5 fastpasses for each person per day that you can use for any ride that has fastpass associated with it which is really usefull during peak times of year. There is also priority seating for fireworks, parade, fantasmic! etc which is useful so you don't need to stake out a spot and wait an hour.... The hotels are great Renaissance Hollywood is right across the street from ElCapitan and down the street from Graumans Chinese Theatre. Easy access to subways and Universal.

Grand Californian has its own private entrance to CA right near the water rapids ride so if you get too wet just go back to your room and change!

I would definitely add at least a day to each end.

 

[louloubelle84]

Thank you so much for this reply! Now I just need to wait until the rest of the 2013 dates are announced so I can make a deposit.

 

[Rosemary517]

My husband and I have been married for 40 + years and are going in April so I'll let you know! Can't wait!!

 

[Tigger]

My husband and I went on the DVC members' Backstage Magic tour in 2008, 5 months after our wedding for our honeymoon. We are also big Disney fans. We met at WDW while we were both CMs, got engaged there, and were married at the Wedding Pavilion.

I hadn't been to DL in 6 or so years while it had been much longer than that for my DH. We flew out early and spent about 4 days in the parks before the tour started. This was a great decision as we wouldn't have been able to do everything we wanted to do in the little free time we got in the park.

That trip was the most amazing experience either of us has ever had. We don't regret doing that for our honeymoon at all even though it's definitely not your typical relaxing honeymoon. We still wore our bride/groom ears during the DL portion of the tour and our guides knew it was our honeymoon and we ended up with some magical moments. We also lucked out and had Sunday brunch at Club 33. Our wedding videographer is a member.

We also came home with friendships with 3 couples that will last forever.

I vote go for it!