Big news. New ABD for 2013 - Asia

[JJsmama]

I think it's wonderful that people live in a place for a time and learn to get around and learn the language. But I don't think you can advise people that they "could easily do it on their own".

I am all for agreeing to disagree, but I have to wonder why you are quoting my text while totally misrepresenting what I said.

First of all, I said "If Disney had an ABD for Japan, I certainly would not discourage anyone from doing it, but since it does not, I suggest to those of you who would love to go there: it is really not very tough to do at all." I was speaking to people who might like to go there despite the fact that there is no ABD there.

Also, I was describing visiting Japan as a tourist, for one week, just like every one else. I have never lived in Japan. I live in China. No skills or language which I have learned in China would have helped in Japan whatsoever. Japan is more similar to the USA than it is to China.

Although I live in China, I never advised people to do China on their own. Although I have taken 12-15 different week long holidays throughout Southeast Asia on our own as a family, I never claimed that those were 'easy' either. Therefore honestly, I feel wrongly accused of what you are suggesting. I was trying to be honest and helpful, given my somewhat unique perspective. Perhaps I'll keep my mouth shut.

 

[JJsmama]

Our Central Italy tour for 6/17 doesn't show up on the Rates/Dates link anymore. But I know it is only 54% booked. Maybe they start to take the tours down or close them when they get inside of a window.

I'm just going by what Kevin told me when he checked dates for me. I was ready to hand over the Amex. I was frustrated too (with ABD) because the dates still showed available on the ABD website, but apparently they were full when he called. I wish they would change the website when the dates get full, so that you can try and plan trips that actually have availabililty. I'm sure Kevin would have taken my business if he could have. You are right that perhaps some are available in early June. I could not go before late June.

 

[sayhello]

I am all for agreeing to disagree, but I have to wonder why you are quoting my text while totally misrepresenting what I said.

First of all, I said "If Disney had an ABD for Japan, I certainly would not discourage anyone from doing it, but since it does not, I suggest to those of you who would love to go there: it is really not very tough to do at all." I was speaking to people who might like to go there despite the fact that there is no ABD there.

Also, I was describing visiting Japan as a tourist, for one week, just like every one else. I have never lived in Japan. I live in China. No skills or language which I have learned in China would have helped in Japan whatsoever. Japan is more similar to the USA than it is to China.

Although I live in China, I never advised people to do China on their own. Although I have taken 12-15 different week long holidays throughout Southeast Asia on our own as a family, I never claimed that those were 'easy' either. Therefore honestly, I feel wrongly accused of what you are suggesting. I was trying to be honest and helpful, given my somewhat unique perspective. Perhaps I'll keep my mouth shut.

Don't keep your mouth shut! We love hearing people's perspective. I'm sorry your post got misinterpreted, but please don't go away because of it!

Sayhello

 

[sayhello]

I'm just going by what Kevin told me when he checked dates for me. I was ready to hand over the Amex. I was frustrated too because the dates still showed available on the ABD website, but apparently they were full when he called. I'm sure Kevin would have taken my business if he could have. You are right that perhaps some are available in early June. I could not go before late June.

Were you looking for *any* European trip, or a particular one?

Sayhello

 

[DisneyKevin]

I would never turn away anyone that wanted to book and Adventure.

The Once Upon A Fairytale Adventure is booked solid for the summer, according to ABD.

There was a date that was listed as available, but when we tried to book it, it turned out to be a single spot and a double was needed.

ABD would usually not have an issue turning a single into a double, but adding two people would have put them over the maximum number of guests.

I can also tell you that the Alpine Magic Adventures are pretty well filled as well.

We found a one double space available and I booked it for a guest.

I do not believe all of the Adventures are completely sold, but there is limited availability on some of them.

Bella Italia, for example, had availability for several dates throughout the summer.

Again....I would never turn a guest away if I could help them find the Adventure and date they were trying to book.

 

[sayhello]

I would never turn away anyone that wanted to book and Adventure.

The Once Upon A Fairytale Adventure is booked solid for the summer, according to ABD.

There was a date that was listed as available, but when we tried to book it, it turned out to be a single spot and a double was needed.

ABD would usually not have an issue turning a single into a double, but adding two people would have put them over the maximum number of guests.

I can also tell you that the Alpine Magic Adventures are pretty well filled as well.

We found a one double space available and I booked it for a guest.

I do not believe all of the Adventures are completely sold, but there is limited availability on some of them.

Bella Italia, for example, had availability for several dates throughout the summer.

Again....I would never turn a guest away if I could help them find the Adventure and date they were trying to book.

Wow. Nice to hear that their trips are selling so well again!

Sayhello

 

[LSmith]

I am all for agreeing to disagree, but I have to wonder why you are quoting my text while totally misrepresenting what I said.

First of all, I said "If Disney had an ABD for Japan, I certainly would not discourage anyone from doing it, but since it does not, I suggest to those of you who would love to go there: it is really not very tough to do at all." I was speaking to people who might like to go there despite the fact that there is no ABD there.

Also, I was describing visiting Japan as a tourist, for one week, just like every one else. I have never lived in Japan. I live in China. No skills or language which I have learned in China would have helped in Japan whatsoever. Japan is more similar to the USA than it is to China.

Although I live in China, I never advised people to do China on their own. Although I have taken 12-15 different week long holidays throughout Southeast Asia on our own as a family, I never claimed that those were 'easy' either. Therefore honestly, I feel wrongly accused of what you are suggesting. I was trying to be honest and helpful, given my somewhat unique perspective. Perhaps I'll keep my mouth shut.

Please do not keep your mouth shut! I have travelled to China on a tour but not Japan and I have heard the exact same thing that you are conveying here. Some countries are just much easier to do on your own.

We are seriously considering Japan in 2013 and we would like to do it without a full tour. We have travelled to many, many countries on our own but I'm really glad China wasn't one of them for our first experience.

Your experience is invaluable to many on this board and I thank you very much for your informed posts.

 

[JJsmama]

Again....I would never turn a guest away if I could help them find the Adventure and date they were trying to book.

I know! I hope I didn't give that impression. I know you looked for other trips for us. I will admit that I was 'arriving late to the party' so to speak, since I was hoping to book only two months before summer. I am waiting to see what they offer us for next summer now. I would like to take all my kids on the Alpine one.

 

[Miss SD]

I am all for agreeing to disagree, but I have to wonder why you are quoting my text while totally misrepresenting what I said.

First of all, I said "If Disney had an ABD for Japan, I certainly would not discourage anyone from doing it, but since it does not, I suggest to those of you who would love to go there: it is really not very tough to do at all." I was speaking to people who might like to go there despite the fact that there is no ABD there.

Also, I was describing visiting Japan as a tourist, for one week, just like every one else. I have never lived in Japan. I live in China. No skills or language which I have learned in China would have helped in Japan whatsoever. Japan is more similar to the USA than it is to China.

Although I live in China, I never advised people to do China on their own. Although I have taken 12-15 different week long holidays throughout Southeast Asia on our own as a family, I never claimed that those were 'easy' either. Therefore honestly, I feel wrongly accused of what you are suggesting. I was trying to be honest and helpful, given my somewhat unique perspective. Perhaps I'll keep my mouth shut.

No, don't keep your mouth shut. You're right about Japan. It's surprisingly easy to negotiate. We went to Tokyo (including the Disney resort) and Kyoto and did a day trip to Nikko and had no trouble whatsoever. The trains are on time (really, don't be a minute late!) and the people are wonderful. We (two nearly 50-year-olds and an 11-year-old) traveled by bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto and back and, thanks to an efficient baggage moving service, our suitcases arrived at our hotels before we did.

To be honest, I didn't want to go to Japan (husband's idea) because I wanted to see Europe first, darn it! The minute our clean, on-time bus left Narita for the Hyatt in Tokyo, I changed my tune big time.

Yes, some people like guided tours for convenience and familiarity. (We took the Germany ABD because we wanted to see a lot of places but didn't have a lot of time.) But if you're the type of traveler who can do the "Western" places on your own and want to go to Japan, take the plunge.

 

[JJsmama]

Anyway, back to the original topic: SE Asia. I am interested to see the actual itinerary and dates for this trip. I am quite interested in it, especially if they go to Angkor Wat. Lot of expats here in Shanghai have been to Angkor Wat, but apparently it is a real pain to get there and very few facilities, etc. (Thus, lots of us haven't been there either...) I know if ABD does it, they will make sure there is comfortable transportation, etc. Also I might be a 'solo' since I would probably go while the kids are in school here and Dh is working, so a nice group would be great. SO, I can't wait to see what the news is on May 23.

 

[familygoboston]

I am all for agreeing to disagree, but I have to wonder why you are quoting my text while totally misrepresenting what I said.

First of all, I said "If Disney had an ABD for Japan, I certainly would not discourage anyone from doing it, but since it does not, I suggest to those of you who would love to go there: it is really not very tough to do at all." I was speaking to people who might like to go there despite the fact that there is no ABD there.

Also, I was describing visiting Japan as a tourist, for one week, just like every one else. I have never lived in Japan. I live in China. No skills or language which I have learned in China would have helped in Japan whatsoever. Japan is more similar to the USA than it is to China.

Although I live in China, I never advised people to do China on their own. Although I have taken 12-15 different week long holidays throughout Southeast Asia on our own as a family, I never claimed that those were 'easy' either. Therefore honestly, I feel wrongly accused of what you are suggesting. I was trying to be honest and helpful, given my somewhat unique perspective. Perhaps I'll keep my mouth shut.

JJsMama- I apologize! I certainly never meant it as an attack on your advice! I hope you won't stop posting...it takes all kinds of opinions to make a good advice board work. I'm sorry if my opinion was misinterpreted, certainly didn't mean to offend you!

 

[pxlbarrel]

Great that BD is doing so well. I can honestly say that ABD has spoiled me and if I ever take another tour company, they have VERY large shoes to fill...so hopefully my next tour will be with ABD!

I agree also that Japan is easy to navigate. We managed to navigate Toyko and Yokohama easily enough.

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

I really hope the Esprit de France trips are selling well. Fred was so excited about it!

Laurie