China June 2 thru June 13....Trip of a LifeTime

[iloveplutodog]

I have always wanted to travel to China....ever since my Father would tell me his Navy stories. I have been completing and organizing the logistics to accomplishing this amazing trip. I was hoping that by opening up this thread, maybe I could learn from others who have previously gone on this trip ie., helpful hints and to also get acquainted with other travelers that are intending on taking this trip at the same time. Life is an Adventure....can't wait!

 

[sayhello]

Welcome to the DISBoards, and the Adventures by Disney Forum, iloveplutodog! The China trip looks amazing, and is definitely on my radar for some time in the not-too-distant future.

We do have several people here who have done the China ABD, and I'm sure they'll be happy to offer you tips and advice!

If you check the Trip Report Sticky at the top of this Forum, there are 3 trip Reports linked there for this itinerary:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2167714

I've also added you to the roll call on the China trip meets thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2933875

Congrats! You truly are in for a trip of a lifetime!

Sayhello

 

[deckes]

I have always wanted to travel to China....ever since my Father would tell me his Navy stories. I have been completing and organizing the logistics to accomplishing this amazing trip. I was hoping that by opening up this thread, maybe I could learn from others who have previously gone on this trip ie., helpful hints and to also get acquainted with other travelers that are intending on taking this trip at the same time. Life is an Adventure....can't wait!

We did this trip last July and it was beyond amazing. Definitely look back at the trip reports. I have used them for both this trip and South Africa and they are invaluable. If you are staying pre-night I would highly recommend The China Guide to see the Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven. I learned about this on one of the trip reports. You have a private driver and guide for the day at an extremely cheap rate. They pick you up right at the Peninsula. Also post day Hong Kong Disneyland was nice but beyond crowded so go as soon as they open. Plan on extreme heat there. Another great experience that you should plan on but is not Disney-approved is holding a baby panda in Chengdu. It truly is a once in a lifetime experience. The guides will let you know about this experience. You are going to have the best time and be completely overwhelmed by the history and beauty of China. Post any questions you may have here and you will definitely get a reply.

 

[pxlbarrel]

A few tips:

1. Bring tissues/toilet paper with you. This may sound weird but the washrooms there may not have tissues or toilet paper. I decardboardrolled a roll of toilet paper and divided it into 4 ziplock bags. They fit nicely into my daybag. LOL It's insurance ... and at least one time, I was glad to have it and I provided some to others of our group.

2. Always take the water the guides hand to you. They'll practically force it on you. It's going to be hot when you go so listen to your guides. Also, even if you don't want to drink it, you can use it to brush your teeth.

3. As above ... we did the non Disney sanctioned event of holding a panda. OMG... dream come true. It's worth every penny to have done that.

Enjoy the trip. The guides are the most fantastic.

 

[Kez250]

We also did this trip last year in August with our children - it was fantastic - i felt like we did so much yet i never felt rushed or anything - we too flew into Beijing a day early and went to the Temple of Heaven - and stayed a day afterwards in HK and went to various markets and also went to the famed Tim Ho Wan for his to die for Pork Buns

 

[iloveplutodog]

Having a great time in China. Our fearless leaders are Steven and Daniel. Our accommodation's at the Peninsula are wonderful. We are on day 2 and have just came back from The Forbidden City. Absolutely amazing! We had Peking Duck for lunch. We are all looking forward to a swim this afternoon at the pool. This evening, we will be making kites, opera masks, and learning our Chinese names learning calligraphy.

 

[pxlbarrel]

Having a great time in China. Our fearless leaders are Steven and Daniel. Our accommodation's at the Peninsula are wonderful. We are on day 2 and have just came back from The Forbidden City. Absolutely amazing! We had Peking Duck for lunch. We are all looking forward to a swim this afternoon at the pool. This evening, we will be making kites, opera masks, and learning our Chinese names learning calligraphy.

Steven was one of our "shadow" guides when we went. He's fantastic! (He helped me walk down a steep portion of the Great Wall when I got a case of height fear!). He's also a great knot tier. LOL

Have fun! And make sure you get out to the night food market near the hotel!