China question

[Gina P]

Does anyone know which part of the Great Wall you visit on abd. China? Is the cable car enclosed both ways? Can you walk up instead? Thanks!!!

 

[disneyphx]

When we went it was the Mutianyu section
the cable car was enclosed - there were windows that slid open
the cars are pretty small - hold 4-6
I am not sure if there would be time in the schedule to walk one way
once we got off the cable car, we had maybe 15 minutes to 'shop' as we walked back to the bus

 

[Gina P]

Thanks! Do you remember how long the cable car ride was? Was it scary or enjoyable? I'm not a big fan of heights but wouldn't want to miss seeing the Great Wall.

 

[disneyphx]

If you google it you will see pics...
Maybe 10 mins - not long enough to be very scary, and it was not windy like some I have been on
Only similar one I can think of is San Diego Zoo - but enclosed

 

[Gina P]

Thanks.... that makes me feel better about taking it!
How was the China trip?

 

[disneyphx]

Loved, loved, loved the China trip! it was our first ABD, and still my favorite. It was super hot everywhere, but that was the only real challenge for us. Awesome guides and fantastic fellow guests - many of whom we reunited with on our 3rd ABD!

 

[tinkerpea]

Do you find that the trips are worth the money?
We are wanting to do China and I've looked at the itinerary,we could go with other companies much cheaper per person!
So just wondering what it is that draws people to Abd?

 

[SingingMom]

Do you find that the trips are worth the money? We are wanting to do China and I've looked at the itinerary,we could go with other companies much cheaper per person! So just wondering what it is that draws people to Abd?

It's sometimes hard to put into words the ABD "experience". Without sounding overly sappy, ;-), we have met some of the greatest friends from our two adventures. One person in particular has become an honorary member of our family - we love him like a brother. Two friends come to visit a few times a year from several states away, one couple in the next state keep in touch and we've met up with them a few times for outings. Another has dinner with us when we are in WDW, since she works there off season. We keep in touch with still others through email & Facebook. So - the relationships built during the adventures are wonderful. The sheer "no worries" is priceless when you are in a foreign country. The added touches of magic are so enjoyable. The "Disney connection" spills over. Can you find cheaper tours? Absolutely. But, you won't match the magic, in our opinion. . <3 "SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[sayhello]

Do you find that the trips are worth the money?
We are wanting to do China and I've looked at the itinerary,we could go with other companies much cheaper per person!
So just wondering what it is that draws people to Abd?

I agree with SingingMom, that a lot of what makes ABD worth the money is the intangibles, so it's hard to express.

First, I'm going to point you to the Sticky thread that has links to a few good past discussions on just this subject:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3045636

For me, it's a combination of things. The Adventure Guides. They are just phenomenal on so many levels, and really elevate the experience. The VIP access that means not standing in the hours-long line to get into the Eiffel Tower or St. Peter's Basilica. The unique experiences that you could never arrange on your own. The type of people who take ABDs. The sense of community/family that happens on these trips.

That's some of what draws *me* to ABD. Other companies may have that. Eventually I may try them. But for now, I'm still doing the ABDs.

Sayhello

 

[tinkerpea]

Thanks so much I'll try that link and have a look