First Timer - Last Minute Questions

[TXTransplant]

We leave a week from Thursday on our first ABD, and I just have a few last minute questions...

1. Should I be expecting anything from ABD or my TA at this point? We received our box of goodies weeks ago, but other than a form email about passports and tipping, there has not been any additional communication. Is this normal, or am I missing something?

2. How will we be picked up at the airport? Will there be someone holding an ABD sign at baggage claim? Since we fly into Frankfurt but have to be driven to Heidelberg, will we be asked to wait for other guests to arrive at the airport before we depart?

3. Is there anything I'm forgetting...? On my packing list are cameras (several options, between phones, iPads, and an actual camera), an external battery backup plus a couple of lipstick chargers, a surge protector/plug adapter, ponchos, ear buds, and passports. Is there anything important that I'm missing (other than clothes, of course)?

 

[fosterkittymom]

I've only been on one ABD, and that was to China.

1. We didn't use a travel agent, but the only thing we received from ABD was the box and an occasional email.

2. We were a group of 5, so we didn't wait for anyone else at the airport. There was someone waiting for us holding an ABD sign at the exit to the secure area. I can't remember for sure, but it was probably after baggage claim and customs.

3. I would suggest bringing any medications you take occasionally and think you may need. In China, we needed a pharmacy/convenience store and had a difficult time finding one. I imagine it would be easier in Europe.

Have a fabulous time! I have a feeling this won't be your last ABD.

 

[DisneyKevin]

ABD sends nothing other than the box of goodies.

ABD will have a person waiting with a sign bearing your name. If you are traveling internationally, this person will usually be after customs, but before luggage pick up.

Passport, medication, valuables and anything you may need for the day should be in your carry on / day bag. You may not see your luggage until later in the day

 

[TXTransplant]

ABD sends nothing other than the box of goodies.

ABD will have a person waiting with a sign bearing your name. If you are traveling internationally, this person will usually be after customs, but before luggage pick up.

Passport, medication, valuables and anything you may need for the day should be in your carry on / day bag. You may not see your luggage until later in the day

Does ABD recover your bags, like when you use the Magical Express at WDW? I was going to pack two carry ons and bring them on the plane with us because I figured I wouldn't be too keen on waiting at baggage claim after a 10 hour flight. But if ABD gets the bags for me, I might rethink that.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Does ABD recover your bags, like when you use the Magical Express at WDW? I was going to pack two carry ons and bring them on the plane with us because I figured I wouldn't be too keen on waiting at baggage claim after a 10 hour flight. But if ABD gets the bags for me, I might rethink that.

You are responsible for collecting your own bags.

ABD will assist after you have done that.

 

[tufbuf]

Don't forget to bring a travel adapter plug for your electronics.

Sometimes the ABD rep will be at the baggage claim although not in all airports, who will help you recover your luggage and carry them out for you. It's a big relief once you see the ABD rep which I savor in all of our ABDs!

Have fun!!

 

[SingingMom]

When we took the London/Paris ABD, we had our own ABD car pick us up - a rep with his sign met us at baggage claim & walked us to a very nice driver in a jaguar. Lol

Germany ABD we were also met at baggage, but shared a van with another family.

Don't bother packing ponchos, the guides will have them if you need them.

Ziploc bags! On the days you may need to have your luggage ready earlier than you need to be at the bus, you can throw a few extras in a ziplock & toss in your day bag.

 

[abbyjt]

Bring the booklet with the info that ABD sent you in your carry on. We have been on 11 ABD's. Sometimes you are the only family who is picked up. Sometimes you have to wait for another family on another flight and sometimes you need to call ABD because the person picking you up has been delayed and you don't know that (happened to us twice-they showed within 1/2 an hour but when everyone else is already gone, you panic a little). In some International airports the rep will be at baggage claim and help you retrieve your bags and some they will be beyond baggage claim. Bring all the over the counter drugs that one might need if they have a cold or other common ailment. They are readily available in Europe, but who wants to spend time looking for a pharmacy and figuring out what they need in another language. Most people we encountered in Germany spoke at least a little English and we knew a few dozen words in German, so that was helpful. Relax and enjoy your trip.

 

[carpenta]

We were delayed in Chicago on our way to Arizona and the group left without us ( because we were to be a few hours late.). But waiting for us with a sign was our private driver with a beautiful Cadillac Escalade. We traveled up to Sedona in style. ABD will make sure you are picked up at the airport what ever it takes....no worries. International trips we did the driver is waiting right past the exit from the immigration passport exits. Never had to wait too long on a international flight.....the wait is in the passport line but goes quickly. I am just glad to be up on my feet walking and stretching after long flights. Have a wonderful time.

 

[tufbuf]

Our flight was delayed in Ireland last year and the driver was there but he was notified to pick up a different family. I had to call ABD and they just told us to get a cab and the amount was reimbursed to us immediately after we spoke with our guides. It was broad daylight so it was no problem and it's always great to speak with the locals. Just something to consider too.

 

[Rapunzellover]

ABD is pretty well run. I imagine you won't have any issues with airport pickup. But bring the emergency number, just in case.

 

[ABDHelper]

TXTransplant, I promise you will have a wonderful trip. Germany is a great destination and all you need to do after having arrived at the hotel and being welcomed by the guides is to lean back and enjoy the trip. Make sure to read the booklet which was sent to you by ABD. This is a great source to prepare for the trip, but it also gives you an overview of cultural differences like European hotel rooms. They are smaller and some of them without AC. This is important if you are going to Germany. Also, the booklet tells you where you need to go at the airport to meet the representative with the Adventures by Disney sign. Did you get a chance to look into that booklet?
There are so many wonderful people here to help, please let us know if you have any other questions.

 

[TXTransplant]

I was planing to bring the booklet. I looked at it when we first received it, but that's been a month or more ago. I should have plenty of time to review it on our ten hour flight...can you tell I'm not really looking forward to that part of the trip?

 

[sayhello]

I was planing to bring the booklet. I looked at it when we first received it, but that's been a month or more ago. I should have plenty of time to review it on our ten hour flight...can you tell I'm not really looking forward to that part of the trip?

No one looks forward to the flights any more! It's just a necessary evil to be able to get to your fabulous trip.

Sayhello

 

[ABDHelper]

I was planing to bring the booklet. I looked at it when we first received it, but that's been a month or more ago. I should have plenty of time to review it on our ten hour flight...can you tell I'm not really looking forward to that part of the trip?

What time are you flying in? If you arrive early you will have time to relax before the welcome dinner. ABD picks hotels which are centrally located so you also have the option to explore the city. Long flights are always annoying but besides the flight there is no easier way to travel than with ABD.

 

[TXTransplant]

We are supposed to get in around 11 am Frankfurt time, so I'm hoping to be able to get in our room and shower and rest (but not nap!).

 

[TXTransplant]

Just had our first trip hiccup...my credit card number was compromised over the weekend. And of course, this is the card with the chip that I need for purchases in Europe. CC company has cancelled the card and insists that I will receive a replacement before we leave Thursday evening...

To top it off, I think it was scammed by the company who is coming to repair my A/C tomorrow.

 

[trevorsmom2002]

Just did this ABD adult exclusive (May 29-June 6). If you have any questions, I would be happy to help! We had a great time!

 

[carpenta]

Just had our first trip hiccup...my credit card number was compromised over the weekend. And of course, this is the card with the chip that I need for purchases in Europe. CC company has cancelled the card and insists that I will receive a replacement before we leave Thursday evening...

To top it off, I think it was scammed by the company who is coming to repair my A/C tomorrow.

....I had the same "compromise" but I am under the belief that it was due to a mass computer breach. Last year we were in Europe and the times we used our cards we had the non-chip type and had no problem charging. Just focus on the up coming great time.....

 

[TXTransplant]

....I had the same "compromise" but I am under the belief that it was due to a mass computer breach. Last year we were in Europe and the times we used our cards we had the non-chip type and had no problem charging. Just focus on the up coming great time.....

That's good to know. If I don't get my new card in time, I'll just bring another card with no chip.