Guide Questions

[ABDguide]

Thank you for your thoughts, looking forward to our trip on the Disney Magic in the Med. with the ABD add on. Are most of the Guides from the parks? We took a tour in DL and our guide there told us that a few from DL had gone as guides.

Many of the American guides are from the Parks and simply leave their day-time role to run a trip, but not all of them. In Europe guides generally only work for Disney during the ABD season, and then have to find work elsewhere during the off season.

 

[ABDguide]

Here is a topic that has been of some discussion--do the guides prefer tips in US dollars, in the local currency (for foreign travel of course!) or ?? We used to pay tips with Travelers Checks (safer to carry around), and I am leery of carrying around a lot of cash--or hoping to have a working and nearby ATM on or near the last day of the trip. Any helpful advice? Thanks again for coming on board!

I had seen that was discussed and was waiting for someone to raise the question! I understand that Travellers Checks are safer however many of the guides in Europe (i.e. non-American guides) cannot pay them in at their local bank or have to pay a substantial charge to do so. It is also the case for personal cheques made out to guides in US dollars.

Obviously local currency would be preferred for European guides however dollars are also welcome. I think I have read a suggestion of just leaving any large amounts of cash locked in your room safe which is a great idea - just remember to take it with you if you have more than one hotel on your Adventure!

It should be mentioned that we never expect tips from our Guests and therefore any tips given, in whatever format, are always very welcome when our Guests have had a great Adventure as a result of our involvement.

Edit: I believe that because of the problems European guides have when cashing Travellers Checks, ABD have now removed that from the Storybooks you get at your Welcome Meal as a suggested format for giving tips to guides

 

[HappyHilda]

Hello! I am heading to Italy in 2 weeks and am trying to select an appropriate power adapter converter. At the risk of sounding technically inept , I'm not certain what I need. I'll need to charge cell phones, cameras, an iTouch, and things like that. I think I need both the converter and adapter (or a combined unit), correct? Someone also told me I should look for one that can be used for continuous charging. I would very much appreciate any insights from an expert!

 

[ABDguide]

Hello! I am heading to Italy in 2 weeks and am trying to select an appropriate power adapter converter. At the risk of sounding technically inept , I'm not certain what I need. I'll need to charge cell phones, cameras, an iTouch, and things like that. I think I need both the converter and adapter (or a combined unit), correct? Someone also told me I should look for one that can be used for continuous charging. I would very much appreciate any insights from an expert!

I'm not sure what you mean by 'continuous charging', but you certainly need a converter rather than just an adapter. Most of the hotels we use have some you can borrow for your stay, although I would not rely on that. Many of the Guides use a block-style adapter/converter as they take any kind of input (e.g. European input, American input etc.) and you can choose which output you want by just moving different selection tabs. I hope that makes sense!

 

[Diskidatheart]

Hello! I am heading to Italy in 2 weeks and am trying to select an appropriate power adapter converter. At the risk of sounding technically inept , I'm not certain what I need. I'll need to charge cell phones, cameras, an iTouch, and things like that. I think I need both the converter and adapter (or a combined unit), correct? Someone also told me I should look for one that can be used for continuous charging. I would very much appreciate any insights from an expert!

Hilda, most electronic devices now-a-days do not need a converter, but to be sure, you should be able to see on the back of the device 110 - 220 volts. If it doesn't say this, then you will need the converter also. Be careful when buying an adapter for Italy. We bought an adapter for our trip and it said in small print, good for Europe except Italy. Italy uses a special adapter. Keep in mind that a converter converts the US 100 volt items to 220 volts and that's it. An adapter allows you to plug in your device into the the foreign outlets. Chances are your iTouch does not need a converter. Your cell phones may not either if they are newer but I would check with your provider to be sure. Also, if buying a converter, make sure that it is sufficient for the devices that you are using, such as a hair dryer. If you are using a 1800 watt hair dryer, you will need a converter that is OK for that much wattage. Some hairdryers also have converters built into them as well (we bought a travel sized one for our Italy trip that didn't need a converter and it was $15 at Target). Same with battery chargers, some have a built in converter. We decided to buy a new battery charger because the new one had a converter in it and it was cheaper than an actual converter.

 

[hushupu]

Wow this is great. I'm sure I will have plenty of questions once I decide on a tour. One thing I was curious about, Is there any formal training for the guides?

 

[HappyHilda]

ABDguide and Diskidatheart, thanks SO much for the education on converters / adapters! Particularly for the warning about Italy adapters - I'll be sure to get one that is appropriate.

 

[kristilew]

HappyHilda, to add to the converter discussion - I have yet to find one that works well for flat irons. My next overseas trip will include a newly purchased flatiron that can be used with both US and European voltages. If this is something you use, you may want to do the same (who wants bad hair in vacay photos?)

Travel/luggage stores have a good selection of adaptors/converters with clear indications for what countries they work in.

 

[sayhello]

I bought a converter at AAA, and it worked wonderfully, even with my 1500 watt hairdryer.

Sayhello

 

[LTFrench]

We only used an adapter in Italy. Most of our things did not say 120/240. My Chi flatiron worked without an issue as did my curling iron and Ion hairdryer. We had no issues, thankfully, LOL!

 

[HappyHilda]

Wow - kristilew, sayhello and LTFrench, thanks for all the great advice! The phone and camera chargers do say 110-240, so I think I'm okay there. Sounds like there is a visit to AAA or Mori in my very near future!

 

[mesabravo]

As I'm going on my firt ABD to Germany in Sept, I was wondering a little about what guide are able to help with on pre and post nights. How early do they arrive? Just wondering as we are scheduled for 3 pre and 3 post nights. Thanks a bunch!! Oh, and one more questions, what do the guides like to do on the down time? I mean besides sleep?

 

[sayhello]

As I'm going on my firt ABD to Germany in Sept, I was wondering a little about what guide are able to help with on pre and post nights. How early do they arrive? Just wondering as we are scheduled for 3 pre and 3 post nights. Thanks a bunch!! Oh, and one more questions, what do the guides like to do on the down time? I mean besides sleep?

I don't know for sure, but I highly doubt the Guides will be there 3 days before the trip. They will likely be there the day before, to get things set up. It really depends on what's going on with the trip they are doing before yours. They can definitely make suggestions for you once you meet them. And the same goes for after the trip, as they'll be working on the next trip. I'd plan on making your own plans, and not count on the Guides for pre- and post-days.

And as for "down time", it's been my experience that the Guides don't *have* down time. They are constantly working behind the scenes, making and double-checking arrangements. The only down time they have is if they are not running a tour. At which point, from what I've heard, they try to go home.

Sayhello

 

[WeLoveABD]

I hear they frequently are drunk and often arrested.

(HA!!! Just kidding!!)

I agree with SayHello that they never seem to stop working.

On our Germany trip (Christmas 2009) our German guide helped us arrange for train tickets to Salzburg during one of our post-tour days, which really helped us out. There are limits to what they can do (sometimes dependent upon the availability of internet access etc)--but I am confident that if there is any way to help out, they will. And at least, they can provide a lot of helpful tips for touring pre or post.

 

[sayhello]

Bump.

Hey, ABDGuide, do you mind if I make this thread a Sticky? That way, it will be easier for folks & you to find!

Sayhello