How are the Adventure Guides?

[battenburg]

How are the Adventure Guides?

 

[MJGirl]

One word ... fantastic..

Okay in more words... Very knowledgeable about the area, if they don't know the answer, they will get them for you. On our tour, we mentioned we wanted to see Moulin Rouge, and they called the hotel for us to arrange for tickets. The early show was sold out, but they got us in the late show and gave us directions and everything. We probably wouldn't have gone if it wasn't for them.

They were also very friendly and entertaining. When you have a large group of mixed ages, they didn't alienate anyone. They kept safety in mind too. They always had someone at the front of the group and someone at the back. Always saw them counting heads. I found it amazing how well they were with names. We had a capacity group, and I only knew the names of about half of them, but the guides knew all of them.

Hope this helps.

 

[tiggr33]

I am probably in the minority, but I didn't feel they were good (on my tour) and comparing to tours I have taken with other companies. I didn't feel they kept an eye on everyone. They were far from tactful in reacting to comments and concerns. We had a situation where one member of our group was taking a photo and was left behind in a closed zoo at night. Why did this happen, and I fully defend the person left behind in this situation, was that the two guides were more concerned with whispering and gossiping with one another. Rarely, did they split up. Rarely was one in the front leading the group, and the other at the back of the pack with the slower walkers. In my group there were many repeat guests to ABD. All expressed dis-satisfaction with the lack of professionalism the two continually displayed. Me personally, I plan to inquire in advance what guides would be assigned to any tour I consider in the future. I woud not, unless the trip was completly free, take a tour where these two guides were paired. They were horrible, and did take away from what could have been a much better experience. I must admit, I was dis-appointed in ABD because of the guides.

 

[cydlei]

Hi Stacey,
On which tour did you have these two "dud" guides?

 

[PrincessFi]

Are guides on all ABD trips native to the countries you are visiting or are they American????? And Yeah, I want to know which trip those duds were on.

 

[tiggr33]

Hi Stacey,
On which tour did you have these two "dud" guides?

I was on an Imperial Cities tour. However, guides rotate, depending on their contracts and skills.

Are guides on all ABD trips native to the countries you are visiting or are they American?????

The two ABD guides we had were both Americans. We had local guides in addition to the ABD guides in some locations.

 

[Aunt Cawa]

We did the Southwest Splendors last year and our guides were great. Since this was the first tour we ever did we weren't sure what to expect. The guides (Mike and Rae) were fantastic. We ended up with a luggage issue (Thank you Continental Airlines) and Mike went out of his way to help us repair the damage so we could use the bag to get home. They were both knowledgeable, considerate and fun. They kept a good eye on everyone and worked very hard to make our trip exciting and stress free.

We enjoyed this tour so much we are doing the Backstage Magic tour this year.

 

[eva]

I am probably in the minority, but I didn't feel they were good (on my tour) and comparing to tours I have taken with other companies. I didn't feel they kept an eye on everyone. They were far from tactful in reacting to comments and concerns. We had a situation where one member of our group was taking a photo and was left behind in a closed zoo at night. Why did this happen, and I fully defend the person left behind in this situation, was that the two guides were more concerned with whispering and gossiping with one another. Rarely, did they split up. Rarely was one in the front leading the group, and the other at the back of the pack with the slower walkers. In my group there were many repeat guests to ABD. All expressed dis-satisfaction with the lack of professionalism the two continually displayed. Me personally, I plan to inquire in advance what guides would be assigned to any tour I consider in the future. I woud not, unless the trip was completly free, take a tour where these two guides were paired. They were horrible, and did take away from what could have been a much better experience. I must admit, I was dis-appointed in ABD because of the guides.

I hope that you made your thoughts known to ABD after returning.

 

[tiggr33]

I hope that you made your thoughts known to ABD after returning.

It fell on deaf ears.

 

[battenburg]

Out of curiosity, did you speak with someone upon your return about your disappointment? You said it fell on deaf ears .. who did you talk to? I can't imagine that they wouldn't listen to your concerns.

 

[rkdahl]

It fell on deaf ears.

I'm curious as well how you shared you concerns with ABD?

 

[MJGirl]

I am probably in the minority, but I didn't feel they were good (on my tour) and comparing to tours I have taken with other companies. I didn't feel they kept an eye on everyone. They were far from tactful in reacting to comments and concerns. We had a situation where one member of our group was taking a photo and was left behind in a closed zoo at night. Why did this happen, and I fully defend the person left behind in this situation, was that the two guides were more concerned with whispering and gossiping with one another. Rarely, did they split up. Rarely was one in the front leading the group, and the other at the back of the pack with the slower walkers. In my group there were many repeat guests to ABD. All expressed dis-satisfaction with the lack of professionalism the two continually displayed. Me personally, I plan to inquire in advance what guides would be assigned to any tour I consider in the future. I woud not, unless the trip was completly free, take a tour where these two guides were paired. They were horrible, and did take away from what could have been a much better experience. I must admit, I was dis-appointed in ABD because of the guides.

I'm sorry you had such a bad experience with your guides. I'm glad you filed a complaint with ABD. I hope it didn't fall on totally deaf ears.

Are guides on all ABD trips native to the countries you are visiting or are they American????? And Yeah, I want to know which trip those duds were on.

On our London Paris tour, Andrew was American and used to work for DVC and Francesc was French and used to work on DCL. Both were great. I was one of the slow walkers and one was always behind with me, even during the climb at Notre Dame.

We did the Southwest Splendors last year and our guides were great. Since this was the first tour we ever did we weren't sure what to expect. The guides (Mike and Rae) were fantastic. We ended up with a luggage issue (Thank you Continental Airlines) and Mike went out of his way to help us repair the damage so we could use the bag to get home. They were both knowledgeable, considerate and fun. They kept a good eye on everyone and worked very hard to make our trip exciting and stress free.

We enjoyed this tour so much we are doing the Backstage Magic tour this year.

Hi Aunt Cawa ... Which Backstage Magic tour are you doing? I will be on the August 12-17 one!

 

[Aunt Cawa]

Hi MJGirl,

We are on the June 3 trip. Our first two choices in May were already cancelled by the time we made our reservation.

 

[MJGirl]

Hi MJGirl,

We are on the June 3 trip. Our first two choices in May were already cancelled by the time we made our reservation.

Lucky ... I have to wait 2 more months after you get back. I can't wait to read your trip report

 

[wdwsos]

It fell on deaf ears.

Actually, from what I heard, your complaints were most definitely addressed for future trips. I'm glad you took the time to give your honest feedback -- it helps the rest of us!

I was also on an Imperial Cities trip, but had two fabulous guides, Tina and Anett. Tina was American, but Anett was originally from Germany and knew the language and customs. I think both were the guides for one or two trips after mine (late June) but not after that, so you likely got someone new. I know that at least Tina was back in Italy. (She was also my Viva Italia guide in 2006!)

They really did take care of all of us, from the energetic to the slow-walkers. They also patiently and miraculously made up time to compensate for my middle son who always straggled to the bus, croissant in hand, ten minutes late in the morning. Luckily, he charmed his way into forgiveness with the rest of the guests.

I'm really sorry you had that experience, because the guides are a big part of making these trips as special as they are.

 

[tiggr33]

Actually, from what I heard, your complaints were most definitely addressed for future trips. I'm glad you took the time to give your honest feedback -- it helps the rest of us!

That's interesting, you know more than I do about my complaints. Please share what you heard.

 

[eva]

That's interesting, you know more than I do about my complaints. Please share what you heard.

I was going to ask something similar. Well, I was actually going to ask if you had a trip report somewhere that talked about the issues and any responses from ABD. I am also most interested by what you mean that it fell on deaf ears. Did you call, email, or write a letter? Did you receive no response? If so, when did you submit the complaint? I can be a bit of a squeaky wheel. While I don't expect any restitution for things like this, I do expect the complaint to be acknowledged. If you heard nothing back, try again. One last question, has the experience lead you to give up on ABD? With the problems you had and no resolution or apology given, I might be tempted to go with another tour company next time.

 

[inkkognito]

Hi MJGirl,
We are on the June 3 trip. Our first two choices in May were already cancelled by the time we made our reservation.

What is it with Backstage Magic?! I really thought that would be a popular one. The first two in April were cancelled too so we had to switch to 4/22. I am sooooo looking forward to it.

 

[MJGirl]

What is it with Backstage Magic?! I really thought that would be a popular one. The first two in April were cancelled too so we had to switch to 4/22. I am sooooo looking forward to it.

I know ... Two in May were cancelled as well! I'm wondering if people with kids don't want to spoil the magic and some adults think it would be too Disney. Oh well ... I only hope they don't cancel the August 12 one ..

 

[disneytraveler]

The guides i had on the Viva Italia tour were great Leo and Heidi, i cant say enough about them.