Iceland trip report

[sayhello]

My husband says if having luggage porters is your #1 Disney magic, pick a different itenerary For us, not having it has literally been a non-issue . We are in ICELAND doing amazing things with amazing people. Worth every single penny we've handed over!

I think that's a rather arrogant statement. I have a bad back, and really appreciate having my luggage moved for me. It *is* one of the reasons I do ABDs. I will still take this itinerary, because I love what it covers, and I know the Guides will be amazing, but I'm allowed to be upset that I wasn't told I wouldn't be getting that service. It wouldn't have affected my choice in taking the trip, but it would have been really nice to know.

Sayhello

 

[CrazyZeus1]

@sayhello That was to whoever said Disney is essentially skimping out and pocketing the cost.

The guides are happy to.help anyone who needs it!

 

[upbeatred]

I for one, really appreciate a trip report that cover the good, the bad and the areas that might need improvement. I have done both Adventures By Disney and Rick Steve's trips. They are both great, but I admit I go into an ABD expecting very upscale hotel accommodations, stellar service- including not carrying my bags. If I am going on Rick Steve's, I know I am getting decent hotels, and carrying my own bags. I think everyone has a right to know, when they are paying a premium price that this location may not offer the same level of accommodations or service. These are really, really expensive trips, and the point of this board is to give people information about what to expect, and also to decide if they want to book a particular itinerary. I have to say, Iceland is not on my list based on this thread. For the price, I would do it on my own and I really appreciate the candid report.

 

[CrazyZeus1]

I'm curious what from.this report made Iceland off your list? We start our last full day tomorrow and have had a fabulous trip.

I for one, really appreciate a trip report that cover the good, the bad and the areas that might need improvement. I have done both Adventures By Disney and Rick Steve's trips. They are both great, but I admit I go into an ABD expecting very upscale hotel accommodations, stellar service- including not carrying my bags. If I am going on Rick Steve's, I know I am getting decent hotels, and carrying my own bags. I think everyone has a right to know, when they are paying a premium price that this location may not offer the same level of accommodations or service. These are really, really expensive trips, and the point of this board is to give people information about what to expect, and also to decide if they want to book a particular itinerary. I have to say, Iceland is not on my list based on this thread. For the price, I would do it on my own and I really appreciate the candid report.

 

[sayhello]

@sayhello That was to whoever said Disney is essentially skimping out and pocketing the cost.

The guides are happy to.help anyone who needs it!

I think that's a valid point, however, given that ABD did not SAY anywhere that there would be no luggage portage. You assume that is built into the price because ABD lists it on their website as a part of the "Disney Difference". But then, over a year later, you find out you're paying for less services than you thought you were, than ABD told you you were. And you don't find it out from ABD, you find it out from someone who is on the trip. I'm sure it's totally possible to live without luggage portage. But the issue here is the lack of transparency, not that people are too pampered for this trip.

ETA: This is from the Trip Tips & FAQs page for Iceland:

THE DISNEY DIFFERENCE
When you book an Adventures by Disney vacation, discover the Disney Difference:

• The services of two Adventure Guides
• VIP access and private events
• Outstanding accommodations
• Most meals during trip
• Admission fees to attractions and performances
• Cultural experiences with local experts
• Family activities and special thrills just for kids
• Transportation within your vacation
• Luggage service

Sayhello

 

[aggiedog]

True. Something that is listed as included, but actually isn’t - that’s not up to par. Agree that should be somewhere in the fine print at least.

 

[Networth]

Thanks for posting, I enjoyed reading the good, and the bad. Reports like this make it easier to line up our future ABD’s from “Must Do’s” to not a priority.

 

[BluesTraveler]

One thing I really like about Backroads is each trip has a "straight talk" section on the website. This is where they put things like hotel #2 isn't air conditioned, or other such info specific to that trip. I do think when companies overpromise they turn people off.

There are a lot of guided trips to Iceland right now, and so the more information, the easier it is to decide which trip has the most value for individual travelers. I've really appreciated this trip report.

 

[WeLoveABD]

Thanks for posting, I enjoyed reading the good, and the bad. Reports like this make it easier to line up our future ABD’s from “Must Do’s” to not a priority.

Okay, just to maybe get closure on this--i am on the trip now. This is the first ABD I have been on where there were no bag handlers. I agree that needs to be prominently disclosed. Iceland is seeing a relatively recent surge in tourism and they are still working on infrastructure. We have seen several new hotels being built, and my discussions with locals leads me to believe that while employment opportunities are expected, they are working out the details. So patience. This itinerary is really great, and I would hope no one bails out because of the baggage issue. But, your loss if you do I guess.

 

[Networth]

So patience. This itinerary is really great, and I would hope no one bails out because of the baggage issue. But, your loss if you do I guess.

I was speaking in general terms that reviews help me take my top ABD’s must do's into consideration, your review included. I was not speaking specifically to say wether or not I was planning to go on this trip, but I can thank you for assuming I was or wasn't going to Iceland due to baggage issues.

 

[WeLoveABD]

I was speaking in general terms that reviews help me take my top ABD’s must do's into consideration, your review included. I was not speaking specifically to say wether or not I was planning to go on this trip, but I can thank you for assuming I was or wasn't going to Iceland due to baggage issues.

Just used your post to reply to the whole series of posts, so not directed to you-- sorry about that!

 

[CrazyZeus1]

Since we are currently on the trip as well and are thrilled with the itenerary, I'll be posting a trip report on a new thread. ABD always takes input seriously and some things have been tweaked since the first 2 trips. We discussed this last night at dinner (which was amazimg and had huge portions ) and we all agreed as a family that this has been one of the most activity packed trips we've EVER taken, but it's been run smoothly and we've all had a great trip so far!

 

[Cousin Orville]

Thanks for your trip report! Glad to hear you had a great time. We were originally booked on this, but after going to Iceland on DCL last year, we decided to push another Iceland trip out a bit.

That's interesting about the lack of porters. If that's the way it is in Iceland then that's the way it is. It wouldn't deter us from going there. I think it would be smart for ABD to prominently mention this to set expectations. No guest or guide wants to hear anyone complain about it on the trip. But otherwise, you can't blame ABD for lack of porters in the country. The guides offered to help anyone that needs it. No way did ABD look at that as an opportunity to pocket a couple hundred bucks.

I'm still confused about whether lamb was offered at some of the meals. It sounds like different people had different experiences with that. My biggest ABD pet peeve has always been food. Some ABDs are better than others. The prevalence of chicken as the meat option always annoys me. Literally the most boring, safest, cheapest meat option to have. Lamb sounds much better.

 

[CrazyZeus1]

Thanks for your trip report! Glad to hear you had a great time. We were originally booked on this, but after going to Iceland on DCL last year, we decided to push another Iceland trip out a bit.

That's interesting about the lack of porters. If that's the way it is in Iceland then that's the way it is. It wouldn't deter us from going there. I think it would be smart for ABD to prominently mention this to set expectations. No guest or guide wants to hear anyone complain about it on the trip. But otherwise, you can't blame ABD for lack of porters in the country. The guides offered to help anyone that needs it. No way did ABD look at that as an opportunity to pocket a couple hundred bucks.

I'm still confused about whether lamb was offered at some of the meals. It sounds like different people had different experiences with that. My biggest ABD pet peeve has always been food. Some ABDs are better than others. The prevalence of chicken as the meat option always annoys me. Literally the most boring, safest, cheapest meat option to have. Lamb sounds much better.

We had lamb as an option at least 3 times and I think 4. I often get the chicken. Ha!! Your comment made me giggle

 

[BluesTraveler]

Thanks for your trip report! Glad to hear you had a great time. We were originally booked on this, but after going to Iceland on DCL last year, we decided to push another Iceland trip out a bit.

That's interesting about the lack of porters. If that's the way it is in Iceland then that's the way it is. It wouldn't deter us from going there. I think it would be smart for ABD to prominently mention this to set expectations. No guest or guide wants to hear anyone complain about it on the trip. But otherwise, you can't blame ABD for lack of porters in the country. The guides offered to help anyone that needs it. No way did ABD look at that as an opportunity to pocket a couple hundred bucks.

I'm still confused about whether lamb was offered at some of the meals. It sounds like different people had different experiences with that. My biggest ABD pet peeve has always been food. Some ABDs are better than others. The prevalence of chicken as the meat option always annoys me. Literally the most boring, safest, cheapest meat option to have. Lamb sounds much better.

For our opening dinner tonight we had a choice of salmon, rack of lamb, veggie burger, or hamburgers. My family got lamb and salmon. Both were excellent and portions were huge. Before going to the restaurant, we had salad/veggie/flatbread appetizers at the hotel. We also had a choice of beer at dinner and the beer was great.