My Adventures with ABD!!!

[sayhello]

Try number 3... my posts keep getting eaten!

So when we went on the DIS Exclusive Knights & Lights trip last year, we had an ABD exec on the trip with us. Fred was such a sweet guy, and I and several other people on the trip have kept in touch with him. So when I knew I was going to be in LA for a couple of days to visit family & friends on my way to Maui, Fred & I made plans to meet up for lunch while I was there. When we finally worked out that I would meet him at his office to go to lunch from there, he told me if I came by early, I could check out ABD Headquarters! Plus, "Josh wants to meet you." As in Josh D'Amaro, VP of ABD!!

So I arrived at the building, got signed in, and went up to see their offices and meet Josh. Josh was such a nice, enthusiastic guy! If you guys wondered if they know about us there, or if they're listening to us, they do, and they are! Josh seems really committed to things like improving the experience for return guests! I didn't get much in the way of specifics (mostly "Stay tuned" with a smile) but I do think there are some good things on the horizon for ABD and for us! I only got one secret, which I can't share (but you should know soon), but I think the "Insiders" will love it! As I said, most other questions were met with a wink and a "Wait and see".

And if you want a crazy experience, Fred took me around to meet a bunch of the folks there, and I kept getting met with "Oh! You're Sayhello! Nice to finally meet you." And I mean that literally. They were all aware of my existence as Sayhello here on the DISboards; they had read my trip reports, etc. I felt like a celebrity! It was a bit surreal, but in a really good way!

They have nice offices up in a high-rise, and the coolest "conference room" area I've ever seen. (Very homey & comfortable). I had a really great time there. Thanks to everyone I met, and thanks so much, Fred, for arranging it!!!

I had a lovely lunch with Fred (we walked to this great place, and the food was delish, and the weather gorgeous!)

Here's me & Fred with the new Guide's sign:

And here's a photo of me & Josh and another exec (whose name I'm spacing on. Bad Sayhello!!!!) Sorry that it's a bit blurry... ETA: The exec is Craig Hodges, Director of Operations. Thanks, Fred!

What a cool day!!! But man, I forgot to petition for my job with ABD!!!

Sayhello

 

[Bobo912]

Tobi, that is awesome! I don't suppose we can talk you into revealing the secret.

 

[sayhello]

Tobi, that is awesome! I don't suppose we can talk you into revealing the secret.

My lips are sealed! But I will say a couple of folks mentioned you by name, too!

Sayhello

 

[WeLoveABD]

Very cool SayHello! From what you heard...does it seem like the ABD add-ons for the cruise line are working out and will stay?

Meanwhile...Scotland! Yet another wrinkle in our travel plans--! (and on that topic--how will the Insiders be notified re booking etc--on line?)

 

[Bobo912]

My lips are sealed! But I will say a couple of folks mentioned you by name, too!

Sayhello

Hmmm...I wish I had put some thought into selecting a display name. I posted a question before my first ABD, and I thought that would be my last post.

 

[apurplebrat]

Sounds like you had a great day Tobi! Love the pictures!

 

[jlou]

Wow! What a neat experience!

Well, I'll be interested in hearing more about further loyalty perks. We are going on our second ABD now, and I keep thinking that this is it, as our kids are getting older and I'd like to do some exploring on our own.

But then they keep introducing these awesome trips to locales that I wouldn't be comfortable doing on our own.

Keep us posted!

 

[tufbuf]

Cool! Cool! Cool!!!

 

[familygoboston]

Social media is where it's at, and message boards ( especially reviews) are a huge driving force in many industries, none more than travel. Say Hello, dont underestimate your worth...you should have lobbied for that job Thanks for your review of your ABD hQ tour and for all you do keeping our discourse fair and polite!

 

[gailg3horses]

How exciting. I got to meet Josh D'Amaro on the dvc members cruise in September. (he and Claire Bilby were on board). I was sitting reading on deck 4 and he ran laps and laps... Lol. I met him at the abd presentation and it was funny, he remembered running past me the day before. He was really nice and friendly. Gave me some insight that the Mediterranean add on would be back next year. Still havent decided if we will add it, as much as I want to. We'll see.

 

[carolinadj]

Way way cool! The organization has scored big points with me lately with the gifts, the newest itineraries, the early booking for repeat customers - and now this! Giving a tour of their headquarters to one of their travelers & hooking her up with a meeting with the VP. So awesome- and so Disney!

Thanks for sharing, Sayhello. I'll forgive you now for not posting Part 7 of the Knights & Lights review

 

[adambomb85]

How fun SayHello! That must have been a very fun experience. You do a great job monitoring these boards - I'd say you are quite the celebrity indeed

 

[kristilew]

Very cool! I'm so glad they follow you - I've always admired how you balance enthusiasm with real, helpful info. If ABD is paying attention to your posts, our "community" of travelers is being well represented!

I hope you have a wonderful, exciting, and relaxing time in Hawaii. Can't wait to read all about it!

 

[sayhello]

Very cool SayHello! From what you heard...does it seem like the ABD add-ons for the cruise line are working out and will stay?

Meanwhile...Scotland! Yet another wrinkle in our travel plans--! (and on that topic--how will the Insiders be notified re booking etc--on line?)

Thanks! And 'yes' re: the add-ons. Especially the Med ones. They've had some issues withh the Alaska one, but I get the impression that's due to the diminished shore time this year more than anything.

And Scotland sounds cool!

Sayhello

 

[sayhello]

Hmmm...I wish I had put some thought into selecting a display name. I posted a question before my first ABD, and I thought that would be my last post.

Sayhello

 

[WDWLinda]

Hello SayHello...glad you had such a neat sidetrip and I hope you enjoy your next trip. Are you in Hawaii now? I figured out a way that you can post your trip report here - as you're flying from one island to the next, look out the window and take a pic of the Aluani resort, and post that, along with your 20,000 miles-up impressions. Oh, and as an aside, you can let us know how the rest of the trip goes.

BTW, did you ever finish the Knights & Lights trip report? Last I read you were going to Disney in Paris. When I wade through the pages of posts, I can't find anything after that. I was curious about your impressions on Disney in Paris.

Happy travels!

~Linda

 

[sayhello]

Very cool! I'm so glad they follow you - I've always admired how you balance enthusiasm with real, helpful info. If ABD is paying attention to your posts, our "community" of travelers is being well represented!

I hope you have a wonderful, exciting, and relaxing time in Hawaii. Can't wait to read all about it!

Awe, thanks, Kristilew! Hawaii is great. Quite relaxing. I will definitely post a report somehow when I get back.

How fun SayHello! That must have been a very fun experience. You do a great job monitoring these boards - I'd say you are quite the celebrity indeed

Thanks, adambomb85! It *was* very fun! I don't really feel like a celebrity, but it's very cool that others think I am.

Way way cool! The organization has scored big points with me lately with the gifts, the newest itineraries, the early booking for repeat customers - and now this! Giving a tour of their headquarters to one of their travelers & hooking her up with a meeting with the VP. So awesome- and so Disney!

Thanks for sharing, Sayhello. I'll forgive you now for not posting Part 7 of the Knights & Lights review

Thanks carolinadj. ABD really does seem to be stepping up to the challenge, and it's great to see. I'm so embarrassed about the K&L trip report. I *will* be working on it as soon as I return.

How exciting. I got to meet Josh D'Amaro on the dvc members cruise in September. (he and Claire Bilby were on board). I was sitting reading on deck 4 and he ran laps and laps... Lol. I met him at the abd presentation and it was funny, he remembered running past me the day before. He was really nice and friendly. Gave me some insight that the Mediterranean add on would be back next year. Still havent decided if we will add it, as much as I want to. We'll see.

Josh came across as a really enthusiastic and nice guy. I felt totally comfortable talking to him & telling him exactly what I thought. Very real guy.

Social media is where it's at, and message boards ( especially reviews) are a huge driving force in many industries, none more than travel. Say Hello, dont underestimate your worth...you should have lobbied for that job Thanks for your review of your ABD hQ tour and for all you do keeping our discourse fair and polite!

Thanks, familygotoboston. Social media definitely is taking over many aspects of our lives & business.

I really should have lobbied for that job... Hey, Josh, you reading?

Cool! Cool! Cool!!!

Thanks, tufbuf!

Wow! What a neat experience!

Well, I'll be interested in hearing more about further loyalty perks. We are going on our second ABD now, and I keep thinking that this is it, as our kids are getting older and I'd like to do some exploring on our own.

But then they keep introducing these awesome trips to locales that I wouldn't be comfortable doing on our own.

Keep us posted!

I'm hoping we'll be hearing more about the perks soon. Thanks, jlou. Such a horrible ordeal, having to choose from all these fabulous trips! Hey, somebody's got to do it!

Sounds like you had a great day Tobi! Love the pictures!

thanks, Karen. It really was great!

Hello SayHello...glad you had such a neat sidetrip and I hope you enjoy your next trip. Are you in Hawaii now? I figured out a way that you can post your trip report here - as you're flying from one island to the next, look out the window and take a pic of the Aluani resort, and post that, along with your 20,000 miles-up impressions. Oh, and as an aside, you can let us know how the rest of the trip goes.

BTW, did you ever finish the Knights & Lights trip report? Last I read you were going to Disney in Paris. When I wade through the pages of posts, I can't find anything after that. I was curious about your impressions on Disney in Paris.

Happy travels!

~Linda

Oooo, thanks, Linda. I am in Hawaii right now. Your idea is an interesting one. But I'm not sure if you can see Oahu from Maui. But I'll keep my camera at the ready!

And no, I did not finish my K&L trip report yet. Soon!

Sayhello