Newbies-Backstage Magic in 2013- Advice Please

[Mouse13]

DH, DS (14 at the time of the trip) and I are huge Disney and Disneyland fans. We're planning to take the Backstage Magic adventure in June 2013 and would love to hear tips and advice from all of you seasoned Adventurers! As frequent visitors to Disneyland, we love everything that this tour offers.

Is there anything special we should know before booking? I've heard that it's sometimes less expensive or the deal is sweetened in some way at times if you book through a third party such as Costco Travel or Dreams Unlimited. How soon should we book the trip? Are there any hidden expenses that we should be prepared for?

We usually visit DLR for a week at a time, so we're thinking that we'll add an extra four days/three nights on to the trip at the end so that we can be sure to have enough time in the Magic of Disneyland.

Also, we're AP holders and will be looking to purchase our APs again around the time of the trip. Will we be able to use the value of the tickets in the package towards the purchase of our new APs?

Looking forward to some great tips and advice from our fellow Dis'ers!

 

[Bobo912]

If you book through DU or Costco you will get a gift card the amount of which is based on the price of your trip. I've also heard of other travel agents who have similar offers. I don't see any down side to booking this way.

I wouldn't say there are any hidden expenses. There is time on your own during all the ABD itineraries where you will pay for your own activities and meals, but those times are clearly identified on their website or brochure. There is also the tip for the Adventure Guides. ABD suggest $6-$9 per day per guest for each guide. Personally, at the end of the end of the trip I am happy to tip at the top of the scale or even more because the guides are so fantastic. I think most people feel that way. But it's another fairly large expense to consider when you're budgeting for you trip.

 

[Mouse13]

Bobo912, thanks for your insight. I had read about the tips for the guides and appreciate knowing that you thought they were well deserved at the end of the trip.

 

[sayhello]

I've read that the value of the tickets cannot be applied towards an AP, nor can they be upgraded or added to. I'm sure if I'm wrong, someone will correct me, but I'm 99.9% sure that's what I've seen reported in the past.

Sayhello

 

[Mouse13]

I've read that the value of the tickets cannot be applied towards an AP, nor can they be upgraded or added to. I'm sure if I'm wrong, someone will correct me, but I'm 99.9% sure that's what I've seen reported in the past.

Sayhello

I just got off the phone with ABD and you are correct. The ABD tickets cannot be upgraded. That's a bummer but not a deal breaker.

 

[sayhello]

I just got off the phone with ABD and you are correct. The ABD tickets cannot be upgraded. That's a bummer but not a deal breaker.

Sorry 'bout that! But from what I hear, you're going to LOVE the ABD! It's on my list for someday!

Sayhello

 

[DisneyKevin]

If you have any question regarding the Backstage Magic Adventure, please feel free to write to me at Kevin@DreamsUnlimitedTravel.com.

The tickets associated with the Adventure can not be changed in any way and the value can not be used to upgrade. The tickets are good for your Adventure and only your Adventure.

Also, you will not be able to book any Adventure for 2013 until ABD releases the dates. This was done at the end of August this past year. We expect something similar this year.

 

[ajh88]

Hey! I was just getting ready to post a similar topic! We have never been to DL (we are WDW regulars) and were planning a trip for 2013 (me, DH, and DD will be 12 at the time of travel). I found the Backstage Magic tour and I'm hooked. Actually, I'm pretty sure I've planned to take every ABD offering at some point over the next decade after reading their site every day for the past couple of weeks.

We are also looking at June'ish timeframe, but I guess I won't know for sure until the dates are announced, which sounds like it won't be until later this summer (so I can stop stalking the website on a daily basis).

Oh, and we live in KS near the OK border too. Go figure! We are on the east side of the state. Maybe we'll end up on the same tour!

 

[Mouse13]

Hey! I was just getting ready to post a similar topic! We have never been to DL (we are WDW regulars) and were planning a trip for 2013 (me, DH, and DD will be 12 at the time of travel). I found the Backstage Magic tour and I'm hooked. Actually, I'm pretty sure I've planned to take every ABD offering at some point over the next decade after reading their site every day for the past couple of weeks.

We are also looking at June'ish timeframe, but I guess I won't know for sure until the dates are announced, which sounds like it won't be until later this summer (so I can stop stalking the website on a daily basis).

Oh, and we live in KS near the OK border too. Go figure! We are on the east side of the state. Maybe we'll end up on the same tour!

It's just magical that we're both on the KS/OK border. We're in the center of the state. We've been DLR AP holders for many years and know that you're in for a real treat on your visit to California and Walt's Park! We're going on our first ABD tour during our March trip. It's the new one day Lights, Camera, Magic trip, http://disneyland.disney.go.com/special-offers/lights-camera-magic-adventures/ and we are so excited about it. If you have questions about DLR or DLR trip planning, I'd be happy to answer them.