NY or Nashville or D.C.

[Sohappy2bme]

My family of 5 (ages 10, 8 and 5) is planning to visit all of these cities in 2017/2018. The question is if it is worth it to travel with Adventires by Disney to any of these locations or book on my own. Do you get a "real" Disney experience or any special access at any of these destinations?

 

[Rapunzellover]

Fyi--Nashville is no longer available.

 

[GAN]

ABD would make it worthwhile if you want to spend the money. But honestly, DC is pretty simple to navigate with kids on your own -and most of the museums and sites are all free. As far as NYC goes, I can see an advantage to ABD there -because of the hustle and bustle around you.

 

[abdgeek]

My family of 5 (ages 10, 8 and 5) is planning to visit all of these cities in 2017/2018. The question is if it is worth it to travel with Adventires by Disney to any of these locations or book on my own. Do you get a "real" Disney experience or any special access at any of these destinations?

I agree with the OP that DC is easy enough to do on your own and most of the museums are free. Try to choose a hotel that is within walking distance of a metro station for ease of transportation into DC. Having done the NYC ABD, it was worth it to me. Even though I lived in NJ for years and went into NYC, I never did the things the ABD allowed me to do(see GMA, visit the Apollo, walking tour of Harlem, dance lessons from Broadway people). However, if you want to do the touristy things like see the Statue of Liberty, go to the museums, walk Central Park, etc. you don't need ABD for that.

 

[calypso726]

I thought the NY ABD was well worth it and had some unique experiences. I'd actually consider doing it again.

 

[tink1970]

I've looked at the NYC ABD and agree, they seem to have a lot of interesting things and use time effectively.

 

[FoodieFriend]

I loved the NYC ABD! It was our 1st time trying ABD & we felt it was well worth it. We truly felt well taken care of by our guides (Stefan & Rebecca) & many of the experiences were truly VIP access (GMA, Amsterdam Theatre etc). While this ABD adventure was not our 1st trip to NYC, we definitely did unique events like the Tenement Museum. I haven't been on the DC ABD nor have I been to the city on my own, so I can't help you compare between the two. sorry. I hope you find your answers from other DISers.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Both cities are very easy to tour on your own or do selected tours of interest without paying $$$$ for ABD.

 

[TwoMisfits]

Both cities are very easy to tour on your own or do selected tours of interest without paying $$$$ for ABD.

I agree - I would never pay for an ABD for either city. DC, in particular, is incredibly easy and relatively inexpensive done on your own...