One week until Cowboy and Canyons !

[Irish1234]

Unfortunately, as I see I failed to mention, we are flying out of Denver, so we will be travelling East not West. I didn't even think about going West. . . .

I tried to make reservations at El Tovar (have always wanted to stay there!) but was told if you are not staying at the hotel, you have to wait till 30 days prior before you can make a dining reservation. I have it marked on my calendar. In any event, I appreciate the suggestions so keep them coming!

You will be able to get reservations. We called at the 30 day mark and it was not a problem.

 

[thumpermom]

Irish1234 - Once again, thanks so much for the details! That, along with the comments from all the others, has put me in a more comfortable place.

I think relaxing by the pool at night (with a glass of wine ) sounds awesome!

We too are flying on SW from Denver. I may try to move our flight from Friday to at least Thursday. I originally thought we would want to spend a day or two sightseeing there, but I'm beginning to think we will be ready to get home. . .

Thanks to all for sharing!

 

[thumpermom]

I am not the OP, but since I posted on this thread, I wanted to bump it and give a quick update. My husband and I returned home this past Thursday from our trip and it was
I N C R E D I B L E!! Seriously!

If you are thinking about taking this trip and are on the fence, all I can say is DO IT! I know there are discussions about cost and “is it worth it?” about ABD trips in general. I am the cheap one in my family and I can say with complete conviction that this trip was worth every penny! It was our first Adventures by Disney trip but it will not be our last. Without a doubt, the best vacation we have ever been on!

Thanks to everyone for all of your insight and advice.

 

[carpenta]

I am not the OP, but since I posted on this thread, I wanted to bump it and give a quick update. My husband and I returned home this past Thursday from our trip and it was
I N C R E D I B L E!! Seriously!

If you are thinking about taking this trip and are on the fence, all I can say is DO IT! I know there are discussions about cost and “is it worth it?” about ABD trips in general. I am the cheap one in my family and I can say with complete conviction that this trip was worth every penny! It was our first Adventures by Disney trip but it will not be our last. Without a doubt, the best vacation we have ever been on!

Thanks to everyone for all of your insight and advice.

So glad to hear you had a great time. we also did and booked our trip to Italy with ABD next year even though we have been to Italy a number of times BUT not with ABD. Please tell us more on your favorite things you enjoyed.

 

[sayhello]

I am not the OP, but since I posted on this thread, I wanted to bump it and give a quick update. My husband and I returned home this past Thursday from our trip and it was
I N C R E D I B L E!! Seriously!

If you are thinking about taking this trip and are on the fence, all I can say is DO IT! I know there are discussions about cost and “is it worth it?” about ABD trips in general. I am the cheap one in my family and I can say with complete conviction that this trip was worth every penny! It was our first Adventures by Disney trip but it will not be our last. Without a doubt, the best vacation we have ever been on!

Thanks to everyone for all of your insight and advice.

So glad to hear you had such a wonderful trip! ABD's are highly addictive, but I guess you've already figured that one out! Any pictures or stories to share??? Who were your Guides?

Sayhello

 

[thumpermom]

Oh, it’s so hard to say what our favorite things were!! I'll try. . . and I’ll try not to ramble. . . .

Obviously, ALL the incredible scenery was, as expected, spectacular. LOVED Sedona - Amazing! I was mesmerized by its beauty! Grand Canyon – what can I say???? Pictures cannot even remotely capture its magnificence! It looks different from each place you view it!! And the Delicate Arch . . . sigh!! So elegant. . . . that MIGHT be my favorite thing! 

I think from a resort perspective, I’d have to give the nod to the Enchantment Resort. Just wow . . . . everything about it was beautiful! The first thing we said was “when can we come back?” We had no issues at all with the Thunderbird. Although it was an older building, the rooms had been updated and while on the small side, were perfectly fine . . . and what a location! I believe it is the right choice for lodging at the Canyon. I would say that Red Cliffs Lodge had the most warmth and was the friendliest. Lovely surroundings, spacious rooms with rustic styling, and sooo much to do! I wish we would have had more time to enjoy the resort itself!

But, without a doubt, the thing that made the trip EXTRA special were our guides and fellow guests. We had Mike and Korey as guides and they were fantastic!! I know everyone says their guides were the best, but I honestly can’t imagine how anyone could have been better than these two guys!! And our group was unbelievable. We bonded almost immediately and it was like we had known each other for years. I think being an adult only trip facilitated the bonding as there were no distractions for parents worrying about the young ones. The focus could be entirely on enjoyment, and enjoy we did!! I hope we get to see each other again one day. There were some tears at the airport in Grand Junction (and it still makes me a little emotional talking about them now.)

What a great trip!

 

[KandAMom]

Oh, it’s so hard to say what our favorite things were!! I'll try. . . and I’ll try not to ramble. . . .

Obviously, ALL the incredible scenery was, as expected, spectacular. LOVED Sedona - Amazing! I was mesmerized by its beauty! Grand Canyon – what can I say???? Pictures cannot even remotely capture its magnificence! It looks different from each place you view it!! And the Delicate Arch . . . sigh!! So elegant. . . . that MIGHT be my favorite thing! 

I think from a resort perspective, I’d have to give the nod to the Enchantment Resort. Just wow . . . . everything about it was beautiful! The first thing we said was “when can we come back?” We had no issues at all with the Thunderbird. Although it was an older building, the rooms had been updated and while on the small side, were perfectly fine . . . and what a location! I believe it is the right choice for lodging at the Canyon. I would say that Red Cliffs Lodge had the most warmth and was the friendliest. Lovely surroundings, spacious rooms with rustic styling, and sooo much to do! I wish we would have had more time to enjoy the resort itself!

But, without a doubt, the thing that made the trip EXTRA special were our guides and fellow guests. We had Mike and Korey as guides and they were fantastic!! I know everyone says their guides were the best, but I honestly can’t imagine how anyone could have been better than these two guys!! And our group was unbelievable. We bonded almost immediately and it was like we had known each other for years. I think being an adult only trip facilitated the bonding as there were no distractions for parents worrying about the young ones. The focus could be entirely on enjoyment, and enjoy we did!! I hope we get to see each other again one day. There were some tears at the airport in Grand Junction (and it still makes me a little emotional talking about them now.)

What a great trip!

Reading your post is like reliving the trip - I agree 100% it was an amazing trip. My boys are still talking about it and want to know when the next ABD is lol . ABD is Disney's hidden gem - not many people know about it. We have talked so much about it we could be their PR person lol