Please tell me how Fantastic ABD is!

[SeaPic]

Here I am less than two months away from our families first ABD (Peru) and I need a little reassurance. You see, when we (another family and ours) were looking at taking a trip together I heavily promoted ABD over other family tours.

We recently went on an excursion from Aulani I booked specifically hoping for the Disney difference and because it had an Adventure Guide. It was lackluster at best. The Adventure Guide was not interactive, the transportation was disorganized and we saw another boat from the same company at the same spots. The captain said we had better food but I’m not convinced we got a better experience for the higher price. DH ended up saying “this doesn’t bode well for Peru”. I did write to ABD in the spirit of “if they don’t know they can’t make it better” but it’s going on the second month and I haven’t heard anything back.

I know comparing an excursion to a full on trip is apples to oranges but I’m still nervous. I’m really hoping this Peru trip will be the first of many ABD trips.

 

[Rapunzellover]

I'm super suprised to hear you had such problems. The transportation and adventure guides are two of ABDs biggest selling points, and they shouild give you no problems in Peru. I did ABD last year for my first solo trip ever (to London/paris), and it was the smoothest experience. Everything was incredibly well run and organized from start to finish and the guides were awesome!

I'd say relax. There's a reason why people get addicted to travelling with ABD.

 

[Bobo912]

I did the Peru trip in 2013. Here' a link to my trip report:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3097441

 

[Cousin Orville]

There's a reason many of the families on these trips have been on multiple ABD's. I wouldn't stress over it. Go in with a positive attitude and be sure to report back!

 

[k5jm]

I can honestly say, that we have had nothing but the most fantastic and amazing guides on all 4 adventures we have been on. There has been no noticible issues. Anything that could have been a problem, was handled quickly and behind the scenes. (A bike race thru London caused a hiccup to our Itinerary). I have nothing but raving reviews for our adventures.

 

[sayhello]

While I'm surprised that the Guide was lackluster, I'm not surprised at what you say about the excursion itself. From what I've heard, the reason they don't do a Hawaiian ABD itinerary anymore is because it was very hard for them to provide experiences that were worth the cost, and that were exclusive enough. You're paying for someone doing the arranging & transportation, but the providers are the same you could arrange yourself or through a concierge at another hotel. I really wouldn't compare an Aulani ABD excursion with an entire ABD itinerary.

I've been on six ABDs so far, and have loved them all. They've all been fantastic experiences, and the Guides have been amazing. I really wouldn't worry.

Sayhello

 

[SeaPic]

I did the Peru trip in 2013. Here' a link to my trip report: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3097441

Thank you. I just finished reading your report and have made quite a few notes. Tissues, hand sanitizer, Imodium, check. I'm also glad you mentioned the temperatures and most of the folks in the pics don't look bundled up. I was wondering how many layers we should bring when I saw those 50's and 60's on the December average temps. Did you get wet on the rafting? Should I expect shoes to get wet?

 

[Bobo912]

Thank you. I just finished reading your report and have made quite a few notes. Tissues, hand sanitizer, Imodium, check. I'm also glad you mentioned the temperatures and most of the folks in the pics don't look bundled up. I was wondering how many layers we should bring when I saw those 50's and 60's on the December average temps. Did you get wet on the rafting? Should I expect shoes to get wet?

We wore neoprene suits, so our clothes weren't wet. They were optional, and about half the group opted not to wear them. They didn't have neoprene booties available, so chances are your feet will get wet. I wore Keen's and I think my son wore Crocs. I was surprised at how warm 50's and 60's felt. I never needed more than a light windbreaker type jacket, even on the day when it was drizzling. ABD has changed the hotel in Lima to the JW Marriott and I think there is more to do in the area and it will be an improvement over Casa Andina. Hope you have a great trip!

 

[SingingMom]

The Adventure Guides at the Aulani Resort are not the same as the regular ABD guides. We did have a very nice guide on our "adventures by Disney" catamaran excursion at Aulani, but Matt told us he was contracted out by ABD and didn't work for them. (But he was hoping to apply!).

"SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[sayhello]

The Adventure Guides at the Aulani Resort are not the same as the regular ABD guides. We did have a very nice guide on our "adventures by Disney" catamaran excursion at Aulani, but Matt told us he was contracted out by ABD and didn't work for them. (But he was hoping to apply!).

"SingingMom"

This would be correct. I was just told that ABD developed the trips, but they do not run them.

Sayhello

 

[SeaPic]

Thank you everyone! Just what I needed. I am breathing easier and ready to have a fun trip! Got the scoop from ABD that we have 40 (wow!) We are 8 of those. A little less than half are kids and I was really glad to find out there are girls my daughters age.
Now we just wait ...