Southern California and Disneyland Adventure

[sayhello]

Hi.. is the same itinerary or should I look up for changes? based on the dates?.. thanks!

If your specific departure has a change (ie, it's not a general change for all departures), it won't be on the website. ABD will contact you with those changes.

Sayhello

 

[stout]

I wonder if this is still true for viewing spots now that fantasmic is open.

Yes, for us Fantasmic was offered on the second night of the tour (optional during the on your own time), but we had Napa Rose ressies instead so did not see it,…first night was MSEP/fireworks, third night was WOC.

 

[Candycane83]

Yes, for us Fantasmic was offered on the second night of the tour (optional during the on your own time), but we had Napa Rose ressies instead so did not see it,…first night was MSEP/fireworks, third night was WOC.

Thanks a lot! I hope they do this still, I didn’t see it on the handbook at all and was thinking they may have removed it

 

[JAM9842]

After reading all the great comments we decided to have our TA book this for our family next August! We are so excited

 

[mlongstaff]

We just finished this tour today. Our whole family agrees that it was the most amazing trip we have ever taken. If anyone has specific questions, please pm me and I’ll respond. I’m not going to do a trip report, as I don’t want to give spoilers to those who may not want them. Alyssa and Clare were awesome—I hope someday our paths will cross again.

We are going in September and I was wondering if I should try to make any lunch / dinner reservations while we are there or should I just play it by ear?

 

[stout]

We are going in September and I was wondering if I should try to make any lunch / dinner reservations while we are there or should I just play it by ear?

Lunch would be difficult to get good timing. Dinners would be easier.

That being said, I did make a bunch of lunch and dinner ressie for what I guessed would be good timing and then talked to the guides when we checked into Loews. We ended up only keeping a Napa Rose ressie, as everything else conflicted with, or was too close in timing to, group activities. We did quick service for the rest that were not with the group.

 

[jimmymc]

Question for people who have recently went on the trip: Do I need to bring the pins with me? The handbook mentions bringing the lanyard but it doesn't mention the pins.

 

[stout]

Question for people who have recently went on the trip: Do I need to bring the pins with me? The handbook mentions bringing the lanyard but it doesn't mention the pins.

No, pins are not necessary. Lanyards were in certain areas.

 

[OrangeBirdGirl]

We just booked this as our first ABD, for next Spring! It's our first tour in general. We have traveled all over Japan, China and Europe DIY though. DH really wants to see the Jim Henson site and this is the only way. And, he wants to see Imagineering before it moves to FL. Booked a pre-night at Loews and it was actually $65 cheaper through ABD vs booking on our own. Pretty excited. It is a weird feeling though that there is nothing to plan. All we have to do is book our airfare and check into trip insurance and that's the extent of our planning.

 

[Candycane83]

We just booked this as our first ABD, for next Spring! It's our first tour in general. We have traveled all over Japan, China and Europe DIY though. DH really wants to see the Jim Henson site and this is the only way. And, he wants to see Imagineering before it moves to FL. Booked a pre-night at Loews and it was actually $65 cheaper through ABD vs booking on our own. Pretty excited. It is a weird feeling though that there is nothing to plan. All we have to do is book our airfare and check into trip insurance and that's the extent of our planning.

Just wanted to say, I totally get what you mean by it’s weird there’s nothing to plan! this is our first ABD too and we’re looking to see if this works for my family… well mostly me- ocd planner haha!

 

[Distriv]

Just wanted to say, I totally get what you mean by it’s weird there’s nothing to plan! this is our first ABD too and we’re looking to see if this works for my family… well mostly me- ocd planner haha!

I felt exactly the same way. The day I flew out for the trip I felt like I had forgotten to do everything you normally do for a Disney trip.

 

[Candycane83]

Besides the guides, who else do you tip? Bus driver? What’s recommended?

 

[WeLoveABD]

Besides the guides, who else do you tip? Bus driver? What’s recommended?

Just the guides during your actual ABD trip-- but, really, consider a tip for anyone who provides exceptional service to you. ABD says they tip bus drivers, housekeeping, bellhop and the local guides...

 

[sayhello]

Just the guides during your actual ABD trip-- but, really, consider a tip for anyone who provides exceptional service to you. ABD says they tip bus drivers, housekeeping, bellhop and the local guides...

I was told by one of the drivers that ABD tips them *VERY* well! That's one thing to not worry about. But you can always tip more if you think they deserve it!

Besides the guides, who else do you tip? Bus driver? What’s recommended?

Obviously, anyone like servers, etc, for On Your Own activities or meals.

Sayhello

 

[Candycane83]

Just the guides during your actual ABD trip-- but, really, consider a tip for anyone who provides exceptional service to you. ABD says they tip bus drivers, housekeeping, bellhop and the local guides...

I was told by one of the drivers that ABD tips them *VERY* well! That's one thing to not worry about. But you can always tip more if you think they deserve it!

Obviously, anyone like servers, etc, for On Your Own activities or meals.

Sayhello

That’s great!! Thanks a lot! I was looking for envelopes to start prepping my tips!

 

[DianaMB333]

Is there a general guideline for the tips pls? Thanks

 

[Mathmagicland]

Is there a general guideline for the tips pls? Thanks

For each adventure, on the Trip Tips and FAQs, there will be an item on gratuities. For this one -

https://www.adventuresbydisney.com/north-america/hollywood-disneyland-tour/tips-faqs/

Adventure Guide Gratuities

• Gratuities for your Adventure Guides are not included. Based on the quality of service you have received, we suggest the following gratuity guidelines. Please note that this is for each member of your traveling party, per Adventure Guide, per day.
  
  Per Adult/Child/Per Adventure Guide/Per Day—$9 - $11 USD
  
  Example:
  • For a 6-day adventure, the Adventure Guide gratuity per Guest, per Adventure Guide: $54 - $66 USD.
  • A family of 4 for a 6-day adventure: $216 - $264 USD per Adventure Guide.
  For 2 Adventure Guides, this is a total of $432 - $528 USD.
  
  Gratuities for your Adventure Guides may be paid in U.S dollars, local currency or via PayPal/Venmo. Please check with your Adventure Guides for their preferred method of payment.
  
  All Other Gratuities
  Gratuities have been taken care of on your behalf for all services included in the itinerary. There is no need for you to worry about tipping the bellmen, housekeepers, waiters, drivers and local experts.

 

[emilymad]

Sort of an odd question, but I normally travel with a metal water bottle and a case or more of water bottles. Do I need to do this or will have water for us? Especially when we are in Disneyland? I also drink a lot of water overnight. I was going to get water in Hollywood but then that would mean I have to put it in my suitcase for them to transport for me. Will that be an issue?

 

[OKW Lover]

The guides always seem to have water available on the bus

 

[emilymad]

The guides always seem to have water available on the bus

Thanks! But what about in Disneyland when there is no bus?