Southern California and Disneyland Adventure

[Marthasor]

We’re heading on the Southern California ABD this coming weekend (Sept. 18). Our itinerary still doesn’t show Imagineering. I hope we aren’t missing it by one week, Damn.

We went there on the August 14 tour, so hopefully it will be on yours.

 

[seadragon]

We did it back in July, unless you're missing it for a one-off reason it should be open.

We went there on the August 14 tour, so hopefully it will be on yours.

Thanks, I hope we get to go there. Just curious, did your handbook show it or was it a “surprise”. We received our electronic handbook last week and it doesn‘t mention Imagineering but a visit to Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. We haven’t received any further updates since.

 

[sayhello]

Thanks, I hope we get to go there. Just curious, did your handbook show it or was it a “surprise”. We received our electronic handbook last week and it doesn‘t mention Imagineering but a visit to Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. We haven’t received any further updates since.

Why don't you call ABD and ask them? They will tell you. Or if you went through a TA, have your TA call and ask.

Sayhello

 

[QDIS❤️]

We’re Sep 25 and it doesn’t show in our handbook either. However we received an email maybe a weeks or so before the one that included the handbook. In that email it says:

“
Greetings!

All of us at Adventures by Disney hope you and your family are staying well. We want to let you know some important information about your Adventure to Disneyland & Southern California, scheduled to begin on 9/25/2022. At this time, we plan to operate this trip with minor itinerary changes.

Day 3

The Walt Disney Imagineering Tour on the Glendale campus has re-opened and is now added back to the itinerary.

Day 3 is back to the original itinerary (Walt Disney Studio Lot visit/tour, Disney Archives, lunch at Studio Commissary, WDI Glendale tour, and Mickey’s of Glendale), welcome to Disneyland with check-in at the Grand Californian Hotel, and dinner at one of Disneyland Resort’s restaurants (Storyteller’s Café).


Each Guest will receive a 4-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket. This ticket expires at the end of Day 6 and is not upgradable or transferrable.

While at Disneyland Resort, attractions and entertainment are subject to change due to closure. When available, VIP viewing will be provided for entertainment.

Day 4

On this day you’ll enjoy a privately guided tour of Disney California Adventure Park that includes a deep dive into the inner workings of the Park and one of its iconic attractions. Guests will delight in a behind-the-scenes visit to Cars Land.

Day 5

Our privately guided tour of Disneyland Park will include a backstage visit to an iconic attraction. You’ll see areas that are off-limits to other Guests and learn the fascinating history of Walt Disney and his dream.
Your VIP visit to Disneyland Park includes a tour of Walt’s Apartment on Main Street, U.S.A where you can see Disneyland Park from the perspective of the man who started it all.

All other activities are scheduled to take place as planned. Your Adventure Guide will keep you up to date on any changes to the information or itinerary activities while on your trip.”

 

[Marthasor]

We’re heading on the Southern California ABD this coming weekend (Sept. 18). Our itinerary still doesn’t show Imagineering. I hope we aren’t missing it by one week, Damn.

Thanks, I hope we get to go there. Just curious, did your handbook show it or was it a “surprise”. We received our electronic handbook last week and it doesn‘t mention Imagineering but a visit to Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. We haven’t received any further updates since.

Yes, our handbook lists Walt Disney Studios and Imagineering on Day 3 of the trip (we traveled August 14-19). I would definitely call ABD and try to get confirmation of your itinerary.

 

[seadragon]

We just finished day 1 of our ABD and I’m happy to report that we are visiting Imagineering tomorrow after all. Our guides said it was off of the itinerary for the last 2 weeks due to D23. We also got to meet Disney Legend Floyd Norman by complete coincidence today. What a trip so far!

 

[OffToDWD]

I have been considering this ABD and was curious, during the "on your own" time at the parks... do they offer some sort of line skipping benefit? Thanks!

 

[emilymad]

I have been considering this ABD and was curious, during the "on your own" time at the parks... do they offer some sort of line skipping benefit? Thanks!

You get 5 "skip the line" passes per day for the two full days you are in Disneyland. If you are only looking at this trip for the skip the line benefit I would pick something else. We loved the trip but the parks were the least part of what we loved.

 

[Marthasor]

We just finished day 1 of our ABD and I’m happy to report that we are visiting Imagineering tomorrow after all. Our guides said it was off of the itinerary for the last 2 weeks due to D23. We also got to meet Disney Legend Floyd Norman by complete coincidence today. What a trip so far!

I'm so glad you are visiting Imagineering! It's incredible. Thank you for this info - I was thinking of going to D23 next year and then doing this ABD right after, but it sounds like there is a chance we would not visit Imagineering if I do the ABD that immediately follows. I would be really disappointed if it were taken off the itinerary. I will re-think my plans.

I have been considering this ABD and was curious, during the "on your own" time at the parks... do they offer some sort of line skipping benefit? Thanks!

Yes! As PP mentioned, you get 5 passes, per day, which are good for all rides including those that do not have LL access (you go to the CM near the exit gate to get expedited access to the ride) - this was a HUGE perk because some of the Fantasyland rides that do not have LL tend to have very long lines (Nemo submarine, Alice, etc.). We also got 1 LL per day that was ride specific (for us it was Web Slingers and Radiator Springs). On our first night, we got 2 LLs because Haunted Mansion was closed to get ready for the Halloween overlay. I thought the multiple experiences perk was incredible. We had looked at doing a VIP tour prior to our ABD, but was quoted a price MORE than 1 person's cost for ABD. I just found with the tours, hotels, meals, preferred viewing for nighttimes shows and the multiple experience ride perk, this ABD had a huge bang-for-the-buck.

 

[seadragon]

We had such a great first day. One of the unique things on this ABD is visiting the Jim Henson Studios which was formally Charlie Chaplin Studios. Apparently it is not open to the public and the only way to see it is via ABD according to our guides.

But the best part for me so far was chatting with Floyd Norman who just happened to be at Walt Disney’s barn when we had our private visit. It was not planned but what a surprise and honour. He is an animator that worked for Disney, Pixar and other production companies. Super nice man and full of interesting stories. He is one of the few left that worked directly with Walt himself.

 

[JAM9842]

We had such a great first day. One of the unique things on this ABD is visiting the Jim Henson Studios which was formally Charlie Chaplin Studios. Apparently it is not open to the public and the only way to see it is via ABD according to our guides.

But the best part for me so far was chatting with Floyd Norman who just happened to be at Walt Disney’s barn when we had our private visit. It was not planned but what a surprise and honour. He is an animator that worked for Disney, Pixar and other production companies. Super nice man and full of interesting stories. He is one of the few left that worked directly with Walt himself.

View attachment 703711

That is incredible!

 

[jimmymc]

We had such a great first day. One of the unique things on this ABD is visiting the Jim Henson Studios which was formally Charlie Chaplin Studios. Apparently it is not open to the public and the only way to see it is via ABD according to our guides.

But the best part for me so far was chatting with Floyd Norman who just happened to be at Walt Disney’s barn when we had our private visit. It was not planned but what a surprise and honour. He is an animator that worked for Disney, Pixar and other production companies. Super nice man and full of interesting stories. He is one of the few left that worked directly with Walt himself.

View attachment 703711

Very cool! We unfortunately didn't have the chance to visit Walt's barn, but a few of the people who keep it running joined us for lunch at the Tam. It was great talking to them.

 

[Mathmagicland]

I was thinking of going to D23 next year and then doing this ABD right after, but it sounds like there is a chance we would not visit Imagineering if I do the ABD that immediately follows.

FYI, the D23 Expo in Anaheim is typically every other year. This year was three years since the last due to the pandemic.

 

[Duck In Blue]

I'm on the October 2nd departure and haven't received the Adventure Handbook yet, does that sound right? I emailed my travel agent yesterday and haven't heard back yet (they are away so have had to contact someone else), but I just wondered if they have been sent out later recently?

 

[Mathmagicland]

I'm on the October 2nd departure and haven't received the Adventure Handbook yet, does that sound right? I emailed my travel agent yesterday and haven't heard back yet (they are away so have had to contact someone else), but I just wondered if they have been sent out later recently?

You might want to check your spam or junk folders. I’m on an October 3 departure for a different adventure and have received the handbook email last week. It is sent as an email with a link to download the handbook; physical books are no longer mailed.

 

[sayhello]

I'm on the October 2nd departure and haven't received the Adventure Handbook yet, does that sound right? I emailed my travel agent yesterday and haven't heard back yet (they are away so have had to contact someone else), but I just wondered if they have been sent out later recently?

I received the email with the link for my Handbook 3 weeks ahead of my ABD which is later this week. I think you should probably have yours by now. I got mine directly from ABD; it did not go through my travel agent. Are there other people on your reservation? They only send it to one person (I'm assuming the lead person on the reservation) and expect you to forward it to everyone else on your reservation.

The email it came from is adventuresbydisney@reservation.disneydestinations.com

Sayhello

 

[Marthasor]

FYI, the D23 Expo in Anaheim is typically every other year. This year was three years since the last due to the pandemic.

Oh, that's right! I guess I thought they would do one for the 100th, but I guess they touched on that this year. Ok - well, there goes that plan, LOL!

 

[Duck In Blue]

You might want to check your spam or junk folders. I’m on an October 3 departure for a different adventure and have received the handbook email last week. It is sent as an email with a link to download the handbook; physical books are no longer mailed.

Thanks, I did have a look and unfortunately nothing was there. My travel agent replied and said it should be in the box, so I have gone back and said it should be emailed.

I received the email with the link for my Handbook 3 weeks ahead of my ABD which is later this week. I think you should probably have yours by now. I got mine directly from ABD; it did not go through my travel agent. Are there other people on your reservation? They only send it to one person (I'm assuming the lead person on the reservation) and expect you to forward it to everyone else on your reservation.

The email it came from is adventuresbydisney@reservation.disneydestinations.com

Sayhello

Thank you, I have tried searching my mail folder for that address and the last thing I have is the Oogie Boogie Bash email. I am the only email address that they have so they can't have sent it to anybody else.

I have found a note in the box to say that if you live outside of the US or Canada you have to contact ABD to have the Adventure Guide emailed, which I find strange as they have emailed me other things. I have asked my agent if they can do this as calling ABD would be quite expensive. Not sure if this is a reasonable thing to ask a travel agent to do though, I am not use to using one!

 

[sayhello]

Thanks, I did have a look and unfortunately nothing was there. My travel agent replied and said it should be in the box, so I have gone back and said it should be emailed.

Thank you, I have tried searching my mail folder for that address and the last thing I have is the Oogie Boogie Bash email. I am the only email address that they have so they can't have sent it to anybody else.

I have found a note in the box to say that if you live outside of the US or Canada you have to contact ABD to have the Adventure Guide emailed, which I find strange as they have emailed me other things. I have asked my agent if they can do this as calling ABD would be quite expensive. Not sure if this is a reasonable thing to ask a travel agent to do though, I am not use to using one!

It is a VERY reasonable thing to ask a travel agent to do! I would assume a TA who books with American companies would have a phone plan that would allow them to call the States cheaply.

Sayhello

 

[j_mensc]

Is the academy museum off the itinerary now that imagineering is back? Going early and wanted to see it but heard people say they went on their tour.