Southwest Splendors....Calm my fears

[WebmasterPete]

Okay, So my partner Walter wanted to do the Southwest Splendors tour as his 50th birthday present (he turned 50 back in April). We wanted to go when it was cooler, so we're doing the 10/9 trip, with 5 days in DL before time.

Now, Walter is 'nature boy' - he loves nature and everything to do with nature. I, on the other hand, am most decidedly NOT nature boy. I despise nature - nature attacks me and tries to kill me.

I'm absolutely convinced I'm going to hate this trip. I know Disney will do a great job, I'm not concerned about that, but it's all the nature crap that I'm not looking forward to. So, those of you that have done this trip...is there any hope for me here, or do I just have to man up and take one for the team since we always do what I want to do, and Walter never gets to pick our vacations I'm also going to probably have to make believe I'm enjoying myself as if I'm a miserable whiner it will ruin his vacation and that's the last thing I want to do.

So, any advice??

Pete

 

[DisneyCruisin']

I've not been on this one, but one of our guides on Backstage Magic (Diana) claims it's her favorite trip. She said the sights are unbelievable and it's a blast! Hope that helps a little! Good luck - I feel your pain - I'm not the nature person either. My idea of camping is a Motel 6.

 

[sayhello]

Pete, so what part is it about nature that you hate? Being in it? Looking at it? Lack of airconditioning? Or does it just bore you? I've taken this trip, and it was one of the best vacations I have EVER taken (and I've taken a few) but I love the outdoors. I'm not a beach person, but get me where I can walk around & look at magnificent scenery, and I'm in heaven!

Tell me what it is you're dreading about the trip, and what kinds of trips you normally like, and I'll try & give you a direct answer to your question.

I can tell you that EVERYONE on my trip LOVED it. They all said so frequently.

I want to help you love this trip, so give me a basis to start from.

Sayhello

(PS, I assume you've read my Trip Report?)

 

[sayhello]

I've not been on this one, but one of our guides on Backstage Magic (Diana) claims it's her favorite trip. She said the sights are unbelievable and it's a blast! Hope that helps a little! Good luck - I feel your pain - I'm not the nature person either. My idea of camping is a Motel 6.

Now, see, I don't camp, either. I gave that up in 1996, when I was on a camping trip in Nova Scotia, and got caught in the tail end of Hurricane Eduard. There is NO SUCH THING as a water-proof tent in the tail end of a Hurricane! But Southwest Splendors is SO not a camping trip! That's one reason I loved it.

Sayhello

 

[glassslipper2004]

I feel your pain - but you'll be ok. I chose this trip because DH really, really wanted to go on it. He's a boy scout, nature loving type, but I am definitely not. My perfect trip was Viva Italia, the trip we took in 2008. But I decided to take one for the team as well, and was very pleasantly surprised. The Disney guides make it easy for you to observe and be awed by nature without having to do too much work or get too uncomfortable. Sedona is tame, and very pretty. We had fun at the Cowboy Cafe (I think that was the name) for a casual dinner. At the Grand Canyon, if you are still staying on the rim, you can stand still and enjoy a spectacular sight at all hours of the day, and get close and personal with elk - I found this to be extremely enjoyable! I don't recommend the helicopter tour - ask if you want to know more about why. And in Moab, I was totally wowed by the sights. The walk to Delicate Arch is a little strenuous, but not buggy or dirty like a nature walk often is. If you want to skip it, they will take you on a bus tour around the park (I wished I could have done both, but I did the hike, and found it rewarding and amazingly beautiful). The raft ride is easy and very, very scenic.

Relax and be prepared to be pleasantly surprised!

 

[glassslipper2004]

OK, I forgot to add my "on the other hand..."

On the other hand, you don't get the same kind of history and cultural experience that you do on a European city tour. But all in all, I found SWS to be a great experience, and one I'm glad I could share with DH and my kids.

 

[kjd469]

Really....how bad could it be...you're on vacation!!! Relax and enjoy

 

[sayhello]

2 things I'm going to add:

First, whether you are a "Nature" person or not, the Grand Canyon is an ABSOLUTE MUST-SEE. Everyone should have this phenomenal, awe-inspiring place on their bucket list. And you can try & make it a bit more "civilised" by making you guys a reservation for lunch or dinner at the El Tovar. I didn't make it there, but I've heard it's lovely!

Secondly, I'd suggest you plan to take the bus tour of Arches. While the hike to Delicate Arch is not hard in regards to elevation gains or things like that, the slick rock requires some careful manuevering, and it can get hot & very dry, as it is very exposed. While Delicate Arch was one of the highlights for me, I think you'll probably enjoy yourself more on the bus tour.

Other than that, it's not that strenuous, it's beautiful! Be *very* careful to stay hydrated, especially in Sedona. I found Sedona to be the most dry place I've ever been! Gorgeous, some fabulous shopping, but dry as heck!

You're going to love SWS. If you had to pick an "outdoorsy" trip to take for Walter's sake, this is a really great choice. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!

Oh, and the hotels in Sedona & Moab are to die for!

Sayhello

 

[corky441]

2 things I'm going to add:

First, whether you are a "Nature" person or not, the Grand Canyon is an ABSOLUTE MUST-SEE. Everyone should have this phenomenal, awe-inspiring place on their bucket list. And you can try & make it a bit more "civilised" by making you guys a reservation for lunch or dinner at the El Tovar. I didn't make it there, but I've heard it's lovely!

Secondly, I'd suggest you plan to take the bus tour of Arches. While the hike to Delicate Arch is not hard in regards to elevation gains or things like that, the slick rock requires some careful manuevering, and it can get hot & very dry, as it is very exposed. While Delicate Arch was one of the highlights for me, I think you'll probably enjoy yourself more on the bus tour.

Other than that, it's not that strenuous, it's beautiful! Be *very* careful to stay hydrated, especially in Sedona. I found Sedona to be the most dry place I've ever been! Gorgeous, some fabulous shopping, but dry as heck!

You're going to love SWS. If you had to pick an "outdoorsy" trip to take for Walter's sake, this is a really great choice. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!

Oh, and the hotels in Sedona & Moab are to die for!

Sayhello

Pete - Sounds like you'll be just fine

 

[WebmasterPete]

We had fun at the Cowboy Cafe (I think that was the name) for a casual dinner.

Okay, problem number one - COWBOY CAFE. For a gay man, this reads "lynch the queers cafe". Kidding.

Pete, so what part is it about nature that you hate? Being in it? Looking at it? Lack of airconditioning? Or does it just bore you?

Yes.

2 things I'm going to add:
Secondly, I'd suggest you plan to take the bus tour of Arches. While the hike to Delicate Arch is not hard in regards to elevation gains or things like that, the slick rock requires some careful maneuvering, and it can get hot & very dry, as it is very exposed. While Delicate Arch was one of the highlights for me, I think you'll probably enjoy yourself more on the bus tour.

And there we have it - the words 'slick' and 'rock' should not be in the same sentence. Nature actively tries to kill me by sending its minions (bugs, spiders, plants, slick rocks) to end my life.

I'll give you an example - on our Australia ABD trip one of the first stops (maybe it was THE first stop we made) was to a rain forest. The guide spend the 20 minute drive explaining all the things in the rain forest that would make us dead. My suggestion was that we stay on the bus and ride it through the rain forest so that we'd get to see everything without having to interact with nature or be away from air conditioning for more than 5 minutes, at the same time we could run over all the plants and bugs and things that would do us harm to teach nature a lesson.

What does make me feel better is it sounds like some of you are like me (Viva Italia would be my kind of trip as well), and have enjoyed this, so perhaps I'm over-thinking it. As a rule, I won't read trip reports before I go somewhere, as I want to be 'surprised'. Just hoping that 'surprises' on this trip don't include snakes, scorpions, spiders, fire ants, or killer trees like they have in Australia

Pete

 

[sayhello]

I'll give you an example - on our Australia ABD trip one of the first stops (maybe it was THE first stop we made) was to a rain forest. The guide spend the 20 minute drive explaining all the things in the rain forest that would make us dead. My suggestion was that we stay on the bus and ride it through the rain forest so that we'd get to see everything without having to interact with nature or be away from air conditioning for more than 5 minutes, at the same time we could run over all the plants and bugs and things that would do us harm to teach nature a lesson.

We had no such warnings on Southwest splendors. See, what you're describing makes me want to run in the other direction from the rain forest, also!

What does make me feel better is it sounds like some of you are like me (Viva Italia would be my kind of trip as well), and have enjoyed this, so perhaps I'm over-thinking it. As a rule, I won't read trip reports before I go somewhere, as I want to be 'surprised'. Just hoping that 'surprises' on this trip don't include snakes, scorpions, spiders, fire ants, or killer trees like they have in Australia

Pete

Nope, except for the tame ones brought in by the naturalist on the first night! (We saw a snake & a tarantula). But you can just stay FAR away from those! I sure did with the tarantula!

Sayhello

 

[kristilew]

Okay, problem number one - COWBOY CAFE. For a gay man, this reads "lynch the queers cafe". Kidding.



Yes.



And there we have it - the words 'slick' and 'rock' should not be in the same sentence. Nature actively tries to kill me by sending its minions (bugs, spiders, plants, slick rocks) to end my life.

I'll give you an example - on our Australia ABD trip one of the first stops (maybe it was THE first stop we made) was to a rain forest. The guide spend the 20 minute drive explaining all the things in the rain forest that would make us dead. My suggestion was that we stay on the bus and ride it through the rain forest so that we'd get to see everything without having to interact with nature or be away from air conditioning for more than 5 minutes, at the same time we could run over all the plants and bugs and things that would do us harm to teach nature a lesson.

What does make me feel better is it sounds like some of you are like me (Viva Italia would be my kind of trip as well), and have enjoyed this, so perhaps I'm over-thinking it. As a rule, I won't read trip reports before I go somewhere, as I want to be 'surprised'. Just hoping that 'surprises' on this trip don't include snakes, scorpions, spiders, fire ants, or killer trees like they have in Australia

Pete

Well, our waiter at the Cowboy Cafe was definitely batting for the other team, and he had not been lynched, so I think you'll be fine.


There is nature on this trip, but not the kind that bothers you. We saw lizards on the walk in the State Park in Sedona, but they were scurrying away from us. The "hike" to Delicate Arch is probably the least nature-y hike I've ever done. There simply isn't anything alive out there. And the slick rock isn't slick, it's just bare.

otoh: if you're staying at the ThunderCrap at the GC, that is camping.

It's a good trip. You'll be surprised how much you like it.

 

[mkmommy]

I can offer no advice on the trip but I can say my husband hates to travel and for many legitimate reasons. If he was to go on a trip just because he knew it was important to me I would be touched beyond words.

I am sure you will have a good time.

 

[tammydel]

Pete - Really I will have advice for you, but your question inspired me to go back and read what I wrote about this trip that we took 2 years ago. Thanks. I'll get back to you, right now I'm caught up remembering it all with my family.
For now I'll say - Go. You will see sights everyday that will make the whole trip worth it.
Tammy

 

[tammydel]

OK, I'm back.
So I would say they ease you in slowly to your participation with nature. The most participatory events are towards the end of the trip, when you are more comfortable with your setting, your fellow travelers, and the whole "adventure experience. None require extrodinary athleticism. But, you can chose your level of participation.
Much of the early trip is "viewing" nature; from the bus, open tour vehicles, and on walks.

I will tell you that by the time we had reached the 1st hotel in Sedona - I could have gone home happy. The sights I saw just riding in on the bus to Sedona would have been worth the whole trip. It was hard to believe we were on the same planet let alone the same country.

I will also say that you need to stand on the rim of the Grand Canyon. You don't just see it, you feel it to the core of your soul.

The 1st hotel is wonderful, you'll love it. They've switched where they stay at the Grand Canyon, I think that is about managed expectations, think of camping - now relax, it's better than that. The last place is like getting to stay at a dude ranch, only with great (HUGE) rooms.

The nature experiences as I've said can be tailored to your comfort. They bring out a few creepy crawlies for people to see - you don't have to go anywhere near them. The Delicate Arch hike, there is the bus, but you can also hike (OK lets use the word walk) out to the Arch and get beautiful view without going all the way directly under it. It is really only the very last part that is challenging. My son and I did the very last part while my daughter and husband watched (prayed) and took awesome picture of us under the arch.

The rafting is pretty tame, you could choose to skip it. But, never underestime the exhilleration you get from doing something you never thought you would do.
So while you may have some challenging moments or experiences, I bet in the end you would be glad you did it.
And you would make Walter happy.
As far as the Cowboy Cafe (only 'cause you went there!) I say - gay men certainly can wear Cowboy hats, I offer you - Brokeback Mountain, and the guy from the Village People Come to think of it, we'll be looking forwad to the Cowboy hat photos. Perhaps I've strayed from "Calm my fears...."

Tammy

 

[glassslipper2004]

People have had varying reactions to the hotel at the rim. We had a wonderful, no problems experience there. Now, my expectations had been lowered by Kristilew's less than desired experience, but we found it to be a very basic hotel in a can't be beat, out of this world location. I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. Perhaps my favorite moments of the whole trip were waking up very early, throwing a sweatshirt on over my pj's, and walking a few feet outside to see the sun come up over the rim of the Grand Canyon - with elk grazing merely a few more feet away. Don't expect much from the hotel, but don't worry too much about it either.

And as for the Cowboy Cafe - try the cactus fries - they are neat!

 

[Chropistopy]

Pete - As I have not been on the trip, I have no information to give. I do want to say how much I'm looking forward to hearing about your experience. I'm sure is will be an amazing trip. If nothing else, I'm sure you'll get some enjoyment out of seeing Walter in his element.

Be safe and I'll pray that you won't end up on an episode of "When Nature Attacks..."

 

[Disneygrl36]

Pete,
I came looking for this after I heard this week's podcast.

We are doing a similiar trip on our own as my DH's Eric 40th birthday trip...his choice which we have been planning for a year. He didn't want to spend the extra money for the ABD experience (we have done ABD Backstage Magic though) & I totally ripped off the ABD itinerary. Our situations are very similiar....I am not a "nature girl" & he loves it like Walter. I always fall every time we go on a hike, so our big joke is I am going to fall off the side of the Grand Canyon with a big old goofy whoop (please lord don't let this happen).

Funnily enough, we will be at the Red Cliffs at the same time your trip will be there if you are doing the Oct 9th trip. If I see you guys, can I say hi without feeling like I am intruding because I am a big fan of the podcast!

 

[princessbride6205]

Hi Pete,
I have not been on the ABD trip, but I have been to the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Phoenix, Scottsdale & Tucson. I enjoy and appreciate the scenery but I'm not one who can just stand there and look for very long. I do enjoy walking/hiking, so that helps. About the Grand Canyon, specifically, I was kind of panicky about going even within a few feet of the edge. And I did not enjoy the bitty plane ride above because I spent it looking at the air sick bag. (Not sure if helicopter is less nauseating...) I actually really enjoyed the jeep tour in Sedona - not so much the idea of riding in a jeep, but the Native American guides were really interesting.
But what I think even you will enjoy is taking photographs. I'll bet you will end up with some really cool shots. Also, rest assured that there will be shopping!

 

[AdventureLover67]

Hi Pete!
First off, I love your sense of humor!

Secondly, even though I've not been out there since I was a child and am only dreaming of this particular ABD at this time I can still say that I think you will do just fine with NOT getting attacked by all the creepy critters. The other posters are spot on that the sights and experiences will keep your mind off your fears and concerns. As long as your not picking up rocks, logs or streaking through the desert, most bugs, snakes or other critters are more afraid of you then you of them. Just stomp when you walk and the vibrations will scare them off. Wear bug spray to ward off the other stuff.

And as far as your fears of the "Cowboy Cafe", now come on, didn't you watch "Brokeback Mountain"? (Sorry, couldn't resist!)

Seriously, relax and enjoy this wonderful, beautiful trip with your partner and hey, if all else fails, call me and I'll go in your place!!

Happy trails!