Value of ABD

[sstarke]

Hi Everyone,

I'm brand new to the boards and also to ABD, I figured I would jump right in if that's okay with you folks.

DH and I are DCL and WDW vets and are considering the Costa Rica ABD. I could probably do Costa Rica ourselves. We've done parts of Europe on our own without issue, but Costa Rica is a dream destination for me and I just want the best experience possible. I have far less time now to plan a vacation than I ever did in university (what else would I have done in stats if not read up on how to walk about Paris?)

So, my question. For any of you who have been on an ABD. What do you feel the value of ABD is? Also, if you've done the CR ABD specifically I would love to hear what you liked and disliked.

Thanks in advance - any and all chatter is welcome!

 

[sayhello]

Hi, sstarke, and Welcome to the DISBoards and the ABD Forum! You've definitely come to the right place.

First off, I'm going to refer you to a couple of existing threads on this subject (believe me, there are many. We get asked this all the time. ) Then I'm sure you'll also get plenty of people who'll answer your questions specifically (and there are several folks here who *have* done the Costa Rica trip). Feel free to ask all the questions you want!

Tell me why you love ABD:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2701397

Seems expensive to me:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2325423



I know the Costa Rica trip is very, very popular. I don't think you could go wrong with ABD for Costa Rica!

Sayhello

 

[Bobo912]

Our first ABD was Costa Rica in 2008. They only had one itinerary then and it was basically the same as the Signature trip they offer now. There wasn't anything about the trip that I didn't like. The hotel they used at Manuel Antonio that year was beautiful, but laid out strangely. But they use a different hotel now. We loved the hotel at Arenal. The only thing I regret about the trip is that we didn't have extra day just to hang out at the hotel. All the activities were fun. I'm sure you could arrange all the same activities on your own, but it's really reassuring to know that Disney has checked out the company when you're doing something that could be dangerous like rafting or zip-lining. One night the guides took us to the far side of Arenal to see the lava flow, which was amazing. There was even a meteor shower that night - talk about Disney magic. The roads were narrow and crowded, there were people walking all over, and it was utterly dark, except for headlights. That's something we never would have done on our own. And it's just wonderful to be able to relax and enjoy your vacation knowing everything will be taken care of.

 

[sstarke]

Hi, sstarke, and Welcome to the DISBoards and the ABD Forum! You've definitely come to the right place.

First off, I'm going to refer you to a couple of existing threads on this subject (believe me, there are many. We get asked this all the time. ) Then I'm sure you'll also get plenty of people who'll answer your questions specifically (and there are several folks here who *have* done the Costa Rica trip). Feel free to ask all the questions you want!



I know the Costa Rica trip is very, very popular. I don't think you could go wrong with ABD for Costa Rica!

Sayhello

How helpful! Thank you.

I really like the idea of not having to sweat any of the details, that does sound wonderful.

 

[sstarke]

Our first ABD was Costa Rica in 2008. They only had one itinerary then and it was basically the same as the Signature trip they offer now. There wasn't anything about the trip that I didn't like. The hotel they used at Manuel Antonio that year was beautiful, but laid out strangely. But they use a different hotel now. We loved the hotel at Arenal. The only thing I regret about the trip is that we didn't have extra day just to hang out at the hotel. All the activities were fun. I'm sure you could arrange all the same activities on your own, but it's really reassuring to know that Disney has checked out the company when you're doing something that could be dangerous like rafting or zip-lining. One night the guides took us to the far side of Arenal to see the lava flow, which was amazing. There was even a meteor shower that night - talk about Disney magic. The roads were narrow and crowded, there were people walking all over, and it was utterly dark, except for headlights. That's something we never would have done on our own. And it's just wonderful to be able to relax and enjoy your vacation knowing everything will be taken care of.

Oh my goodness, your story about the lava flow and meteor shower sounds just amazing. Cost Rica has been a life long dream! Here's hopin...

 

[Yvet]

I have done ABD but not CR.

I would say Yes it's worth the money.
You get more with ABD and you get special things to see and do with ABD and that is worth the extra money it costs.

We aren't group traveler people, we always done our trips (to all over the world) on our own.
My time and i get to see what i want to see...
But we have done ABD and it's great!!!!!
The whole group was one big family and that started already at day 1.
We have made friends for a lifetime with ABD.
It isn't all sticky and you can do what you want whenever you want, it's a family and the group become good friends but there is alone time also and you can get involved as much as you want to.

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

We did the Emerald Isle ABD in 2007 and had a fabulous time--totally thought it was worth it. But as I was reading through some posts and recent trip reports trying to decide what to do next summer, I thought it would be great to have a TR that focused on the extras and special things that ABD had that made the experience special and/or worth it for that particular tour. If we decide to go ABD next year, I might just try to do that. Five years later I have a hard time remembering!

 

[kjd469]

While I love ABD and am about to leave for my 3rd next week, we did the Tauck Bridges Costa Rica trip last summer and I can't say enough how great it was - and a much better value than ABD for a very similar product. Just wanted to let you know.