What are some of the "out of sight" perks with ABD?

[eliza61]

So I've read most of the "is it worth it" threads and I'm still kind of on the fence with ABD.

A little background. I'm a seasoned traveler. lived in Portugal with dh for a while. I generally can handle all the type of "emergencies" that were descrived in the other threads. Have lost my boarding pass many times, no problem. lost my passport overseas. easy breazy to replace. So for me that's not a perk.

When I go overseas I generally travel through American express (who is just as adapted as disney in making things happen) or through my company TA (I work for a large fortune 500 chemical company that is worldwide, so once again they are adapt as disney in handling foul ups)

I am interested in finding out about getting through some of the lines faster, seeing off limit areas, stuff like that and I do like the idea of a guide.

I'm interested in either the Southern California trip or the Wyoming family adventure.

 

[sayhello]

Well, with the Southern California trip, the thing is, you are doing things and going places that most people can't arrange on their own or through a TA or through American Express. Walt Disney Studios. Jim Henson studio. Walt's apartment at Disneyland. A trip to Southern California itself is no big deal, but what ABD offers is 2 Adventure Guides (who are amazing), backstage access, and VIP access at Disneyland.

With Quest for the West, you do have 2 Adventure Guides, all of Brooks Lake Lodge reserved just for your ABD group, a guide in Yellowstone. I don't know that there's really anything on this trip that would be "front of line" access, but I haven't taken this one yet.

The "out of sight" perks are a) The Adventure Guides. If you don't think you'd get value from having them run the trip for you, then ABD just might not be the thing for you. b) As you said, access to things that maybe only the Disney name could give you (including front of line access)

Also, I like traveling with other people. I like having the same people there all week or so, to get to know, interact with, etc. It's definitely a bonus for doing the tour vs. doing it on my own. Most of the folks I've met on ABD's have been great folks!

I'm sure folks who have taken these 2 trips will chime in!

Sayhello

 

[DisneyCruisin']

If you have a chance to take the Backstage Magic trip - TAKE IT!

You will see things that the normal population (who don't go on this trip) cannot go to see on their own without some type of deep connections at Disney.

You go through Imagineering - which on it's own is worth the price of the trip. You will see things that will make your head spin. When we went, the New Fantasyland had just been announced a couple of weeks before (but no specific details). We saw the models and blue prints. We saw carvings for Aulani (which had been announced but not open yet). Other things were seen - think the drawing board beginnings) that have still not been announced officially. It was AWESOME!

The back door access to attractions at Disneyland was amazing. There was a special guest at our Farewell Dinner that was AMAZING and totally worth the price of the trip.

Our son was 9 when we went and to this day he will start "out of the blue" talking about the trip and still says it was his best trip ever and nothing will ever live up to it.

The VIP treatment, special seating for Fantasmic, World of Color, the parade, backstage "seeings", everything was just over the top. I know the schedule has changed but if you love Disney - you will be blown away during this trip. I'm being evasive because I don't want to give away anything that you get to do/see as I think it will spoil the fun. Not know specifics was great - we were surprised at every turn.