lostatdisney
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2004
Haha true. But I will most likely bring another backpack for the part of the trip when I'm off on my own. We're extending our vacation and going on to Florence and then to Switzerland.RE: being identified as a tourist when on an ABD trip. Keep in mind that you are part of a group of ~30 people following around a guide holding a paddle that says Adventures by Disney. I really don't think wearing a backpack is going to make you any more obvious.
That makes sense! Thanks for the feedback.@lostatdisney the problem with the ABD backpacks is not when you are all together in a big group walking down a street but more when you are not with the group. For example, you are in the group walking to The Trevi Fountain. But at the fountain area you separate, go into a shop, sit a cafe table, or even just wander around separate from the main group for a few minutes. THATS when the thieves strike, they have watched you in the big group, and then the backpack identifies you when you separate from the big group. If you didnt have the ABD backpack, you would just blend in as another tourist.
Since we're continuing on without ABD into Switzerland, any tips on blending in are appreciated!We did the Arizona/Utah trip this spring break and brought the backpacks that came in this year's package. They were great for the rafting. In general we give them to the kids to use as carry-ons (when they gave the canvas ones) or use them for the more sporty activities. If I were touring Europe I would use a leather backpack or something a little more blendy. I used to travel in Europe a lot in my pre-kids days both as a student and then again in my job and I tried to blend as much as possible and it worked well. I have never had problems with theft and I even did crazy things like sleeping overnight in the Prague train station. I think if you're traveling with a group in Europe you're going to look like a tourist regardless of what you do. I'd recommend being smart and keeping your money inside your clothes in a pouch instead of in your bag or pocket.
Since we're continuing on without ABD into Switzerland, any tips on blending in are appreciated!
Since we're continuing on without ABD into Switzerland, any tips on blending in are appreciated!
I would be very surprised if the actual guides do. Perhaps the "step on" guides they use in some locations would?Do ABD guides and/or Disney get kickbacks on the percentage purchased at recommended stores when you wear ABD gear?