This blog site has a relatively short history--and up until lately it was very upbeat and filled with great trip reports. And now--what a drag some of these posts have been. I have no vested interest in ABD--other than I'd like to see it continue, and succeed, as my family has enjoyed every trip.
Is Disney cutting corners? I think they are trying to change to accommodate guest requests AND operate within their budget. Does anyone expect Disney to provide trips and go in the red? (I have been on other tours with other groups--and there is a difference in the feel of the trip. I can't quite place the "why"-other than I know when I go on the Disney adventure, it really is relaxing and I learn about the area and culture. The guides, clearly, are top of the line and always go out of their way to accommodate guest needs. And maybe the shared interest of the group--drawn in initially by the promise of quality by Disney--is a big factor too) As I mentioned in other threads, my family did a driving trip from San Diego to Yellowstone and back--staying in a few of the places Disney stayed. (In the Grand Canyon, we were lucky enough to book a year in advance and get a room at the El Tovar--no question the Thunderbird is a less impressive space, but your ON THE RIM of the Grand Canyon! Disney can't build a new hotel for guests--and the national park places are what they are). We came across the Disney group at the Red Cliff resort--and boy did I miss having things handled for me! I chatted with the guides briefly and wished I were on that bus--doing it on your own allows a certain freedom, sure, but I also had to worry about gas, directions, food, hikes etc etc.
Your trip is what you make it in the end. Don't fall into gloom and doom--don't create a self-fulling prophesy!
Finally...I agree that there are higher end tours with other companies (maybe their reps have been blogging?)--but you'll pay more. And everyone is affected by this economy, those other tours included. I guess I just have faith that in the long run the Disney folks will want to keep as much polish on these trips as possible, while fighting a bad economy and still struggling as an "upstart" tour company.
Here's to great trips and lasting memories!
Is Disney cutting corners? I think they are trying to change to accommodate guest requests AND operate within their budget. Does anyone expect Disney to provide trips and go in the red? (I have been on other tours with other groups--and there is a difference in the feel of the trip. I can't quite place the "why"-other than I know when I go on the Disney adventure, it really is relaxing and I learn about the area and culture. The guides, clearly, are top of the line and always go out of their way to accommodate guest needs. And maybe the shared interest of the group--drawn in initially by the promise of quality by Disney--is a big factor too) As I mentioned in other threads, my family did a driving trip from San Diego to Yellowstone and back--staying in a few of the places Disney stayed. (In the Grand Canyon, we were lucky enough to book a year in advance and get a room at the El Tovar--no question the Thunderbird is a less impressive space, but your ON THE RIM of the Grand Canyon! Disney can't build a new hotel for guests--and the national park places are what they are). We came across the Disney group at the Red Cliff resort--and boy did I miss having things handled for me! I chatted with the guides briefly and wished I were on that bus--doing it on your own allows a certain freedom, sure, but I also had to worry about gas, directions, food, hikes etc etc.
Your trip is what you make it in the end. Don't fall into gloom and doom--don't create a self-fulling prophesy!
Finally...I agree that there are higher end tours with other companies (maybe their reps have been blogging?)--but you'll pay more. And everyone is affected by this economy, those other tours included. I guess I just have faith that in the long run the Disney folks will want to keep as much polish on these trips as possible, while fighting a bad economy and still struggling as an "upstart" tour company.
Here's to great trips and lasting memories!
)
