We have been big Disneyland fans since first going with our children some years ago, but had never been involved in any other Disney trips until our recent Imperial Cities Adventure by Disney. The tour was absolutely fantastic, exceeding our expectations. Throughout we were treated like VIPs, our Guides anticipating our needs and entertaining adults and children in style.
Here is my one complaint. I noticed right away that our Adventure Guides were taking photos of our family in many of the picturesque spots we visited. I asked one Guide if the photos they were taking would be available online after our trip, thinking I would save everyone the time and trouble of constantly handing my camera to the Guide and asking him/her to take an additional photo or two of our family. The Guide I asked hesitated, then answered "yes", the photos would be available. I also remember calling out, as the Guides scampered off with our children to throw pots or dress like Lords and Ladies or hold baby goats, "take lots of pictures!" and getting an almost pained expression from the Guide I called out to.
As it turned out, they DID take lots of pictures, but I was quite disappointed to learn upon our return home, that I would be required, after spending $11,000 plus $600 in tips for Guides (plus airfare, extra stay costs, meals, etc.) to spend an additional $125 in order to get a CD of those few photos that I opted not to, or was unable to, take myself. This one little ungenerous Disney decision has dampened some of the glow of our trip; reminded me less of the slick Disneyland shows and parades and magic and the pleasant, helpful people staffing the parks and more of the $3 bottles of water, long lines and cheap, but expensive, souvenirs.
So, my advice to future ABD Adventurers (I hope to get over this soon and be one) is to go ahead and hand your own camera to your Guides at every possible opportunity. I don't know what to do about capturing the precious moments your children will experience while they are not with you. Or, just be prepared that with Disney, your Adventure ends the moment you leave your last hotel and the nickel and diming will begin. My advice to Disney is to please allow your Adventure Guides to warn their guests that the photos they are taking will cost later and encourage them to take their own.
I'm sure someone more Disney-savvy than I will tell me that I should have known beforehand what Photopass was (it was never mentioned on our trip) and been prepared, but everyone must begin somewhere. I'm a little wiser now.
Here is my one complaint. I noticed right away that our Adventure Guides were taking photos of our family in many of the picturesque spots we visited. I asked one Guide if the photos they were taking would be available online after our trip, thinking I would save everyone the time and trouble of constantly handing my camera to the Guide and asking him/her to take an additional photo or two of our family. The Guide I asked hesitated, then answered "yes", the photos would be available. I also remember calling out, as the Guides scampered off with our children to throw pots or dress like Lords and Ladies or hold baby goats, "take lots of pictures!" and getting an almost pained expression from the Guide I called out to.
As it turned out, they DID take lots of pictures, but I was quite disappointed to learn upon our return home, that I would be required, after spending $11,000 plus $600 in tips for Guides (plus airfare, extra stay costs, meals, etc.) to spend an additional $125 in order to get a CD of those few photos that I opted not to, or was unable to, take myself. This one little ungenerous Disney decision has dampened some of the glow of our trip; reminded me less of the slick Disneyland shows and parades and magic and the pleasant, helpful people staffing the parks and more of the $3 bottles of water, long lines and cheap, but expensive, souvenirs.
So, my advice to future ABD Adventurers (I hope to get over this soon and be one) is to go ahead and hand your own camera to your Guides at every possible opportunity. I don't know what to do about capturing the precious moments your children will experience while they are not with you. Or, just be prepared that with Disney, your Adventure ends the moment you leave your last hotel and the nickel and diming will begin. My advice to Disney is to please allow your Adventure Guides to warn their guests that the photos they are taking will cost later and encourage them to take their own.
I'm sure someone more Disney-savvy than I will tell me that I should have known beforehand what Photopass was (it was never mentioned on our trip) and been prepared, but everyone must begin somewhere. I'm a little wiser now.
But also because they took the time to get some really cool shots of scenery and people that we wouldn't have known or thought to get. We also liked playing on the photopass and adding borders, etc.
Jeff & Stacy
