We think so, but just telling you that doesn't tell you anything
I like to focus on the concrete differences, and only each traveler can decide if it's for them.
1-Guides; without a doubt some of the best we've had anywhere, good guiding can make or break a trip. What makes them great...
-they know their stuff;
-they manage logistics with a positive upbeat attitude- always!!
-either (local or Disney) guide will do what needs doing; there is no "it's not my department"; the local guide handled a logistical problem for us, the Disney guide was able to answer questions about the wildlife. If they can't manage your issue or question they don't rest till they find someone who can address it.
-They are intuitive "temperature takers" of the group, expertly sniffing out issues before they become major and helping smooth the way before you could ask or think to complain.
2-The trips are expertly organized for multiple generations (so if you are traveling this way it's great). Seniors don't mind "sitting out" an activity if another grandma or 2 is also and they can chit chat, and if that grandma wants to participate the guides make it happen. My mom was worried about El Barranco (the steps) with her knee, and our guide very gently and inclusively had her using a walking stick, which allowed my mom to enjoy the day pain free! The youngsters are kept active with their own activities, and with extra action during regular activities, so everyone can move at their own pace and still be part of the group with out feeling like you are "holding up" the group. This is a rare thing you won't find in a homogeneous tour group.
3-Everything and I mean everything is arranged for you...
-missing breakfast for a flight at dawn?- box breakfast delivered!
-want to tip the lady waiting outside the restroom for a few coins?- done!
-need TP in a place where there is none?- provided!
-Feeling peckish on the bus?- Snacks!
-want to go "on your own"?- advice, maps and directions provided, sometimes they can even arrange the driver to help if possible.
Luggage and itinerary is only the start of it, there are many little details that they take care of, sometimes before you can ask!
4-Head of the line/insider access
-on Europe trips this is often for line and crowd management, where private events and skip the line privileges are enjoyed at major sights. On our wildlife ABD trips it was head of the line for excursions, early selection of snorkel gear (to get the best selection), last to embark the ship etc etc.
-we also met local people and got to participate in local agricultural (roses, pineapples) and traditional craft (painting, weaving, cooking, music) pursuits with local folks. This kind authentic interaction is very 'worth it" to me and a major part of any itinerary I book.
5-Goodies and surprises
These happen daily and are delightful; for me without the rest it wouldn't be "worth it" but it's a treat to have daily surprises!
6-location, location
As others have mentioned, the ABD's are organized with excellent accommodations that are also authentic. They seem to balance comfort authenticity and superb location. As I have mentioned in reviews I have never been on an ABD and looked longingly at a place where other people stayed and thought "oh , I wish we stayed there"
7-a balance of immersion and the comforts of home
Some people can skip around the globe with nothing but a back pack, sleeping where they will and eating whatever they can buy on the street. Lots more people aren't too comfortable with that,
But they don't want a trip where they are hermetically sealed in their bus, separated from the local people, foods and experiences either. I find ABD's are perfect for people like the latter - or groups where some members have trouble out of their comfort zone. There are always opportunities to try and experience a lot of authentic things, (food, dance, shopping) but you can opt out or retreat if it's too much for a particular individual.
I hope this helps give a better picture of what we find about these trips that is "worth it" for the ABD trips we take. Sometimes an ABD doesn't go precisely where we want or we feel we don't need to pay for all these benefits for a certain trip, and we take other trips. But when we have traveled with ABD we have found it worth it.