Adventures by Disney
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Adventures by Disney (ABD) provides expertly planned and guided family vacations with numerous itineraries, for vacations with kids or without, which include dynamic destinations all over the globe. It is jointly managed between Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, and the Walt Disney Travel Company, Incorporated. Both of these are units of The Walt Disney Company.
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[edit] Format
On an Adventures by Disney vacation guests are taken on themed expeditions designed to immerse them in the stories of some of the world's greatest destinations. These 'adventures' are designed for the whole family, and often feature activities designed just for kids (or 'Junior Adventurers' as they are known).
Two Disney-trained employees (Cast Members) look after a group of no more than 40 guests on an Adventure, and are described as being 'part concierge, guide and storyteller'. They look after logistical arrangements for the group, and ensure they are in the right place at exactly the right time - ensuring the vacation is a seamless experience for all. Local guides also join the vacations at various points and give guests firsthand knowledge from someone native to the area.
[edit] History
Adventures by Disney's first operating season was in summer of 2005 and featured just 2 destinations (Wyoming and Hawaii - both in the USA). These were both invitation-only trips which gave the Company an idea of whether the business would work. This grew to 7 destinations in 2006, 12 destinations in 2007, 17 destinations in 2008, and there are now 22 specialized itineraries on offer for the 2009 season. These are grouped in to 4 different areas.
[edit] Destinations
[edit] Asia, Africa and Australia
- Enchanted China - Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai and Hong Kong (13 Days/12 Nights)
- Safari to South Africa - Cape Town, The Garden Route and Kapama Game Reserve (12 Days/11 Nights)
- Discovery Down Under - North Queensland, Ayres Rock and Sydney (10 Days/9 Nights)
[edit] North America
- Spirit of America - Pennsylvania, District of Columbia and Virginia (8 Days/7 Nights)
- Quest for the West - Wyoming (7 Days/6 Nights)
- Southwest Splendors - Arizona and Utah (8 Days/7 Nights)
- Backstage Magic - Southern California (6 Days/5 Nights)
- Golden Path to Yosemite - Northern California (8 Days/7 Nights)
- Taming the Last Frontier - Alaska (8 Days/7 Nights)
- Rocky Trails and Mountie Tales - Montana and Alberta, Canada (8 Days/7 Nights)
[edit] Central and South America
- Path to Pura Vida - Costa Rica (7 Days/6 Nights)
- Gateway to the Galapagos - Quito, Otavalo Valley and Galapagos Islands (10 Days/8 Nights)
- Sacred Valleys and Incan Cities - Peru (9 Days/8 Nights)
[edit] Europe
- Cities of Knights and Lights - London and Paris (7 Days/6 Nights)
- Flavors of France - Provence and Paris (7 Days/6 Nights)
- The Emerald Isle - Ireland (8 Days/7 Nights)
- Storybook Kingdoms - Czech Republic and Austria (8 Days/7 Nights)
- Once Upon a Fairytale - Germany (8 Days/7 Nights)
- Alpine Magic - Italy and Switzerland (9 Days/8 Nights)
- Viva Italia - Rome, Tuscany and Venice (9 Days/6 Nights)
- Bella Italia - Sorrento and Florence (8 Days/7 Nights)
- Treasures of Spain - Barcelona, Seville and Madrid (8 Days/Nights)
[edit] Signature Trips
New for the 2009 season is the introduction of Adventures by Disney Signature Trips. Specified departure dates on the Safari to South Africa and Golden Path to Yosemite itineraries have been identified as Signature Trips. On these departures guests receive an enhanced travel experience including upgraded accommodations, special amenities and events not offered on standard departures.
Amenities on the signature Safari to South Africa trip include upgraded accommodations in Cape Town's Cape Grace Hotel and upgraded accommodations in the Main Lodge at Kapama Game Reserve. Other Signature enhancements include uniquely African VIP gifts, special evening entertainment, an exclusive spa treatment with a view of the African bush and a privately hosted dinner where elephants are up-close-and-personal at the Knysna's Elephant Lounge.
On the signature departures of Golden Path to Yosemite, guests discover rock climbing at the birthplace of modern mountaineering and view Yosemite the way Ansel Adams did -- through a camera -- on an expertly guided camera walk of the valley. Guests also enjoy upgraded accommodations at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite and at the St. Regis in San Francisco including in-room gift baskets.
[edit] Discontinued Destinations
Since forming in 2005, a number of 'Adventures' have either been removed or re-branded:
- Magic of Mountains - Canadian Rockies
Discontinued after 2006 season. - Escape to Paradise - Oahu and Kauai
Discontinued after 2006 season. - Legends of the Islands - Oahu and Big Island
Discontinued after 2006 season. - Land of Eternal Knights - London and Paris
Rebranded as Cities of Knights and Lights from 2007 - Fiesta Espana - Madrid, Seville and Granada
Discontinued after 2007 season. - Sol de Espana - Barcelona and Madrid
Discontinued after 2007 season. - Grande Espana - Madrid, Seville and Barcelona
Discontinued after 2008 season. - Taste of Tuscany - Rome and Tuscany
Discontinued after 2008 season. - Roma and La Costa Bella - Rome and Sorrento
Discontinued after 2008 season. - Coasting the Golden state - San Francisco, Cambria and Los Angeles.
This was removed shortly after the launch of the 2008 season. - Imperial Cities - Austria and Czech Republic
Rebranded as Storybook Kingdoms for 2009 - Beantown and the Big Apple - Boston, Newport and New York City.
This was removed shortly after the launch of the 2009 season.
