Adventures by Disney (ABD) has allowed travelers of all ages to see the world in ways only Disney can deliver — and with the debut sailing of the company’s first-ever expedition cruise to Antarctica in December, clients can soon travel with Adventures by Disney to all seven continents.
“Our all-inclusive vacations are filled with active, immersive experiences curated by the family travel experts at Disney,” said Heather Killingbeck, director of trip development at ABD. “And our team of specially trained adventure guides are master storytellers who provide a seamless, authentic experience marked by signature Disney service.”
In addition to itineraries travelers already know and love, Adventures by Disney is introducing new destinations to explore and new ways to experience Disney's unique brand of magic.
Highlights of Adventures by Disney’s New England Itinerary
With 10 departures debuting in May through October 2022 (including three adult-exclusive departures during prime leaf-peeping season), Adventures by Disney’s newest itinerary will take travelers to New England (specifically Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont).
Highlights of this all-new, eight-day adventure include kayaking in Bar Harbor, Maine; ascending the summit of New Hampshire’s Mount Washington (the highest summit in New England); and staying at Vermont’s historic Trapp Family Lodge, home of the von Trapp family from the “The Sound of Music.”
"We tell stories all around the world, and it's important for us to make sure we’re telling stories very specific to the destination,” Killingbeck said. “When guests stay at the Trapp Family Lodge, they will experience fun, immersive story-focused activities."
According to Sam von Trapp, director and executive vice president of Trapp Family Lodge (and grandson of Maria and the Baron), those activities include a "Meet the Cows" tour and a visit to the lodge’s sugar house to see how Vermont’s famous maple syrup is made.
New Private Adventures from Adventures by Disney
Last year, ABD introduced five Private Adventures as a way for clients to experience Disney’s signature storytelling, exceptional service and authentic cultural activities with only friends and family. Six additional Private Adventures added for 2022 means travelers can now enjoy favorite activities from group trips — along with new experiences curated just for private adventurers — in 11 destinations, including Costa Rica, Italy and South Africa.
Adventure guides take pride in sharing knowledge about these destinations but, guide Armando Acevedo notes, they also recognize the importance of local experts who bring personal experience and cultural knowledge to each activity.
“The Adventures by Disney Costa Rica trip is built to please everybody,” said Fico Chacon, a local adventure guide in Costa Rica. “[Guests] are going to zipline in tropical rainforests, go whitewater rafting in tropical waters and experience a privately guided chocolate tour.”
Travelers to Italy visit Venice’s 500-year-old Tragicomica mask-making studio to learn about the significance of masks to the city’s history and culture from the master mask-maker, and then create their own masks in a hands-on workshop.
In South Africa — the land of “The Lion King” — clients have the unforgettable experience of seeing wild animals in their natural environments.
“The adventure captures the essence of South Africa," said Dr. Mark Penning, vice president of animals, science and environment for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. “[Local field guides] take you out in the bushveld … and you don’t know what’s going to pop up next — suddenly a cheetah will walk across or a lion comes out, or there’s a leopard in a tree. It’s that spontaneity and the diversity of life that makes it such an extraordinary experience.”
Guests on Patagonia and Antarctica expedition cruises will embark on daily excursions to see native wildlife.
Credit: 2021 Ponant/Olivier BlaudExpedition Cruises
"We take families to destinations around the world, where they can experience new cultures, meet new people and discover many natural wonders,” Killingbeck said. “So, we saw a great opportunity to curate family-friendly expedition cruise experiences to allow adventurers to discover these breathtaking destinations.”
Killingbeck notes that a unique feature of Adventures by Disney expedition cruises is that onshore excursions are led by certified naturalists with specialized training in these remote destinations to ensure guests visit responsibly.
“One of the things I love most about Adventures by Disney is we create experiences that truly connect you with the destinations,” Acevedo said. “Each day brings new adventures, not to mention new wildlife — like penguins — and who wouldn’t want to see penguins in their actual habitat? If you want to do something that not a lot of people have ever done, now’s your chance.”
The Details
Adventures by Disney
