tours similar to adventures by disney

• Visit Family Vacation Critic on Facebook!
• Visit Family Vacation Critic on Twitter!
• Visit Family Vacation Critic on Instagram!
• 1 Subscribe to stay up to date!
• Cultural Vacations

8 Unforgettable Family Tour Company Vacations

Aug 11, 2014

See recent posts by Andrea Guthmann

Once you’re on vacation — which only happens once a year for many families — you want to spend plenty of quality time together. Tour companies provide an excellent means to do so, with outdoor activities, such as biking and rafting, as well as cultural offerings for every age group and interest. Plus, there’s little to no planning involved!

These are the most unforgettable tour group vacations for families.

Adventures by Disney

No, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck won't join you in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America or any of the more than two dozen global excursions offered by Adventures by Disney . However, guided, land-based tours do an expert job of entertaining the entire family. Plus, they take the stress out of traveling to far-flung places, where you don't speak the language or know the customs (they'll even greet you the second you clear customs at the airport).

Unique to Adventures by Disney are destinations that have inspired blockbuster movies. Norway, for example, was added in 2014, due to the immense popularity of "Frozen." During the trip, guests explore fjords, glaciers and architecture, similar to those seen in the film. The company's newest adventure includes a visit to the Amazon River, along with shorter, more convenient "Long Weekends" in New York and San Francisco.

While you'll spend much of your trip with other families, including meal times (most meals are included in rates), Adventures by Disney sets aside a few afternoons and evenings to explore on your own. Most meals are included, but on select nights, families can make their own dinner plans, allowing time away from the larger group. One popular perk is Junior Adventure Night, when guides supervise the kids in their own activities on one night during each trip, allowing adults to have a quiet dinner and time alone.

Austin Adventures

Thomson Family Adventures

Global CommUnity

Launched in 2017, Global CommUnity is the brainchild of Christie Holmes and Keith Waldon. It was born out of the desire for their own children have more a engaged experience when traveling. Global CommUnity offers international tours to exotic destinations including the Galapagos, Peru, Morocco and Patagonia. In every destination, families have unique opportunities to interact with locals and learn about culture and traditions. "Our purpose is provide the tools that enable families to travel to places they might not go out of fear or lack of exposure -- our passion is introducing the concept of engaging with mutual respect and reciprocity that will guide each family as they interact with other cultures learning that while we can celebrate our differences, there are many ways we are the same," says Holmes. "We want to introduce the concept of engaging travelers with other cultures until 'No One Is Foreign.'" Global CommUnity vacations are sold through travel advisors and offer customizable itineraries that include excursions, breakfast and accommodations and transportation with different price points available. Bonus: The Galapagos itinerary doesn't require any payment upfront when securing space more than 6 months out. The ability to hold a spot 12-24 months out with no down payment allows for planning and budgeting flexibility. Our favorite part about Global CommUnity? Tours are divided by age groups -- young children, teens, and adults only -- to accommodate the unique needs and interests of all travelers. We also love the company's Life Travel Map, an interactive digital map that details the recommended key trips for you, based on an interview with you and your family members. While everyone is welcome, it's recommended that children be at least 5 years of age to appreciate and enjoy the tours. For more information, visit NoOneIsForeign.com .

Western River Expeditions

Bicycle Adventures

Our team of parents and travel experts chooses each product and service we recommend. Anything you purchase through links on our site may earn us a commission.

Related Articles

11 U.S. Road Trips Kids Should Experience Before They Grow Up

10 Best Overnight Farm Stays

8 Best Places for Stargazing in the U.S.

13 Best Dinosaur Vacation Spots for Kids

Your personal family vacation planning starts now.

Get expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for your family all year round!

Get family travel & tips from our experts

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

Thanks for signing up!

Protect Your Trip »

The Pros and Cons of an Adventures by Disney Trip

You won't find Mickey and Minnie on an all-inclusive Adventures by Disney vacation.

Getty Images

Join a behind-the-scenes tours of top attractions at Disney World or Disneyland or venture farther afield on a river cruise to remember on a stress-free getaway accompanied by an Adventure guide.

When you think of a Disney vacation , images of theme parks, costumed characters and cruise ships likely come to mind. But recently, Adventures by Disney announced its first-ever trip to Iceland, departing in 2018. Where does Iceland fit into the mix? Launched in 2005, Disney's Adventures by Disney is the company's guided, group travel arm. With trips to over 30 vacation destinations in 25-plus countries on six continents, Adventures by Disney offers a premium, family-focused vacation experience.

[See: 10 Common and Costly Mistakes Travelers Make at Disney .]

So is Adventures by Disney right for your vacation? Here are the benefits – and the drawbacks of an Adventure by Disney itinerary.

The Upsides

You Can Enjoy One-of-a-Kind Experiences

Adventures by Disney's offerings include weekend getaways, land-based trips, river cruises and upgrades to a Disney Cruise Line vacation. The itineraries typically include iconic bucket-list experiences such as trips to classic European capitals, an African safari, expeditions to the Great Wall of China, hikes to Machu Picchu, exploring highlights in America's national parks and more. Of course, Disney did not invent the guided group travel model. Many other companies, including Austin Adventures, Tauck Bridges and Thomson Family Adventures, also lead trips to many of these same destinations.

So what makes Adventures by Disney different? "Experiences that only Disney could provide, such as a private, after-hours visit to the Sistine Chapel, participating in an alms offering ceremony with monks in Laos, learning the art of Peruvian weaving from master artisans and more," says Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Adventures by Disney,

You'll Gain Added Perks and VIP Treatment With an Adventure Guide

The Adventure Guides are a top Adventures by Disney differentiator. Adventures by Disney has a rigorous selection process to handpick guides from the thousands of Disney cast members who apply. The Adventure Guides are part concierge, part photographer and part camp counselor, and ensure every detail of the trip goes smoothly and everyone in the group feels included. What's more, the crew members aim to create an environment where families feel comfortable stretching boundaries and opening themselves to new experiences. In addition to the Disney Adventure Guide, local experts join the group at each stop to share insider knowledge of the region.

[See: 8 Things to Avoid at Disney This Summer .]

And as far as family travel goes, Disney knows how to cater to family – the company was founded on family entertainment. Adventures by Disney is an extension of the family vacation business that began with the theme parks and expanded to Disney Cruise Line. As a result, all of the destinations and experiences on an Adventures by Disney trip are appropriate for children and families. Plus, the Adventure Guides will not only go above and beyond in keeping the kids happy, but making sure the entire family enjoys their vacation together. As far as the group goes, most of the guests are fans of the Disney theme parks and cruise line. Even better, at the end of each day of the trip, every guest receives a special Disney pin – a Disney collectible you can only get on an Adventures by Disney trip.

The Downsides

You Won't Have Much Down Time for Solo Exploration

Adventures by Disney vacations are not for everyone. These are group trips with up to 40 people, meaning you should feel comfortable sharing your vacation with other families. As with any group trip, someone else controls the itinerary, including when you go, where you stop and how much time you spend at each place. Plus, Adventures by Disney itineraries tend to be jam-packed, catering to travelers who want to do it all. If you're looking for laid-back relaxation on the beach, this probably is not the trip for you. Also, because Adventures by Disney caters to families, the majority of trips are when kids are out of school, meaning you'll be traveling during hot summer months in crowded destinations. There are some Adventures by Disney vacations available in the spring and fall shoulder seasons, but keep in mind that some of these itineraries are exclusive to adults .

If Price is Your Top Priority, You May Score a Better Deal on Another Disney Vacation

Adventures by Disney trips are not inexpensive value vacations. They are high-end, luxury trips. For example, the weeklong Adventures by Disney trip to England and France can cost a family of four (two adults and two children) approximately $20,000, excluding airfare. So what do you get for that price? The Disneyland Resort and Southern California itinerary includes VIP tours inside the Jim Henson Company Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering, Walt Disney Studios and Walt Disney Archives, none of which are open to the public. These experiences are one-of-a-kind and are unavailable, at any price, other than through Adventures by Disney.

No matter the destination, you'll receive VIP treatment on your Adventures by Disney trip. "VIP service and experiences abound, and throughout all our vacations our guests are attended to by highly trained Adventure Guides, who serve as expert storytellers, bringing the stories of the world to life in fun, interactive ways," Potrock says.

[See: 10 Top Budget-Friendly Disneyland Hotels for Frugal Families .]

The Takeaway

Adventure by Disney trips are costly, but you get an all-inclusive, no-planning required vacation in the trusted hands of Disney with dedicated, experienced Adventure Guides leading the way. You will not find Mickey and Minnie Mouse (or any other Disney character) on these trips, but rather authentic stories of the local destination sprinkled with the country's own distinct traditions. If you can afford it, Adventures by Disney offers a luxurious, hassle-free vacation. However, if Adventures by Disney vacation doesn't fit into your family travel budget, consider another Disney trip or an adventure vacation with a reliable outfitter. Compare similar itineraries, and see which one has the destinations and activities most appealing to your family members' interests and needs.

Splurge or Save: Which Disney Perks Are Worth the Money

Splurge or save: which disney perks are worth the money.

Tags: Travel , Vacations , Disney Vacations

About En Route

Practical advice on the art of traveling smarter with tips, tricks and intel from En Route's panel of experts.

Contributors have experience in areas ranging from family travel, adventure travel, experiential travel and budget travel to hotels, cruises and travel rewards and include Amy Whitley , Claire Volkman , Holly Johnson , Marsha Dubrow , Lyn Mettler , Sery Kim , Kyle McCarthy , Erica Lamberg , Jess Moss , Sheryl Nance-Nash , Sherry Laskin , Katie Jackson , Erin Gifford , Roger Sands , Steve Larese , Gwen Pratesi , Erin Block , Dave Parfitt , Kacey Mya , Kimberly Wilson , Susan Portnoy , Donna Tabbert Long and Kitty Bean Yancey .

Edited by Liz Weiss .

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best east coast beaches.

April 19, 2024

The Best Luggage Brands

Rachael Hood April 17, 2024

The Best Hard-sided Luggage Picks

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood , Catriona Kendall , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson April 17, 2024

The Best Carry-on Luggage

The Best Yellowstone National Park Tours

John Rodwan April 17, 2024

The Best Rome Colosseum Tours

Laura Itzkowitz April 17, 2024

Best Alaska Tours

Lyn Mettler April 16, 2024

The Best Fredericksburg Wine Tours

The Best Personal Item Bags

Rachael Hood April 16, 2024

The 17 Best Costa Rica Tours

Lyn Mettler April 12, 2024

Best Tour Groups for Families

Update : Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Traveling with kids can sometimes make you insecure about your ability to manage grand-scale trips, whether you are a fearless adventurer who once backpacked across Europe during your college years or your travels are relegated to a few transcontinental business trips a year. Even the best of us can be intimidated by the logistics of bringing young kids and/or unimpressed teens on what is meant to be an adventure of a lifetime.

Just how does one manage to find all modes of transport between multiple destinations; the right attractions and activities to appease every family member, regardless of age; and hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly -- on top of all the other pieces we need to put into place?

Enter tour groups. Before you grumble that these are meant for an older set and are guaranteed to include more bus rides than activity time, we're here to inform you that family tour operators have really gotten it right with a great array of travel options, services and family fun.

To date, a Danube River cruise with Adventures by Disney is one of my family's favorite trips. The kids adored the Adventure Guides, who felt like part of the family before the cruise ended, and they met other children their age to play with during the nonactive periods along the river. Outings were included and set up by age groups. We had choices of what we wanted to do, and with multigenerational trips including kids as young as 6 up to grandparents, this 10-day adventure through various countries was enjoyable and, actually, a piece of cake. Disney did all of the heavy lifting!

Can I Use Miles to Pay for a Group Tour?

While tour companies aren't as connected to the miles world as hotel chains and airlines, there are ways to both earn and use miles to pay for a group tour. To apply points to a group tour, you'll want to dip into fixed-value miles from programs that allow you to "erase" a travel purchase from your credit card statement: Think Capital One miles that you earn with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, or Barclaycard Arrival miles that you earn with the Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard.

In the case of Capital One, you can "wipe out" any travel-coded purchase that's hit your statement in the past 90 days. Redeem your miles at a fixed rate: 1 mile equals 1 penny. You can redeem for a partial credit but need to redeem at least 2,500 miles.

Barclaycard Arrival miles work in a similar fashion with 1 mile equaling 1 penny in redemption. You can erase any travel-coded purchase you've made in the last 120 days. The downside in this case is that you need to have all of the miles in your account to erase the entire charge; Barclaycard doesn't offer partial redemptions. But you will get 5% of your redeemed miles refunded, so that's a nice bonus after the fact.

If you don't have fixed-value miles to help reduce the cost of your group tour, make sure to use a credit card that rewards for travel purchases when you book. The Chase Sapphire Reserve, for example, offers 3x the points for every dollar you spend on travel (excluding $300 travel credit). Considering tours can be a bit pricey (you are paying for convenience, after all), you could easily earn enough points for a cheaper future getaway.

Family-Friendly Group Tour Companies

Looking for tour operators that cater to families? Here's a look at the companies TPG has its eye on. All tour prices are per person without airfare.

Thomson Family Adventures

Since 1998, the Thomson family has offered small-group tours geared toward families like them who want to travel deeper by connecting to a country and its culture. Tours include a "Rafiki," or a friend, who will break the ice with the group and help keep things entertaining for the kids, while local expert guides show you around at a pace comfortable for everyone.

Thomson creates family itineraries that will take your brood back to ancient civilizations for tours that are not only family-friendly and fun but also educational. (Shh, the kids won't know they are learning on this vacation!) Trips are organized by activity level, so parents can select those best-suited to their children's needs. Multigenerational trips scheduled for 2019 can whisk your family off to exotic destinations like China, Egypt and Tanzania, as well as swings through the Caribbean and Europe.

Not only does your child get to explore faraway lands but he or she will also get to cultivate new friendships. Through the company's Friends Across Borders program, kids are paired with a child of similar age in the country you will be visiting so they can write to each other before and after the trip, and meet up at some point during your tour to potentially kick off a lifetime of friendship. We don't know of any other tour group that provides this.

Best Ages: 6 and up

Sample Starting Price: Thomson's popular seven-day Costa Rica Multi-Sport Adventure starts at $3,130 per person as of press time. On this trek, your clan will visit a sea turtle conservancy, learn to make chocolate and leave no stone unturned in Tortuguero National Park.

REI Adventures

The outdoor-lovers' go-to shop began uniting its customers with adventure tours more than 30 years ago, with many accommodations of the canvas tent or ecolodge variety. REI Adventures features 150 different trips across every continent (although the family junkets won't get you to Antarctica).

Family forays can be all-out exotic with rambles to Thailand and Machu Picchu , or within the national parks of the US, such as the Great Smoky Mountains or Zion and Bryce Canyon national park tours that will have the entire family enjoying the great outdoors. (Here are some tips for visiting national parks with kids.) You'll find three- and seven-day weekend getaway options, as well as seven- to 15-day adventures. REI has been committed to the environment since its founding in 1938. Every trek organized by the company practices green initiatives: using recyclable and reusable materials, minimizing environmental impact and following high ethical standards. The company also works in conjunction with host countries by offering meaningful cultural exchanges and patronizing local businesses.

Best Ages: Due to the tours' physical activities, REI Adventures is best-suited for active teens who can keep up with the hiking, kayaking, river rafting and biking that are often at the forefront of the tours.

Sample Starting Price: A three-day hiking weekend is $1,599 per person (with REI member discounts bringing the price down to $1,449), while a 10-day Thailand trip starts at $3,309 ($2,999 for members).

Points Perks: REI loyalty begins with $20 for a lifetime membership. As a member, you'll get discounted tours, as well as discounted classes, events, services and merchandise at REI locations around the world. Sign up for the REI Co-op World Mastercard and you'll get an additional 5% back on purchases at REI, as well as 1% back on everyday purchases with no annual fee. Plus, every purchase means a donation to the National Forest Foundation.

Intrepid Travel

By pairing three to five families with like-minded individuals, especially matching children of similar interests and ages, Intrepid Travel works to create lasting friendships along with its tours. Keeping the groups to no more than 10 people means more focus on you, and kids 17 and younger receive 10% off trip prices.

Family voyages are uber-exotic with Intrepid. You can explore the desert landscape of Morocco, the African valleys of Kenya and the opulent palaces of India. Any one of the action-packed journeys will combine activities that coincide with your child's school curriculum or hobbies.

Intrepid doesn't just show you the world, it gives back as well. Through the nonprofit Intrepid Foundation, funds have been distributed to support local and grassroots projects, including sustainable development, environmental conservation and wildlife protection.

Best Ages: Age minimums vary but start at 5 and up, depending on the location. Most children on these trips fall between 8 and 18 years of age.

Sample Starting Price: Imagine Morocco with the kiddos for eight days starting as low as $675 per person, not including airfare. Cross wind-swept dunes, ride a camel in the desert and get lost in the alleyways of bustling markets. (Single parents will love Intrepid, as well, because of its solo parent options with other solo moms and dads.)

Points Perks: Intrepid has its own loyalty program: After nine trips, you'll earn $1,800 toward a 10th tour when you become an Intrepid Legend.

Adventures By Disney

If you think creating "The Happiest Place on Earth" is all Disney can do, you haven't tried Adventures by Disney, the high-end, "we take care of everything" family travel company. You'll pay a pretty penny to join these tours, offered since 2005, but your entire family is guaranteed to have a blast with tours that include Disney-trained local guides who stay with you for the entire journey.

Immersing your family into the cultures you visit, ABD (as it is known by its fans) offers more than 30 adventures across six continents. Go deep into China with a visit to the Forbidden City, Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong, or traverse across Australia, from the Great Barrier Reef to Ayers Rock to the Gold Coast to Sydney. (Here are the best ways to use points and miles to fly from the US to Australia .) Disney goes big when it creates its cruising adventures and has partnered with AMAWaterways for ABD cruises throughout Europe. Trips range from three-day weekends to two-week adventures.

With backstage, one-of-a-kind tours, you'll skip lines and do things you wouldn't do on other tours like visit the Good Morning America studios in New York City or take an after-hours tour of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel in Rome. From the moment you step off the plane, you'll have Adventure Guides with you so you feel like a VIP from start to finish.

Best Ages: Minimum ages start at 4 or 6 years of age, depending on the destination.

Sample Starting Price: Disney's tours are so great that its pricing falls under the "if you have to ask" category. They are expensive. A 12-day/11-night tour of China starts at $8,949 per person while a four-day/three-night tour of New York City starts at $2,929 per person.

Points Perks: The Chase Disney Visa returns 1–2% back in the form of Disney dollars, which can be used on Adventures by Disney tours. Or, put your ABD vacay on your Disney card, and use your rewards for a future Disney outing.

Lindblad Expeditions

Launched in Sweden by the explorer Lars-Eric Lindblad, the Lindblad family combines a National Geographic partnership with highly engaging expeditions that kids not only learn from but also will enjoy. With this program, certified field educators serve as tour directors and guides, helping your children connect with nature

Family and multigenerational expeditions make it easy for ages 8 to 80 to enjoy explorative travel together, all aboard adventurous small ship cruises that allow you to get up close to the wildlife of the Galapagos, Alaska, the Amazon River basin and even Antarctica. Kids under 18 get $500 off, and specials often include free airfare for everyone and bar tabs for parents. (Yes, it's a family affair, but it doesn't deprive parents on the journey.)

Best Ages: All trips designated Family Travel do not have any age minimums, although these explorations often require children to be old enough to handle active adventures.

Sample Starting Price: Spend 10 days touring the Galapagos starting at $7,290. 2019 is the 50th year Lindblad has been conducting expedition cruises to the land of Darwin, where kids will encounter giant tortoises and sea lions.

Tauck Bridges

Tauck has provided tours around the world for more than 90 years, but it is the Bridges arm of the company that was developed specifically for families, with tour directors who love kids and aim to please.

Tauck Bridges offers 20 different family experiences to choose from in 2019 and 2020. You'll find river cruises down the Danube, rafts through the Grand Canyon, wildlife safaris in Tanzania or horseback riding in America's cowboy country, and everything in between, including trips to Europe's most charming cities.

Tauck's commitment to the environment extends to its partnerships with esteemed National Geographic filmmaker Ken Burns on its Ken Burns American Journeys, while Earth Journeys is a partnership with BBC Earth.

Best Ages: Children must be a minimum of 4 years old for river cruises, 5 years old for safaris and 6 years old for its Galapagos cruise.

Sample Starting Price: Cross the border to the Canadian Rockies for a seven-day tour through Western Canada's famed national parks, Banff and Jasper. Your family will ride the river rapids, climb glaciers and hike in the beautiful hills starting at $3,640 per person.

Bottom Line

Let someone else do all of the planning and work so you can truly enjoy a vacation by taking a group tour that was specifically designed for families. The best way to lessen the cost of a big trip like this is by using your miles to get your family to the tour's embarkation point, and then focus on fixed-value points that can help "erase" all or part of the tour cost.

Have you booked a group tour for your family? Which company did you use and would you do it again?

Here are some more trip-planning resources:

• The Best Credit Cards for Family Travelers
• The Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards for Families in 2019
• How to Get a Family of 4 or More Into an Amex Centurion Lounge
• Tips for Using Frequent Flyer Miles for Family Travel

Best Adventures by Disney Trips

Adventures by Disney (ABD) is a unique take on a Disney family vacation. This exclusive travel brand goes beyond the typical Disney theme parks and cruises and puts adventure at the center stage. They are educational, immersive, and fun. But with more than 40 unique domestic and international destinations to choose from,  how do you narrow down the best Adventures by Disney itineraries for your family?  Here are the 7 top Adventures by Disney itineraries you should consider.

Note : Our Adventures by Disney rankings are solely our opinion. There are dozens of trips to choose from and another destination (that’s not on this list) may be a better option for your family.

The Adventures by Disney itineraries and prices listed below are based on the 2024 schedule.  If you are curious about 2025 Adventures by Disney itineraries, please contact The Vacationeer for the latest information.

Book With Our Favorite Disney Travel Agent For Instant Savings!

© Adventures by Disney vacations

• 2024 Price Starts At $7,399 Per Person

Experience the rich traditions of the Old World on the Italy Adventures by Disney vacation. The tour begins in vibrant Rome, travels through rustic Tuscany, and concludes in historic Venice.

We rank Italy as the best Adventures by Disney itinerary because it’s simply amazing!  There’s no doubt it’s worth every penny !

Italy Itinerary

Day 1  – rome.

• Arrive in Rome
• Tour the Colosseum
• Welcome Reception and Private Dinner

Day 2 – ROME

• Privately-Guided Early Morning tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
• Breakfast at the Vatican
• Panoramic Motor Coach Tour of Rome
• Rome Walking Tour

DAY 3 – ROME, TUSCANY

• Visit St. Peter’s Basilica
• Travel to Orvieto with views of the Ubmrian valley
• Travel to Tavarnelle Val di Pesa

DAY 4 – TUSCANY

• Pasta-Making Activity at Fattoria Poggio Alloro
• Wine-Tasting in Fioroni Family Winery (with Olive Oil infusion activity for younger travelers)
• Dinner at a Tuscan  Castello (15th-century castle)

DAY 5 – TUSCANY, FLORENCE

• Travel to Florence
• Privately Guided Tour of Florence including reserved entry/access to Michelangelo’s  David

DAY 6 – TUSCANY, VENICE

• Train to Venice
• Private Gondola Tour along the Grand Canal
• Private Walking Tour to Piazza San Marco
• Private boat to luxury hotel

DAY 7 – VENICE

• Guided Tour of the Doges Palace
• Venetian Carnevale Mask-Making
• Farewell Dinner on the Jolly Roger

DAY 8 – VENICE

• Transfer to Venice Marco Polo Airport or Train Station

Cliffs of Moher | Image © Disney

• 2024 Price Starts At $ 6,999 Per Person 

Explore Ireland’s majestic castles, roam the emerald green countryside, and experience Dublin’s cultural richness.

The Adventures by Disney Ireland vacation has it all – local folklore,  traditional music, fun experiences, and warm welcomes.

Éirinn go Brách!

Ireland Itinerary 

Day 1  – dublin.

• Welcome Reception and Dinner with Celtic harpist accompaniment

Day 2 – DUBLIN

• Irish Emigration Museum
• Privately Guided Tour and Sampling at Teeling Whiskey Distillery
• Family-Friendly Irish Pub Lunch & Interactive Musical Experience

Day 3  – KILLARNEY

• Kilkenny Hurling Experience
• Journey to Cashel
• Visit Rock of Cashel

Day 4  – KILLARNEY

• Ross Castle
• Boat Ride on Lake Leane and Innisfallen Island
• Butter-Making Demonstration
• Irish Dance Lessons

Day 5  – SHANNON

• Adare Desmond Castle
• Dromoland Castle Grounds Private Tour

Day 6  – DROMOLAND CASTLE

• Birds of Prey Demonstration
• Authentic Irish Farm Dinner
• Scone-Making & Entertainment

Day 7 – CLIFFS OF MOHER

• The Cliffs of Moher
• Lunch at a traditional Irish Pub
• Farewell Dinner & Entertainment

Day 8  – SHANNON

• Transfer to Shannon Airport

3. Canadian Rockies

• 2024 Price Starts At $6,799 Per Person

Gear up for this active adventure in the Canadian Rockies.

On this tour, you will experience the breathtaking beauty of Banff National Park and thrill to a heart-stopping glass-bottom platform view of a glacier valley nearly 920 feet below.

If your family likes adventure and the great outdoors, this is the trip for you!

Canadian Rockies Itinerary

Day 1  – calgary, alberta.

• Food Tour Along Alberta’s Cowboy Trail
• Bar U Ranch National Historic Site
• Eau Claire Distillery
• Calgary Farmers’ Market West

Day 2 – CALGARY, ALBERTA

• Yellowstone National Park
• Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
• Norris Geyser Basin

DAY 3 – BANFF, ALBERTA

• Canmore Float Trip
• Time On Your Own

DAY 4 – BANFF, ALBERTA

• Biking Along the Bow River
• Banff Aerial Gondola Ride

DAY 5 – LAKE LOUISE, ALBERTA

• Columbia Icefield
• Glacier Skywalk Excursion
• Lunch at Columbia Icefield
• Dinner at Lago Italian Kitchen

DAY 6 – LAKE LOUISE, CANADA

• Morning at Moraine Lake
• Picnic Lunch at Lake Louise
• Farewell Dinner

DAY 7 – BANFF, CANADA

• Transfer to Calgary International Airport

Choosing an Adventures by Disney trip is a big decision; don’t go it alone!

Contact the expert Disney travel agents at  The Vacationeer  for help! As an  Earmarked Diamond  level  Authorized Disney Vacation Planner ,  The Vacationeer  arranges tens of thousands of Disney vacations every year for families just like yours!

You’ll be assigned a  single, dedicated agent  (no giant call centers!) who will take the time to get to know your family and what your kids are interested in. They’ll use that knowledge to make suggestions that are sure to keep everyone in the group engaged and entertained.

And booking with the Vacationeer just makes good financial sense. Why?

• No Planning Fees:  The Vacationeer ‘s planning services are 100% free to you
• The Best Rates:  Their expert knowledge of  Adventures by Disney discounts and ways to save  ensures you’ll never overpay for your trip
• Instant Savings Of Up to $1,500:   Save  additional  money off of Adventures by Disney’s lowest rates  when you book with  The Vacationeer
• Zero-Interest Payment Plans:  Your  Vacationeer  will explain how to book your adventure with an initial deposit and layaway-style payment plan (no interest or fees)

Contact The Vacationeer  today for a free consultation and no-risk, no-obligation quote!

• 2024 Price Starts At $6,199 Per Person

Our favorite South American Adventures by Disney itinerary in Peru.

This group tour explores the ancient Inca ruins and the art, celebrations, and traditions of this ancient country Andes.

The Peru itinerary includes two “bucket list” destinations – Machu Picchu (a 15th-century Inca citadel) and Cusco (once the capital of the Inca Empire). Wow!

Peru Itinerary 

Day 1  – lima.

• Arrive in Lima

Day 2 – SACRED VALLEY

• Fly to Cusco
• Weaving Demonstration at the Center for Traditional Textiles
• Pachamanca – Welcome Dinner
• Teatro Tambo del Inka Performance

DAY 3 – SACRED VALLEY

• Raft Trip Down the Urubamba River
• Picnic Lunch at Sol Natura
• Ollantaytambo Town and Ruins Tour

DAY 4 – SACRED VALLEY

• Explore the Moray Ruins
• Tour the Salt Pans of Maras
• Optional time at Food Market or Seminario Cerimcas
• Peruvian Cooking Demonstation

DAY 5 – SACRED VALLEY

• Train to Machu Picchu
• Machu Picchu

DAY 6 – CUSCO

• Pisac Market
• Awana Kancha Camelids Center
• Tour Cusco on Foot

DAY 7 – CUSCO

• The Stones of Sacsayhuaman
• Andean Music Experience

DAY 8 – CUSCO

• Transfer to Cusco International Airport

5. Rhine River Cruise: Christmas Markets

Shop in Europe’s Christmas Markets on this Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruise | Image © Disney

• 2024 Price Starts At $6,599 Per Person

The festive Christmas season is the perfect time to set sail on an Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruise .

This tour makes stops in Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands where you’ll shop in world-renowned Christmas Markets, enjoy medieval wine caves, the Black Forest, and the canals of Amsterdam.

If this cruise doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit, nothing will!

Rhine River Cruise: Christmas Markets Itinerary

Day 1  – basel, switzerland.

• Arrive in Basel and Board the Ship
• Swiss Cheese and Wine Welcome Reception
• Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner

Day 2 – STRASBOURG, FRANCE

• Option A: Europa-Park visit (Rust, Germany)
• Option B: Colmar Excursion with Guided Walking Tour, Cheese Museum Visit/Demonstration, and Christmas Markets at Your Leisure

DAY 3 -STRASBOURG, FRANCE

• Batorama Canal Boat Tour
• Strasbourg Cathedral de Notre Dame
• Option A: Hands-on French Macaron Making Demonstration
• Option B: Petit Train of Strasbourg

DAY 4 – MANNHEIM, GERMANY

• Tour of Heidelberg and Heidelberg Castle
• Christmas Market Visit with Ice Skating

DAY 5 – RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY

• Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum
• Option A: Biking Around Rüdesheim
• Option B: Coffee and Hot Chocolate Tasting followed by self-guided touring
• Option C: Weingut Adolf Störzel Wine Tasting
• Iconic Castle Cruise Through the Rhine Gorge

DAY 6 – COLOGNE, GERMANY

• Option A: Cologne Walking Tour, Cologne Cathedral, Fragrance Museum
• Option B: Cologne Walking Tour, Cologne Cathedral, Chocolate Museum
• Option C: Cologne Walking Tour, Cologne Cathedral, Pub Tour
• Depart for Amsterdam
• Afternoon Frühschoppen (Pretzels, Beer, and Sausages)
• Captain’s Farewell Cocktail Party and Dinner

DAY 7 – AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

• Amsterdam Canal Cruise
• Option A: Rijksmuseum
• Option B: Rembrandt House Museum
• Option C: Van Gogh Museum
• Option A: Countryside Visit to Volendam
• Option B Sightseeing in Zaanse Schans including clog-decorating and cheese-making

DAY 8 – AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

• Disembark the Ship
• Transfer to the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

6. Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia 

• 2024/2025 Price Starts At $6,349 Per Person

Discover the beauty of Southeast Asia with this magical trek through Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

The guided tour highlights the history and traditions of these countries and explores their natural beauty, artistic excellence, and ways of thinking.

Guests will also be treated to 25 delicious meals along the way.

Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia Itinerary

Day 1  – ho chi minh city, vietnam.

• Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 2 – HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM

• Mekong River Delta Cruise
• Lunch Along the Mekong River
• Welcome Dinner at Vietnam House

DAY 3 – HOI AN, VIETNAM

• War Remnants Museum Tour
• Cú Chi Tunnels
• Fly to Da Nang

DAY 4 – HOI AN, VIETNAM

• Private Cooking Class
• Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant
• Ancient Hoi An
• Chinese Lantern-Making
• Sunset Dinner Cruise

DAY 5 – HOI AN, VIETNAM

• Marble Mountains
• BBQ Dinner at the Beach

DAY 6 – HOI AN AND HANOI, VIETNAM

• Fly to Hanoi
• Lunch at KOTO
• Thang Long Water Puppetry Theatre

DAY 7 – HANOI, VIETNAM

• Sunrise Tai Chi Class
• Optional visit to Hoa Lo Prison (AKA the infamous “Hanoi Hilton,” now a memorial museum)

DAY 8 – HANOI, VIETNAM AND LUANG PRABANG, LAOS

• Electric “Green” Car Tour with stop at St. Joseph’s Cathedral
• Fly to Luang Prabang

DAY 9 – LUANG PRABANG, LAOS

• Guided Tour of Luang Prabang
• “Living Land” Rice Farm and Farm-Fresh Lunch
• Kuang Si Falls
• Beer Tasting

DAY 10 – UANG PRABANG, LAUO AND ANGKOR WAT (SIEM REAP), CAMBODIA

• Sunrise Alms Offerings and Hike
• Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia

DAY 11 – ANGKOR WAT (SIEM REAP), CAMBODIA

• Angkor Archaeological Park by  Tuk-Tuk
• Lunch at Foreign Correspondents Club
• Gondola Ride

DAY 12 – ANGKOR WAT (SIEM REAP), CAMBODIA

• Transfer to Siem Reap International Airport
• Price Starts At $6,399 Per Person

This itinerary explores the mountains and the sea of Alaska, including gold mining history, sled dogs, and the famed scenic wilderness of Denali National Park.

Alaska Itinerary

Day 1  – anchorage.

• Arrive in Anchorage
• Welcome Dinner and Reception

Day 2 – ANCHORAGE

• Alaska Native Heritage Center
• Bike Riding & Kayaking at Eklutna Lake
• Travel to Talkeetna

DAY 3 – TALKEETNA and DENALI NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE

• Brief Visit to Talkeetna
• Lunch on a Scenic Alaska Railroad Dome Train to Denali National Park
• Denali National Park Visitor Center
• Check-In and Dinner at Grande Denali Lodge

DAY 4 – DENALI NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE

• Choice of Scenic Rafting Experience or Denali National Park Bus Tour
• Local Flavors Lunch and Time On Your Own

DAY 5 – BIG LAKE

• Depart for Girdwood
• Visit a Championship Sled Dog Kennel

DAY 6 – GIRDWOOD

• Gold Panning at Crow Creek
• Picnic Lunch in Girdwood
• Spencer Glacier Float Trip
• Salmon Bake Dinner

DAY 7 – GIRDWOOD

• Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
• Private Wildlife Presentation

DAY 8 – GIRDWOOD

• Transfer to Ted Stevens International Airport

HONORABLE MENTION:  Disney Parks Around the World – a Private Jet Adventure

There’s an argument to be made that the newest Adventures by Disney Trip, “ Disney Parks Around the World ” might be the most ambitious Adventures by Disney vacation ever.

If you’re a Disney fan through and through, then it’s hard to argue with the concept of being whisked via private jet to every single Disney park around the world and getting special VIP treatment at each.  On the other hand, if you’re more interested in exploring the truly authentic and original culture of the people of the world, this trip may be a little light on that when compared other traditional AbD offerings.

And, if we’re being fully honest, the $115,000 price tag puts it out of reach for all but the most affluent travelers.

How to Choose the Best Adventures by Disney Itinerary for Your Family

Adventures by Disney vacations are perfect for adventurous and culturally-aware families.

There are over 40 unique group-guided vacations to choose from. There are trips in North America, South America, Asia, Europe, and even in the Polar Region.

Most Adventures by Disney itineraries are geared towards families with kids but there are a few adults-only trips. Each tour is led by 2 personal Adventure Guides (well-trained tour guides and Disney Cast Members).

Each family has different goals for their vacation. Some prefer urban itineraries, while others may prefer wilderness treks.

Adventures by Disney itineraries can be exotic, others focus on exploring touristy destinations, and some are more adventurous/athletic,

Whatever type of trip you are seeking, Adventures by Disney has one that will be perfect for you and your family.

Book Your Adventures by Disney Trip Now!

Do you need help planning and booking your  Adventures by Disney vacation? For a no-obligation price quote , or to simply ask questions about a trip, please contact the expert Disney travel agents  at  The Vacationeer .

They will save you time and money (including additional savings of up to $1,500 off Adventures By Disney’s best rates), and their planning services are 100% free of charge to you!

We hope our Best Adventures by Disney Itineraries page helps you find the perfect trip. Be sure to see our How Much Does Adventures by Disney Cost? , Adventures by Disney Reviews , and Is Adventures by Disney Worth the Price?

Enjoy your Adventures by Disney trip!

Related Posts:

Share This Page: Choose Your Platform!

About the author: joshua powell.

Related Posts

Leave A Comment Cancel reply

What is Adventures by Disney?

How long has adventures by disney been around, what does adventures by disney specialize in, who should go on an adventures by disney trip, how much is an adventures by disney trip, what is included in an adventures by disney trip, does adventures by disney include airfare, what kinds of hotels are booked on adventures by disney, how many people are on each tour, what is the newest adventures by disney experience, do i need to be a disney fan, how is adventures by disney different than other guided travel, will i have the freedom to do what i want, is adventures by disney worth the added cost.

• These are some of the best Adventures by Disney trips offered year-round:

My review of Adventures by Disney:

• Book an Adventures by Disney tour.

Adventures by Disney is a full-service, high-end tour operator that changed the way I want to travel

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

• Adventures by Disney leads curated family-friendly tours all over the world.
• Experiences include a private Vatican tour, Montana rafting, or an inside look at Disney parks.
• I loved Adventures by Disney; it's a white-glove option where every detail is planned for you.

I have explored the world — from Bali to Belgium to Boston — all as an independent traveler. I typically book my own hotels, search for must-do restaurants, and plan what to see and when to do it.

While the process often leads to the satisfaction of self-discovery, it's also time-consuming. Dealing with schedules, reservations, and the desire to find the very best in unfamiliar locales is stressful, especially when kids are involved.

Adventures by Disney is an end-to-end travel option from Disney that erases the frustration and anxiety of planning a family vacation. And they do so with their signature Disney magic and high levels of service.

I've traveled with Adventures by Disney to Montana, and on their River Cruise down the Danube . As a seasoned travel writer, who has always planned travel independently, I was stunned by the experience. Their trips are highly curated, offer authentic experiences in destinations all over the world, and are led by incredibly knowledgeable and kind guides. Their itineraries take every family member into consideration, from parent to teen to child.

You don't have to be a Mickey fan to use these services, but you just might be by the end of it. Here's why Adventures by Disney is one of the best trips you can book, including my own review of the service.

Adventures by Disney is a turn-key guided tour company serving travel destinations all over the world. Their carefully curated trips explore Africa, Asia, Central, and South America, Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Iceland.

In addition to their land-based trips, Adventures by Disney also hosts river cruises down the Danube, Rhine, and the Seine, as well as Expedition Cruises in the Galápagos Islands, and the Antarctica & Patagonia expedition. The cruises, both on rivers and land, are populated only by Adventures by Disney travelers.

Adventures by Disney operate throughout the year although trips are seasonal depending on the destination. For example, the Canadian Rockies tours run from June to the end of September, Japan is offered from mid-April to the end of October, and destinations like Egypt, Costa Rica, and Italy operate year-round.

Adventures by Disney was founded in 2005 and is part of the Disney Signature Experiences. It started with just two domestic adventures and quickly grew to travel across six continents. Their river cruise experiences were added in 2016.

Adventures by Disney trips are experiences that deliver authentic experiences tailored for the various age ranges of each guest.

Their family adventures are full of activities that children and adults alike will enjoy, such as horseback riding in Big Sky Montana to a rickshaw tour of the Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan.

While there is a whole lot of fun to be had, there is always an educational element, too, so travelers receive a nuanced overview and a sense of place within these ports of call. This includes learning how chocolate is made in the rainforest in Costa Rica to observing animals on a three-day safari in South Africa.

Adventures by Disney vacations are for the discerning traveler who is looking for a hassle-free experience with five-star hotels, interesting excursions, and delicious feasts. 

Even though their main demographic is families, there are an array of adults-only trips reserved for ages 18 and up. These trips are designed specifically for adults, from a pub crawl in Budapest to truffle hunting in Provence.

However, these trips are expensive, so they're not for travelers sticking to a low-cost budget. 

Adventures by Disney is not cheap. The prices start at $3,889 per person for the Adventures by Disney Disneyland Resort and Southern California family vacation (including 6 days, 11 meals, and 14 sites), while the mid-range Germany trip starts at $5,899 (including 9 days, 16 meals, and 25 sites), and the top tier is a trip to Japan starting at $10,299 (including 10 days, 19 meals, and 26 sites).

For a lower price point, Adventures by Disney offers Escapes which are two to five days in duration (starting at $2,809 for four days), which may also be tacked onto a standard trip.

Additionally, there are Private Adventures, which start around $3,819 per person for 7 days in Costa Rica to $9,199 per person for 9 days in South Africa and allows you to travel with a smaller group of family and friends, from one traveler up to 12 travelers.

These are far more expensive than booking travel yourself but they do include guides, meals, lodging, transportation during the trip, and activities. Adventures by Disney is for the discerning traveler looking for a hassle-free vacation where all the big decisions are handled. 

An Adventure by Disney vacation is mostly all-inclusive, which means that during your trip, the accommodations, transportation during the adventure, tours, local experts, scheduled meals, activities, and entertainment are all included.

On a typical trip, you can enjoy about 15 to 20 meals hosted by Adventures by Disney. In addition, Adventure Guides accompany you throughout your journey.

The main things not included are tips for the Adventure Guides, alcoholic beverages (outside of organized tasting) as well any meals, activities, and transportation that are outside what is planned during the trip.

For example, on their trip to Germany, after touring Neuschwanstein Castle (which inspired the castle in Disneyland); you will have lunch on your own. These independent meals are sprinkled throughout the trip and are a nice way to enjoy a bit of family-only time, but won't be covered within the cost.

Airfare is not included in Adventures by Disney bookings, but you can purchase air transportation from Adventures by Disney to and from your home airport, but only for flights to and from the U.S.

Airfare is included during a few of the adventures such as their Australia trip and South Africa trip, both of which include flights in the itinerary.

Trip organizers are discerning about every aspect of the trip, especially when it comes to hotels. Most are rich with character from a seaside hotel in Santorini, Greece, to a historic hotel in the Scottish countryside. They are all selected for their quality, service, and cleanliness.

The accommodations are usually luxury, such as the Gran Meliá Rome Hotel in Italy or the Belmond La Residence Phou Vao in Loas, but can vary depending on the theme and location. The wonderful Under Canvas Yellowstone, since it is glamping, has only two stars, for example, but is very posh.

You usually stay in two or three different hotels during your travels and everyone stays in the same hotel in the same class of room.

A great perk is that you won't need to worry about your luggage. The Adventures by Disney team makes arrangements to move your things from place to place.

The average group size for land trips is about 35 to 44 people. While you all start as strangers, that doesn't last long and friendships are swiftly formed as you travel, dine, and experience excursions together.

For 2021 and 2022, Adventures by Disney introduced a Private Adventure option designed for parties of one to 12 guests.

These are tours where the group is only your friends and/or family. They offer more flexibility in terms of dates.

The price difference varies. For example, the per person starting price for a private England/France trip is $6,599 vs. $5,999 for the group trip, and their Costa Rica trip is $3,819 for a private tour vs. $3,749 for a group trip. So, in many cases, it really isn't much more to go private.

Private Adventures are currently offered in Australia, Costa Rica, Egypt, England, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. 

While Disney is in the name, Adventures by Disney don't involve Mickey or Minnie Mouse.

Rather, these trips are about discovering the story behind destinations. That said, there is the occasional Disney movie night for the junior adventurers, and collectible Disney pins are given out each day featuring an array of characters.

If you've been to a Disney Park, resort, or sailed on a Disney Cruise, then you're familiar with their high level of customer service, which is friendly, thoughtful, and sprinkled with their special brand of magic. 

The guides directing these adventures are cast to reflect that Disney spirit and elevate the experience. Overall, it's five-star treatment from start to finish.

Yes! Disney schedules independent time, usually once a day, so you can take a break from being social or have family time. And if you ever just want to relax, you may skip an excursion as well.

The only requirement is that when the group travels to the next destination, you'll need to be on the bus or boat to go along as well. 

Yes. Disney offers excellent customer service and run highly efficient, fun trips where every guest feels special. In addition, they are able to arrange exclusive experiences, such as a private tour of the Vatican, which really make travelers feel like VIPs. The mostly all-inclusive rate adds a lot of value, too.

But perhaps best of all, they take away the worry of trip planning so guests can truly be in the moment and experience everything they are seeing. 

These are some of the best Adventures by Disney trips offered  year-round:

Disneyland Resort and Southern California Escape — 4 days, 6 meals, 9 sites – starting at $2,809

Japan — 10 days, 19 meals, 25 site – starting at $10,299

Italy – 8 days, 15 meals, 31 sites   - Starting at $6,199

Montana — 7 days, 16 meals, 15 sites — starting at $4,899

Germany – 9 days, 16 meals, 25 sites – starting at $5,899

South Africa – 10 days, 23 meals, 18 sites – starting at $8,999

COVID-19 procedures are available here .

I've had the opportunity to go on two trips with Adventures by Disney, a river cruise down the Danube and a trip to Montana. Even though I was on assignment and a guest of the Walt Disney Company, I had a critical eye and was determined to report on both the bad and the good.

But in both cases, Adventures by Disney exceeded all my expectations. By the end, I was completely smitten with the Adventures by Disney brand of travel. And I am not alone. There is a large Facebook group with thousands of fans sharing tips, plans, and memories.

On my trip to Montana, we visited breathtaking places such as Yellowstone Park and Ousel Falls in Big Sky. We learned to fly fish, went river rafting in the Gallatin River, took a horseback ride in Big Sky, and went zip-lining. We enjoyed delicious meals and I made new friends with my fellow travelers and bonded with our guides. And each night, we had a clean and comfortable place to sleep; my favorite was glamping at Under Canvas on the edge of Yellowstone.

My daughter and I also sailed down the Danube on an Adventures By Disney River Cruise and every single day of the eight-day cruise was spectacular.

Using the boat as a floating hotel, we visited four countries — Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary — at a leisurely pace accented by optional adventures. Our Adventure Guides took us to learn to make goulash in the Hungarian countryside and to sites in Austria where they filmed "The Sound of Music."

Back on board, we dined on local foods, I sipped on regional wines, and every evening there was entertainment, from Austrian folk dancing to musical concerts, and a family-friendly karaoke night.

On both vacations, I was struck by how much I was able to relax, be in the moment, and enjoy the time with my family. I wasn't worried about whether the hotel had our reservation, how we would get to our next destination, or if we were missing a notable local gem.

And since I am a foodie, I was pleasantly surprised by the choice of dining options, which are meant to reflect the region.

I also appreciated the hotels (on our river cruise, that boat was where we slept except for one night in a Munich hotel), which were spacious and family-friendly. It was lovely to have our luggage whisked from one location to the next.

However, since groups are large, so were the hotels. If you're imagining a dreamy European getaway bunked in a charming inn, those really aren't an option for this kind of trip.

As for group travel, my hesitation over traveling with a group of people I didn't know quickly evaporated. The guides made sure everyone felt welcome with a get-to-know-you dinner on the first night. For the kids especially, it was a lot of fun.

One drawback, however, is since you won't want to miss out on all the excursions, by the time you get home, you'll likely be exhausted. Disney keeps you busy, and this is not a sit on the beach and sip cocktails kind of vacation. 

Despite these small points, it is an incomparable way to travel. On both trips, my guides immediately felt like family and their knowledge of the places we visited, alongside local experts, made the trip an experience that I simply could never replicate on my own, even if I tried. And after going on Adventures by Disney, I don't really want to anymore.

Book an Adventures by Disney tour .

• Main content

Adventures by Disney vs Trafalgar

Tour companies compared.

Adventures by Disney

5   Excellent  

4.6   Excellent  

42,570 reviews

Sign in  to see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

Reviews & Ratings

5   Excellent 1 reviews  

4.6   Excellent 42,570 reviews  

Recent Reviews

Great trip! Kudos to Adventures by Disney for a really well done trip!

I went on this trip with some misgivings, as my only other experience with this type of tour was a winter Tauck Family Bridges tour of Italy, that was not a good exp...

Trusted Customer

European Highlights

Wonderful tour! Visited beautiful places! Learned a lot and made new friends!

Tour:   European Highlights (Paris, Summer, Base)

Operator Overview

Travelers age

global Company

Trip prices

$2,499 - $8,119

Service level

Tour languages

$775 - $10,170

• Group Tours
• Small Ship & Expedition Cruises
• River Cruises

• North America
• Central America & Caribbean
• South America
• Rivers & Seas
• Australia & Pacific
• Middle East & North Africa
• Trekking & Camping

Similar Companies

About Adventures by Disney

Adventures by Disney™ provides immersive Disney-guided family vacation experiences to exciting destinations in Europe, Central and South America, Asia, Africa, Australia and North America. When you travel to worldwide destinations on an Adventures by Disney vacation you do much more than sightsee. You experience firsthand the people and cultures of the places you visit—and you do so with the service, VIP experiences and unique local opportunities you can only expect from Disney.

About Trafalgar

At Trafalgar, we passionately believe in the power of travel to broaden the mind and build bridges between people. By sharing with you the hidden places not mentioned in guidebooks, the local people you wouldn’t otherwise meet, and the traditions you may not have experienced by yourself, we ensure that you get the ‘insider’ view, an authentic and enhanced experience you simply could not have had on your own.

On a Disney European River Cruise, Families Get Magic Minus the Mouse

Adventures by disney, in partnership with amawaterways, is one of several options for family-friendly river cruises in europe and beyond. a writer tested the experience out with her family—here’s what to expect..

• Copy Link copied

The author recently brought her family on an Adventures by Disney Danube river cruise to find out if it was smooth sailing for all involved.

Courtesy of Heather Greenwood Davis

The last time I cruised the Danube River, six years ago, the Christmas markets were in full swing, the only masks we saw were in the art shops of Vienna, and my husband and I, both securely in middle age, were among the youngest passengers on board.

On our cruise this past August on the same river, and with the same cruise line, AmaWaterways, none of that was true.

While we visited many of the same ports as we did on our original sailing, that’s about where the similarities ended. This time, we were sailing with Adventures by Disney, Disney’s tour operating arm, which has been partnering with river cruise line AmaWaterways since 2016 on family-focused itineraries. Our two sons, Ethan, 20 and Cameron, 17, were with us. We were comfortably within the age range of the adults on board (a far younger average than our original cruise), and most, like us, were traveling with their kids or grandchildren. As for masks, while they weren’t required on the cruise ship (being vaccinated was a requirement, however), given the ongoing pandemic, some passengers chose to wear them around others and we spotted some masked locals in the European countries we visited, including Germany, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia.

Another big difference on this river cruise: many of the excursions—including a marzipan pig–making lesson in Germany—were designed with kids in mind.

For those who perhaps have an aversion to the extravagant and themed experiences of Disney’s oceangoing cruise ships or the amusement parks, it’s worth noting that there are no Disney characters on board (unless you count the plush Mickey and Minnie on the welcome desk), but there is a pixie-dusted feeling to the way trips are run.

Families can travel Europe in comfort on an AmaWaterways river cruise ship.

Courtesy of Adventures by Disney

While an Adventures by Disney river cruise isn’t in your face with the branding, the well-oiled machine that is Disney is clearly there, working behind the scenes to provide an enviable level of efficiency and service. And when Disney sets its sights on providing a magical experience, it consistently delivers. For instance, during an excursion to an apricot farm, two of the younger kids in the group seemed restless, so they were whisked off on a separate mission to find some baby bunnies and came back grinning when the boring schnapps tasting was over. When three out of four members of our family felt like staying on board as the ship cruised between two ports, Cameron joined a four-hour bike trip to the next port. When he returned to the ship, he shared some of the adventure with us over dinner, before the boys took off for late night shenanigans with some of the other teens in the lounge. That’s where the pixie dust comes in, creating a relaxed and seamless “something for everyone” experience.

Within a few hours of boarding our eight-day sailing with our sons, we felt the difference. My fear was that the boys would find the trip was either too juvenile or “kiddy” or too adult (read: boring). Instead, despite a wide range of kids on board (ages 5 to 20), adventure guides (Disney’s term for its activity hosts) facilitated connections, allowing the boys to find a groove with kids their own age and join us for activities when it moved them.

Based on our experience, river cruises offer a great way to spend some quality time together as a family, visiting numerous sites throughout Europe in comfortable accommodations with an active itinerary all laid out for everyone. But only a handful of river cruises cater specifically to families, and for those cruises, only a small selection of rivers are available. Because river cruise sailings tend to be more expensive than larger ocean cruises and seek to offer a luxury experience to match, it’s worth doing some research about the pros and cons before committing.

These considerations will help you make the right choice for your family.

What to know about taking a family-friendly river cruise

River cruise ships sail through the heart of Europe, offering families easy access to the cities and towns along the way.

Entertainment options

Set your kids free on an ocean cruise liner and you’ll be lucky to find them again before you disembark. It’s not just the size of a ship or the crowds of people—thousands on a big ship versus fewer than 200 on a river cruise—but the sheer number of ways they can be entertained. You won’t find go-karts, waterslides, and sprawling kids’ clubs on river cruises. Most offer a small pool and some lawn games (corn hole and life-size chess among them), but the focus in terms of how you spend your time is mostly on the cities you’re visiting, not the onboard experiences.

Quality family time

Each river cruise itinerary is different, but all of them offer the opportunity to explore the cities you’re visiting together—either as part of an organized tour or to head out on your own, with just your crew. The majority of activities (both on and off the ship) are meant to be kid-friendly when the cruise is geared toward families, but considerable efforts are made to make sure they aren’t boring for parents, which helps to enhance time spent together. And most meals are enjoyed as a family in the common dining room on the ship.

Proximity to shore

Most European rivers run through the center of towns. That means it is easy to walk off the ship and explore when the planned excursion isn’t of interest. A local playground, museum, or the option to head back to the ship for some relaxation is also possible.

Everything is easier

Embarking and disembarking is a far easier process on a river cruise than on a big ocean ship. For instance, we were comfortably seated in the lounge within minutes of first walking onto the ship as we awaited our room keys. On a larger cruise ship, embarkation can take hours, and it’s not uncommon to be waiting in a busy landside terminal long after you arrive at the shore. And there are no overly formal nights, so packing is made simple, and parents aren’t fussing over kids who really want to play, not dress in clothes they can’t get messy.

Perfect for teens and tweens

On bigger ships, I’ve found that it can be tough for tweens and teens to find their rhythm—they might be too old for some of the kids’ clubs but too young for the night club. My sons quickly found younger passengers who they could hang out with. While previous river cruises I have been on often fell silent by 10 p.m., my sons reported late night conversations with new friends about favorite TikTok videos and college choices while soaking in the hot tub on the top deck. (One thing to consider is that the drinking age in some European cities is younger than that in North America. You’ll want to talk to your kids and the ship’s hosts about what is acceptable.)

Great for younger kids, too

Make sure to check the river cruise line’s age requirement; most have a minimum age of between two and four. Adventures by Disney is great with younger children, often giving them even more attention and creative options than some of the older, more independent kids. At the beginning of the cruise, the adventure guides host a no-parents-invited meet and greet. It’s a good way for all the kids to meet each other and find friendships that are cemented through special “just the kids” events throughout the week. At the end-of-trip karaoke night, the bond between the kids and their guides was evident in the hugs and tears shared over croaky notes and raucous laughter.

Accommodating a wide range of families

Our cruise had a variety of multigenerational and blended, step families, as well as passengers with various mobility needs. All were accommodated both in stateroom type and with special assistance during tours. But not every room on every ship has a connecting option, so some families may find they need to book more than one room to make it work. This can be an issue if you are traveling with smaller children and aren’t able to have larger or connecting staterooms.

The best family-friendly river cruises

On Uniworld family cruises, kids are split into two categories: junior cruisers (ages 4 to 12) and teen cruisers (ages 13-17), with corresponding activities for each.

Courtesy of Uniworld

Here are a few cruise lines that offer family-friendly river cruises with room configurations, public spaces, on-board services and amenities, and excursions and programming designed with families in mind.

Adventures by Disney/AmaWaterways

One thing that really makes the Adventures by Disney river cruises stand out are the adventure guides. The guides audition for the role and the result is cruises led by a high-energy group of talented individuals dedicated to family fun. A full ship generally has six guides on board who do everything from supervising pajama parties to organizing a karaoke night and leading active excursions. All of the adventure guides have photography training, which means that even when the kids are off doing their own thing with the guides (yes, Disney guides will occasionally take kids off on their own, which can be a major bonus for parents who want some alone time and for kids, too, who are happy for a break from their folks), you’ll get a peek at the memories they’re making. The minimum age to join a cruise is four, but Disney recommends age eight and older for its river cruises. Prices start from $4,799 per child and $5,299 per adult .

Tauck Bridges

Lauded as the first to offer a family river cruise in 2010, Tauck sticks to cruises in its family-friendly Bridges portfolio that run during school breaks and holidays and host a maximum of 130 passengers. Your fare includes all transfers to and from airports and hotels, gratuities, and even some off-ship meals and special events (in addition to all on-board meals, adult and kid-friendly drinks, and all shore excursions). The focus is on families exploring together so there are no dedicated kids’ excursions, but activities—like a knights tournament and hands-on medieval games at Devin Castle on the Danube family cruise, or a scavenger hunt inside the Louvre—ensure that everyone is having fun together. Newer ships have game spaces (there are board games are on all cruises and select cruises have video game options as well), a hot tub and small pool, and a small putting green. Tauck director guides organize trivia and movie nights, as well as family feud contests and a French food Fear Factor contest (that introduces kids to new foods like oysters) during evenings on board. The minimum age is three; Tauck recommends its river cruises for kids age eight and older. Prices start at $3,990 .

As part of its “Generations” collection, Uniworld has a unique approach to family river cruises. Kids are split into two categories: junior cruisers (ages 4 to 12) and teen cruisers (ages 13 to 17) and activities for each group are planned and run by two dedicated “family hosts.” They include movie nights, kids-only tables at mealtimes, and craft workshops that focus on the culture and traditions of the region the cruise is sailing through. On board, kids get a special VIP ship tour with the captain and can learn how to cook and make pastries with the ship’s chefs. There’s also a dedicated lounge where kids can hang out parent-free, and parents can also opt to leave kids on board for supervised activities while they go ashore. Each night kids get a surprise gift at turndown. Prices start at $3,199 per person .

A-Rosa vessels feature a kids’ club for younger passengers.

Courtesy of A-Rosa

Families with younger kids will love the German-owned cruise line A-Rosa with activities designed to match the ages of the kids on any particular sailing. The brand-new 280-passenger A-Rosa Sena , which launched in 2022, is leading a new wave in family river cruising. An entire deck of the ship has been set aside for families. It features family cabins with space for up to five people, a dedicated kids’ pool, and a full kids’ club with slides, mini climbing wall, ample games, reading nooks, and arts and crafts activities. The minimum age is two and kids need to be four to be able to access the kids’ club. The vessels often host a mix of passengers from Europe and the United States, and announcements are in German and English. This is another way to immerse younger travelers in the destination and expose them to other languages and cultures. Prices start at $1,500 for a one-week sailing , with discounted prices for kids (including those under 15 sailing for free on select departures).

Other things to consider before booking your family river cruise

Choose the itinerary based on what your family might be interested in. The Rhine is known for its ample castles, which might delight some in your brood. Sailing the Seine includes the showstopper Paris. No matter where in Europe you sail, there are often opportunities for biking on shore for more active families. Additionally, some family cruises will do a deep dive into the Sound of Music during a day trip to Salzburg, Austria (where many scenes of the movie were shot) during Danube cruises, for fans of the iconic musical. Christmas market cruises are another option for families who are feeling festive.

River cruise itineraries are typically around one week. If you want to extend your stay, consider the options offered by the cruise line and compare them with the costs and flexibility of planning that additional time on your own.

While excursion costs and tips are often included in your fare, the flights to get to and from your ports won’t be—and remember that you will start and finish in two different ports, which means booking either two different one-way flights to and from the United States or a flight or train ride back to the original arrival airport for a round-trip flight. Your budgeting should also account for a pre-embarkation or post-disembarkation hotel accommodation, if it’s not included with the cruise fare, depending on your flight options.

Lastly, itineraries can change based on rising and falling water levels. For instance, this past summer saw record droughts in Europe . Ships always anticipate the possibility of a wrinkle in the plan and often have alternate options available, but it may not be exactly what you and your crew expected from start to finish if weather woes get in the way.

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Adventures by Disney Trip

Tips to make your adventure even more magical..

The Scoop: What to Know About Adventures by Disney

For many people, taking the family on an Adventures by Disney vacation is the trip of a lifetime. Offering family travel adventures around the world, Adventures by Disney has a trip to fit the interests of nearly every type of traveling family. I’ve been lucky to do a river cruise down the Seine River and a land adventure to Peru with Adventures by Disney, and both were incredible. 

While I felt prepared before the trip thanks to the digital handbook that every traveler is given access to from Adventures by Disney, there are a few things I wish I’d known before my first trip that the handbook didn’t go over, like how the sleeping arrangements may look or just how awesome the Adventure Guides really are. If you’re in the middle of planning your first guided family tour with the company or are a seasoned veteran looking for some new tips to make your family vacation ideas more magical, keep reading. 

BRING THE KIDS: 10 Best Guided Tour Companies for Family Vacations in 2024

1. Adventures by Disney’s The Adventure Guides Can Take Care of Just about Anything

On both of my trips with Adventures by Disney, I was blown away by the hosts of the trip, known as Adventure Guides. While gliding along the Seine River, we had access to four guides, two from the U.S. and two from France. In Peru, our group was led by two guides, one from the U.S. and one from Peru. These fine folks are the leaders who are going to be taking you into tourist attractions like the Louvre and Machu Picchu, making sure you get fed, and setting up transportation between cities. They’ a’re also the ones making sure your kids are entertained and your bags get sent to the correct hotel room. 

WORLD’S BEST: 15 Best Group Travel Companies for Guided Tours in 2024

Besides all of the logistical stuff, the Adventure Guides can make just about anything happen since they work for the one of the most recognizable companies in the world. For example, on my Seine River cruise, one of the guides knew I was a big foodie and mentioned that we would be visiting the town where Julia Child enjoyed the meal that inspired her to start cooking. The Adventure Guide offered to make private lunch reservations at that very restaurant, La Couronne , in Rouen. We took them up on that offer and enjoyed being able to see the restaurant that inspired the original celebrity chef.

Truly the best part about any trip with Adventures by Disney is the guides, who often take time out of an already busy schedule to make each guest feel special and cared for. 

2. Your Family May Be Split into Separate Rooms on an Adventures by Disney Vacation

After a long day of traveling and exploring a new destination, there’s nothing better than plopping into a comfy bed. With Adventures by Disney, everyone in your traveling party gets their own bed. Yes, that means parents do not have to share with their kids every single night. If your travel party is four or more, you get a room for every duo; though if there are kids, there must be one adult in each room. If you just have three people, there will be an additional twin-sized bed in a single room so everyone still has a bed to themselves.

TOUR REVIEW: Tour Review: Adventures by Disney South Africa Tour is a Lesson in Culture, History, and Beauty

The one downfall to families being split up is that not every hotel on each adventure has an abundance of connecting rooms. If your family needs a connecting room, you’ll want to be sure that you let your travel agent or Adventures by Disney know at the time of booking so you have the best chance of getting one. 

3. Photos Will Be Plentiful with Adventures by Disney

Before my first Adventures by Disney trip, I was prepared to take as many pictures as possible of places like the Eiffel Tower and Normandy Beach. I was also determined to get my mom (who traveled with me to France) into as many pictures together as possible. This often meant taking selfies or self-timed photos. While these photos did happen and I have thousands of pictures from that trip, I didn’t realize ahead of time that the Adventure Guides would also be taking pictures with their phones. 

GIRLS TRIPS: 9 Best Women-Only Travel Groups and Tour Operators for 2024

Throughout both France and Peru, our guides were able to get large group shots, pictures of landscapes and activities, and photos of my family. It was a pleasant surprise that no one had to be excluded from a photo because they were the ones behind the camera. At the end of both trips, we were given a website link and a code to enter, which led to an online library of all of the photos that were taken by the Adventure Guides. On my recent trip to Peru, there were more than 1,800 photos. The pictures are free to download and use for personal use.

4. You Don’t Have to Participate in Everything on an Adventures by Disney Trip

One of my favorite parts about Adventures by Disney is that the activities selected for each trip are a good mix of thrill and chill. For example, in Peru, our group went white water rafting one morning and enjoyed walking around a local market in Cusco another day. While you’re encouraged to participate in everything, it’s not required. It’s your vacation, after all. 

HIT THE TRAILS:   9 Best Tour Companies for Walking, Trekking, and Hiking Tours

If you don’t want to participate or need a modified activity, the Adventure Guides are very good at coming up with alternatives. In France, for example, there was a short hike in Etretat to see the famous white cliffs. For those of us who didn’t wish to hike, our guides showed us a good vantage point that was a shorter walk, a spot where we could still get great photos and enjoy the beautiful views. 

5. Learning to Be Present Is Key

Being present in everyday situations is hard. There are so many things vying for our attention, from our jobs and constant emails to household duties and the news. The biggest joy of Adventures by Disney was the escape from all of those things, and truly enjoying that luxury meant making a conscious effort to be present in the moment. I knew these trips would take me out of my comfort zone and allow me to reconnect with my family, but what I didn’t know was how badly I needed those things. 

CLOSE TO HOME:   10 Best Guided Tours in the United States in 2024

Learning to be present from the time I stepped off of the plane at my destination to when I returned to the airport after the trip was over was important. It did take a while to get used to not having my phone in my hand at all times and just letting the Adventure Guides take my photos or knowing I didn’t need to answer a work email, but it was worth it. The conscious effort to be present allowed me to fully take in each experience and make memories that will last a lifetime. 

More from TourScoop:

• Why Storytelling Is the Secret to Disney’s Magic
• 10 Things to Know Before Your First Group Tour
• How to Choose the Best Walking Shoes for Travel

Road Scholar Debuts Special Trips for Retired Teachers

New Vacation Trend: European River Cruise Companies Are Now Targeting Family Travelers

New Year Tour Sales: They’re Big and They’re Limited Time

What’s tourscoop.

Tour Scoop’s team of travel experts brings you in-depth tour company overviews, tour itinerary reviews, the latest tour news, and travel tips and advice written just for guided tour travelers like you.

More about us

Whale Photography Tips from an Expedition Cruise Photo Instructor

Taking great pics of whales is no easy task. Here are tips.

Tours That Are Surprisingly Great for Teens and Their Families

Guided tours hit the sweet spot when it comes to traveling with teens.

How a Group Tour Changed My Whole Approach to Travel

When my vacation plans changed at the last minute, I finally decided to try a group tour for the first time.

Ask a Tour Guide: What Surprises First-Time Tour Travelers?

Here's what longtime tour guides say delights and surprises first-time tour guests.

• Help Center
• 1-866-921-7925

Guided Group Itineraries Across Six Continents

Adventures by disney®, choose from guided group family vacations to destinations worldwide, and receive a digital costco shop card. see the world and save.

Let ADVENTURES BY DISNEY® be your guides, your storytellers, your local experts and your masters of hassle-free guided group travel. They'll take you where you want to go. Bring you closer to the places you visit. See to every last detail. And make sure every moment of your vacation, for everyone in your family, is a moment you'll want to remember forever. Choose from more than 35 guided group itineraries across six continents.

Featured Deals

Available itineraries.

Receive Up to $2,000 Digital Costco Shop Card

Australia: Palm Cove, Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, Sydney

Central & south america: colombia, bogotá, cocora valley, cartagena, china: hong kong, beijing, chengdu, xian, guilin, shanghai.

Receive up to $2,000 Digital Costco Shop Card

Costa Rica: San José, Caño Negro, Arenal Volcano National Park and Guanacaste

Danube river cruise: germany, austria, slovakia and hungary, england and france: london, windsor, paris and versailles, galápagos islands expedition cruise: central & south america, greece: athens, sounion, santorini, crete, iceland: reykjavik, akureyri, húsavík and lake mývatn, italy: rome, florence, venice and tuscany, peru and machu picchu: machu picchu, lima, sacred valley and cusco, rhine river cruise: switzerland, france, germany, and the netherlands, seine river cruise: france, more about adventures by disney®.

An ADVENTURES BY DISNEY® family vacation is an expertly planned, guided group vacation to some of the most intriguing and beloved destinations around the world. On an ADVENTURES BY DISNEY trip you're a traveler and adventurer, not a tourist. You and your family become active participants in incredible stories, experiences and cultures through immersive activities only Disney can bring you. From bustling cities and awe-inspiring landscapes, to seaside villages and secret locales, ADVENTURES BY DISNEY offers worldwide vacations – to such wondrous places as Europe, Asia and South America – ranging in length from 6 to 13 days.

Terms and Conditions

Prices for these trips vary within ranges based primarily on when you book and travel; they are subject to change without notice. All prices are in U.S. dollars. AIRFARE TO AND FROM DESTINATION IS NOT INCLUDED IN OUR LAND PACKAGE PRICES. Your land package pricing, which will be confirmed once your 10% per person deposit is received, is guaranteed at the time of booking for your party. Government fees or taxes are subject to change. Guests added to your party after the booking are priced at the prevailing rate at the time they are added. The child rate applies to Guests under 12 at the time of travel when accompanied by an adult in the same room. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. If you are traveling with children, check this trip's minimum eligibility age and recommended minimum age. Room configurations are subject to availability.

†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your vacation. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.

As to Disney artwork/properties, ©Disney.

We are processing your payment.

Do not refresh your browser or exit this page.

Why Adventures by Disney Makes the Best Vacations—for Adults

Is adventures by disney worth it.

M ost people hear Disney and think princesses, talking rodents and amusement parks. So it may come as a surprise to learn that Disney also runs national and international tours through its tour company Adventures by Disney that are as much fun for adults as they are for kids—maybe more so, since adults can simply sit back, relax and let the professionals plan all the details.

And no, these aren’t trips to theme parks or regular  family vacations —they’re journeys to some of the  best places to travel  in the world. Trip options (there are 40 destinations in all) encompass everything from exploring Machu Picchu in Peru to taking safaris in South Africa to hiking Yellowstone National Park in Montana, not to mention enjoying all the fabulous highlights of Europe, with trips to Paris, Rome and London, to name a few.

So, is Adventures by Disney worth it? I’ve tried out several of these trips both in the United States and abroad, and I’d say absolutely. Disney’s famed planning prowess and attention to detail, plus its unique ability to offer special access to some of the world’s most impressive sights, makes it an amazing option if you’re looking for group travel. Here’s why an Adventures by Disney trip may turn out to be the best trip of your life, even if you’re taking an adults-only getaway.

Get  Reader’s Digest ’s  Read Up newsletter for more travel, tech, humor, cleaning and fun facts all week long.

The company organizes everything

And I do mean everything. Mickey doesn’t make an appearance on these trips, but Disney’s ability to move people and create great experiences is evident every step of the way, similar to how they create seamless experiences at the various Disney parks and hotels. When I traveled to Italy with Adventures by Disney, this meant that our bags magically moved from a villa in Tuscany to a hotel in watery Venice while our group of about three dozen kids and adults whizzed through the countryside. We didn’t even have to think about it—we simply enjoyed packed lunches in our first-class train cabin and then hopped onto gondolas (yes, with musical accompaniment!) to float around Venice.

On an Adventures by Disney trip to Peru, the guides joked that a fairy named Inca Tinka, like an Incan Tinkerbell, would spirit the group’s bags from place to place. And any tickets to events and transportation were taken care of—there was no worrying about any logistical details.

Local guides go the extra mile

I’ve traveled with several group tour companies , and I can tell you from experience that Adventures by Disney guides are truly a cut above. Disney has a rigorous hiring process, and the highly trained experts they employ know the areas inside and out. Every tour has two guides: one who is in charge of logistics and moving the group, and one local who speaks the language and helps with day-to-day transactions. They also add specialists at each location—for example, an art expert who has tons of stories just for the Uffizi in Florence.

Reader’s Digest executive editor Aviva Patz, who recently traveled with her husband on an Adventures by Disney trip to Peru, adds that the guides really go out of their way to make your travel dreams a reality. “A woman on our trip wanted to see a local healer/shaman, and they hooked her up,” she says. “Another woman wanted to see rainbow mountains, and they helped her get there too, even though it wasn’t on our itinerary.”

The guides anticipate your needs

The first day in a new country can often be overwhelming, and Adventures by Disney anticipates this. In Italy, we received chocolate bars to help fight the jet lag and folded tote bags to bring home souvenirs, but the best perk of all was a local Italian guide who provided both translation services and recommendations on where to eat. When someone’s child had a toothache, she even accompanied them to a clinic for help!

In Peru, says Patz, the bus was stocked with everything from snacks to masks to bug spray, and when guests felt a little woozy in the high altitudes of Machu Picchu, the staff had packets of electrolyte powder on hand for those in need. And at one of the sites, just when group energy was beginning to flag, Patz’s guide mentioned that there are sometimes local vendors in the area and they  might  see one. Sure enough, one of the guides had clandestinely set up shop on a blanket around the corner and proceeded to “sell” tangerines to the group—for the price of a rock, which kids and adults alike enthusiastically collected.

Local experts are also a lifesaver when it comes to troubleshooting. When the airline didn’t get Patz’s suitcase onto the connecting flight within Peru, the guides arranged for pickup at the airport two hours away. As far as Patz was concerned, her bag just magically arrived in her hotel room.

You get VIP treatment at top attractions

For me, the highlight of my three Adventures by Disney trips culminated in access to a storied spot in Rome: the Sistine Chapel. Our group of about three dozen people, and only our group, had access to the chapel after hours. No crowds or pushing or lines or any directives from guards to move along. We simply were able to stare at the fantastical frescoed ceiling in quiet. And our amazing guide even received permission from the guard to take two pictures, despite the fact that the Sistine Chapel is one of the places where pictures are forbidden during regular visiting hours. This experience was truly “magical” and why Adventures by Disney is worth it when considering the cost of the trip alone.

The trips are made for adults (no, really)

If you hear Disney and automatically think kids , it may come as a surprise to hear that Adventures by Disney is great for adults. I’m not talking about just families either. The company has 38 adult-exclusive trips , which include wine tasting, cooking classes and elegant dinners out. One Australia adventure I checked out also had snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef and a private tour and dinner at the Sydney Opera House on the itinerary!

And great news for parents: Even if you’re traveling with the whole fam, there are adults-only dinners where you get to relax while the guides entertain kids with their own dinner, activities and private showings of Disney movies . In Peru, says Patz, she and her husband (who actually traveled sans kids) participated in a Pisco Sour cocktail-making demo while the kids on the trip made pizza. On my Italy adventure, the kids taste-tested the local soda while the grown-ups enjoyed a relaxed dinner. (The older teens were free to join either group, which was great for my family.)

Itineraries take you beyond the obvious sites

Another highlight for Patz on her Peru adventure: getting off the beaten path without having to consult a map. In addition to obvious highlights such as Machu Picchu , her trip included memorable stops. In the Sacred Valley area, she got to visit a local ceramics studio and meet the ceramists; she participated in a music workshop in which she tried out traditional instruments and even crafted some of her own. Patz got to pet and feed alpacas and watch a private performance of a traditional Peruvian ceremony, and she also got to see local weavers—mostly women, some older, some with babies on their backs—demonstrate different types of weaves from the fur of local animals, alpaca and vicuña, and enjoy a scenic picnic lunch catered by one of the best restaurants in town.

It opens up the world in an incredibly accessible way

Adventures by Disney is also worth it for the wide range of destinations they have available as group trips. There are river cruises on the Seine and Rhine, deep dives into Japan and China, and quicker trips to the national parks in the United States and Canada.

And if you want some Disney flavor in your trip, that’s certainly an option too. Their newest offering is one I’m really excited about: a trip through Colombia with a nod toward the movie Encanto . It includes arepa making, a coffee-farm visit, tours through Cartagena and a visit to Proyecto Tití, which is sponsored by the Disney Conservation Fund and helps cotton-top tamarin monkey conservation. There’s also a hike in the Cocora Valley, which was an inspiration for the movie.

They bring the fun factor

Unlike some tours, where a guide typically offers a straightforward history lesson, Adventures by Disney guides add a playfulness that you might think is geared toward kids but actually makes the experience a delight for adults as well. In Peru, at the ancient Inca fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site Sacsayhuaman (which the guides jokingly pronounced “sexy woman,” leaving the kids on the trip in embarrassed hysterics), guides told about the history of using  quipu  or  qunas , colorful ropes on a stick, to communicate across long distances via courier. Depending on the color of the ropes and the placement and type of knots they held, they warned of invasions and relayed other urgent news. The guide just “happened to have gotten his hands on some,” and everyone in the group got to touch and feel (and bring home) this cool keepsake.

A visit to an alpaca farm was “Disneyfied” with a selfie contest; bus rides were made more entertaining with games of Name that Disney Tune, including some golden oldies for the grown-ups; and on the last night, guests participated in a “llama gift exchange” that sent everyone home with souvenirs purchased by their fellow travelers.

You’ll make new friends with similar interests

Another highlight that makes Adventures by Disney worth it when considering a group trip? The sense of camaraderie that comes from exploring with like-minded travelers. Everyone on one of these trips has a passion for the destination, as well as an appreciation for Disney’s spirit of fun and its ability to both delight and surprise.

Patz notes that the guides proactively foster relationships too. “They grouped families for different activities and also mixed up groupings, so we got to know everyone. We went white-water rafting with one family and traveled around Machu Picchu with another.” This allowed her and her husband to meet people easily and make new friends on the trip.

As for me, my Facebook feed is filled with faces I met on the Italy, Montana and San Francisco trips I took over the past decade. This is, hands down, one of the best souvenirs of an Adventures by Disney trip.

122 episodes

Two Seattleites addicted to The Mouse: Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club. We love traveling to experience Disney magic, and enjoy talking to others who share our passion for all things from the House of Mouse.

Adventures and Mousecapades: A Disney Podcast Alicea & Nathan Novak

• Society & Culture
• 4.1 • 9 Ratings
• APR 22, 2024

Episode 121 - DCL is a Dream

We’ve finally completed our “full house” tour of all 5 Disney Cruise Line ships with our recent 4-night cruise aboard the stunning Disney Dream. We’ve been on the Fantasy many times before, so we knew what to expect from her sister ship. Or so we thought. Could we have a new favorite ship in the Disney fleet? You’ll have to listen to find out! ---- Adventures & Mousecapades is a passion project from Alicea & Nathan Novak - two Seattleites addicted to The Mouse. We are not affiliated with Disney, nor are we travel agents. Opinions are our own. Instagram, Threads, Facebook: @ourmousecapades OurMousecapades.com [email protected]

• APR 15, 2024

Episode 120 - Disney Conversations

One of the reasons we started this podcast was we already found ourselves having frequent conversations Disney, so why not share some of that with all of you? This week we’re recorded a bunch of little conversations. Who’s the best Disney villain? What Disney movie has the best music? What should a 5th theme park at Disney World be? We had fun with this one. ---- Adventures & Mousecapades is a passion project from Alicea & Nathan Novak - two Seattleites addicted to The Mouse. We are not affiliated with Disney, nor are we travel agents. Opinions are our own. Instagram, Threads, Facebook: @ourmousecapades OurMousecapades.com [email protected]

• APR 8, 2024

Episode 119 - DVC Resorts: Bay Lake Tower

This is the first in an occasional series we’ll be doing to look at Disney Vacation Club resorts. First up: Bay Lake Tower. While this is a nice resort, connected to the Contemporary resort, its best features are summed up in three words: location, location, location. ---- Adventures & Mousecapades is a passion project from Alicea & Nathan Novak - two Seattleites addicted to The Mouse. We are not affiliated with Disney, nor are we travel agents. Opinions are our own. Instagram, Threads, Facebook: @ourmousecapades OurMousecapades.com [email protected]

• APR 1, 2024

Episode 118 - Disney by Copilot

It’s time once again for our Quarterly Disney Review, taking a look at the goings on from the House of Mouse for the first three months of 2024. This time we’re trying out Microsoft Copilot to see if it can help us organize our various notes. Does it help? You be the judge! ---- Adventures & Mousecapades is a passion project from Alicea & Nathan Novak - two Seattleites addicted to The Mouse. We are not affiliated with Disney, nor are we travel agents. Opinions are our own. Instagram, Threads, Facebook: @ourmousecapades OurMousecapades.com [email protected]

• MAR 25, 2024

Episode 117 - Disney World "Business Trip"

We would NEVER pass up the opportunity to take a trip to Disney World, especially if half of our travel and lodging costs are paid for! This week we’re remembering an amazing time back in October 2018 when Alicea was in town for a conference with several coworkers, and Nathan tagged along “for research purposes.” Some of our character dining experiences on this trip are our gold standard that we compare all others against - you don’t want to miss why that is! Putting this show together also brought back memories of our dear friend Mona, who sadly succumbed to cancer just a few months after this trip. Love you and miss you, Mona! ---- Adventures & Mousecapades is a passion project from Alicea & Nathan Novak - two Seattleites addicted to The Mouse. We are not affiliated with Disney, nor are we travel agents. Opinions are our own. Instagram, Threads, Facebook: @ourmousecapades OurMousecapades.com [email protected]

• MAR 18, 2024

Episode 116 - Disney in the South Pacific

Welcome aboard the inaugural Sydney to Honolulu Disney Cruise through the South Pacific! Our amazing friends Rachel and Meredith are back to share all about this first-ever DCL experience, including stops in New Caledonia, Fiji, American Samoa, and Maui. Plus, they got to live the same day twice after crossing the International Date Line and became Shellbacks after crossing the equator at sea! You’ll want to hear all about this once in a lifetime experience! ---- Adventures & Mousecapades is a passion project from Alicea & Nathan Novak - two Seattleites addicted to The Mouse. We are not affiliated with Disney, nor are we travel agents. Opinions are our own. Instagram, Threads, Facebook: @ourmousecapades OurMousecapades.com [email protected]

• © 2024 Adventures and Mousecapades: A Disney Podcast

Customer Reviews

So helpful and fun.

This is so good and it helps a lot with planning Disney. The intro is so funny. I hope it will help you plan your next adventure.

New Disney Podcast

This is very good podcast

Top Podcasts In Society & Culture

You might also like.