In summer 2005, Disney quietly solicited participants for some experimental vacation packages to Hawaii and Yellowstone. They called the program "Adventures by Disney." A very limited number of participants had the opportunity to test out the concept the first year. Starting in 2006, the Adventures by Disney program became available to the public and expanded to many more destinations, including Costa Rica, France, England and Italy.

In 2008, the destinations were expanded even further to include China and Australia, as well as many locations in Europe and Latin America. For 2009, Disney is adding South Africa, the Galapagos Islands, the Alps and more!

Adventures by Disney guests travel in small groups limited to 40 participants, and are led by two Disney-trained Adventure Guides with the gift for family fun. Each adventure is filled with immersive, interactive experiences you might never have tried if you were traveling on your own. Local experts provide authenticity and character by sharing knowledge and stories.

You can expect impeccable service as well as a few surprises along the way. Vacationing is almost effortless. Travel, activities and scheduled meals during your adventure are planned. Luggage is handled for you and hotel check-ins are pre-arranged. An Adventures by Disney vacation allows you to enjoy the magic of the destination, while creating memories with your family that will last forever.

Note: Adventures by Disney recommends that participating children be age 8 years or older.

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New - Lower Priced Adventures by Disney "Gateway Collection"

Starting May 1, 2009, you can book Disney's first "Gateway Collection" version of Adventures by Disney: “Gateway to London and Paris," offered August 7-13, 2009.

The price of the "Gateway to London and Paris" adventure will be $2799 for those 12 and older and $2499 for those 11 and younger. This represents a savings of $1200 per adult and $1100 per child vs. the similar Cities of Knights and Lights vacation. No early booking rates will be offered for the Gateway package.

"Gateway to London and Paris" will include most of the features of regular Adventures by Disney vacations, such as two Adventure Guides, Junior Adventurer activities, special access to select unique experiences and local experts. You can continue to expect fun for the whole family, as well as Disney quality and service. It DOES include visits to Westminster Abbey, Changing of the Guard, Tower of London, Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Versailles.

However, "Gateway to London and Paris" will have the following differences from similar full-priced Adventures:

• Larger group size (capped at 50 participants instead of 40)
• Lower category lodgings such as the Park Plaza County Hall in London and the Marriott Rive Gauche in Paris
• Second Class on the Eurostar (instead of First Class)
• Transfers not included (guide will be at airport to greet guests and will help with them get into a taxi at their own expense)
• Does NOT include High Tea at Harrods, the Lion King theatre experience, water taxi to Eiffel Tower and biking in Versailles

If you prefer more time to explore on your own, this lower-priced Adventure may be perfect for you.

Book by 6/30/09. Currently only the "Gateway to London and Paris" trip has been announced. If this new package proves popular, the "collection" may be expanded at a later date.

Thanks to Small World Vacations for info.

		If you would like to book "Gateway to London and Paris," please contact Small World Vacations.

Early Booking Rates

Book your Adventures by Disney vacation at least 120 days in advance and save! With the Early Booking Rates, a family of 4 can save over $2200* on many itineraries.

		If you would like to book the Early Booking Rates for Adventures by Disney vacations, please contact Small World Vacations. They have actually experienced Adventures by Disney and can give you some great insights on the program!

*Savings is based on a comparison of Peak Regular and Early Booking Rates for a family of 4 composed of 2 adults and 2 children under 12 on all 2008 itineraries except Quest for the West, Imperial Cities, Taste of Tuscany, Enchanted China, Southwest Splendors and Spirit of America. The number of land packages available at the Early Booking Rate is limited. The Early Booking Rate may not be combined with any discounts, offers, or promotions. Terms, conditions and restrictions apply. All pricing in US dollars.

Group Rates

For select destinations and dates, Disney may offer special group rates if you have 15 or more people traveling together. The 2009 destinations eligible for group rates are:

• Cities of Knights and Lights
• Emerald Isle
• Viva Italia
• Spirit of America
• Backstage Magic
• Path to Pura Vida
• Canadian Rockies

Group rates are available only to the destinations listed above, and only for a few select departure dates.

		If you would like to get more information about organizing a group for a 2009 Season Adventures by Disney vacation, please contact Small World Vacations.

2009 Season

Share a world filled with wonder, enchantment and remarkable adventures with eight brand new Adventures by Disney vacations in 2009 – a total of 23 exciting itineraries to some of the world’s most spectacular destinations! From exploring the Galapagos Islands with a naturalist to hiking with huskies through the European Alps, you will be there as the world’s authentic wonders come to life.

		If you would like to book a 2009 Adventures by Disney vacation, please contact Small World Vacations. They have actually experienced Adventures by Disney and can give you some great insights on the program!

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New 2009 Destinations

(click on the links for lots more information, courtesy of Small World Vacations)

• South Africa – Safari to South Africa – Cape Town, The Garden Route and Kapama Game Reserve
  Imagine riding with your family in a safari jeep as a skilled tracker leads you through one of the most stunning and diverse game reserves in all of Africa, or learning age-old survival secrets of the wild on a ranger-lead Bushwalk. Exploring cosmopolitan Cape Town, perched on the edge of the Indian Ocean, with bustling markets, a lively waterfront and sumptuous food. Discovering beautiful Boulders Beach, then meeting African penguins in their natural habitat. And concluding your grand adventure at a Boma, a torchlit barbecue feast and show that is, like everything else on this trip, one of the most extraordinary experiences on the planet.

• Northern California – Golden Path to Yosemite – Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and Yosemite
  Blaze an adventurous trail through the land of legendary gold and natural glory. Soar to the top of Squaw Peak and behold Tahoe’s aquamarine jewel among the mountains. Float along the idyllic Truckee River and swim in a setting more beautiful than any painting. And make the Yosemite Valley your family’s incredible backyard as you hike and ride through its unspoiled majesty. Then spring from the wilderness to explore San Francisco’s hilly charm by bike and private trolley – on your unbelievable expedition from the gold-streaked Sierras to the famed Golden Gate.

• Alaska – Taming the Last Frontier – Fairbanks, Denali National Park and Kenai Peninsula
  Get ready for untamed, unspoiled, unbelievable family adventures in the foothills of our country’s highest peak: mighty Mt. McKinley. Come frolic with the sled dogs of the legendary Iditarod. Explore deep icy fjords and jet boat along a pristine river in search of wildlife that’s still completely wild. Learn how to track majestic wolves through their forest empires. And float among the iceberg remains of calving glaciers that have existed for centuries. You’ll discover this distant wilderness with its native people, making new friends and memories in the land of the midnight sun.

• U.S./ Southwest Canada – Rocky Trails &  Mountie Tales – Glacier National Park and Banff National Park
  Come raft mighty rivers, hike flower-filled meadows, and ride horses on trails through the clouds in the unspoiled Northern Rockies. Imagine your family surrounded by the snow-capped peaks, towering forests and impossibly blue lakes of two immense national parks in two countries. You’ll sleep high in the sky, between glacial lakes and ancient limestone – with tribal tales of when the world was young still dancing in your mind. And after canoeing, hiking and biking in land roamed by Lewis and Clark and beyond, you’ll never want to come down to earth again.

• Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands – Gateway to the Galapagos – Quito, Otavalo Valley and The Galapagos Islands
  There are some places in the world that have a story all their own. Standing on the equator in sight of a snow-capped volcano. Living an authentic Andean life on a 400-year-old hacienda. Stargazing from your shipboard home in the middle of the South Pacific. Hiking and snorkeling with wild creatures so rare, they only exist one place in the world. From high Andean fields to the Galapagos Islands’ clear blue depths, you’ll live the stories of these magical places – collecting vivid family memories with every step.

• European Alps – Alpine Magic – Stresa, Zermatt and Lake Lucerne
  Experience an Alpine adventure that puts the “great” in great-big-beautiful outdoors. Get out there as you cruise past the cascading towns of Italy’s lakes. And shape pasta the traditional way at a Como cooking school. Then zigzag through mountains, dotted with chalets, to the incredible Swiss Alps. You’ll soar past distant peaks on thrilling ziplines, bike the scenic paths of a lofty village, even hike grassy trails with faithful huskies. All from well-appointed hotels in an Alpine playground of lakes, mountains and glaciers – ready for your family to come out and play.

• Italy – Bella Italia – Sorrento and  Florence
  The Italian roads less traveled are an adventure all their own – from the silent mysteries of Pompeii to Pisa’s eternally Leaning Tower. Cruise the sparkling Mediterranean Sea as you explore Amalfi’s dramatic coast by boat. Craft your own Sorrento pizza from fresh ingredients in a farmhouse kitchen. And peddle through paradise along Tuscan walls that have survived since the Renaissance. You’ll taste fresh limon cello, discover Florentine treasures and swim in the azure waters off Capri – sharing more of Italy with your family than many see in a lifetime.

New Signature Trips

For select departure dates to South Africa and Northern California, Adventures by Disney is pleased to offer brand new Signature Trips which feature additional special elements for an even more extraordinary vacation experience.

• South Africa – Safari to South Africa – Cape Town, The Garden Route and Kapama Game Reserve

Special Signature Features:

• VIP meet & greet at aircraft and luxury sedan transfer
• Upgraded accommodations to the five-star Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town’s lively Waterfront area
• Upgraded accommodations to the five-star Main Lodge in Kapama Game Reserve
• Exclusive VIP gift in-room amenity
• VIP memento gift from the Gold of Africa Museum’s exquisite gift shop
• Special entertainment from the Township Boys Choir in addition to the Cape Minstrels at the Castle of Good
• Hope exclusive dinner
• Exclusive “African Skies” themed dinner with dance entertainment
• Exclusive “Sundowner” dinner experience at the Knysna Elephant Park
• Exclusive Catch & Release Fishing for Junior Adventurers at Kapama Game  Reserve
• All included dinners feature complimentary wine and beer

• Northern California – Golden Path to Yosemite – San Francisco and Yosemite

Special Signature Features:

• Upgraded accommodations to the five-star St. Regis hotel in San Francisco
• Upgraded accommodations to the magnificent Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite
• Exclusive rock climbing class at the Yosemite Mountaineering School
• Exclusive professionally guided camera walk of Yosemite Valley
• Exclusive VIP gifts in-room amenity
• All included dinners feature complimentary wine and beer

Returning Trips

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North America

(click on the links for lots more information, courtesy of Small World Vacations)

• Backstage Magic - Hollywood, Disneyland

• Southwest Splendors - Arizona & Utah: Sedona, Grand Canyon, Moab

• Spirit of America - Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Williamsburg

• Quest for the West – Wyoming: Jackson Hole, Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks

Latin America

(click on the links for lots more information, courtesy of Small World Vacations)

• Path to Pura Vida – Costa Rica: San Jose, Arenal, Manuel Antonio

• Sacred Valleys and Incan Cities – Peru: Lima, Sacred Valley, Cusco

Asia & Australia

(click on the links for lots more information, courtesy of Small World Vacations)

• Enchanted China - Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai, Hong Kong

• Discovery Down Under – Australia: N. Queensland, Ayers Rock, Sydney

British Isles & Europe

(click on the links for lots more information, courtesy of Small World Vacations)

• Cities of Knights and Lights – England, France: London, Paris

• The Emerald Isle – Ireland: Dublin, Killarney, Shannon

• Flavors of France – Aix-en-Provence, Paris

• Once Upon a Fairy Tale – Germany: Heidelberg, Trendelberg, Rothenburg, Munich

• Storybook Kingdoms (new name) – Austria & Czech Republic: Vienna, Salzburg, Prague

Southern Europe

(click on the links for lots more information, courtesy of Small World Vacations)

• Treasures of Spain (new name) – Barcelona, Seville, Madrid

• Viva Italia – Italy: Rome, Tuscany, Venice

		If you would like to book a 2009 Adventures by Disney vacation, please contact Small World Vacations. They have actually experienced Adventures by Disney and can give you some great insights on the program!

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