Adventures by Disney: New Destinations for 2012

Earlier this year I wrapped up my look at the travel offerings of Adventures by Disney, the Mouse House’s vacation planning and tour organization. Now for 2012 AbD has added several new trip options to their list, most new tours of previously visited sites and one venturing to a new realm for the first time. The completely new destination now offered by AbD is Greece. The majority of the Greek trip focuses on the ancient country’s rich history: take a guided tour of the Pananthinaiko Olympic Stadium in Athens and hear stories while exploring the Acropolis. Travel to the oracle … Continue reading

Adventures by Disney: Central and South America

This month I started my look at the unique Adventures by Disney vacation program by highlighting their trips to Asia, Africa, and Australia. This week I’d like to overview Adventures by Disney in Central and South America. Those interested in taking a Disney-led trip to Central or South America have four options: two seven-day-stays in Costa Rica, one the normal Family vacation and one the Family Signature, 10 days in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, or nine days in Peru. There actually aren’t too many differences between the two Costa Rica vacations. On both families get to visit a pineapple … Continue reading

Adventures by Disney: The A’s

I talk so much about the Disney parks around here, especially the domestic ones, that it might appear those are the only Disney vacations available. However, there are many other Disney vacation options out there, and today I’m starting a recurring column on one of the largest: Adventures by Disney. Adventures by Disney consists of a series of guided tours along various locations in the world. You pay a lot more than you probably would just planning a trip on your own, unless you’re going all out, but for your money you receive a one-of-a-kind experience. Adventures by Disney provides … Continue reading

Travel News for Kids—-How Your Youngster Can Win a Trip to Australia

My 3-year-old loves Dora the Explorer and if she were a bit older she would be a shoe-in for the following travel contest. (Spoken like a true biased mother.) The contest includes a few restrictions, which I will detail below, but here’s what you need to know first: The contest is called the “Hands-On Explorer Challenge” and is sponsored by National Geographic Kids magazine. The grand prize is an 11-day expedition to Australia and will be awarded to 15 kids ages 9-14 (each winner will be allowed to bring a parent or guardian along on the trip) PLUS two teachers. … Continue reading

Adventures by Disney: Australia

When you arrive at Cairns International Airport in Queensland you’ll be met by an Adventures by Disney representative who will assist with your luggage and see you to your transfer vehicle. You’ll then be whisked away to the Sea Temple Resort & Spa. Your Adventure Guide will check you in and then you’ll be on your own until dinner. Your welcome dinner will be a family-style dinner served under the stars. On your second day in Australia, you’ll visit Mossman Gorge where you’ll hike through a rainforest park. Lunch will be served at Voyages Silky Oaks Lodge where you can … Continue reading

Help Plant 10,000 Rainforest Trees

Do you know that 2011 had been named the International Year of Forests by the United Nations (UN)? This was done to help raise the awareness of “sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests.” Throughout the year, there will be events including the Global Forum and Symposium of Model Forests (in Burgos, Spain) next week, the Bulgaria Professional Holiday of Foresters in April, Tree Fun: Family day at Fredriksdal in Sweden in May, the 4th International Conference on Mediterranean Pines in June, and Kids4Trees plantings throughout the year. So what can you do to help? You … Continue reading

Saving on Travel Down Under

Have you been watching Matt Lauer’s daily travel adventures on the “Today” show? Tomorrow is Day 4 of “Where in the World is Matt Lauer” and I’m not even going to bother guessing where the morning show co-host is going to be reporting live from. No, I have my eyes set on Matt’s final day abroad. Unless there was an announcement that I missed about him not visiting this country I have no doubt that Lauer will wrap up his world travels in China. After all, NBC is televising the Summer Olympic Games and what better way to plug the … Continue reading

There’s a Pirate Frenzy Coming

Will you be in Orlando or Anaheim or Hong Kong this Memorial Day Weekend? If you are, be ready to parlay because pirate frenzy will be gripping Disney amusement parks around the world. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End will be debuting on big screens May 24th and many Disney locations are preparing for their arrival. A Pirate’s Guide to Orlando Gaylord Palms Resort has just published its guide to all the pirate adventures you can find in the Orlando area. While many fans may be making their pilgrimage to the Pirates attraction in the Magic Kingdom, there is … Continue reading