Adventures by Disney - Italy
Our consultans share their experience of a lifetime... 

Last fall two of our specialists, Kathy Walsh, Adventure Travel Consultant and Beth Skypeck, Senior Leisure Travel Consultant (pictured here with their guide) had an opportunity to experience firsthand the Adventures by Disney Italy trip and what an experience! Here in Beth’s words is a recap of this unique adventure:   

If you are tired of the typical school vacations to the Caribbean or Mexico consider this amazing opportunity to spend quality family time, having fun and learning about a different time and place with Adventures by Disney.  Disney, ever the innovator, has taken their gift of storytelling to the next level with a relatively new program where they take people to discover the stories of the world. 

In 2009 they have 23 amazing vacations in some of the world’s best destinations where Disney-trained Adventure Guides take you beyond the beaten path, showing you the heart and soul of every destination through local experts, unique accommodations and authentic one-of-a-kind experiences.  All with the excellent quality and service you’d expect from Disney. 

We had a chance to discovery Italy with this new concept.  I had never been on a group tour before and I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed it.  Our guides Ciniza and Dusty (both Disney employees) were there to make certain we had the time of our lives. We saw all the highlights in Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast and the Isle of Capri, where we swam in the beautiful blue waters!

Our Italian guides made certain that we didn't miss a thing.  Some of the highlights were the Coliseum, the Vatican, the lemon tree lined streets of Sorrento and visiting the world's oldest paper mill where we made paper.  We visited a working farm where we made our own pizza (the Italian food and wine are fabulous) and of course all the wonderful new friends we made on this trip.  Making new friends from all over the US was an added bonus we had not counted on and we all hope to meet up again sometime in the future to do another Disney Experience together. My vote is for Costa Rica or Spain!

Disney tour guides were in the hotel lobby to greet us at the appointed time from day one.  They were the best! Dusty, a true Disney cast member, was energetic and always willing to go the extra mile to make certain everyone was happy.  Cinzia, a true Italian (by way of California) was the person who took care of all the details.  She managed the guides, translations and any other details needed.  Together, they made this a trip to remember. They catered to us every step of the way.  Taking photos, passing hand sanitizer, water and mints each time we boarded the bus, they made sure everyone had what they needed.

Everywhere we went people remarked that we were the “Mickey Mouse” group.   People on other tours actually tried to follow us at times. The thing that set Disney apart from other escorted tours was the attention to detail, small group size (with a maximum of 40 guests), and the well-planned and indigenous feel to this trip.  Our guides gave us gifts every day including coins for the Trevi Fountain, photos they had taken of us and other little treats alone the way.

One of the highlights was the daily Disney trading pins designed especially for this destination.  Even though this was an adult trip the men looked forward to the pins and the “little Pixie Dust” that Dusty sprinkled every day. We always had a la carte dining with choices and we did not have a bad meal anywhere.  Our local guides were friendly, well educated, informative and easy to understand. We always had headsets with fresh batteries so we could easily hear what the guides had to say about the places we were visiting.

We traveled on new clean buses everyday and were entertained every moment including the two-hour ride from Rome to Sorrento where we were treated to a showing of “Roman Holiday” so we could reminisce over what we had visited in Rome.

Our tour ended with a great parting diner in a grove at the Sorrento Hilton. The atmosphere was magical, the food and wine were plentiful. We had live entertainment and lots of fun. As we were told at the first meeting, we would in six days become familia and we did. The shared experience was a once in a lifetime adventure, which I think makes great family memories. Our guides told us that some of these trips have been fully booked with family groups, reunions, etc.  It is a great multi generational experience and I can’t wait to go on my next adventure.  

Adventures by Disney…

· A new, magical way for families to travel and experience the wonders of the world.

· With 22 exciting destinations to choose from – each itinerary is filled with spectacular sights, amazing activities and unique, breathtaking adventures.

· Vacations are immersive, expertly planned, professionally guided travel experiences in destinations across North America, Central and South America, Africa, Australia, Asia and Europe.

· Vacations include the best and most authentic experiences each destination has to offer as well as the quality, safety, and magic of Disney. Activities are immersive and enjoyable for the entire family, and include special experiences for the kids (Junior Adventurers).

Every day of your vacation, a whole new kind of Disney magic will sweep you off your feet. Whether you’re fly fishing in Yellowstone or walking the Irish coastline, you’ll travel in small groups led by two Disney Adventure Guides – storytellers at heart, who make it possible for your family to see more than you ever could traveling on your own.

On each adventure, you will be joined by local experts such as artists, naturalists, historians, and chefs, who have a remarkable way of weaving together facts, stories and legends so that you your family forever feels a personal connection with the places you’ve discovered, together.

With Adventures by Disney, you don’t have to plan a thing, knowing your family will get the best of the best.

Our goal is to make each trip the adventure of a lifetime and to connect families with the stories of the world.

Disney Differences
Why travel with Adventures by Disney? Every itinerary is packed with activities and surprises you might never be able to arrange when traveling on your own…

Feature	Difference
· Two Adventures Guides on each trip	· Concierge, guide and storyteller all rolled into one person. Our guides provide personal attention, excellent service every step of the way and have a special gift of creating family fun.
· Family Activities	· There’s fun for everyone, of every age, every day…especially the Junior Adventurers. · For example, Junior Adventurers become art detectives at the Louvre, take a pizza-making class on a family farm on the Amalfi coast, go gelato tasting or paint their very own Maluku clay craft while interacting and learning about the local culture of the indigenous people of Costa Rica (Maluku’s – only an estimated 500 are remaining).
· Magic and Surprises	· Special treats and unique surprises greet families/guests throughout adventure. · What a treat! Guests can explore the world’s oldest zoo on a private after hours experience during the Imperial Cities adventure (Austria & Czech Republic). · It’s a magical experience when families can stay in an authentic Irish castle and dine like kings and queens at a medieval feast.
· VIP Access	· Guests experience the best of the best with exclusive activities and special access. · The Cities of Knights and Lights (London, Paris) trip includes a VIP experience at the Disney/Mackintosh theatrical production of Mary Poppins and a backstage tour after the show to see how the magic is made. · What a view! Guests dine 95 meters above sea level in the Eiffel Tower.
· Local Experts	· Local experts such as artists, naturalists, historians, and chefs join each adventure to weave facts, stories, and legends together so that families will forever feel a personal connection to the places they’ve discovered. · Spirit of America (Philadelphia/Washington D.C. & Williamsburg) includes a special welcome dinner where guests are surprised by a costumed historical figure, Benjamin Franklin appearing to walk and talk families through a page in history. · Enjoy a private flamenco show, paella demonstration and tapas trail during the Sol de Espana trip to southern Spain.
· Service and Quality	· Disney’s standards for quality, service, comfort and convenience are always a top priority.