My daughter and I just came back from an Adventures by Disney Media Sampler vacation, the Roaming the Rockies experience. To be honest, I did not know what to expect from the trip. However I knew from going to the parks and our recent trip on the Disney Fantasy, that Disney always goes out of it’s way to ensure that each guest has a magical experience. So, I was sure that I was going to have a top notch vacation with impeccable customer service.
Adventures by Disney is an offering that was created especially for families. It provides small group guided tours to destinations around the globe.
For the entire duration of the trip (7 or more days depending on your itinerary), your family is treated like VIPs while getting to experience your chosen destination in a way that you would never have been able to if you had planned the trip on your own.
Our trip took us to the awe-inspiring glacial parks of Canada where we visited the Banff and Yoho National parks. Normally this is a seven day itinerary, however since we were on a media sampler our trip was only 4 days.
True to the Disney-way, this trip was magical! And the best part about it was that I was able to go on this adventure ( white water rafting, walking on a glacier, hiking, and bike riding) and enjoy it with my daughter.
Here are some of the things that impressed me the most about this Adventures by Disney Vacation and left me wanting to return with my family so that they could experience the entire 7 day itinerary.
Everything is Planned for you! The entire trip is hassle-free. From the time that the adventure guides met us at the airport and took our bags, to when they dropped us back off at the airport, every detail was handled. I stepped onto our Luxury tour bus with the other families and just relaxed. I actually read a book as the tour guides kept the kids and other guests entertained. (Did you hear what I just said… I read an entire book!! That’s major for this mom of 4.)
When we arrived at our hotel, we were handed our keys (no waiting in check-in lines.) I didn’t even have to jam my purse full of snacks for my daughter..they took care of that too. Disney took care of all of the details so that I could just focus on enjoying the beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
When we were told that none of the cabins had TVs..we were like Oh No!! but it was so beautiful there that we did not even notice.
The Adventure Guides are wonderful! The Adventure Guides were our VIP concierge for the entire trip. They were well versed in the local culture and provided us with lots of history, myths and stories about the area. By the end of the trip, I thought I knew more about Alberta, Canada and their National Parks than I do about my home state of Georgia!!
It’s all about Family!! It is so awesome to be able to experience new places and things with your family. The Canadian Rockies were so beautiful…just breathtaking. But the most beautiful part of this trip was experiencing it with my daughter! It was her first time in Canada, it was her first time White Water rafting, her first time riding a Gondola to top of Sulphur mountain, her first time walking on the Athabasca Glacier (or any glacier), and her first time soaking in the Hot Springs. The moments that we shared together on this vacation were priceless and we will remember them for a lifetime.
You make new friends/family. My family usually goes on a family reunion cruise every year. Usually we try to keep it light..say 3 or 4 days. But one year we went on like a seven day cruise. Let’s just say everyone was barely on speaking terms and running for their cars when that ship docked back in Florida.
But on this adventures by Disney trip, we started off as perfect strangers and by the end of the trip..we were like one big happy family. One night, the Adventure Guides took the kids on a special Junior Adventurers Campfire dinner and some of the other moms and I bonded over a delicious meal, good wine, and great conversation!!
We made friendships on that trip that I hope last forever. I actually thought my daughter was going to be up under me the entire trip..but she actually made friends with the other kids at the airport when they picked us up.
You get the Hook-up!! Going on an Adventures by Disney trip is like having one big hook-up!! It’s like getting special VIP backstage passes for the entire trip. Or, like walking up to a club or concert with a very long line..and being whisked in through the front door while others stand by saying: “Who are they?!!”
Check out this video to see some of the highlights from our trip to the Canadian Rockies:
BMWK Family – When is the last time that you and your family had an adventure? I mean really did something together that was terribly exciting and out of the norm. What was it? Would you consider going on an Adventures By Disney Vacation? If so, which itinerary appeals to you?
Disclosure – We were invited by Disney to attend this media Sampler tour and they covered all of our trip expenses. However, the opinions expressed are all my own.
Keeley @ My Life on a Plate says
Wow, I’m impressed! I’ve never considered visiting the Canadian Rockies, but it looks like it would be a great break from the summer heat (plus I love Canada). I’m a little afraid of the idea of white water rafting, but I could be convinced 🙂
Ronnie_bmwk says
In the true Disney, all of the activities were perfect for every family member. So from the youngest child to the oldest adult…we all really enjoyed the white water rafting. It was the first time for many of us (including my daughter and me) and when we finished…it left us wanting to go again in rougher waters!
Ronnie_bmwk says
I meant to say in the true Disney spirit.
Sheree says
Looks like a great time! Never considered it. Now I would. Thanks!
Ronnie_bmwk says
Thanks Sheree! I am just becoming familiar with Adventures by Disney…but now I know it is a great option for a family vacation. It has also inspired me to be more adventurous with our vacations from now on.
Cheryl says
Looks like a great vacation! Maybe when the girls are a little older we could try this. I will definitely look into Adventures by Disney.
Ronnie_bmwk says
Thanks Cheryl….. and they have so many wonderful itineraries… it’s going to be hard to choose one. But I will tell you..that just reading the itineraries I probably would not have chosen this Roaming the Rockies adventure..and that would have been a big mistake. This has taught me to try new things with my family. All of my kids deserve to see the beautiful Canadian Rockies, to spend more time in the National Parks, and to go white water rafting. This is going to change the way I plan my vacations going forward.
Janeane Davis says
Your trip sounds so exciting and wonderful. It was truly a trip of a lifetime and I am happy that the two of you had the opportunity to experience it. I have gone on several vacations with my husband and children that I did not want to go on for various reasons. Each time I was wrong and the trip is wonderful. Travel opens us up to possibility, adventure and unsurpassed joy.
jbledsoejr says
Sounds WONDERFUL!! I was not familiar w/Disney’s Adventure Vacations. Thanks for sharing. We are going to check them out. You are right, anything Disney does is definitely MAGICAL