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2009 information with brief descriptions

ga9497

DIS Veteran
Joined
Aug 6, 2001
More information will be on mousesavers.com

Adventures by Disney Announces 2009 Vacation Itineraries


What is it to truly be an adventurer? To travel above and beyond, and see what most ordinary tourists will never see. Now your Clients can 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, your Clients will be there as the world’s authentic wonders come to life.

Bookings open this Friday, Aug. 1, 2008

NEW TRIPS

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.

Northeast U.S. – Beantown & The Big Apple – Boston, Newport, and New York City
Embark on a traveler’s tale from the revolutionary streets of Boston to the electrifying avenues of New York City. You’ll explore New England’s coastal wonders as you breeze through Boston on a duck boat. Take in Newport’s mansions from a seafaring schooner. Relive one of the original American stories in the halls of Ellis Island. And break into show biz on Broadway. From the Green Monster in Fenway Park to biking around Central Park – you’ll uncover ingredients of our melting pot nation and add a new chapter to your family history.

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
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.
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
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.
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

New Name! Spain – Treasures of Spain – Barcelona, Seville, Madrid
Discover family adventures more dazzling than Spanish gold –exploring the lavish private rooms and soaring towers of a Spanish alcazar. Gazing at the intricate carvings of an Gaudi’s unfinished architectural masterpiece. And savoring a sea of tiny tapas plates overflowing with flavor. From the Flamenco’s whirling colors to Andalucia’s welcoming farms – you’ll uncover Spanish treasures that many people never find and memories that never lose their luster.

New Name! Austria & Czech Republic - Storybook Kingdoms – Vienna, Salzburg, Prague
Follow the kings and queens of old for a storybook adventure through their fabled castles and kingdoms. Learn the secrets of the strings at a colorful marionette show. Then hang on the sweet notes of a young prodigy’s violin serenade. You’ll unlock the whimsical trick fountains of a country palace, fly along the wooden chutes of a former salt mine and even dine among the animals at the world’s oldest zoo. It’s the stuff royal legends are made of and this time the imperial family is yours.

China – Enchanted China - Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai, Hong Kong
Remote and remarkable, exotic and enchanting, China – one of the world’s most enigmatic destinations, is waiting to share her secrets with you. Explore ancient mysteries and modern splendors in the profound Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Make friends with giant pandas at Chengdu Research Base, then cruise the otherworldly beauty of Guilin’s gumdrop mountains aboard your exclusive private boat. From defending against foreign invaders atop the Great Wall to catching flying acrobats in Shanghai to VIP treatment at Hong Kong Disneyland, this is a chance for your family to discover not just another country, but another world.

Australia – Discovery Down Under – N. Queensland, Ayers Rock, Sydney
Plunge into the largest coral reef system on earth, where schools of color explode from every hollow. Ride camels through the desert to watch the sun set on Ayers Rock, the island mountain. And feel the rush of adrenaline as you zoom around famed Sydney Harbour on a high-speed boat. From a candlelight dinner above a croc-filled river to Jackaroo high jinks at an outback sheep station, you’ll explore the land of Oz from ocean to desert, rainforest to reef – with family adventures you’ve got to hike, bike and swim to believe.

Peru – Sacred Valleys and Incan Cities – Lima, Sacred Valley, Cusco
Live the legends of the Inca among the patchwork green, red and gold fields where their descendents still thrive. You’ll dance in the hilltops with colorfully costumed friends. Raft a twisting river in the shadow of surreal peaks. Enjoy a Peruvian feast cooked by mother earth herself. And wind through Andean mountains, discovering impossible stone creations like Machu Picchu – the mysterious city in the clouds. Let weavers, artists, even wooly llamas share Peru’s secrets with your family, on sky-high adventures around the unforgettable Sacred Valley.

Southern California – Backstage Magic - Hollywood, Disneyland
Go where the magic happens – to places few will ever see, places your family will never forget. The El Capitan Theatre, The Jim Henson Company Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering – places where sketched-out dreams become vivid reality for your family to experience firsthand. Then live the magic as you explore every whimsical corner of the Happiest Place on Earth – transforming a trip to the park into a VIP experience far beyond imagination.

Costa Rica – Path to Pura Vida – San Jose, Arenal, Manuel Antonio
Pura Vida. The Pure Life. A life dedicated to nature’s beauty and harmony. Where you’ll fly high over rainforests, soak in secluded thermal springs, and conquer whitewater rapids with your family. It’s a life filled with fiery dances, fresh-picked pineapples, and volcanic light and sound shows. Where butterfly families gather by the thousands and Adventure Guides find the most secluded rainforest trails. And where natural adventures become the colorful family memories you keep for a lifetime.

Ireland – The Emerald Isle – Dublin, Killarney, Shannon
Watching foamy waves crash from high atop the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, you’ll realize why Irish eyes are always smiling. Let us wrap you in old-world charm as you ride jaunting carts to a country manor, listen to ancient tales in Celtic brogue and spend a few cozy nights in an ivy-covered castle. From sheep herding in Shannon to jig lessons in Killarney to cathedral tours in Dublin – Ireland’s earthy warmth and lively melodies are sure to add a spring to your step for years to come.

England, France – Cities of Knights and Lights – London, Paris
Ladies and gentlemen, mesdames et messieurs, welcome and bienvenue to a tale of two famous cities. Let London charm you with storytelling beefeaters, proper English high tea, a jolly good spin on a double-decker bus and a special West End theatre experience that’ll have you roaring for more. Then say “bonjour” to Paris as you explore gargoyle-guarded cathedrals, bike the très elegant gardens, dine in the Eiffel Tower and find inspiration among the world’s greatest masterpieces. Two wonderfully different capitals for one unforgettable family adventure.

Italy – Viva Italia – Rome, Tuscany, Venice
From Trevi Fountain wishes in Rome to masquerade balls in Venice, no taste of Italy would be complete without a dash of local flavor. Explore the Eternal City’s ancient wonders as Rome reveals its mythic tales. Learn to shape your own pasta in the rustic kitchen of a Tuscan chef. Experience Michelangelo’s David and fall for Florence’s Renaissance charm. Then glide by gondola along Venice’s famed canals. You’ll dine al fresco in Tuscany, spend nights in an Italian villa and become part of the famiglia on an adventure worth savoring.

Germany – Once Upon a Fairy Tale – Heidelberg, Trendelberg, Rothenburg, Munich
Journey through the land that inspired so many beloved Disney stories – a land where magic still lives. Let Sleeping Beauty show you around her charmed castle gardens and towers. Learn to wield a bow and arrow just like the knights of old. Walk mysterious cobblestone streets lit by a night watchman’s lantern. And travel to the place where the teddy bear was born. With so many colorful characters to meet and so many enchanted places to explore– Germany is just the setting for your very own family fairytale.

France – Flavors of France – Aix-en-Provence, Paris
Treat your senses to the best of France, from the rippling lavender fields of Provence to the bustling sidewalk cafés of Paris. Discover Provençal pleasures with your family as you kayak the waters under an ancient aqueduct, sample the sun-kissed wines of a country vineyard, and sail through the wind on a mountain crest bike ride. Then it’s off to Paris by bullet train to indulge in the avant-garde – from the heights of the Eiffel Tower to the shops of the Champs Elysées – before bidding adieu to your delectable French adventure.

American Southwest – Southwest Splendors - Sedona, Grand Canyon, Moab
The Southwestern stage is set for your family adventure. Get ready to raft the majestic Colorado River. Tear through Red Rocks in an off-roading 4x4. And discover parts of the Grand Canyon most will never see. The desert will speak to you through naturalists, Navajos, cowboys, even native creatures. And as day becomes star-dusted night, you’ll gather ‘round the campfire to share memories from your very own tall tale.

Mid Atlantic States – Spirit of America - Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Williamsburg
Hear ye! Hear ye! Come one and all to the legendary cities where our nation was born. Pedal past larger-than-life monuments that voice our country’s heroic tales. Walk in the footsteps of our forefathers, and even meet a few of them. Gather where Revolutionary plans were once laid, savoring authentic dishes from 1776. And travel back in time to live the colonial life, just as it was hundreds of years ago. You’ll eat, sleep and play in places steeped in national nostalgia – and experience a family adventure you won’t find in any book.

Wyoming – Quest for West – Jackson Hole, Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks
Grab the reins and see the world from a saddle as you get to know the true American West. Find your frontier spirit with horseback riding, roping and fly-fishing beneath wide-open skies at an authentic dude ranch. Raft the writhing Snake River, and explore the whimsical sights and Western charm of Jackson Hole. Then discover the soul of Yellowstone as you hike among its cascading rivers and iron-streaked canyons to watch Old Faithful burst from the earth. Come explore Wyoming – and realize that home on the range is just where your family belongs.
 
LOL.. I just posted this in my other thread.

I'm anxious for the day-by-day itineraries to be up on the site -- those are always so much fun to read, even if I'm not going on them!

Our next one is Bella Italia in early June! I think there are over 20 of us already!

Dotti
 
LOL.. I just posted this in my other thread.

I'm anxious for the day-by-day itineraries to be up on the site -- those are always so much fun to read, even if I'm not going on them!

Our next one is Bella Italia in early June! I think there are over 20 of us already!

Dotti

I totally agree :thumbsup2
 


Word is that the release dates with rates, etc., is this Friday, August 1. I have no idea when the website will be updated, or when you could actually call and make a reservation that day. I assume not midnight...
 


Word is that the release dates with rates, etc., is this Friday, August 1. I have no idea when the website will be updated, or when you could actually call and make a reservation that day. I assume not midnight...

Aww, why not? :rotfl:

All these dribs and drabs of info are teasing me. I want to see rates and itineraries! popcorn:: :yay:
 
Word is that the release dates with rates, etc., is this Friday, August 1. I have no idea when the website will be updated, or when you could actually call and make a reservation that day. I assume not midnight...

I just called ABD and was told that they will have extended hours on Friday. They said that booking will begin at 6am PST (thats 9am EST for me!!!)
 
Are they really expecting a run on the bookings right away? Do you think the early booking discounts will be gone in the first day? We waited until December to book Peru last year, and still got the EBD. It feels like there is more pressure this year.

If I could figure out how to do a survey on here, I'd ask how soon everyone is booking!
 
These look great. The Northeast US especially. The California/Yosemite would be nice too, but I lived in Reno and have done Squaw Valley and know the Truckee pretty well already.
One thing..I don't like the sound of the Signature extras. These trips cost enough already and to introduce different levels? Sounds like they may be reducing stuff to the 'regular' customer.
 
One thing..I don't like the sound of the Signature extras. These trips cost enough already and to introduce different levels? Sounds like they may be reducing stuff to the 'regular' customer.

My thoughts exactly.
 
I am wondering how they will do the "Signature Extras" too. Will they be on their own date or on a trip with other ABD guests? What if only 1 family out of the whole group books the SE? They get seperated from the whole group for dinners and hotels? I thought part of the whole appeal of the ABD trips is the great group/people you meet:)
 
Are they really expecting a run on the bookings right away? Do you think the early booking discounts will be gone in the first day? We waited until December to book Peru last year, and still got the EBD. It feels like there is more pressure this year.

If I could figure out how to do a survey on here, I'd ask how soon everyone is booking!

Some of the adventures do sell out quickly of the EBD prices
Wyoming - Quest for the West, is one of them that by middle of August last year the EBD were gone

Viva Italia is another that the EBD during the summer (school out) dates are gone quickly
 
I am wondering how they will do the "Signature Extras" too. Will they be on their own date or on a trip with other ABD guests? What if only 1 family out of the whole group books the SE? They get seperated from the whole group for dinners and hotels? I thought part of the whole appeal of the ABD trips is the great group/people you meet:)
I can't imagine them mixing the trips. What do they do with the "rest" of the group when the "Signature" folks have a special activity? Would they split up the guides? That really doesn't sound likely, and sounds like a sure-fire way to build resentment in guests, even if the "Signature" folks *did* pay more. Based on the phrase "For select departure dates to South Africa and Northern California" I'm assuming it's the same as Adults Only trips, where select departure dates are adults only. Just my opinion.

Sayhello
 
Are they really expecting a run on the bookings right away? Do you think the early booking discounts will be gone in the first day? We waited until December to book Peru last year, and still got the EBD. It feels like there is more pressure this year.

If I could figure out how to do a survey on here, I'd ask how soon everyone is booking!

I think the early booking discounts will disappear quickly on the popular trips for vacation weeks. I had clients book the adults-only China trip for this coming September and within a month of it being released the EBD was gone. I had two families book the Viva Italia with the discount, but one waited too long and all of September was gone. The trips on which I've found it to disappear the quickest are:

-- Any adult-only date
-- Most school break weeks
-- Path to Pura Vida during President's Week (great weather, lots of New Englanders on break)
-- Viva Italia
-- Enchanted China
-- Quest for the West
-- Southwest Splendors

You'll also find a direct relation with EBDs being gone and times of lower airfare.

It's hard to tell what will sell quickly this year with the exchange rate and airfare being what it is. The U.S. trips may be the first to go. I'm also noticing a shift in demographics - where the first year I had mostly big Disney fans, I'm finding more and more that people are booking because they heard what a great experience this is. In that sense, you may find that people are a little slower in booking because they're not watching the AbD site every hour for updates. :)

Just some thoughts from working with these so much. My analysis may be way out in left field!

Dotti
 
I am guessing Alaska, Boston/NY and Canadian Rockies may sell fast this year as air could be a lot less than Europe.
 
I am wondering how they will do the "Signature Extras" too. Will they be on their own date or on a trip with other ABD guests? What if only 1 family out of the whole group books the SE? They get seperated from the whole group for dinners and hotels? I thought part of the whole appeal of the ABD trips is the great group/people you meet:)

Signature experiences will definetly be select dates only. As the OP said it is everyone or no one.
 
I just called ABD and was told that they will have extended hours on Friday. They said that booking will begin at 6am PST (thats 9am EST for me!!!)

That's 11pm for me. Thankgod I don't have to wake up purposely to call...although I would if I had to.
 

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