Inside the Evolution of Adventures By Disney

This article originally appeared in the September issue of AGENTatHOME magazine. Subscribe here to receive your free copy each month.

When clients trust their travel advisor to plan family vacations around the holidays, the ideal partner is a tour operator with itineraries that appeal to all family members — from young children on their first vacation, and teen and college-age students looking to explore the world, to seasoned travelers revisiting favorite destinations.

And Adventures by Disney checks every box.

When traversing the globe with Adventures by Disney, clients will also experience Disney’s trademark “magical moments” (they just may not be quite as character-filled as in the theme parks).

Here’s what to expect from a holiday travel experience with the operator.

The Disney Difference

Theme park clients may be a logical fit for Adventures by Disney, but it’s important to note that this is not a theme park vacation. What’s “Disney” about traveling with the operator is the supreme level of service. Clients spending their holiday vacation with Adventures by Disney will receive top-notch attention from highly-trained Adventure Guides, stay in high-end hotels, benefit from the knowledge of amazing local guides and take advantage of exclusive in-destination experiences, which can only be described with that familiar Disney term — magical.

A Land Adventure In Italy offers an interactive experience at a ceramics studio. (Photo Credit: Adventures by Disney)

“The Disney brand is synonymous with exceptional service, quality and storytelling, and our guests can experience that signature ‘Disney difference’ in destinations all over the world,” said Meredith Moulton, vice president of trip operations for Adventures by Disney. “We’ve built upon our company’s rich legacy of family entertainment and vacation experiences to lay the same foundation for our guided vacation experiences. It’s one of the top reasons guests choose to travel with us, regardless of their affinity for theme parks.”

In addition, Moulton notes, every detail is taken care of, allowing clients to enjoy a seamless, hassle-free experience filled with magical touches.

An Adventure for Each and Every Traveler

The Adventures by Disney global portfolio of tours includes more than 40 guided group experiences ranging from seven- to 12-day Land Adventures and eight-day Small Ship Adventures to three- or four-day Escapes, offering something for everyone — and every type of family — all while delivering Disney’s unparalleled service and expertise.

“Land Adventures provide opportunities to create a lifetime of memories with Disney-trained Adventure Guides, local guides, and VIP access to incredible landmarks and unique cultural experiences,” Moulton said. “For those who want to explore the best of Europe while only unpacking once, Small Ship Adventures allow guests to explore magnificent European cities along iconic rivers.”

As for Escapes, those abbreviated itineraries are an excellent option for families with limited time. However, Moulton notes, Escapes can also be the perfect way to explore a new city before or after sailing with Disney Cruise Line.

Adventures by Disney also knows that the secret to a successful vacation for many families is not overdosing on togetherness. That’s why all itineraries include opportunities for Junior Adventurers to participate in special kids-only experiences and excursions with the Adventure Guides.

There are also adult-exclusive Adventures by Disney departures — perfect for families with adult children who may no longer want to travel with a lot of littles around.

“Our adult-exclusive itineraries offer the same hassle-free, world-class travel experience with additional activities tailored to grown-up guests,” Moulton said. “From celebrating Oktoberfest during a Danube river cruise to a private nighttime excursion in search of northern lights in Iceland, these itineraries offer all the benefits of an Adventures by Disney vacation, but with an added twist of sophistication.”

Disney’s Signature Holiday Magic

Some of the most magical family holiday travel experiences can be found at European Christmas markets, Moulton says, from ice-skating in Vienna to enjoying a cup of spiced cider beneath twinkling lights in Strasbourg, France.

“Guests can immerse themselves into the holiday spirit of Europe through unique Adventures by Disney river cruise itineraries only available during the holiday season,” she said. “These popular itineraries are beloved for their delightfully festive touches, activities and access to world-famous yuletide locales, giving guests a magical holiday they’ll never forget.”

Families can experience hands-on activities, such as cooking classes. (Photo Credit: Adventures by Disney)

Eight-day Christmas Market river cruises via AmaWaterways ships are available on both the Danube and Rhine rivers. Clients can also book the Danube River Cruise: Magical Holidays itinerary, which includes visits to picturesque cities in Germany, Austria and Hungary.

Unrivaled Insider Access

With Europe consistently topping the list of popular family holiday travel destinations, clients may be hesitant to commit to a potentially overcrowded vacation experience. However, exclusive access to sights and attractions — as well as bespoke, private experiences — provides Adventures by Disney travelers with the advantage of breezing past the crowds.

Several brand-new itineraries for 2026 include a Land Adventure in Switzerland that features a private guided tour led by a “medieval” storyteller at Château de Chillon in Montreux, a private visit to a fifth generation family vineyard in Lavaux and an exclusive after-hours dinner at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.

Also new for 2026 is Greece: Mythology of Athens, Peloponnese & Rhodes, an eight-day tour featuring a Greek pottery painting activity at an Athens ceramics studio and snorkeling above the submerged ruins of the Sunken City of Epidaurus, about seven feet beneath the water’s surface.

“Guests will find majestic landscapes, ancient architecture and colorful cuisine on all Adventures by Disney itineraries,” Moulton said. “What guests also experience when traveling with us is our uniquely Disney approach to every part of their adventure.”

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