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Category Archives: Adventures by Disney

George’s Top 5 Holiday Gift Ideas

George’s Top 5 Holiday Gift Ideas

For our latest Two Lonely Deeks web episode, Chip and I shared our Top 5 Holiday Gifts for the Deek in your life. Whether you are looking for something for yourself or someone that is slightly Disney-obsessed, this list is for you!

1. Adventures By Disney Hollywood Family Vacation.

This is the most expensive gift on my list, but there is good reason for that! Clocking in at almost $3.000 per adult, this 6 day/5 night trip offers you some pretty amazing behind-the-scenes visits to some fairly important (and Deeky) Disney locations in Hollywood. It is one way to make sure you make it into the Disney Archives!

George’s Top 5 Holiday Gift Ideas2. Phineas and Ferb: Very Perry Christmas on dvd.

At the Imaginerding HQ (our home), we are huge fans of Phineas, Ferb Perry, Doofenshmirtz, Isabella, Baljeet, Buford, Jeremy, Candace, Major Monogram and Carl! Oh yeah, and the parents.

In addition to the main episode, there are four other Perry-related episodes on the disc (Interview with a Platypus; Oh, There You Are, Perry; Chez Platypus; Perry Lays an Egg). There are some wonderful bonus features, including a behind-the-scenes office prank and a virtual fireplace where the characters stop by for a visit.

3. Deek Super DVD Pack!

George’s Top 5 Holiday Gift Ideas
Talk about an amazing dream dvd release for Deeks everywhere!

Let me explain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up.

Walt and El Grupo is a documentary about Walt’s Trip to South America, which became he basis for Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros. The Boys is about the Sherman Brothers, two of the most prolific songwriters to ever work for Disney: Mary Poppins; The Enchanted Tiki Room; There’s a Great, Big, Beautiful Tomorrow; and the non-Disney Chitty Chitty Bang, Bang. Waking Sleeping Beauty follows the rebirth of Disney Animation (Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast) into what has been called the second great Golden Age.

George’s Top 5 Holiday Gift Ideas4. Walt Disney Imagineering: A Behind the Dreams Look at Making More Magic Real.

Running out of space here at Chip and Company. Check out my review of the book at Imaginerding!

5. Disney Epic MickeyGeorge’s Top 5 Holiday Gift Ideas.

Not much else to say about this new video game for the Nintendo Wii, but it is going to be the Holiday blockbuster video game!


George’s Top 5 Holiday Gift IdeasGeorge Taylor is the owner of Imaginerding.com. A self-confessed Disney book-junkie, he has over 350 Disney-related books in his personal collection. George is a Theme Parkeologist of the highest degree and can frequently be found looking up, down and all-around while visiting the Disney theme parks.

Make sure you follow George on Twitter.

George’s Top 5 Holiday Gift Ideas

A guest room at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

A guest room at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

A guest room at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, highlights traditional Hawaiian elements, including taro leave carpet and kapa designs in the curtains and duvet covers. The room is part of the accommodations at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, located in Ko Olina on Oahu, Hawaii. The resort is scheduled to open August 29, 2011.

  • Progress Continues at Aulani, With Inspiration Taking Shape Outside and Inside (chipandco.com)
A guest room at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

Adventures by Disney Adds Egypt in 2011

Adventures by Disney Adds Egypt in 2011

Egyptian Wonders Ahead for Adventures by Disney (beginning in April 2011) – Once upon a time, there were “seven wonders of the ancient world.” Today, one remains: the Great Pyramids of Egypt.

Adventures by Disney guests will step off of planes, cruise ships and camels into living chapters of history during seven- and nine-night Egypt itineraries. The pyramids and the sphinx in Giza, a Nile River cruise, and days and nights in Cairo are all part of the experience.

In 2011, Adventures by Disney will offer 25 itineraries, six to 13 days in duration, on six continents – experiences unique in the luxury tour market for their attention to the family in every aspect of the adventure. Guests can learn more at www.adventuresbydisney.com.

Adventures by Disney Adds Egypt, Invites Families to Experience the World in 2011

Adventures by Disney Adds Egypt, Invites Families to Experience the World in 2011

Adventures by Disney (www.AdventuresbyDisney.com) has introduced its 2011 itineraries and adds a new destination to its collection – Egypt: “Pyramids, Pharaohs & Ancient Treasures.”

Family-appealing vacations are a hallmark of Adventures by Disney. Egypt with its ancient and modern mysteries brings an exciting and exotic new dimension to the lineup in 2011.

“Adventures by Disney specifically designs each itinerary to entertain and enlighten every member of the family,” said Karl Holz, president of Adventures by Disney. “Whether discovering the beauty of the United States or traveling the furthest parts of the globe, such as Egypt, Adventures by Disney provides the perfect way to travel as a family.”

To the Pyramids – and Beyond

Picture arriving in Cairo and embarking on a privately guided tour of the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities with its extensive trove of mummies and ancient artifacts.  Families will then take an unforgettable excursion to Giza for an up-close view of the Great Pyramids and the fascinating Pharaoh’s Boat Museum.  And what is a trip to Egypt without a camel-ride past the pyramids.

Journey to Southern Egypt with your fellow travelers and highly trained Adventure Guides on a three-day Nile River cruise and visit the riverside towns of Aswan and Luxor, as well as privately guided tours of temple ruins, including pharaohs Tutankhamen and Ramses VI.

Whether discovering how the ancient Egyptians created papyrus or learning how to write their family’s name in hieroglyphics, there is something for everyone regardless of age on this new itinerary, as well as the additional itineraries available through Adventures by Disney.

The Disney Difference

From snorkeling with sea turtles in the Galapagos to discovering Europe’s classic history, each itinerary is as matchless as its surroundings.  Yet one aspect holds true for every trip: the special touches that are collectively called “the Disney difference” …

Adventure Guide: Part storyteller, ambassador, concierge and role model, the Adventures by Disney highly trained Adventure Guides are the friendly hosts and travel specialists who lead guests on every trip.  With two guides assigned for every group (of up to 40 people), travelers receive individual attention to ensure a fun and enriching vacation.

Junior Adventurers: Young travelers are transformed into Junior Adventurers – seeing, hearing and tasting things that they might otherwise not have experienced.  The immersive activities created just for kids allow young travelers to learn and have fun in places like museums that aren’t always as entertaining for the younger set. For example, at the Louvre in Paris, the Junior Adventurers play an Art Detective game throughout the museum with their Adventure Guides, while adults take a privately guided tour with an art historian.  In addition, Adventure Guides are expert storytellers and are trained to create fun and unique, locally based experiences for the kids.  On almost every departure, there is also a Junior Adventurers night, in which the kids have a special evening experience with their guides, while the adults get a quiet evening on their own at the resort.

Local Experts: An authentic Tuscan chef, a naturalist from Costa Rica, a Chinese tai chi master – these local experts share a passion; they live and breathe the local history and culture of their destination.  They are an integral part of every Adventures by Disney vacation.  They join guests to share their stories and provide an “insider’s” perspective to each destination.

VIP Access: Travelers vacationing with Adventures by Disney receive VIP experiences that are practically impossible to schedule on their own.  Special entry to otherwise crowded sites, unique accommodations (such as castles in Ireland and Germany, a dude ranch in Yellowstone, and at the base of a live, active volcano in Costa Rica).  Guests also get backstage access of celebrated performances such as “The Lion King” in London.  These are just a few of the exceptional moments woven through each itinerary, promising expedited service and a broader knowledge of each destination.

Adventures by Disney 2011 destinations include 25 global itineraries across six continents:

Africa, Asia & Pacific

·         Egypt (7 nights) – Egypt: Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and the Nile

·         Egypt (9 nights) – Egypt: Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, the Nile and Sharm el Sheikh

·         Enchanted China (10 nights) – China: Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai and Hong Kong

·         Enchanted China (12 nights) – China: Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Xi’an, Shanghai and Hong Kong

·         Safari to South Africa – South Africa: Cape Town, The Garden Route and Kapama Game Reserve

·         Discovery Down Under – Australia: North Queensland, The Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock and Sydney

British Isles & Europe

·         Cities of Knights and Lights – England and France: London and Paris

·         The Emerald Isle – Ireland:Dublin, Killarney and Shannon

·         Once Upon a Fairytale – Germany: Heidelberg, Waldeck, Rothenburg and Munich

·         Alpine Magic – Italy and Switzerland: Lake Como, Zermatt and Lake Luzern

·         Viva Italia – Italy:Rome, Tuscany and Venice

·         Bella Italia – Central Italy: Sorrento and Florence

Latin America

·         Path to Pura Vida – Costa Rica:San José, Tortuguero and Arenal National Parks

·         Treasures of the Galapagos – Quito, Otavalo Valley and Galapagos Islands

·         Sacred Valleys and Incan Cities – Peru: Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco and Lima

North America

·         Spirit of America – Philadelphia, Pa., Washington, D.C. and Colonial Williamsburg, Va.

·         Quest for the West – Wyoming: Jackson Hole, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

·         Southwest Splendors – Arizona and Utah: Sedona, Grand Canyon and Moab

·         Backstage Magic – Southern California: Hollywood and Disneyland Resort

·         Taming the Last Frontier – Alaska: Fairbanks, Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks

·         Rocky Trails and Mountie Tales – Montana and Canada: Glacier and Banff National Parks

Gateway and Signature Tours

In addition to the 21 core collection of itineraries, Adventures by Disney offers two specialty collections: the Signature Collection and the Gateway Collection.  Featuring such extras as upgraded hotels, VIP amenities, special entertainment and additional, exclusive activities and enhanced elements on select trip components, the Signature Collection offers an even more extraordinary vacation.

Also, Adventures by Disney presents the Gateway Collection, the newest vacation option offering flexibility via expanded free time so there is more time to visit venues that interest a family most and is an affordable way to see some of the world’s most desirable locales.  Travel to Italy or London and Paris with no more than 50 guests, stay in comfortable lodging, enjoy the service of two Disney-trained Adventure Guides, VIP access to things difficult to arrange, special fun for the kids and expanded free time.

Signature Collection

·         Path to Pura Vida – Costa Rica Signature:San José, Arenal National Park, Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park

·         Viva Italia – Italy Signature:Rome, Tuscany and Venice

Gateway Collection

·         Gateway to Italy – Rome, Florence and Venice

·         Gateway to London and Paris – London and Paris

Worldwide and on the Web

Just as Adventures by Disney creates family-friendly adventures with the child in mind, so, too, are online activities designed for kids.  Junior Adventurers can get a taste of the authentic real-life experiences they will soon explore by means of destination-specific games, trivia, photos, downloadable coloring maps and countdown calendars (JuniorAdventurers.com).

Additionally, AdventuresbyDisney.com is designed to answer guests’ primary vacation questions.  Unsure where to travel?  The unique Trip Selector tool narrows down the ideal choices based on the family’s interests.  Curious what to expect day-to-day?  Travelers can reference the Frequently Asked Questions to find a plethora of information – everything from destination climate to children-friendly cuisine for each itinerary.  Decide on a trip?  The full E-brochure is available online for guests to e-mail and share with others planning the vacation.  The website also features a condensed print version of each itinerary including dates and pricing ranges for easy hands-on reference.

About Adventures by Disney

As Disney Cruise Line revolutionized – and in some ways defined – the family cruise vacation, Adventures by Disney has recreated the way families think about vacationing together.

Launched in 2005, Adventures by Disney provides immersive, hassle-free and unforgettable guided family vacation experiences to destinations in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australia. Families traveling with Adventures by Disney receive exceptional service while taking part in extraordinary experiences from Cape Town to Paris, Yellowstone to Costa Rica, the ruins of Pompeii to the ruins of Machu Picchu, the Great Barrier Reef to the Great Wall of China and more.

With Disney-trained Adventure Guides, engaging activities, VIP experiences and personal touches throughout, Adventures by Disney excites and delights every member of the family.  Guests wanting more information about Adventures by Disney can visit AdventuresbyDisney.com, call 877/728-7282 or contact their travel agent.

Adventures by Disney Adds Egypt as New Destination, Unveils 2011 All-Inclusive Itineraries

Adventures by Disney Adds Egypt as New Destination, Unveils 2011 All Inclusive Itineraries

Beginning today, travel agents can book clients on an adventure to visit the land of pyramids, pharaohs and ancient treasures next year with Adventures by Disney. In addition to suggesting the brand-new 8- and 10-day excursions in Egypt, agents can also offer 18 other unforgettable worldwide destinations for 2011.

Adventures by Disney vacations are expertly designed, providing clients hassle-free travel thanks to Disney’s comprehensive arrangements of accommodations, dining, events, activities and VIP experiences. With Adventures by Disney, clients meet enthralling local experts, enjoy backstage access, and other exclusive experiences difficult to arrange on their own. The incredible adventures are fun for the entire family and include two Disney-trained Adventure Guides who provide concierge-level service for each trip.

For 2011, Adventures by Disney offers more than 20 exciting itineraries, featuring “Signature Trips” to Italy and Costa Rica, with options to book enhanced travel experiences. Signature enhancements include accommodation upgrades, unique VIP gifts, and special entertainment. Clients can also select from the popular “Gateway Collection” trips which visit England and France, and Italy. The Gateway Collection provides travelers with the flexibility to explore the sites on their own while still enjoying the unique benefits of an Adventures by Disney vacation at a great value.

Exploring the Exotic

The 8-day Egypt: Pyramids, Pharaohs & Ancient Treasures vacation begins with a welcome dinner and 3-days in Cairo exploring the Great Pyramids and Sphinx complex, Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, Citadel of Saladin, Great Mosque of Mohammad Ali and an opportunity to shop and dine in the Khan el-Khalili market, Cairo’s ancient souk.

The family vacation then shifts to Southern Egypt for a 3-day cruise on the Nile River, including a two-hour excursion on a traditional sailing craft called a felucca that has plied the river’s waters for thousands of years. Clients will then travel into the Valley of Kings to visit the tombs of pharaohs Tutankhamen and Ramses VI. One additional night in Cairo completes the trip and includes a farewell banquet.

A licensed Egyptologist accompanies clients throughout Cairo and through the Nile Valley. Other highlights of the trip include riding a camel at the Great Pyramids, learning to make papyrus, writing Egyptian hieroglyphics, receiving temporary Henna tattoos, dressing like an Egyptian and being entertained by Egyptian musicians, belly dancers and whirling dervishes. Junior adventures can play an art detective game while at the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities.

The 10-day option adds two exciting days following the Nile cruise in the city of Sharm el Sheikh, a resort destination perched at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Clients have the opportunity to snorkel among the tropical fish and colorful coral reefs of the Red Sea.

2011 Itineraries

Classic Collection

North America

* Alaska – Taming the Last Frontier
* Arizona and Utah – Southwest Splendors
* Southern California – Backstage Magic
* Montana and Alberta, Canada – Rocky Trails and Mountie Tails
* Washington, D.C. – Spirit of America
* Wyoming – Quest for the West

Central & South America

* Costa Rica – Costa Rica
* Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands – Treasures of the Galapagos
* Peru – Sacred Valleys and Incan Cities

Europe

* Central Italy – Bella Italia
* England and France – Cities of Knights and Lights
* Germany – Once Upon a Fairytale
* Ireland – Emerald Isle
* Italy – Viva Italia
* Italy and Switzerland – Alpine Magic

Exotic

* Australia – Discovery Down Under
* China – Enchanted China
* China with Xi’an and Guilin – Enchanted China
* Egypt – Pyramids, Pharaohs & Ancient Treasures
* Egypt with Sharm el Sheikh – Pyramids, Pharaohs & Ancient Treasures
* South Africa – Safari to South Africa

Gateway Collection

* England and France – Gateway to London and Paris
* Italy – Gateway to Italy

Signature Collection

* Italy Signature – Viva Italy Signature
* Costa Rica Signature – Path to Pura Signature

About Adventures by Disney

Adventures by Disney is re-creating the way families think about vacationing together. Launched in 2005, Adventures by Disney provides immersive, hassle-free and exhilarating guided family vacation experiences to destinations in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australia.

Families traveling with Adventures by Disney receive exceptional service while taking part in extraordinary experiences from Cape Town to Paris, Yellowstone to Costa Rica, the ruins of Pompeii to the ruins of Machu Picchu, the Great Barrier Reef to the Great Wall of China and more.

With Disney-trained Adventure Guides, engaging activities, VIP experiences and personal touches throughout, Adventures by Disney excites and delights every member of the family.

For more information about Adventures by Disney, travel agents can visit www.disneytravelagents.com. To book call: 877-728-7282.

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