South Africa, Alaska and the Galapagos Islands are among eight new destinations Adventures by Disney is adding to its portfolio in 2009.

Travel agents will be able to suggest a total of 23 trips to clients traveling in the new year, including these exotic itineraries as well as popular returning trips to China, Australia, France, Ireland, Costa Rica and the U.S.

“Adventures by Disney enjoys consistent annual growth because the travel agent community has been embraced these itineraries and recognizes the product as offering a reassuring way for first timers to take an escorted tour, “ said Ed Baklor, Senior Vice president for Adventures by Disney. “These dynamic family vacations are a natural evolution for the Disney portfolio, and takes our legendary guest service beyond our theme parks and cruise line, to some of the greatest places in the world. “

Since 2005, Adventures by Disney has created family friendly adventures in places around the world. Each vacation includes VIP experiences, exclusive moments, and unique itineraries specifically designed for families. Beginning in the spring of 2009, agents will be able to offer their clients these eight destinations as well as 15 returning trips:

Eight new itineraries for 2009 include:

• Alpine Magic – Italy and Switzerland: Stresa, Zermatt and Lake Lucerne
• Beantown & The Big Apple – Boston, Newport, New York City
• Bella Italia – Central Italy: Sorrento and Florence
• Gateway to the Galapagos – Ecuador and Galapagos Islands
• Golden Path to Yosemite –  Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park and San Francisco
• Rocky Trails and Mountie Tales – Montana and Alberta, Canada: Glacier National Park and Banff National Park
• Safari to South Africa – South Africa: Capetown, The Garden Route and Kapama Game Reserve
• Taming the Last Frontier – Alaska: Fairbanks, Denali National Park and Kenai Peninsula

“In 2009, we will continue to be innovators in the family and group travel business. By offering 23 destinations, we are giving our travel agents partners the opportunity to offer their clients authentic experiences and magical moments only Disney could create in more places than ever before,” said Baklor. “Wherever we go, our specially-trained Adventure Guides, along with a host of local experts, allow families to see, hear, touch and taste the history and cultures of destinations around the globe and in our own backyard.”

Also new in 2009, will be the introduction of Adventures by Disney “Signature Trips”. On these select “Safari to South Africa” and “Golden Path to Yosemite” departures dates, clients will be able to book an enhanced travel experience.

Amenities on the signature Safari to South Africa trip include upgraded accommodations in Cape Town’s Cape Grace Hotel and upgraded accommodations in the Main Lodge at Kapama Game Reserve. Other Signature enhancements include uniquely African VIP gifts, special evening entertainment, an exclusive spa treatment with a view of the African bush and a privately hosted dinner where elephants are up-close-and-personal at the Knysna’s Elephant Lounge.

On the signature departures of Golden Path to Yosemite, clients discover rock climbing at the birthplace of modern mountaineering and view Yosemite the way Ansel Adams did – through a camera – on an expertly-guided camera walk of the valley. Clients will also enjoy upgraded accommodations at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite and at the St. Regis in San Francisco including in-room gift baskets.

Adventurers by Disney’s 2009 offerings will also feature 15 returning trips, including:

North America
• Spirit of America – Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Williamsburg, Virginia
• Quest for the West –Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Yellowstone and Grand Teton    National Parks
• Southwest Splendors –Sedona, Grand Canyon, and Moab
• Backstage Magic – Hollywood and Disneyland Resort

Southern Europe
• Viva Italia – Italy: Rome, Tuscany and Venice
• Treasures of Spain (Previously Grande Espana) – Spain: Barcelona, Seville and Madrid

British Isles & Europe
• The Emerald Isle – Ireland: Dublin, Killarney and Shannon
• Cities of Knights and Lights – England and France: London and Paris
• Once Upon a Fairytale – Germany: Heidelberg, Trendelburg, Rothenburg and Munich
• Flavors of France – France: Provence and Paris
• Storybook Kingdoms (Formerly Imperial Cities) – Czech Republic and Austria: Prague, Salzburg and Vienna

Latin America
• Path to Pura Vida – Costa Rica: San José, Arenal and Manuel Antonio National Park
• Sacred Valleys and Incan Cities – Peru: Lima, Sacred Valley and, Cusco

Asia & Pacific
• Enchanted China – China: Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai and Hong Kong
• Discovery Down Under – Australia: North Queensland, Ayers Rock and Sydney

Adventures by Disney vacations include accommodations at some of the best hotels and resorts each destination offers, transportation once clients have reached their destination, baggage handling, all scheduled meals, group activities, and gratuities for bellmen, housekeepers, drivers and dining staff.

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

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