Disney to test tours of Yellowstone, Hawaii/Disney expands vacations (update)

[SorcererMickey]

Disney to test tours of Yellowstone, Hawaii

Associated Press
Posted on Sat, Feb. 19, 2005

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Disney will be testing an expansion of its vacation business later this year, offering weeklong guided tours through the wilds of Wyoming and Hawaii.

Disney will run 15 tours this summer at a "test" cost of between $5,600 and $7,800 for a family of four, airfare not included. If the 30-person group tours prove popular, they may become a fixture and could be expanded to other destinations, the company said.

Details are still being worked out for the tours, titled "Escape to Paradise" and "Quest for the West." But promotional materials promise surfing lessons and volcano tours on the islands of Oahu, Hawaii and Kauai, and horseback rides through Wyoming's cowboy country of Jackson Hole, Grand Teton and Yellowstone.

If Disney's costumed characters make an appearance, they would only do so in a very controlled setting, said Lisa Haines, a vice president in Disney's parks and resorts division.

Ted Eubanks, a Texas-based outdoor and eco-tourism consultant, said Disney could find it tough to break into the market.

"It's not that Disney can't do it. My word! They seem to be able to do whatever they set their mind to," Eubanks said. "I just wonder how well their brand will translate to these tours.

"Disney is in the business of virtual reality, fabricated reality. My clients are trying to escape that."

Still, Eubanks said, a big market exists for families who want to get close to nature - but not too close. Disney could make an outdoor vacation attractive to that group, he said.

:ears: :ears: :ears:


Disney to try getting into tour guide business

The Walt Disney Co. plans to offer guided tours of Hawaii as part of a test to see if families will respond to such offerings under the Disney brand, the Hollywood Reporter said Saturday.

The entertainment industry publications said Disney intends to charge between $5,600 and $7,800 for four-person families as it takes groups of 30 on six guided tours of the Yellowstone National Park area and nine guided tours to Hawaii. Airfare to Wyoming and Hawaii is not included, but transportation on the tour is covered, including, in the case of the Hawaii package, travel to Honolulu, Kauai and the Big Island.

Disney is pitching the idea to, among others, families on Disney Cruise Line. Walt Disney Co. spokeswoman Lisa Haines confirms the company is considering doing this as a regular business is the response is good and says the working title for the business is "Adventures by Disney."

[dcfromva]

I jotted down this phone number: 1-877-728-7282 to find out more information about this.
(I don't think they are open on the weekends--not sure about holidays.)

At first blush, it seems kind of expensive (and DH isn't a tour kind of guy), but it does sound interesting.

-DC :ears:

[OKWTink]

That was my thought, a little rough on the pocket, but I would imagine that some folks would find it quite handy to just book a tour and be done with the arrangements part.

I'm not a tour person myself (short of a few hours, that sort of thing) but it can be a good way to see much of a place that you are completely unfamiliar with, and maybe a little intimidated by.

I could see me doing a tour of China, for example. Not speaking the language at all, I'd be a little chary about going off on my own.

'Course Hawaii and Wyoming aren't quite as intimidating as China! :lol: Well at least Hawaii isn't. :wink:

[d_dreamer]

as much as I love disney, I think they should stick to theme parks and leave natures beauty alone. I'm sorry if this sounds rude, but its just my opinion.

[Cinderella]

This information is courtesy of Sue at Small World Vacations and posted with Joanne's permission

Adventures by Disney
Disney has quietly begun seeking a small group of families to try out its new "Adventures by Disney" vacation packages. In summer 2005, it will begin "previews" to test out new 7-night/8-day tours in Hawaii (the "Escape to Paradise" packages) and Yellowstone ("Quest for the West" packages).

A very limited number of participants will have the opportunity to test out the concept, which brings Disney quality to non-Disney vacation destinations. Disney is offering "introductory prices" for this first summer season, but be prepared to open your wallet: the Hawaii tour will cost a minimum of $7796 for a family of four, while the Yellowstone tour starts at $5596 for a family of four. The tours include many meals, but do not include airfare.


Escape to Paradise
The "Escape to Paradise" vacation package takes you to three islands (Oahu, Hawaii's Big Island, and Kauai)to enjoy crystal blue waters, miles of pristine beaches, tropical breezes and the magic of Disney. You'll enjoy world class accommodations, fine dining and your choice of exciting excursions and fun activities. Snorkel among some of the most beautiful reefs in the world. Tour a real volcano rim. Learn how to surf like a local. Or just relax and soak in the sun.

Cost of the 7-night/8-day package is $2399 per adult, $2099 per child 17 and under (based on double occupancy). There is a slight discount if you share rooms (i.e. for three in a room, adults pay $2199 and kids $1899; for four in a room, adults pay $2099 and kids $1799). A $200 deposit is required at time of booking and full payment is required 90 days in advance of departure. Cancellation fees apply.

Price includes accommodations, ground transportation and transportation between the islands, baggage handling, all scheduled meals (7 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners), scheduled group activities and most standard gratuities. It does not include airfare to Oahu, HI and returning from Kauai, HI. Due to the active itineraries, Disney recommends that travelers be 5 years and older.

Departure dates are July 6, July 16, July 23, August 13, August 20 and August 27.

Itinerary

On Day One, you'll arrive in Oahu. Adventure Guides will greet you with a traditional flower lei and host a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel (the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa at Ko Olina).

Day Two starts with a delicious breakfast. From there you'll tour Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. Lunch is on your own in Waikiki. Then you can choose from several activities, including hiking Diamond Head, shopping in Waikiki, or swimming on the beach. Dinner will be served in one of two selected restaurants at the resort.

Day Three starts with breakfast at the hotel, followed by snorkeling at the hotel lagoon. Then you'll embark on a private "reef and ray" experience where you'll hand-feed stingrays. In the afternoon is a Hawaiian luau on a secluded beach. Kids can build sand castles and make leis, parents can enjoy a massage session, and everyone can learn how to surf. After dinner, there will be a bonfire and storytelling.

On Day Four, participants will travel to the Big Island to explore Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park, touring the volcano rim with a geologist and hiking through a real lava tube. Back at the resort (The Fairmont Orchid), kids will enjoy a Disney-style kids-only pool party while adults enjoy a romantic sunset dinner. At night, the whole family can get together for a midnight snorkel.

Day Five starts with a petroglyph hike, followed by an open day to explore on your own. At night you'll witness a torch-lighting ceremony and enjoy a beachfront "ohana-style" dinner before watching Disney movies under the stars.

On Day Six everyone travels to Kauai. After a private ocean-view lunch at the famous Dukes, you'll tour the stunning scenery of Waimea Canyon. You'll arrive at your luxury hotel (Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort and Spa) just in time for a lei greeting, and then have an evening to relax and explore on your own.

Day Seven features a catamaran cruise around the Na Pali Coast, enjoying Kauai's rugged beauty, steep cliffs and famous waterfalls. Lunch will be served on deck, followed by snorkel time. At night you'll enjoy a private paradise farewell dinner party full of Disney surprises.

Day Eight offers one final aloha breakfast before departing paradise.

Quest for the West
The "Quest for the West" vacation package takes you to three exciting destinations in the American West (Jackson Hole, Grand Teton and Yellowstone) to explore some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, all hosted by Disney. You'll enjoy accommodations at wonderful hotels, lodges and a ranch, delicious Western-style dining and your choice of exciting excursions and fun activities.

Cost of the 7-night/8-day package is $1699 per adult, $1499 per child 17 and under (based on double occupancy). There is a slight discount if you share rooms (i.e. for three in a room, adults pay $1569 and kids $1369; for four in a room, adults pay $1499 and kids $1299). A $200 deposit is required at time of booking and full payment is required 90 days in advance of departure. Cancellation fees apply.

Price includes accommodations, ground transportation, baggage handling, all scheduled meals (7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners), scheduled group activities and most standard gratuities. It does not include airfare to and from Jackson Hole, WY. Due to the active itineraries, Disney recommends that travelers be 6 years and older.

Departure dates are July 10, July 22, August 14 and August 22.

Itinerary

On Day One, Adventure Guides will greet you at the airport. The drive to Jackson Hole will give you a first chance to check out the scenery and maybe even see bison and elk. In the evening, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel (the Jackson Lake Lodge for 7/10 and 7/22 departures, or The Wort Hotel for 8/14 and 8/22 departures).

Day Two starts with an optional morning wildlife walk. Then the group is off to majestic Grand Teton National Park for a scenic raft tour down Snake River. Along the way, keep an eye out for elk, moose, beaver, bison and bald eagles. After lunch, you can saddle up for a horseback ride, hike in the mountains or relax and enjoy the astounding views. Later your Adventure Guides will set up telescopes for some after-dinner wildlife and star gazing.

On Day Three, after breakfast the group travels by ferry across beautiful Jenny Lake to Yellowstone National Park. Once ashore, you'll embark on an unforgettable hike past the cascade of Hidden Falls and onward to aptly-named Inspiration Point, where you'll see some of the most stunning scenery Mother Nature has to offer. After a picnic lunch at Coller Bay, you'll witness the geothermic wonders of West Thumb Geyser Basin before checking into the historic and grand Lake Yellowstone Hotel. In the evening you can enjoy a wildlife excursion through the park.

Day Four begins with a driving tour of Yellowstone's Grand Loop, a road that was originally formed by early wagon trails. From there you'll venture into the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and witness the heart-stopping view from Artist Point. Then you'll explore the rainbow colors, hissing steam and bubbling geysers of Norris Geyser Basin. Finally you'll travel to Old Faithful to catch a couple of the world-famous geyser's 130-foot eruptions before checking into the Old Faithful Snow Lodge or the Old Faithful Inn. In the evening you can enjoy a wildlife presentation by a National Park Service Ranger.

On Day Five you can start with a biking or walking tour of Upper Geyser Basin, followed by lunch back at the hotel and an afternoon either exploring on your own, or on an exclusive Disney backcountry bike trip to Lonestar Geyser and Kepler Falls. At night there's a kids-only dinner with the Adventure Guides, while parents get some romantic dining time alone. Then you'll all get together for a cowboy-style scavenger hunt before bed.

On Day Six everyone rounds up and heads out to the Spotted Horse Ranch in Jackson Hole, with a stop along the way to snap a picture of the Continental Divide. You'll tap into your inner cowboy at a local saloon for lunch, then have some time to check out the town. Later, the adventurous can take a whitewater rafting trip while the more subdued travelers can experience the Jackson Hole aerial tramway. Spend the evening in true Disney style, with local cowboys cooking, playing music and telling stories by the campfire.

Day Seven starts off with a mouthwatering ranch breakfast, then lets you choose an activity to suit your tastes. Take off for some trail riding, go fishing on a tranquil trout pond, take a tube float down the river, or enjoy time around the ranch with your family and new friends you've made. At night, the wonderful week comes to a close with a farewell dinner party offering dancing, singing and reminiscing in true Disney fashion.

Day Eight offers a hearty ranch breakfast before you wave goodbye to the great West.

[SorcererMickey]

Disney dips toe into the tour business

USA Today

April 24, 2005

First came theme parks, then cruises.

Now Disney is dipping its very big toe into the tour business.

For the first time, the family-vacation giant is offering guided tours to destinations not affiliated with its parks.

This summer, 15 tours will be tested at popular vacation spots in Hawaii and Wyoming.

"We're trying to see if there's a market for this kind of Disney vacation," says Lisa Haines, spokeswoman for Adventures by Disney.

Goofy and Mickey won't be enlisted as tour guides for the "Escape to Paradise" and "Quest for the West" holidays. But Disney hopes its entertainment and storytelling expertise will help bring destinations alive for families.

Test tours run $5,600-$7,800 US weekly for a family of four, not including airfare. Space is limited.

Information: 877-728-7282.

Source: http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/news/travel/story.html?id=a02a443d-271c-466d-b4e4-03d65fa03354

[foreverducky]

That's interesting. But no Mickey??