Adventures by Disney Moves the Family Vacation Beyond the Mouse

If a "Disney vacation" conjures up only thoughts of crowded theme parks with long lines for thrill rides and that magnanimous mouse, think again.

Adventures by Disney opens the doors to a world of exploration, enjoyment, and eco-friendly travel far removed from Cinderella's Castle. But just as magical.

Swim with sea turtles in the warm waters off the Galapagos Islands, take boomerang throwing lessons from an elder at the Tjapulkai Aboriginal Cultural Park in Australia, or learn Flamenco dancing from a Spanish National Champion.

"Adventures by Disney offers vacation experiences to some of the most fascinating places on earth," says Josh D'Amaro, Vice President for Adventures by Disney. "Literally bringing history to life for guests. Each itinerary is developed with families in mind, creating a vacation that includes the most iconic and must-see sites as well as off-the-beaten path excursions."

Launched in the summer of 2005, Adventures by Disney offers 23 global itineraries for its 2011 season. Many feature multiple experience options. Guests are charmed by a Blackfeet Native American storyteller in Glacier National Park , snorkel through the wonder of the Great Barrier Reef, or set out in search of Africa's Big 5 on a four-day safari through South Africa's Kapama Game Reserve .

Adhering to the tenants of sustainable tourism, Adventures by Disney aims to provide education and awareness to its guests while conserving energy and resources in its travels and business practices.

With an eye to protecting these magnificent destinations for future generations, Adventures by Disney favors local, sometimes green, transportation. Rather than viewing the countryside from the glass confinement of a gas-guzzling motorcoach, Disney adventurers may find themselves exploring an ancient Beijing hutong in a pedi-cab, horseback riding through the Grand Tetons , or floating through the canals of Venice in a gondola.

Disney also provides reusable/refillable water bottles and bags to each guest, promotes electronic resources whenever practical, and prints all material for guest distribution on recycled paper.

Disney's family-friendly focus offers unique immersive activities for the young ones as well. Children can fly kites in Ecuador, take archery lessons at Germany's Hofgut Stammen , or participate in a scavenger hunt through the Louvre in Paris.

While Disney's hallmark is a family-friendly vacation experience, Adventures by Disney accommodates the needs of those desiring to travel sans children as well. Most trips have selected departures designated "adults-only." The experience is the same, but all travelers must be 18 years or older.

Adventures by Disney and Disney Cruise Line open the second season of combined immersive vacation experiences in 2011. The Adventures by Disney experience is a pre-arranged cruise upgrade and features the hands-on-experiences of a land tour during shore excursions planned throughout the cruise's normal itinerary.