Disney debuts family adventures
They're a hassle-free deluxe experience: "Family Adventures" are typically small-group tours in the Great Outdoors; the itinerary is best-of-the-best, all details are handled, guests just let the good times roll.

Up to now, this niche has belonged to adventure companies who offer special family trips. Now, however, they'll be joined by a giant, as Disney tests the waters in family adventureland. Read more about "Adventures by Disney" trial trips to Hawaii and Yellowstone.

Disney tests Family Adventures:
"Adventures by Disney" to debut summer 2005

It all started 50 years ago, with Disneyland. Now there are Disneylands around the globe, a whole World in Orlando, and classy cruises. Still, there are other mountains to be climbed, rivers to be rafted, guided hikes to be hiked: the Family Adventure market beckons, and Disney will sample it this year.

During Summer 2005, Disney is "testing a new vacation concept called Adventures by Disney™ — a story-based guided group vacation experience." Two itineraries are being tested, with limited space available.

Approximately 75 families in total will sample week-long trial adventures to Hawaii and Wyoming, with multiple departure dates for each trip.

The aim is to bring "The Disney Difference" to family adventures:

• The quality of a Disney theme park or cruise ship vacation
• Small group sizes
• All-inclusive and hassle-free experience
• flexible "story-based itineraries" and fun activities for the whole family
• Authentic experiences provided by guides and local experts
• the "special experiences and surprises for which Disney is known."

Escape to Paradise™ Hawaiian Adventure
Peak experiences on three islands: Oahu, Big Island, and Kauai. Guests will snorkel on a coral reef and hand-feed stingrays, fs, tour a real volcano, learn how to surf, and much more. For ages five and up; six departure dates in July and August 2005.

Quest for the West™ Wyoming Adventure
Explore Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and Jackson Hole, Wyoming; activities include wildlife viewing, whitewater rafting trips, trail-riding, campfires, and lots more; lodging includes two wonderful historic hotels in Yellowstone.

For detailed itineraries for each trip, see Mousesavers.com (an unofficial site for Disney vacation -lovers.)

Cost of Trial Trips

The 2005 Summer Preview trial will be available to a limited number of families at special introductory rates.

Cost of the 7-night/8-day Quest of the West package is $1699 per adult, $1499 per child 17 and under (based on double occupancy), with discounts for shared rooms-- a good price for a Family Adventure. Price includes accommodations, ground transportation, baggage handling, all scheduled meals (7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners), scheduled group activities and gratuities; It does not include airfare to and from Jackson Hole, WY. For ages 6 and up; four departure dates in July and August 2005.

Cost of the 7-night/8-day Escape to Paradise™ Hawaiian Adventure -- not including airfare to/from Hawaii-- is $2399 per adult, $2099 per child 17 and under (based on double occupancy.) This price includes transportation between the islands, as well as accommodations at top resorts, ground transportation, baggage handling, all scheduled meals (7 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners), scheduled group activities and gratuities.

For more information on all the above, call Disney at 877-728-7282.

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Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn
-- now set to premiere May 30 2005--

For years, Holiday Inn Family Suites Resort in Orlando has been a rollicking-fun place for families.

Now Holiday Inn has partnered with Nickelodeon to launch "Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn": the makeover has included seven new waterslides and flumes, a 400-gallon dumping bucket, geysers, squirters...

Read more, and see preview pictures of "NickHotel". One of the new pool complexes -- The Oasis- is open now.

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