A different kind of Disney: What happens when you let Disney plan your vacation

Many people visit Walt Disney World and Disneyland to get away from it all.

But what happens when you take Disney out of the parks and into the real world?

You get Adventures by Disney.

Disney’s guided group travel arm takes guests on adventures they’d likely never experience on their own, as close as the theme parks and as far as the Great Wall of China.

“We started very small in some of our domestic locations, but it always had that idea of, what is the story that we're wanting to tell, and how do we bring people to those locations and have them walk away, not only with a sense of I've been there and seen it, but then they go back and they can share and think more,” said Kyle Raser, senior manager for the Trip Operations Land and Cruise team for Adventures by Disney and National Geographic Expeditions.

These trips are all about stories, as my family and I learned on an Adventures by Disney trip through Arizona and Utah this summer. Here’s what it was like and what travelers can expect from Adventures by Disney:

Once upon a time 

“There's a great quote by Walt Disney, our founder, who said, we start with a great story,” Raser said.

But these aren’t fairy tales. The stories and histories of Adventures by Disney destinations are very real, so there’s a huge focus on authenticity in storytelling.

For that reason, you won’t see Mirabel, Raya, or Merida when visiting Colombia, Southeast Asia, or Scotland, but where it makes sense, Adventure Guides may reference Disney films like “Encanto,” “Raya and the Last Dragon,” and "Brave,” which can help frame the destinations, particularly for kids more familiar with the movies.

As we pulled into historic Williams, Arizona, on our trip, our guides, Mike and David, explained that the Route 66 town was one of several inspirations for Radiator Springs. That definitely resonated with my daughters, who are fans of “Cars.”

Who’s telling the story

Each adventure has two Disney-trained Adventure Guides that shepherd guests, but people from the destination are also brought in throughout the trip to share their stories, perspectives, and expertise.

In Egypt, Raser said, “We also have an Egyptologist who is talking about the history, and we're learning about the culture and so it really puts the right lens on it. You're not looking at a pyramid; you're looking at this chamber that this person believed in, and what was the meaning behind it, and why were these different rituals happening? And so again, it's about trying to make sure we're not just checking items off a list and saying, OK, now I've been there and seen it, but really understanding it, giving that appreciation.”

On my trip along the Colorado Plateau, many of the in-destination storytellers were Native American, specifically Hopi and Navajo (Diné). On three separate evenings, we enjoyed cultural presentations during private dinners. We also took Native-led tours in Grand Canyon National Park and Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

“It really gives a chance to interact in a way that's not just let me read something or listen, but really experience it together,” Raser said. “It's learning through that immersion, learning through their culture.”

National parks aren't just places. What you should know about the people.

What's included with Adventures by Disney?

Each Adventures by Disney trip includes in-destination transportation, all accommodations, most meals, and myriad expertly guided experiences for the duration of the itinerary.

“We try to build a trip with moments that are big and special and something guests look forward to. But I think equally, behind the scenes, we try to find these smaller moments that are maybe just as impactful, but are a surprise and delight,” Raser said.

One of our trip’s many highlights was hiking in Arches National Park. We had the choice to either hike up to Delicate Arch, a roughly 3-mile round trip, or explore easier-to-reach arches at a more leisurely pace. While there isn’t typically a lot of this or that time when groups get split up, Raser said, particularly with physical challenges, "It's not about a choose your adventure as much as making sure that everyone has a similar adventure, if needed.”

A surprising moment on our trip was a water gun fight as we rafted along the Colorado River in Moab, Utah. The adults got into it as much as the kids, and it was just silly and fun.

Guests are also given free time. “Sometimes you need that time to kind of calibrate yourself, or if you're with your family, we recognize that you may want that time where it is just your family,” Raser said. “Truthfully, sometimes it's just for a nap, because there's a lot going on, and people need the rest.”

Before our trip, I remember wondering what we’d do in our free time, but once it got rolling, I was grateful my kids had a chance to swim in the beautiful pool at Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Arizona. At the Grand Canyon, my family napped in our hotel room footsteps from the South Rim, while I wandered just far enough down Bright Angel Trail to take in some views. My girls and I went horseback riding, which is not included, during free time at Red Cliffs Lodge in Moab. Amid all the thoughtfully curated group activities on our trip, it was refreshing to have personal time carved out.

One more thing guests get is a set of exclusive pins specifically designed for each destination. There’s a different pin each day, usually with a Disney character and theme tied to the itinerary. “It's a badge of honor in some ways as you bring them home,” Raser said.

What is the Disney difference with Adventures by Disney?

There are six hallmarks of what Adventures by Disney calls the Disney difference: Adventure Guides, authenticity, hassle-free travel, VIP experiences and insider access, magical moments, and fun for everyone.

As the person who usually does all the planning for our family vacations, I especially appreciated our incredible Adventure Guides, David and Mike, and how they seamlessly took care of everything, including our luggage. Whenever we checked out of a hotel, we just left our bags outside our doors, and they picked them up and put them on our tour bus, which was always stocked with plenty of snacks. With Mike and David leading the way, I didn’t worry about a thing, but could just be present with my family. Our guides also took time to get to know not just my family, but everyone in the group.

“I can't speak enough about the Adventure Guides themselves,” Raser said. “Those, for us, we always say, really make the Adventures by Disney experience.”

What is the minimum age for Adventures by Disney?

“The minimum age is 5 years old on most of our Land Adventures and River Cruises,” according to Adventures by Disney’s website.” Please check your trip itinerary for minimum age on Expedition Cruises.”

Adults-only trips are available, but on trips with children, kids are called Junior Adventurers and treated like VIPs. Our Adventure Guides engaged with each child in our group and never seemed to tire of their many questions.

“If a child is asking a question about another culture that they're not familiar with, I guarantee there's an adult in the group that's probably afraid to raise their hand and ask that,” Raser said.

Our guides also set up special activities for the kids, including giving them first dibs on touring Desert View Watchtower in Grand Canyon and hosting a special Junior Adventurers-only night, which gave parents and grandparents a welcome evening off.

How many Adventures by Disney are there?

“We have roughly about 50 itineraries in 30 different countries, and they're on six continents,” Raser said.

Some trips include visits to Disney parks around the world.

How much do Adventures by Disney cost?

Trip prices vary widely depending on the destination, duration and more, but none of the itineraries are cheap. They’re more like bucket list trips you save up for.

On the lower end, a 4-day, 3-night Barcelona trip starts at $2,699 per adult, based on double occupancy. On the higher end, a 10-day, 9-night Japan trip starts at $11,799 per person.

Special offers are available through Adventures by Disney’s website as well as Costco Travel.

Members of the Disney Vacation Club, which is sort of like Disney’s version of timeshares, may also put their DVC points toward Adventures by Disney trips.

Are Adventures by Disney worth it?

Adventures by Disney may not work for everyone’s budget, but you get what you pay for, including experiences you may never think of booking on your own or have access to because they’re built on Disney’s rapport and relationships in those destinations.

“We have a lot of individuals that have really reached out to us because they want to share their story. They trust it with us, which I think is such an important piece,” Raser said.

I still think of the evening we had Navajo Tacos on fry bread, beside the red rocks of Monument Valley, then sat by a fire, under the stars, listening to the Native band Dark Sky sharing stories and songs like their ancestors have for generations. It was an adventure I never imagined, but will never forget.

The reporter on this story received access to this experience from Adventures by Disney. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Adventures by Disney: A very different kind of Disney vacation