The Walt Disney Co. will test the concept of offering guided tours to destinations far from its theme parks and having little to do with Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck or its other famed characters, a spokeswoman said Thursday.
Disney is recruiting families aboard its Disney Cruise Line, at its World of Disney Store in New York and elsewhere, offering them discounted trips to Hawaii and Wyoming in the summer.
Disney will charge $5,600-$7,800 for a family of four and will take groups of about 30 on guided tours to the two states. Plans are for six tours to Wyoming and nine to Hawaii.
While stressing that the concept is only a test, Disney will consider making a business of it if it is deemed successful, said Lisa Haines, vp strategic communications at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts.
Haines said the cost for the test families does not include airfare to the states, but all interior transportation and accommodations are included.
The "story-based" itineraries include visits to the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, and Kauai for the families taking part in the Escape to Paradise trip; and to Jackson Hole, Grand Teton and Yellowstone for those experiencing the Quest for the West adventure in Wyoming.
Haines said Disney will hire one or two guides per group of 30 or so vacationers. The concept has been dubbed Adventures by Disney.
Story courtesy of Reuters.
DIsneyCentral poll about tours from 2003