[mickey]

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

[cinderbella]

wow--this seems--kind of weird--but kind of interesting....it seems like a lot of money to me...but maybe thats bc im poor..

[Dana]

Sounds interesting, but I wouldn't want to go...to expensive for me too. I woudl rather spend my thousands at WDW..lol

[Erin]

I'd really like to go to Hawaii, but I doubt I'd hire someone "Disney" to be my guide...
I'd be dissapointed when Mickey and Goofy didn't show up.

I'd rather spend my "Disney" money at WDW :c)

[jk8]

This does sound odd to me. Sounds like a branch out for Disney that is totally unnecessary.

[Pooh Fan]

Although it sounds interesting, I have to agree with what everyone else is saying. When I want to do something Disney, I want to go to Disney World and that is ALOT of money for that trip. I know that I could book it myself and spend less. I guess I am a little perplexed as to why Disney would do something like this. It is not anything like we have come to count on for Disney. Part of the magic is the characters.

[BDavis932]

I can see Hawaii costing that much, because it is SO expensive there, but Wyoming??? Give me disney anyday!

[wyomingbrat]

I am from Wyoming and I cant see it costing that much.... Yellowstone and that is only 6 hour drive and most things there are free but the hotel. So I dont know where they are getting their numbers. It is very pretty but if you are not into the nature thing then I dont think you will have a good time.

[Huakai]

They call those 'discounted' trips???? They don't even include airfare! I know I would never go for it and from the sound of it, you would be in a large group with no freedom to explore on your own. I can't imagine going to either place without doing lots of exploring.

[llama]

Well, I suppose if you want a no-brainer holiday, where you know the service will be first class, you won't have to worry about anything, and have money to burn....

But it seems kind of strange...

[Cavey]

Hey, I'd take that job! Pay me to take people to Mammoth Cave National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Park. (You get my point)

I'll give 'em some non-Disney adventures, and I'll wear my pin trading lanyard too boot!

[Disneywife]

That's awfully pricey for Hawaii and especially Wyoming, especially without airfare. Even for a family of four. We could go to Europe for that, including airfare.

I'd love to go to Hawaii and I actually want to go to Wyoming because I have a close friend that just moved to Casper. But there's no way I'd pay that kind of money for those trips, Disney or not!