Adventures by Disney Review: Is It Worth the Price for Families?
Just the three of us—two sisters and our mom—at the summit in Banff. This was one of many unforgettable moments on our Adventures by Disney Canadian Rockies tour.
We’re usually the ones planning vacations for our husbands and kids—but this time, it was just the three of us: two sisters and our 70-year-old mom, ready for a different kind of adventure. We booked the Adventures by Disney Canadian Rockies tour not knowing exactly what to expect without kids in tow. But what we found was a perfectly paced, beautifully curated, and deeply meaningful experience for adults and multigenerational travelers. If you’re wondering whether Adventures by Disney is only for families with little ones—or if it’s worth it at all—this honest review is for you.
What is Adventures by Disney? And who is it for?
Adventures by Disney (ABD) is a guided group travel service created by Disney to offer immersive, hassle-free vacation experiences around the world. With ABD, you get to explore stunning destinations with the comfort of knowing every detail is taken care of. From luxury accommodations and VIP access to exclusive experiences, every aspect of the trip is meticulously planned. Disney-trained Adventure Guides lead each tour, providing insights, managing logistics, and sprinkling a bit of Disney magic throughout your journey. Whether it's a private tour of the Vatican, an exclusive visit to the Great Wall of China, or an in-depth exploration of the Canadian Rockies, ABD ensures an unforgettable adventure for families who see travel as an investment in creating lasting memories.
A Girls' Trip to Remember
We’re usually the ones planning vacations for our husbands and kids—but this time, it was just the three of us: two sisters and our 70-year-old mom, ready for a different kind of adventure. We booked the Adventures by Disney Canadian Rockies tour not knowing exactly what to expect without kids in tow. But what we found was a perfectly paced, beautifully curated, and deeply meaningful experience for adults and multigenerational travelers.
From the moment we hit the airport, something shifted. It felt like we were teenagers again: laughing nonstop, dancing at dinners, making new friends, and soaking up the adventure together. We knew it would be special—but we didn’t realize how much joy and connection it would bring.
In this post, we’ll walk through what makes Adventures by Disney feel different from any other guided tour: the perks, the price, the itinerary, and whether we think it’s worth it—especially if you’re considering going as adults, with kids or with your own parents.
If you’re wondering whether Adventures by Disney is only for families with little ones—or if it’s worth it at all—this honest review is for you.
The moment it hit us—we were really here at the stunning, bucketlist-worthy Moraine Lake.
Why We Chose Adventures by Disney (And What Makes It Worth It)
We’ve shared detailed day-by-day reviews of our Canadian Rockies itinerary in a separate series (linked below), but before we dive into those experiences, here’s what made this trip worth every penny—especially if you’re planning a multigenerational trip, with or without kids.
Not sure if Adventures by Disney is right for your next trip? These are the five reasons we’d do it all again in a heartbeat.
1. Disney’s Signature Service, Beyond the Parks
Disney is renowned for creating immersive experiences that generate lifelong memories, whether through rides, parades, characters, or music in their theme parks. They excel at keeping you so engaged that you forget you’re navigating a crowded amusement park. Adventures by Disney extends this magic beyond the parks, turning the world into your playground. They help you experience the wonder of the world, immerse yourself in new cultures, and enjoy your trip in a way that doesn't make you feel like a tourist.
Disney is known for immersive experiences, and they bring that same magic to real-world travel. With Adventures by Disney, every detail is handled—airport transfers, tips, luggage, logistics. You get to explore incredible destinations, but you never feel like a tourist.
Meticulous Planning and Care
Each stop was thoughtfully curated—whether it was a behind-the-scenes cultural tour or a walk we wouldn’t have found on our own. Our itinerary felt full without ever being rushed. We got to experience the magic of dog-sledding, glacier walking, and even a private mountaintop dinner—all seamlessly handled.
Surprising Moments
One of the most magical parts of the trip? The moments we weren’t expecting. Adventures by Disney has a way of sprinkling surprises throughout the experience—sometimes it's a spontaneous scenic stop, other times it’s a local treat waiting for you after a hike.
And sometimes, it's a perfectly timed nod to Disney fans: like the moment we entered the mountains for the first time and our guides turned up the Soarin’ soundtrack, then walked up and down the aisle wafting those iconic pine and citrus scents. It was unexpected, hilarious, and oddly moving—a perfectly playful wink to the Disney parks, delivered with perfect timing.
Soaked, laughing, and loving every minute—Disney magic doesn’t care about the weather.
That mix of thoughtful details, local immersion, and playful Disney touches made every day feel layered and full of delight.
2. VIP Experiences
One of the most universally loved parts of Adventures by Disney is how effortless the travel feels. You’re not worried about lines, tickets, or logistics—because it’s all taken care of for you. From pre-reserved dining to exclusive access and private transportation, you just show up and enjoy the day.
On our trip, this looked like skipping the line at Banff Gondola for a private summit ride, or getting dropped off directly at Moraine Lake’s iconic view—no shuttle, no stress, no crowds. Every moment felt smooth, elevated, and quietly handled behind the scenes so we could stay present and in the experience.
No lines, no crowds, no stress—just a VIP ride across the Icefields.
Exclusive Access (on Every Itinerary)
Think: private Louvre tours before opening, Tai Chi on the Great Wall, or behind-the-scenes Vatican access. These exclusive opportunities are built into ABD tours worldwide, making them genuinely bucket list-worthy.
Effortless Travel
We never touched our luggage. Never checked in or out. Our keys were handed to us, our bags were waiting, and we had more time to soak up the magic. Our meals were planned in advance, but always felt personal and elevated—no buffets or tourist traps here.
3. Luxury Accommodations and Dining
Adventures by Disney selects properties that feel both luxurious and immersive. Think historic castles, lakeside retreats, or five-star city hotels—the kind of places that elevate the whole trip.
Each hotel felt like part of the destination itself—never generic, never forgettable. From sweeping mountain views and grand staircases to rooftop patios and riverside terraces, the accommodations were designed to enhance the adventure. And mealtimes? They weren’t just scheduled stops—they were woven into the story. One night, we dined with a panoramic view of the Rockies; another evening, we gathered fireside for elevated comfort food with new friends.
We didn’t just sleep and eat—we indulged. The balance between luxury and local flavor was just right: memorable, relaxed, and always something to look forward to.
4. The Guides Make It Seamless
Your Disney Adventure Guides are world-class cast members trained to anticipate your needs before you do. They’re not just leading a tour—they’re orchestrating a shared experience.
No crowds. No shuttles. Just unforgettable views with front-row access.
Facilitating Friendships
We didn’t just learn about destinations—we connected. Through group hikes, team games, and subtle seating changes at meals, the guides helped strangers become travel companions—and in many cases, friends.
These weren’t just fellow travelers—they became fast friends.
Unforgettable Interactions
From helping us coordinate surprise birthday moments to casually making inside jokes with every family by day three, our guides weren’t just logistics managers—they were memory-makers. They had a gift for noticing the little things—like the right time to shift the mood or when a quiet check-in would make someone feel seen. Whether it was smoothing over a long drive with a perfectly timed story, or pulling a few guests aside for a quick photo at just the right spot, it always felt thoughtful—not staged. These weren’t just tour leaders—they were intuitive, empathetic, and so clearly invested in creating joy. By the end of the trip, it felt like they had written the perfect group dynamic into the script.
Quiet Adaptability (Without Slowing the Group)
Adventures by Disney guides are so well trained and in tune that they’re constantly adjusting the experience in small ways—without ever making a guest feel singled out or left behind. On our tour, they adjusted pacing or offered alternate options when they noticed someone might need a break—whether it was our mom navigating the terrain or one of us managing back pain. They did this seamlessly, without slowing down the group or breaking the rhythm of the day. It’s one of the many reasons this kind of travel works for a wide range of guests—even if you’re worried about mobility, energy levels, or keeping up.
5. The People: More Than a Tour Group!
One of the most surprising parts? The people we met. Some guests had been on 8, 15, even 20 Adventures by Disney trips—and they weren’t bragging, just genuinely passionate. You’ll meet retired couples, multigenerational families, sibling duos (like us!), and adventurous solo travelers.
Real Friendships Made
We didn’t just make small talk—we made real connections. We laughed over meals, cheered each other on during hikes, swapped stories, and stayed up late soaking in the moment. We met people we never would’ve crossed paths with otherwise, and by the end of the trip, we felt genuinely close. Even now, months later, we still keep in touch with several of them—sharing updates, photos, and hoping our paths cross again on a future adventure.
Who Is Adventures by Disney Best For?
Adventures by Disney isn’t just for families with little kids (though they love it too). Based on our experience and the variety of people on our trip, here’s who it’s perfect for:
Multigenerational Groups: Grandparents, parents, and kids traveling together get to experience adventures that are balanced and thoughtfully paced.
Adult Travelers: Like us, if you want an enriching, curated experience without kids, ABD delivers luxury, community, and fun—without needing a theme park.
Families with Kids (Especially 6+): Junior Adventurer programming keeps younger kids engaged while adults enjoy downtime or elevated excursions.
Teens and Tweens: They bond fast. Our tour had kids who became inseparable halfway through Day 1.
Solo Parents or Nervous Planners: Everything is taken care of, so you never feel overwhelmed or alone.
Tour mates of all ages take the Polar Plunge together at Lake Louise.
Whats Included on an Adventures by Disney Vacation?
Everything is included and taken care of for you - including incredible experiences like rafting with local tour guides!
You might look at the price and wonder what’s included. The answer? Almost everything.
Accommodations: 4- and 5-star hotels in iconic locations
Most Meals: Many meals (including snacks and drinks) are included
Adventure Guides: Disney-trained, full-time guides who manage the experience
Cultural Experiences & Excursions: From private access to hands-on activities
Transportation: Within-tour travel, including luxury coaches or domestic flights
Gratuities for included experiences: (Not including air travel to/from the trip)
Luggage Handling, Transfers, and On-Site Support
This is high-end, worry-free travel. You just show up and enjoy!
How It Compares to Other Guided Tours
There are other guided tours in the world—so how does Adventures by Disney stack up?
Versus Tauck: Tauck is more formal and traditional; ABD is more relaxed and storytelling-driven, with stronger programming for families.
Versus National Geographic Expeditions: NatGeo trips are highly educational and adult-focused. ABD integrates cultural learning through fun and shared experiences.
Versus Insight Vacations or Globus: These are often lower-cost, larger group tours with less luxury and fewer immersive extras.
Once in a lifetime experiences, like walking on a glacier, made easy with Adventures by Disney.
Adventures by Disney sits in the luxury tier, but with Disney’s emotional magic and family-first pacing.
Wrapping Up: Is Adventures by Disney Worth It?
In short: Absolutely! This was one of the most meaningful trips we’ve ever taken—and we weren’t traveling with kids. The attention to detail, the quality of the experiences, the ease of travel, and the connection with people made this something we’ll never forget.
Want help planning your own trip?
We’re a family-owned travel agency that specializes in Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, and luxury family travel. We’ll handle the planning—at no extra cost to you—so all you have to do is show up and make the memories.
📩 Reach out here to get started.
Want to hear more about our Adventures by Disney experience?
Check out our additional posts where we dive into each stop on our Adventures by Disney Canadian Rockies journey:
Discovering Calgary: Our First Stop on the Adventures by Disney Canadian Rockies Tour
Adventures by Disney Canadian Rockies Tour: Day 2 - Calgary to Banff with an Afternoon in Canmore
Day 3 of Our Adventures by Disney Canadian Rockies Tour: A Full Day in Banff
Adventures by Disney Canadian Rockies – Lake Louise, Columbia Icefield & Beyond
A powerful personal story: How a Girls' Trip and a Leap of Faith Changed My Life: Lindsey’s Journey with Magic Journeys
Connect With Us!
We’d love to hear from you! Have you ever been on an Adventures by Disney trip? What was your favorite part? If you’re planning your next trip, what are you most excited about? Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for daily updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from our travels.
