It’s easy to think of Disney just as castles, Main Street U.S.A., and classic attractions. But, did you know there are different ways to experience the world-class service you get at the theme parks, all over the world? If you love Disney but are looking for a change of pace, this may be your sign to branch out and try something new! Below, we highlight the best Disney experiences (that aren’t theme parks) in the U.S. and around the world, offering unique adventures that expand your Disney journey.
Disney Cruise Line
If you’ve only ever been to the Disney theme parks, we highly recommend going on a Disney cruise as your first non-theme park experience. You’ll experience Disney storytelling in a whole new way, with immersive experiences and activities featuring your favorite characters from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel franchises throughout the ship. Wholesome family fun is central to the onboard attractions, which are heavily themed to various Disney storylines. The kids’ program, the Oceaneer Club, is top-notch and allows complimentary drop-off services for children ages 3 to 12 and separate lounges for tweens and teens. There are also adult-only spaces and activities onboard. The entire Disney cruise fleet is made up of seven ships, each with its own classic Disney theming and unique experiences. Disney Cruises set sail from several Florida ports, including many from Port Canaveral, which is only a little over an hour from Walt Disney World. Disney Cruises sail to a variety of Caribbean ports, including Disney’s two private island destinations in the Bahamas: Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Pointe.
Aulani, A Disney Resort And Spa
Nestled along the Ko Olina beach area on the island of O’ahu (just a short drive from Honolulu), Aulani offers guests plenty of opportunities to explore Hawaii’s beauty and rich culture, combining timeless traditions with modern amenities. This is a unique Disney destination with its own character, giving families a fantastic place to enjoy the Hawaiian islands together. Aulani offers many onsite activities and amenities, so you’ll never have to leave the resort(but we highly recommend taking an Aulani-approved island excursion!). Aulani is the family-friendly resort on O’ahu, allowing adults and kids of all ages to enjoy this unforgettable tropical destination—and you don’t even need a passport! From enjoying the huge lazy river, pools, spa, kids’ activities, secluded lagoon-style beach, and character interactions with Mickey and friends, Moana, Lilo, Stitch, and Duffy, your days will be filled with fun and adventure.
Check out our top must-do experiences at Aulani.
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Escape the hustle and bustle of the theme parks at this East Coast beach paradise, which was the first Disney resort built off-property. Located on the white sands of Vero Beach on Florida’s Treasure Coast, the natural shoreline gives you an authentic Florida experience, complete with the opportunity to view sea turtle nesting grounds. Kids of all ages will enjoy splashing into the Mickey-shaped pool and adventuring down the Pirates Plunge pool slide. Join the family for a round of Peter-Pan themed mini-golf, or play a pick-up basketball or volleyball game. Or, learn about the resort’s sea turtle conservation efforts and learn about sea turtle nesting habitats. There’s even a weekly character breakfast on Saturday mornings! Located just over an hour south of Port Canaveral and two hours southeast of Walt Disney World, staying at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is the beach vacation add-on to your Disney cruise or Orlando theme park vacation.
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is nestled in the beautiful South Carolina lowcountry on Hilton Head Island, modeled after a quaint 1940s hunting and fishing lodge. Its proximity to activities on Hilton Head Island and its central location along the Atlantic coast make it accessible to many, from the Northeast to the Midwest. As a DVC resort where you can book individual stays, rooms are bigger than standard hotel rooms and offer homey touches like kitchenettes, washers, and dryers. The resort features recreational activities, including a beach that’s a short, complimentary shuttle ride away. There are also a few dining locations and several onsite activities, from golf lessons to a dedicated kids’ club. However, this resort encourages you to explore local attractions and nature activities in the surrounding area. Of Disney’s resort locations, this is the least Disney-styled resort, with subtle touches but no over-the-top theming or character experiences.
Adventures By Disney
Adventures by Disney offers guided group tours of the world’s most renowned destinations, from China to Canada. Most meals, lodging, and activities are included with your vacation price, along with transportation between destinations. Disney hand-selects activities, accommodations, and restaurants that will allow you to experience local culture and cuisine, while blending Disney-level storytelling throughout your entire trip. With itineraries traveling to over 40 destinations throughout the world, Adventures by Disney offers top-tier, bucket list adventures that you will never forget. Whether you want to explore iconic locations in Europe or dive deep into the Alaskan Frontier, there’s something for everyone. Most trips are family-friendly (the recommended minimum age is five). There are also adult-only experiences, like river cruises through the Danube River during Oktoberfest. Adventures by Disney is the ultimate way to travel the world while experiencing the service and storytelling experiences that make Disney truly unique.
Disney Destination Vacation Planning With Wishing On A Star Travel®
Whether you’re looking for adventure on the high seas with Disney Cruise Line, sunbathing on a beautiful Hawaiian beach at Aulani, adding on a beach vacation to your Disney trip at Vero Beach, or traveling the world with Adventures by Disney, there’s a Disney destination for everyone in your family. Ready to explore Disney outside of the theme park bubble? Our team at Wishing On A Star Travel can make that happen! Get your free vacation quote today to start planning your unforgettable Disney experience.
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