The realm of Disney dream vacations extends far beyond the Disney theme parks - especially in 2011. Disney vacation guests will be making magic in Egypt, Hawaii and Alaska, on the turquoise seas of the Bahamas, over crocodile and rhino gullies, and even beyond our solar system. There are so many new things happening in the world of Disney this year.
In 2011, Disney premieres will include Disney Cruise Line's launch of the Disney Dream and exciting new horizons for the cruise line, Adventures by Disney trips to the land of the pyramids, a Disney Parks 3-D virtual itinerary to the galaxy of Star Wars, an innovative "Wild Africa Trek" at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and a Disney California Adventure that takes guests under the sea into the world of "The Little Mermaid." In addition, Disney Vacation Club will celebrate the opening of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, on the oceanfront in Hawaii.
Here are the highlights of what's happening at Disney in 2011:
Launch of the Disney Dream (January 2011): The Disney Dream, Disney Cruise Line's latest ship, will wow its guests with a first-of-its-kind water coaster that sends riders soaring above the upper decks of the ship. There are many more innovations to enjoy as well. In the evenings, parents can enjoy watching the sun set over the skyline of a different city each night in one of the ship's lounges. Kids will love getting the inside scoop about life in the ocean from an animated turtle. The Disney Dream sails from Port Canaveral, Florida on three-to-five night Bahamas itineraries. For more information, visit www.disneycruise.com.
Disney Cruise Line Goes West (Starts January 2011): The Disney Wonder will be moving to the West Coast starting in January, 2011. The ship will cruise to the Mexican Riviera out of the port of Lost Angeles before and after its maiden voyages to Alaska in the summer. The Alaska cruise itineraries are new for Disney Cruise Line. For more information, visit www.disneycruise.com.
Trek Through Wild Africa ... in Florida (Starts January 2011): Take a three-hour adventure to see pools of hippos, a ravine of fearsome crocodiles, and other fascinating creatures. The three-hour Wild Africa Trek at Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom will take small groups of guests along untracked terrain and allow them to get "up-close-and-personal" with African wildlife in the park's Harambe Wildlife Reserve. For more information and reservations, call 407-WDW-TOUR (939-8687).
Visit Egypt with Adventures by Disney (Starts April 2011): Only one of the original "seven wonders of the ancient world" exists today: the Great Pyramid of Egypt. Now Adventures by Disney guests can experience living chapters of history on seven- and nine-night tours. A Nile River cruise, the pyramids and Great Sphinx in Giza, and days and nights in Cairo are all part of this exciting experience. Adventures by Disney is offering 25 itineraries this year of six continents. To learn more, visit www.adventuresbydisney.com.
New Star Tours Adventures (Starts 2011): This year's new Star Tours adventures will take guests at Florida's Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Park in California to new destinations such as Coruscant and to other spots within the Star Wars galaxy. In addition, the magic of Disney and 3-D will combine in this Star Tours experience – for the first time.
Hawaii Says 'Aloha' to the Disney Vacation Club (scheduled for late August, 2011): Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, will open in on 21 acres of oceanfront property in Ko Olina – about 30 minutes from Waikiki on the island of Oahu. Aulani will reflect the traditions and heritage of the people of Hawaii. Upon completion, this resort will feature 359 traditional hotel rooms as well as 481 Disney Vacation Villas. For more information, visit www.disneyaulani.com.
Disney California Adventure Goes "Under the Sea" (Starts 2011): Disney California Adventure premieres The Little Mermaid – Ariel's Undersea Adventure, part of the ongoing expansion of this park. Guests will go below the surface and immerse themselves in magical songs and scenes from the popular motion picture. For more information on vacations at the Disneyland Resort and its new attractions, visit www.disneyland.com, call 866-60-DISNEY, or contact your favorite travel agent.
A Larger, Re-imagined Fantasyland Is Underway: New attractions and experiences are coming to Walt Disney World. Fantasyland will nearly double in size, making this the largest expansion project in Magic Kingdom history. This project will be completed in phases with most new experiences being open by 2013.
