New for 2016 – Disney River Cruises

Disney continues to expand it’s reach in the travel market by adding Disney river cruises starting in Europe starting 2016. These trips are being offered through the luxury Adventures by Disney umbrella.

When we were approached by our Disney representative with the news of Disney partnering up with AMA Waterways, we were excited yet a bit muddled about the prospect of sending a family of four on a “Family” river cruise… River Cruises have always attracted the older, more experienced traveler. Not that any of the Disney Ocean Ships have a casino, but they do have the best children’s program anywhere, and isn’t that why we take our children on a Disney Cruise? But, then my mind begins to wander and evolve with Adventures by Disney land packages that don’t have any of this, but yet sell out… These trips are cultural and chock-full of adventure, Kids Style!

I speak with clients everyday who have been touring for at least a decade only for them to change from touring Europe to cruising Europe.  What better way to see Europe than to cruise through what used to be its highways? These highways take you directly into the heart of Europe! Castles, Villages, City Centers, Christmas Markets… The best part of the experience is that everything’s included in the price of the package: Meals, Drinks, Sightseeing, Taxes, Transfers, & Port Charges.

What would separate Disney River Cruises from all others?

These journeys were planned from the ground up with families and family fun in mind.  Imagine taking a family bike trip along the Danube, learning archery and other medieval activities at a historic castle, visiting a salt mine, attend a horse show and a Marionette performance, or learn stroudel making in the heart of Austria.  Through it all, you’re sure to enjoy the amazing variety of destinations, from charming villages to iconic European cities.

You’ll also enjoy the renowned way the Adventure Guides team up with local experts to immerse your family in the history and culture of each destination.  All of this while enjoying an overnight port-to-port cruise on the Danube, making for easy and flexible travel to each destination.

Another important component for family travel is more triple, quads and connecting cabins.  many river offer very few of these cabins if any, which is why Disney partnered up with AMA Waterways. AMA’s new 170 passenger ship (AMA Viola), which is set to debut in 2016 is designed for families, which means more family friendly cabins.  The 4 suites can accommodate 4 travelers.  The Category AA Violin Deck French & outside balcony cabins have 8 triple cabins. Category AB Cello deck French & outside balcony cabins offer 10 triples cabins and then there are 6 connecting BA cabins offering plenty of options for families. Of course it is important to book as early as possible, as there are only a limited number of departures.

Disney’s 7-night cruises are scheduled for July 7th, 14th, 21st, & 28th… In addition to these departures, one more has been added to the docket and it’s during the holidays, December 22nd, which means Christmas Markets! Passengers will experience eight (8) cities in Germany, Austria, Slovakia, & Hungary – two (2) of the eight (8) cities are: Vienna & Budapest.

Click to view the itinerary for the Disney Danube River Cruise. The cost of the cruise will begin at $4,100 per person, which falls in line with Adventures by Disney rates. Children will continue receiving their concessions, making the fares a bit less than adults. There is also an option to add a 3 day, 2 night stay in Prague.

If you’ve traveled with Disney, whether it be Disney Cruise Line or Adventures by Disney, you’ll receive first crack at booking your trip starting Tuesday, while the general public is kept waiting until Wednesday.

Adventures by Disney River Cruise Highlights:

• Austria: Hohenwerfen Castle And Live Falconry Show 

  The 900-year-old Hohenwerfen Castle is the stuff of legends and features historic sights that the whole family can enjoy. While there, experience a falconry flight show that allows you to witness these majestic birds up close.

• Wachau Valley Bike Excursion 

  Take a bike ride from Melk to Krems (via the storybook village of Durnstein) and enjoy the pastoral landscape dotted with rolling Wachau Valley vineyards.

• Austria: Explore Salzburg 

  Enjoy a day in the majestic city of Salzburg with a local expert. Visit the beautiful Mirabell Gardens and other sights made famous from the movie The Sound of Music.

• Hungary: Lazar Equestrian Park 

  This famous ranch founded by the Lazar Brothers is full of fun activities for the whole family. Take a carriage ride, see the famous “csikósok“—Hungarian cowboys—enjoy an entertaining horse show and petting zoo.

• Slovakia: A Medieval Adventure At Devin Castle 

  Perched atop a cliff these castle ruins now serve as a museum, don’t miss the famous Maiden Tower, a Rapunzel-like prison tower. Enjoy archery and other medieval activities, plus candle making with real beeswax—and take your creation home with you.

• Austria: Schonbrunn Palace 

  See a unique marionette demonstration, something Schonbrunn Palace is famous for. Then experience a strudel making demonstration featuring a famous regional treat—apple strudel.

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