As a luxury travel advisor, the thought of group travel always made me cringe. Being crammed into a bus with strangers, stuck on someone else’s schedule? I’ll pass. I like my privacy, my space, and an itinerary that’s entirely my own.

And yet, Adventures by Disney somehow got it right. With VIP experiences across the globe and one of the highest traveler return rates in the industry, they’ve clearly cracked the code for small group travel. As a mom and travel planner, here’s what I think sets these trips apart.

Personalized Itineraries for All Ages

Adventures by Disney has a unique ability to bridge gaps between generations, ensuring memorable experiences for guests of all ages. For example, a wine-tasting in Italy includes an olive oil tasting for Junior Adventurers. Every activity is curated to keep everyone engaged, whether you’re seven or seventy. That said, there are also Adult Exclusive departures tailored to grown-up tastes and interests.

Experienced Adventure Guides

Every trip includes not one, but two highly-trained Adventure Guides who act as concierge, cultural expert, and master storyteller all in one. It’s their passion and knowledge of the destination that transform a great itinerary into an unforgettable experience—whether they’re organizing a surprise scavenger hunt for the kids or handling logistics behind the scenes so the adults don’t have to lift their fingers.

Adaptability

As much as I enjoy planning my own travel, every once in a while it’s nice to let someone else take the reins and deal with any hiccups. On a recent Adventures by Disney trip, heavy snowfall made our original route impassable. Our experienced driver and seasoned guides seamlessly shifted to an alternate itinerary. No stress. No scrambling. There’s no second-guessing directions, no long waits in line, and no frantic searches for a kid-friendly restaurant. It’s all handled with the kind of care and calm that makes travel feel easy.

Authentic Local Experiences

Despite being a Disney brand, these trips are anything but theme park-style tourism. That’s because Adventures by Disney partners with local artisans, historians, chefs, and cultural experts. Each itinerary is carefully curated to showcase the heart of the destination, whether that’s via private tours of the Sistine Chapel, traditional tea ceremonies in Japan, or cooking with local families in Thailand.

A Sense of Family

It’s a cliché notion, but it’s one I’ve heard from travelers time and again. They begin their journey skeptical of traveling with strangers and return with lifelong friends. There’s a genuine sense of connection on these trips. It stems from the relaxation of a stress-free travel experience and bonds formed while experiencing new cultures together. And when you see your kids laughing with new friends or sharing inside jokes with other families at dinner, you realize how special that is.

Mary Helen Law is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in Disney trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Law at maryhelen@mousecounselors.com.

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