Search Results for: blog adventures by disney central and south america

Environmentalists Being Killed in Brazil

I think we take many of our freedoms for granted. Take the Occupy Wall Street people for example. They have been demonstrating in NYC in a public park for almost two months now. The police are on duty, but as far as I know, no protesters have been harmed. If only it were so easy in Brazil. This week, an environmentalist who was an outspoken protester of illegal logging in the Amazon has been killed. This is the eighth environmentalist killed since May. Pastoral Land Commission spokesperson Gilson Rego said that Joao Chupel Primo, 55, a farmer, was shot to … Continue reading →

Adventures by Disney: New Destinations for 2012

Earlier this year I wrapped up my look at the travel offerings of Adventures by Disney, the Mouse House’s vacation planning and tour organization. Now for 2012 AbD has added several new trip options to their list, most new tours of previously visited sites and one venturing to a new realm for the first time. The completely new destination now offered by AbD is Greece. The majority of the Greek trip focuses on the ancient country’s rich history: take a guided tour of the Pananthinaiko Olympic Stadium in Athens and hear stories while exploring the Acropolis. Travel to the oracle … Continue reading →

Walt Disney and the U.S. State Department

About a month ago I learned of the most interesting rumor about “Saludos Amigos” and “The Three Caballeros.” The little-known 1940s flicks, which feature Donald Duck traveling to Central and South America, meeting, and having adventures with Brazilian parrot Jose Carioca and Mexican rooster Panchito Pistolas, were supposedly commissioned by the U.S. State Department. As soon as I read this, I instantly had to know more. I really wanted to learn the real story, if one existed, behind the rumor and share it with you here. I couldn’t do that, however, until I was able to find at least some … Continue reading →

Adventures by Disney: Urban History

The time has arrived for my final look at Adventures by Disney. It’s fitting that today’s blog features a vacation that takes its guests to Disneyland, among other more urban and historical retreats throughout the United States. To my surprise, there are currently no Adventures by Disney trips to either Disney World or to New York City. I could have sworn that AbD at least went to the latter some point, but for whatever reason that’s not on the table this year. Instead, AbD’s East Coast tour focuses on colonial history, with an 8-day 7-night Mid-Atlantic Family Vacation. Or as … Continue reading →

Help Plant 10,000 Rainforest Trees

Do you know that 2011 had been named the International Year of Forests by the United Nations (UN)? This was done to help raise the awareness of “sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests.” Throughout the year, there will be events including the Global Forum and Symposium of Model Forests (in Burgos, Spain) next week, the Bulgaria Professional Holiday of Foresters in April, Tree Fun: Family day at Fredriksdal in Sweden in May, the 4th International Conference on Mediterranean Pines in June, and Kids4Trees plantings throughout the year. So what can you do to help? You … Continue reading →

Credit Card Use Abroad

I don’t have that much experience with foreign travel. I’m a Southern California native so trips to border towns in Mexico were not uncommon. My husband and I have been on several cruises. Those cruises have all had port stops in Mexico. I also went to Canada with the church on choir tour when I was a high school freshman. My most noted trip abroad was to London during Christmas break when I was a college freshman. The university choir went to London to record an album and I went with them to sing as well. It was a wonderful … Continue reading →

Adventures by Disney: Europe

Now that we’re coming to the Adventures by Disney trips in Europe and North America, I will have to break up these sections into even smaller increments because there are so many travel options. Today I will focus on Adventures by Disney’s trips in England, France, Ireland, and Germany. Adventures by Disney offers two separate trips in England and France: the Gateway to London and Paris tour and the England and France Family Vacation. Despite the names, however, both seven-day six-night tours include only London and Paris. I find that a bit disappointing, because many of the other Adventures by … Continue reading →

Adventures by Disney: Central and South America

This month I started my look at the unique Adventures by Disney vacation program by highlighting their trips to Asia, Africa, and Australia. This week I’d like to overview Adventures by Disney in Central and South America. Those interested in taking a Disney-led trip to Central or South America have four options: two seven-day-stays in Costa Rica, one the normal Family vacation and one the Family Signature, 10 days in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, or nine days in Peru. There actually aren’t too many differences between the two Costa Rica vacations. On both families get to visit a pineapple … Continue reading →