Adventures by Disney to take guests to Colombia, the country that inspired ‘Encanto’
Adventures by Disney Colombia, Eastern Canada, and New Zealand itineraries have been announced for in 2024, with most guests able to book their vacations starting May 12, 2023.
An Adventures by Disney Colombia adventure headlines the new destination options for 2024. Eastern Canada’s Maritime Provinces and an enhanced New Zealand itinerary will also be new for 2024..
We already learned about the Adventures by Disney river cruise options for 2024; however, these new and updated land adventures will become available for booking as soon as May 12, 2023.
Adventures by Disney
For almost 20 years, guests traveling with Adventures by Disney have explored some of the most sought-after places in the world. The travel brand’s global portfolio has expanded to offer more than 40 guided-group adventures across all seven continents by land, river cruise, and expedition voyage.
Authenticity and cultural immersion and insider access and activities are at the heart of every Adventures by Disney vacation. In addition, Disney-trained Adventures Guides accompany every trip and bring the magic of each destination to life. Their storytelling, in-depth knowledge, and attention to detail ensures guests enjoy a hassle-free vacation.
Adventures by Disney Colombia Itinerary
The people and culture of Colombia sparked the imaginations of Disney storytellers as they created the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award-winning film “Encanto.” Now, the travel experts at Disney have curated a one-of-a-kind adventure filled with new discoveries and experiences inspired by the film. Families and groups can go “set-jetting” on their dream trip and see the movie come to life.
“At Adventures by Disney we take families to destinations they want to visit around the globe and make it easy to immerse themselves in new places, cultures and experiences,” said Nancy Schumacher, senior vice president and general manager of Adventures by Disney. “We are excited to include Colombia in our 2024 lineup, as this country has been an inspiration for Disney stories that are loved the world over. I’m proud of our team for thoughtfully crafting an authentic travel experience that celebrates this incredible destination.”
An all-new adventure takes travelers to Bogota, the coffee region, Cocora Valley, and Cartagena
From the moment “Encanto” directors Byron Howard and Jared Bush visited Colombia, they felt the immediate connection to the country and its people and knew it would be the home of the Madrigal family.
“Every Disney Animation film begins with research, and the trip we took to Colombia as we were developing ‘Encanto’ with Lin-Manuel Miranda immediately brought the story of this magical place and our wondrous Madrigal family to life,” said Howard and Bush. “Colombia is a crossroads of Latin America, and what we learned about family, tradition, music, food and dance were central to the development of the film. Our hope was always that ‘Encanto’ could celebrate just some of the many different people and cultures we experienced in Colombia – we are thrilled and touched that so many people have felt seen by the Madrigals’ story and now have this opportunity to experience its magic for themselves.”
On this new Adventures by Disney Colombia adventure, guests will be immersed in the diverse cultures and landscapes, get an authentic taste of the local cuisine, and discover the country’s unique characteristics and beauty.
Colombia functions as the second most biodiverse country in the world through access and experiences. Disney will empower guests to enjoy all these aspects, including the brilliant colors found in the neighborhoods and architecture, the green landscapes with towering wax palm trees and a kaleidoscope of butterflies, family recipes, traditional customs, and music.
Highlights of the eight-day, seven-night itinerary
Guests will visit the capital city of Bogota, where they will embark on privately guided tours of the Paloquemao Market and Historic City Center. Also, on this trip, guests can experience Colombian coffee during a visit to a coffee farm in Colombia’s coffee region to see the process for growing and harvesting coffee beans.
The nearby town of Salento is part of the inspiration for the setting of “Encanto,” and the Cocora Valley features the tall, towering wax palms and butterflies as depicted in the film.
The Adventures by Disney Colombia itinerary will include some other Encanto-inspired activities such as:
- Experiencing a hands-on arepa-making class, a traditional Latin American dish showcased in “Encanto” by Mirabel’s mother Julieta.
- Playing the country’s national sport of Tejo, as seen in the film.
- Exploring the city of Cartagena, which inspired the film’s colorful architecture and fabrics. Central to “Encanto” is the Afro-Caribbean influence, prominent in this city.
- Trekking the dry forest near Proyecto Titi, an organization dedicated to the preservation of the cotton-top tamarins, a project supported by the Disney Conservation Fund. Colombia’s rich biodiversity inspired the magical ability of the “Encanto” character Antonio, who has the power to communicate with animals.
- Snorkeling among the Rosario Islands, a collection of 27 islands home to more than 1,300 species of marine animals, vibrantly colored fish, and plants.
Special Signed “Encanto” Lithograph
Each travel party booked on the inaugural 2024 Adventures by Disney Colombia season will receive a signed lithograph of never-before-released artwork from Walt Disney Animation Studios.
This piece of visual development artwork by “Encanto” Associate Production Designer Lorelay Bové set the early concept for the new door to Casa Madrigal that would be revealed at the end of the film – a symbol of the new miracle that Mirabel and her family create together through honesty and love. Bové’s other work includes such films as “The Princess and the Frog,” “Tangled,” “Zootopia,” “Big Hero 6” and more.
New Adventures by Disney Itinerary to Canada’s Maritimes of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island
With Adventures by Disney, guests will enjoy Canada’s Atlantic coast and the Maritime Provinces of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. This itinerary will be packed with fun-filled activities. The adventure celebrates the outdoors. The experiences will surround families with the region’s picturesque rivers, beaches, ocean coasts and gulfs, and enchanting landscapes.
“Storytelling is at the heart of every trip we design, and we’re thrilled to introduce families to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island through an Adventures by Disney vacation, said adventures by Disney Program Development Manager Bernadette Johnston-Peck. “In researching this destination, we were excited about crafting a maritime experience; from land and sea adventures, to engaging with rich local history and culture, and of course savoring fresh regional flavors! Our guests will not just see the sights, they will be immersed in the destination to become part of the story. We look forward to welcoming families on this great, Canadian adventure.”
The eight-day, seven-night adventure includes:
- Visiting an authentic maple syrup farm in Nova Scotia, learning about tree tapping and the process that brings syrup from tree to table. Guests will sample the locally tapped product along the way.
- Discovering the Wood Island Lighthouse and being at the heart of the Island’s maritime heritage. The Lighthouse has served the community for more than 150 years. Junior Adventurers will enjoy their own special kite-making and flying activity as the breeze comes off the sea.
- Exploring Avonlea Village, the fictitious community central to the Anne of Green Gables stories, and enjoying tea with a descendant of author Lucy Maud Montgomery’s family.
- Learning about the indigenous Mi’kmaq Peoples during a visit to the Millbrook Cultural Heritage Centre. Guests will gain a first-hand understanding of their Talking Stick sacred practice.
- Enjoying outdoor family activities such as walking on the low-tide ocean floor at the Bay of Fundy, an onboard fisherman’s feast, horseback riding, gazing at the stars during a bonfire, biking, canoeing, and kayaking.
Enhanced Adventures by Disney New Zealand Adventure
The recently-enhanced New Zealand adventure will offer travelers the chance to experience the destination’s stunning scenery, blue waters, snow-capped mountains, volcanic sand beaches, and tropical rainforests. Guests will visit both vibrant cities and small towns and experience sights and activities that are authentic to New Zealand.
“We’re delighted to continue taking guests to New Zealand where they can fully experience the country in a way that only Adventures by Disney can provide,” said Adventures by Disney Destination manager John Michael Beck. “Our Adventure Guides bring the destination to life and ensure every detail is taken care of so families traveling with us can enjoy a hassle-free vacation as they embark on this amazing adventure. Not only does the itinerary include both relaxing and exciting activities, such as sailing on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, biking through the countryside, and exploring idyllic pastures and fascinating caves, our commitment to local culture is a priority when curating trips.”
The 12-day, 11-night itinerary highlights include:
- Participating in the exciting America’s Cup Experience in Auckland, the “City of Sails.”
- Sharing an authentic Hangi dinner with a local family to experience the indigenous Maori culture.
- Marveling at thousands of glow worms illuminating an underground cave among limestone formations.
- Touring the National Kiwi Hatchery, a facility renowned for its kiwi bird conservation program.
- Gazing at the dramatic geysers which dot the landscape at the Te Puia Geothermal Park, also home to the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Traveling via the TranzAlpine Train upwards into the Southern Alps.
Booking Information
Guests who have traveled with Adventures by Disney before can book earlier than other guests, with booking available to guests who have completed three previous adventures on May 9, 2023 and for guests who have completed at least one Adventures by Disney trip on May 10, 2023. Booking opens to the public on May 12, 2023.
To learn more about Adventures by Disney, call 1-833-223-0103 or visit the Adventures by Disney website.
