Backstage Magic Tour: Adventures By Disney

Yes and no. The itinerary also had us in Hollywood for a few days as well. Hollywood? Now, I grew up in Southern California, and Hollywood was certainly not a place I wanted to vacation. I could only conjure up images of litter-filled streets and that grimy downtown feel many big cities have. Then I read that magical word -- "Imagineering." The place where Disney magic begins. The place where the people who create that magic work. The idea capital of the Universe. I knew at that moment that whatever the cost, I was going to find a way to get inside that building (or group of buildings, I know now).

It appeared we would also be visiting Jim Henson's Muppet Studios, Disney Studios (the real working film studio, not the park!), and a couple of historic theaters in Hollywood. It also appeared that nearly everything was included. All admission fees, all lodging, most tips, and many meals. So, I was able to justify most of the expense. I spent the next ten months drooling over the very few trip reports, the promotional materials, and the nice little "get excited" package of trip documents and goodies that Adventures by Disney sent us.

The time seemed to fly by and it wasn't long before the town car service (also included in the price!) was whisking me away to the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel. We were greeted and checked in by our Adventures By Disney Guides while our luggage was shuttled off to our room. This is where one of the primary values of an Adventures by Disney vacation became very apparent. The service. It's hands-down the best service I've ever had the privilege of receiving anywhere. Our talented and gracious guides attended to our every need while remaining light and fun and an integral part of the travel group. I kid you not, these two gentlemen not only took care of all of our mundane travel arrangements (like luggage and check ins), but also provided us with little extras such as, snacks and water bottles popping up as needed and enlightening bits of Disney trivia and history (enough to delight even our group of seasoned Disney travelers).