Disney-fied New York City Adventure in Photos

50+ Million tourists descend on New York City each year, and now Disney’s group tour arm, Adventures by Disney, is bringing just a few more.  In 2015 Adventures by Disney began offering, for the first time, a jam-packed, four-day long weekend in Manhattan on select dates May through October.  However, you won’t find Mickey, Minnie, or any of the other Disney characters on this trip (except maybe on a Broadway stage).  Instead, Adventures by Disney offers immersive group experiences to discover the authentic heart of a destination.  These include typical New York City tourist stops in Times Square, Broadway, Central Park, and the National 9/11 Memorial Museum, but also unique off-the-beaten path opportunities such as backstage at Good Morning America, demonstration of the historic immigrant experience, and learning a Broadway dance number.  My teenage daughter and I experienced Adventures by Disney’s New York City long weekend, take a look through the photos below for what you can expect.

Disney's ALADDIN on Broadway

The Manhattan Club hotel was steps away from Carnegie Hall and Broadway, and served as the home base for our Adventures by Disney long weekend in New York City.

Adventures by Disney NYC: Day One

Our Adventures by Disney itinerary began with The Ride bus tour with an entertaining and comedic orientation to Manhattan, lunch at John’s Pizzeria, a visit to the September 11 Memorial and Museum, and finally dinner at the Tribeca Grill.

Adventures by Disney NYC: Day Two

The second day began early (wake up at 5 a.m.) to get to the Good Morning America set, concert in Central Park, walking tour and lunch in Harlem, visit to Central Park, and a living history dinner and performance at the Tenement Museum.

Adventures by Disney NYC: Day Three

Broadway was the theme for the third day of our Adventures by Disney trip to New York City beginning with the singing waitstaff at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, tour of Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre including the costume and prop room, learning the opening number from Disney’s Aladdin in a dance workshop, and finally a front-row seat for Aladdin on Broadway.

Overall Impression

Note: day 4 of the trip was simply check out and head to the airport (or time on your own before departure).  Similar to other guided group tours in the travel industry, priced at $2,600/adult and $2,500/child (12 and under) this Adventures by Disney New York City long weekend is not a budget vacation, more of a luxurious family splurge.  However, Adventures by Disney delivers a seamless door-to-door travel experience; two experienced Disney guides looking out for you and your family, answering any questions or concerns, and offering exceptional service throughout the tour; and a few special Disney perks and surprises along the way.  Adventures by Disney gets your family away from theme park style excursions, and instead offers an active, immersive and authentic experience along with traveling in the exceptional comfort and security of Disney.  If Adventures by Disney fits into your budget, I can highly recommend the experience.

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About Dave Parfitt

Married, father of two girls, and living in the heart of the Finger Lakes. I'm a runner with a PhD in neuroscience and a passion for travel.