Whether you take your family to the domestic theme parks or travel abroad on an extravagant Adventures By Disney package, you will be building memories to last a lifetime. Disney’s in-depth cultural experiences and global adventures are a natural progression from the values and passion of Walt Disney that began almost 65 years ago. For a complete view of the Disney tradition and heritage, we need not look any further than the romantic history of Disney and river cruises.
From Rivers of America to the Rivers of Europe
Disney Rivers
When Disneyland opened in 1955 two large bodies of water wrapped around the lands of Frontierland and Adventureland. In Frontierland, the Rivers of America were lovingly created as a tribute to the famous North American Rivers from the Mississippi to the Columbia. The waterways add to the wide-open feel of the land marked by westward settlers. In the mysterious Adventureland, the rivers of South America, Africa, and Asia hide within a deep jungle atmosphere. Both of these features are marked by Cruises. The Mark Twain Steamboat and the Columbia circle the first, and the second is the notorious Jungle Cruise attraction. Both of these became a lasting template for the Magic Kingdom and other Disneyland parks to come.
Disney’s Canceled Rhine River Cruise Attraction
When Epcot was first conceived, there were plans for additional attractions and pavilions that never took shape. Although Germany was always one of the intended pavilions in the World Showcase, original plans called for an attraction. The queue was built and you can see where the wall has been filled in when you line up for a Bratwurst and Nudel Gratin at Somerfest. This attraction was meant to be a Rhine River Cruise.
Although Disney never built the boat ride, we imagine it must have had a similar feel to Maelstrom, or potentially something similar to the Na’ vi River Journey in Pandora, or Pirates of the Caribbean. Incidentally, Magic Kingdom plans included a Lewis and Clark inspired river expedition that was canceled in favor of building Pirates of the Caribbean at the last minute, due to guest complaints that the attraction was missing.
The Riviera
Walt Disney World’s newest hotel The Riviera continues the long tradition of Disney’s focus on rivers. It also signifies the fondness Walt Disney had for Europe and his tour of the country in 1935. The idea to theme the Europe-inspired resort to the Riviera is only the latest example of the company’s romance with rivers and there are more to come.
Adventures By Disney River Cruises
Now, Disney has expanded beyond the parks and resorts. Adventures By Disney in partnership with AmaWaterways provides real-world experiences, explorations, and discoveries. The best way to experience the world is by river with dedicated Adventure by Disney guides. On a European River Cruise with Adventures By Disney, you get to travel the very source of inspiration for the theme parks and films. Unique in it’s approach to family focused River Cruising (though there are adult exclusive dates) they offer options such as connecting staterooms, children onboard activities (such as cooking classes, karaoke and ice cream parties), family focused all inclusive excursions and more!
Looking for another difference on these cruises….in addition to the crew on any river cruise, there are 8 Adventure Guides for the of 150-170 guests onboard. Those guides will get to know you and your family, provide activities and entertainment on board and of course guide you through unique in port excursions.
The Four Rivers of Europe
Adventures By Disney offers 8 river cruises. Three cruises are along the Rhine. One is on the Rhone. One is on the Seine, and three are on the Danube.
Rhine
One of the fun things about cruising the Rhine is its exact history with the Disney Company and Disney offers a cruise experience here that is uniquely Disney centric. In most cases, Adventures By Disney is all about real-world cultural exploration and natural beauty. These things are the source of inspiration for the greatest stories. But on the Rhine River Cruise: D23 Experience, Disney doubles down on Disney fandom to bring even more Disney into the adventure, including conversations and presentations by esteemed Disney guests such as Imagineer Tony Baxter and Walt Disney Studios director Don Hahn.
The Rhine River Brings its own magic, too. You can take an 8-day cruise along four different countries to six destinations overflowing with old-world charm. The cruise includes meals and plenty of fun activities for all to enjoy. It’s ideal for families. Stops include Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Adventures By Disney also offers a Food and Wine edition of the Rhine River Cruise.
Beginning on October 15th, 2019, you can view our daily vlog (video blog) with highlights of journey. We’ll even be happy to chat about our “on our own” pre-trip to Munich, Germany, where we visit Neuschwanstein Castle…Walt’s original inspiration!
Rhone
This brand new cruise in France is an 8 day journey to four locations. Learn to paint and participate in cheese making and truffle hunting as you sail to Lyon, Tournon, Avignon, and Arles and visit Nimes and Marseilless. Are you a foodie? This is for you….stroll through Avignon on the Foodie Tour meeting local artisans and tasting local flacors. Visit Les Halles, the covered marketing for delicacies like no other! Not your cup of tea…no worries, there are always other excursions offered. There will be chances to kayak, hike, visit museums and get up close and personal with ancient Roman Monuments.
Seine
A trip through Northern France on the Seine includes stops at 7 locations on this busy 8-day journey. On the trip, you’ll dine on fantastic epicurean delights, visit the beaches of Normandy and take a rest at Monet’s house and gardens where you can enjoy a painting lesson. Each day is more exciting than the next. Which will be your favorite? A visit to the Apple orchard and calvados tasting? The Cliffs of Etretat? Kayaking in Rouen? Or will it be 3 days of Castles? This cruise also presents a great opportunity for a pre or post visit to Disneyland Paris!
Danube
There are three different cruises on the Danube. The main cruise travels from Budapest, Hungary to Vilshofen Germany. It’s an 8-day cruise with eight different stops. The Christmas Markets Cruise has the same stops but goes from Germany to Hungary. It includes shopping stops for crafts and gifts at local boutiques and festive markets. The third Danube Cruise is an adult-exclusive Oktoberfest cruise that features beer and wine tastings throughout Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. Imagine a visit to an Equestrian Center, family wagon rides and horse show with Hungarian cowboys in costume!
And of course, whichever River you choose…biking along the river is available in ports!
Ready to start planning and wondering why you would work with a travel specialist? We’ll help you navigate the trip, selecting the best room(s) for you onboard, assist with excursions (those not included and those you need to reserve) as well as including a complimentary pre-night, as our guest, so you can be refreshed and ready to start this magical experience.
Make your next memorable trip a Disney River Cruise through Europe. Ask your EZ Dis travel concierge for planning advice.
I would love to do any kind of disney cruise! A River cruise sounds amazing!
Hi Neely – it really was amazing. When you are ready, we would love to talk to you about it more!
Wow! This is beautiful. I had no idea that they have already ventured to real-world experiences. Happy to know that we can add this on our itinerary should we pursue of planning Disneyland Paris trip. Thank you for sharing this.
Thanks for taking the time to read our blog Clarice. When you are ready for Disneyland Paris or the River Cruise we would love to be part of your planning proccess
I had no idea Disney cruises were in these areas. It should make for a really nice vacation to see these places.
Thanks Denise, let us know when you are ready to start planning!
I didn’t know disney had river cruises. These are very cool. Thanks for the vacation idea!
Thanks for stopping by Grace! They really are an amazing way to vacation. Let us know when we can help!
Wow. These cruises are a real dream! If I were to choose one first, I think I would want to go on the Seine River Cruise first. The ports and the activities they offer are fantastic!
Eileen, these are definitely memory making! We’d love to help you plan and then live vicariously!