Disney opens new family tour package to Costa Rica.

The magical world of Disney has now expanded it’s Magic Kingdom beyond U.S. boundaries. Disney now offers all-inclusive vacations to Costa Rica. The new guided vacation tour packages have been designed for families to take the hassle out of planning a vacation that every member of the family will enjoy. Adventure’s by Disney offers vacations all over the world to countries such as China, Australia, England, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Peru, Costa Rica and more. With Costa Rica tourism sky rocketing it’s no wonder that the little Latin American gem was Disney’s next choice in guided vacations.

Disney decided to expand to Costa Rica after watching the tourist industry rise in the United States with special interest in the Latin America region, in part thanks to its close proximity and eco-friendly reputation. The region has gained around $63 million in tourism and travel related revenues in the past year. The World Travel and Tourism Council reports that a 7.9% growth in the Latin American tourism industry in 2006 alone. About 6% of that growth is thanks to Costa Rica travel, making it the entertainment giant’s clear choice as its newest preferred destination.

About 5 to 10 families will visit Costa Rica at a time with Disney and each tour will last 7 days 6 nights and 224 tours will run over the course of the year. Only four and five star hotels will be used and as of May 31st of this year the “Path to Pura Vida” tours are open for business.

The detailed itinerary will begin at the San Jose airport where each family is greeted by their adventure guide and taken to the Real Intercontinental Hotel located in the upscale capital city neighborhood of Escazu. This is one of the only nights the family will have free time to eat in the restaurant of their choice and explore the city on their own should they choose to. Early the next morning families will meet for a large breakfast on the outdoor terrace and have the opportunity to meet the other families who will be traveling together throughout the adventure. Breakfast is followed by a guided tour of the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a picnic lunch at the waterfalls, and a private festive dinner and show in the luxury Arenal Resort, Arenal Kioro.

Day three is even more action packed as breakfast is quickly followed by an invigorating zip line tour in the jungle canopy, a filling lunch, a local arts and crafts session and a private hot spring visit and dinner at the base of the active Arenal Volcano. Day four begins with an action packed river rafting tour down the Sarapiqui River, followed by a picnic lunch on the river bank. An informative pineapple plantation tour is followed by a delicious dinner.

Day four begins with a scenic flight along the Pacific coastline to Manuel Antonio where guests will enjoy a catered picnic lunch in the sand. Later that evening parents and children will branch off to enjoy their own private meals where the junior adventurers can cut loose with their favorite foods and mom and dad can toast to a stress free vacation followed by a Disney Movie Night.

After breakfast on day six families will explore the Costa Rican rain forest of Manuel Antonio National Park followed by an afternoon of activities of their choice. A nice farewell dinner wraps up the last night in paradise. The last day will begin with a tropical breakfast before boarding the domestic flight to San Jose and catching the international flight back home.

The perfectly planned itinerary might not be for all. In fact some people cringe at the idea of Disney presenting gold stars for participation and Disney created passports that are stamped at every National Park or museum. However, many people enjoy the idea that there are activities for all generations included in the vacation. Children, teens, parents, and grandparents alike can enjoy the carefree itinerary carefully created for each day and all group members. Children can enjoy the Disney movie night while parents enjoy a glass of wine by the pool.

All the details are taken care of by Disney including luggage, hotel check in, and transportation. Worries such as tipping, waiting for drivers or guides, or debates on when and where to eat are all eliminated from the equation, but perhaps the most reassuring aspect of the Disney Adventure Tour is its dedication to safety.

Senior Vice President of Adventures by Disney, Ed Baklor says that Disney performs ”detailed site inspections of all towns in all countries to be visited, as well as in-depth, first-hand research into the activities, dining venues, museums, parks, etc.” You can rest assured that every guide, every driver, and every zip line harness has been checked and double checked. Disney would never risk ruining a family fun reputation that is over 85 years in the making and don’t worry Mickey Mouse is NOT one of the many members of the animal kingdom found in the Costa Rican rain forest.