Magical Disney Trips You Might Not Know About (But Definitely Need to) ✨🚢🌍🏖️

You’ve done the theme park hustle. You’ve worn the ears, scored the dining reservations, and maybe even recited the Haunted Mansion spiel by heart. If you’re still a Disney lover but craving something new, you don’t have to leave the magic behind.

These Disney destinations offer a fresh spin on the pixie dust—no app refreshing, rope drop racing, or reservation juggling required.

🛳 Disney Cruise Line

If you're looking for a vacation that blends Disney magic with total relaxation, this is it. Disney Cruise Line takes everything you love—storytelling, characters, attention to detail—and brings it to the high seas.

Each ship is its own floating kingdom, with:

• Character meet & greets (including rare ones like Captain Hook or Pirate Mickey)

• Broadway-caliber shows exclusive to Disney Cruise Line

• Rotational dining where your servers travel with you to new restaurants each night

• Kid, tween, and teen clubs so everyone gets their own kind of fun

• Fireworks at sea, themed deck parties, and some of the best service in the industry

And yes, you still get that sprinkle of nostalgia with a side of sunshine and soft-serve. Whether you're headed to the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, or even Australia, it's a Disney experience—with ocean breezes and no park bag required.

🌺 Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa – Hawai‘i

Nestled on the shores of O‘ahu, Aulani is where Hawaiian culture meets Disney storytelling—with a big side of relaxation. While the magic is more subtle here (think Moana instead of Mickey parades), it’s every bit as enchanting.

Guests love:

• The Waikolohe Stream lazy river and zero-entry pools

• Aulani-exclusive character meet & greets with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and more—in tropical attire, of course

• ‘Ohana-style activities like lei-making, fireside storytelling, and ukulele lessons

• A kids’ club that actually makes kids want to leave you alone (thank you, Aunty’s Beach House)

• The award-winning Laniwai Spa for adults looking to really unwind

Whether you’re exploring the island or just living your best poolside life, Aulani is an ideal choice for couples, families, or multigenerational trips that want the magic without the ride queues.

🌍 Adventures by Disney

This is Disney for the world traveler. Adventures by Disney offers guided group tours (led by two Adventure Guides) that take the stress out of planning and dial up the magic behind-the-scenes.

What makes it special?

• VIP access to attractions and locations—think private tours of the Sistine Chapel or exclusive access to Yellowstone’s best-kept secrets

• Insider experiences like pasta-making with Italian chefs or camel rides through Moroccan deserts

• Seamless, stress-free logistics with Disney-level attention to detail

• Storytelling woven throughout the entire journey, with activities for both kids and adults

• Small groups and local guides that make the experience feel personal and curated

If you've ever dreamed of seeing the world, but the idea of planning it feels overwhelming—Adventures by Disney is like having a personal travel fairy godparent.

🏰 Disneyland Resort – California

If you’re a Walt Disney World regular, Disneyland will feel both familiar and brand-new. It’s more compact, more nostalgic, and way more walkable—which means less time in transit and more time soaking up the magic.

Why try Disneyland?

• Park hopping is a breeze (literally steps between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure)

• You can experience original attractions like Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride and the OG Pirates of the Caribbean

• Seasonal overlays like Haunted Mansion Holiday and Cars Land at Christmas are legendary

• You’ll get the chance to walk where Walt Disney walked—it’s the park that started it all

• And staying at the Grand Californian? It’s luxe, stunning, and has direct access into California Adventure

It’s perfect for a shorter trip, a change of pace, or a chance to experience Disney history with a churro in hand.

🏖 Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort – South Carolina

This charming, low-country escape is Disney magic with a Southern accent. Located on the scenic coast of South Carolina, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort offers a cozy, laid-back getaway perfect for families, couples, or anyone who wants a little Disney sprinkled into a beach retreat.

What you’ll find:

• Spacious villa-style accommodations with homey touches

• Campfires, nature programs, and classic Disney storytelling woven into the resort experience

• Easy access to bike trails, kayaking, golf, and, of course, the beach

• A peaceful setting with no theme parks, but plenty of magic

It’s ideal for guests who want a slower pace and some genuine rest—while still being welcomed "home" by a Cast Member.

🌊 Disney’s Vero Beach Resort – Florida

Want beachside bliss without leaving Florida? Disney’s Vero Beach Resort sits along Florida’s scenic Atlantic Treasure Coast. It’s a perfect mix of sun, sand, and signature Disney hospitality—less than two hours from Walt Disney World, but a world away in feel.

Guests love:

• Beautiful beachfront access with turtle conservation programs

• Family-friendly activities like mini golf, crafts, and character appearances

• A laid-back, coastal vibe with the attention to detail you expect from Disney

• Spacious villas and inn-style rooms designed with comfort in mind

This is a great option for guests looking for a quieter escape before or after the parks—or a standalone vacation full of sun, surf, and subtle Disney charm.

✈️ Bonus Magic: Disney’s International Parks

If you’re ready to take your Disney adventures global, there’s an entire world waiting—literally. Each international park brings its own unique flair, cultural influence, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Here’s a quick taste:

• Tokyo Disney Resort: DisneySea is often called the best theme park in the world. Incredible theming, polite crowds, and unique attractions you won’t find anywhere else.

• Disneyland Paris: A charming blend of classic Disney and European elegance. Sleeping Beauty’s Castle here? Total fairy tale goals.

• Hong Kong & Shanghai Disneyland: Known for bold, innovative rides (like Shanghai’s TRON and Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure) and detailed park design.

These are ideal for seasoned Disney fans who want to blend familiar magic with international adventure.

✨ Final Thoughts

You don’t have to stop loving Disney parks to crave something new—and thankfully, Disney has options that still feel magical, just in different ways. Whether it’s sailing the seas, soaking up sun in Hawai‘i, or eating croissants in front of a European castle, the adventure can continue... just with a twist.

Not sure which Disney destination is right for you next? That’s what your Adventure Advisor is here for—magic made easy, always.