Original article at: http://www.passporter.com/articles/my-quest-for-the-west-adventures-by-disney.html
My Quest for the West: An Adventures by Disney Report
by Mary Jane Crawford, PassPorter Guest ContributorLast modified 01/28/2010
Do you yearn to visit Wyoming, see Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, the Teton Mountains, but not sure where to start, what to see and do, where to stay? It is such a vast region to cover – especially if you are unfamiliar with the area.
The view from Brooks Lake Lodge, Wyoming
This past summer, I went on my first Adventures by Disney vacation, Quest for the West, which included all of the above and more. I must say it was one of my favorite vacations. Disney took care of all the planning (which was a break for me since I am always planning vacations). We had an opportunity to see and do quite a few things, and at the same time we never felt over-scheduled or rushed, and even had some free time to explore on our own.
Our Adventures by Disney guide and a cowboy enthusiastically greeted us at the airport. Our luggage was whisked away as we were escorted to the Wort Hotel in the center of Jackson Hole. We felt as if we were stepping into the Old West as we entered this town. A real stage coach waited to give us a ride through the town. The shops appeared old-western on the outside – but a peek inside and we found extraordinarily nice and unusual items. Even men will enjoy shopping here – they can purchase a stuffed polar bear for a little over $34,000. But, don't worry! Not everything is that expensive, and they offer a lot more than t-shirts and the usual souvenirs!
We met the rest of our group that night at the Welcome Dinner. Our group of 31 people included all ages of families, couples, and singles. We enjoyed our upcoming days hiking the Teton Mountains and seeing the waterfalls and gorgeous views like the breathtaking Artist Point; Yellowstone's "Grand Canyon." A favorite of all ages was the white water rafting trip on the Snake River. As we went through the rapids, not one of our rafts tipped over. I am still not sure if it was because of Disney "magic" or because Disney reserved the best guides available.
There was plenty of seating in the comfortable bus that took us to Yellowstone. Shortly after settling in my room in the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, I glanced out the window to see two mama bison walking up the resort road with their calves. Disney magic was at it again!
A Yellowstone Park Guide gave us a guided tour beginning with a front row seat to view that most famous of geysers, Old Faithful. Throughout the next couple days our eyes captured the beauty of many hot springs, geysers, and mud pots. My favorite was the Grand Prismatic Spring – a beautiful turquoise blue (far prettier than the Caribbean) – it was breathtaking! We also witnessed a couple geysers, also seen for the first time by our Adventures by Disney guides. But then of course, we had Disney magic with us.
After a delicious lunch at the Yellowstone Inn, we came out to find a bison grazing on the lawn. Another bison was across the street by the river, and soon moseyed over to join his friend. I am still not sure how Disney arranged that one!
Our last few days were spent relaxing at the picturesque Brooks Lake Lodge and Spa with plenty of activities available like horseback riding, fishing, canoing, and massages. Parents relaxed and enjoyed their meals, while our guides dined with the children and entertained them with after-dinner activities.
Our two Adventures by Disney guides were incredible in every way. No matter what we needed they were always prepared, with items like bug spray, suntan lotion, first-aid, rain ponchos, water, and snacks. And do you believe that, during the 6-day adventure, never once did I hear a child utter, "I'm bored!" Now that is Disney magic at its best!
So leave the planning to Adventures by Disney – sit back and enjoy a relaxing vacation! I would recommend any of the Adventures by Disney vacations to all my friends and clients. No matter where you choose to go, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience!
About the Author: Mary Jane is an agent with CruisingCo.com and MouseEarVacations.com. She has taken two Adventures by Disney vacations, and is looking forward to her next Disney cruise aboard the Disney Dream in 2011!
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Updated 01/28/2010
Check for a more updated version at http://www.passporter.com/articles/my-quest-for-the-west-adventures-by-disney.html