The Disney Corporation invests a lot of resources in research and development. This is seen in Disney theme parks and movies, of course, but nowhere is it more evident than in their Disney-branded family travel packages.
The Mudslide family enjoyed our Adventures By Disney Southwest Splendors trip even more than we thought we would. It hit all the right notes – even the pit stop en route to Sedona was fun and interesting. The first two nights, in Sedona Arizona, were perfect: Long enough to really appreciate the natural, other-worldly beauty of the land, but not long enough to have the vacation devolve into a shopping extravaganza (there are many tourist trap stores interspersed among the art galleries and restaurants along 89A, Sedona’s main drag). Part of the vacation package involved learning about some terrifically arcane laws still on Arizona’s books. One is that it is illegal to have a donkey in a bathtub, the idea of which amused everyone. Another old-timey law still on the books is that it is illegal to refuse a man a glass of water! Someone should remind US Airways of this at the Phoenix Airport.
Adventures By Disney wisely partnered with Red Rock Jeeps, one of the two biggest jeep tour businesses in Sedona. The other, Pink Jeep Tours, tends to attract more of the exuberant Spring Break type of crowd. The Red Rock guides, by contrast, are geared more towards family travel. The jeeps comfortably seat seven, and the kids all want to sit on the bounciest back bench: Once the off-roading portion of the Sedona tour starts, those kids scream and laugh as much as on any Disneyland ride.
Our Adventure By Disney guides Joanne and Brian
explained how Sedona’s beauty has long attracted artists and New Age, spiritual people – this told to the family group in an open, accepting way that reflects the Sedona culture. There may indeed be a vortex, or something magical in the air; during one particularly scenic stop, Joanne asked the family groups to close their eyes and see if our “Sedona names” came to us. The elder MudslideDaughter’s Sedona name is “Orlando,” (strangely appropriate for an, ahem, Disney vacation), and the younger’s is, apparently, “Hot Mars.” This last name makes sense, I think. The enormous red boulders and hot desert sun combine to give Sedona the appearance (to a child) of a sci-fi version of Mars. Well, I closed my eyes and tried to be open to the idea of a mystic, magic, vortex-like Sedona name too. It didn’t work for me. I suppose my lucky children are more attuned to the vortex of Sedona Arizona than am I. In any case, the Mudslide family had a wonderful experience in Sedona, thanks to Adventures By Disney. No child complained of being too hot or bored: That makes this great family travel adventure magic enough.
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Cool. As a long-time Southwestern American (yeah I lived in northern Arizona for like a decade and a half) I can say I have had my share of spiritual (and sometimes plain weird) experiences in Sedona.
I always love being there. The colors of rock, brush and sky are soothing, there’s great hiking and cycling and even meditating in the great outdoors in Sedona.
Now you are making me miss it!
i can’t wait until my daughter is old enough to do things like this with her. i’ve never explored the southwest, unless you count airpot terminals. i’m having a giveaway at my blog, by the way. love it if you’d swing by!
Hot Mars is too cute. It looks gorgeous there. Someday perhaps.
so, has the mouse gone feral?
If Disney is promoting responsible outdoor tourism, good for them.
If they’re turning every naturally beautiful place into a theme park, thumbs down. (Harumph).
Sounds like your family had an excellent time!
It does look pretty out there in the wild. Disney promoting a real outdoor adventure, well I’ll be.
LONDON (Reuters Life!) – About half the adult British public believe that children behave like animals and pose an increasing danger to themselves and others, according to a poll released on Monday. A report by charity Barnardo’s,
Sedona is such a gorgeous place. I think it should be a must do on any travelers list. Thanks for sharing this.
BeBe
I think this is really good that disney is promoting outdoor activities. great way to get the kids involved and away from tvs and playstations!
Featuring the wonderous Red Rocks State Park, Sedona Arizona is a hub of amazing history, archeology and culture. While in town take a trip to the Sedona Heritage Museum or the monthly Gallery Walk.
Disney has taken a wise step by coming forward to promote outdoor activities. The photographs you have included are very beautiful