4 Family Vacations Inspired By Your Child's (or your) Favorite Disney Movie

While Walt Disney World may come to mind at first when planning a Disney themed vacation, it isn’t the only place one can walk in the footsteps of their favorite Disney character. 

For your next vacation, let your child’s (or your) cinematic obsession spur a getaway that brings the Disney magic to real life. Whether channeling your inner Capt. Jack sparrow, rubbing fins with Ariel’s mermaid friends, visiting Princess Tiana’s stompin’ grounds, or building a snowman like Elsa and Anna, these vacation ideas are sure to please the whole family!

Pirates of the Caribbean

With the release of the fifth installment of the Pirates of The Caribbean film series, "Dead Men Tell No Tales,” Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan is now offering the “Parents of the Caribbean” package. Guests can explore the mysterious caves of the Lucayan National Park and enjoy a pirates picnic at Gold Rock Beach, where part of the second movie, “Dead Man’s Chest” was filmed. Buccaneers on this three-day adventure are guaranteed better luck than ole’ Capt. Jack Sparrow as they indulge in all-inclusive accommodations and navigate the resort for an on-property scavenger hunt and show off their newly discovered buried treasures with a fun photo opp. 

“Parents of the Caribbean” is bookable now through July 31, with stays through September 1, 2017 and rates starting at $574/person for a three-night stay. 

Lighthouse Pointe is where the island authenticity of the Bahamas meets the ease and affordability of an all-inclusive resort. Here guests enjoy spacious, stylishly appointed guest rooms and exclusive access to delectable restaurants, as well as all recreation, entertainment, meals and premium-brand beverages. Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan is a picture-perfect getaway for revelers looking for a true, authentic Caribbean escape. For more information, visit www.grandlucayan.com.

The Little Mermaid

Skip the lines and satisfy your little mermaid’s under-the-sea fantasies with a visit to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. The Mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs invite guest to catch their performance of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale, live in their submerged 400-seat auditorium that’s low-tech but surprisingly impressive. After the show, stick around for a photo op with a mermaid. If your little one wants even more, enroll her in Mermaid Camp, where she’ll learn to swim like the show performers, get a mermaid makeover and truly become part of their world.

Since 1947, Weeki Wachee Springs has been dazzling visitors with its beautiful, mesmerizing mermaids who swim in its cool, crystal-clear waters. This legendary enchanted spring, the only one of its kind in the world, is one of Florida’s most unique roadside attractions. For more information, visit www.weekiwachee.com.

Princess and the Frog

 

If after watching Princess and the Frog you’re filled with a huge urge to head to N’awlins, then, by all means, do it! There’s amazing food, swinging music and fun around many a corner. Helpful hint: Don’t kiss any frogs or get lost in the bayou.
Tiana is a foodie, that’s just one of the many reasons we love her. When she starts chatting about gumbo and beignets, we can’t help but instantly crave those New Orleans classics. When in the Big Easy, go to Cafe du Monde for a couple beignets and for some epic gumbo, try Galatoire’s French Creole seafood gumbo or the Gumbo du Jour at Commander’s Palace, or grab a bowl at the aptly named Gumbo Shop. Go on a swamp tour to see what inspired the filmmakers when creating the area where Tiana and Prince Naveen stayed while in frog form. CajunEncounters Swamp Tour will take you on a tour of Honey Island Swamp with highlights such as alligators, luscious Spanish moss and the dramatic cypress tree that inspired Madame Odie’s home.

Frozen

 

Do you want to build a snowman? Well pack your sweaters and head to the place that inspired the highest-grossing animated film in history. To go to the source of the aesthetics of Disney’s Frozen, you’ll need to head straight to Norway, the place that was used as the setting and inspiration for the fictional town of Arendelle. Visit Bergen – with its picturesque wharf and charming buildings – in Norway’s western fjordlands, which inspired the fictional Arendelle. If you really wanna do a Frozen-inspired vacay right, then you have NO choice but to stay in an ice hotel. To do so in Norway, head to the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, where the rooms are the opposite of toasty at between minus 4 and minus 7 (but you’ll keep cozy under reindeer hides and sleeping bags). Adventures by Disney curated a trip with the Frozen fanatic in mind that includes visiting historic Norwegian towns, sailing through fjords and learning about the Nordic culture — all sprinkled with a bit of Disney (and Frozen) magic.


With summer in full-force, now is the BEST time to start planning that fun vacation that the entire family will love.  And what better way to tie in your love of Disney than to enjoy a Disney-inspired vacation!  Happy planning!