{"id":26374,"date":"2026-03-10T03:24:21","date_gmt":"2026-03-10T03:24:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=26374"},"modified":"2026-03-10T03:24:21","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T03:24:21","slug":"10-trips-for-disney-adults-that-arent-disney","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=26374","title":{"rendered":"10 Trips for Disney Adults That Aren\u2019t Disney"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

If you\u2019re a Disney adult, a lot of your travel might revolve around going to Disney parks. By now, you\u2019ve memorized park maps. You know every word of the Haunted Mansion spiel. You know how to maximize every minute of your time in the parks.<\/span><\/p>\n

If that\u2019s you, it might be time to travel somewhere that\u2019s not Disney. But where to go? Consider one of these destinations, which we chose for their immersive experiences and Disney ties.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/div>
Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Germany. (Photo by Hamilton Nguyen)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

If you love Epcot\u2019s Germany pavilion, you\u2019ll love Munich. Beer halls like Hofbr\u00e4uhaus and Augustiner-Keller feature long communal tables, live music and festive vibes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Munich\u2019s historic center is compact and walkable with plazas, beer gardens and pretzels (not necessarily Mickey-shaped) throughout. Should you want to venture further out in the city, public transportation is efficient and intuitive.<\/span><\/p>\n

The real star of Bavaria, though, is Neuschwanstein Castle, widely cited as the inspiration for Disneyland\u2019s Sleeping Beauty Castle. To get there, you can join a guided day tour from Munich or rent a car for the roughly 90-minute drive. But the most rewarding (and budget-friendly) option is the train to F\u00fcssen, followed by a bus or uphill hike to the castle. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\"Architecture,<\/div>
Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by Sally French\/SS)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

While \u201cThe Sound of Music\u201d isn\u2019t a Disney original, it joined the catalog when Disney acquired 21st Century Fox in 2019. <\/span><\/p>\n

Many tour operators in Salzburg, Austria, offer Sound of Music tours, which bundle transportation, narration and filming lore in a way that feels very familiar to anyone who\u2019s ever boarded a Disney bus. These tours can be an efficient way for travelers to explore some of the most iconic filming locations, including the gazebo and the church in Mondsee where Maria and Captain von Trapp were married, which sits well outside the city.<\/span><\/p>\n

But you don\u2019t need a tour to soak in the Salzburg magic. The historic old town is compact, flat and extremely walkable. You can stroll into Mirabell Gardens and stand by the Pegasus Fountain to recreate your own \u201cDo-Re-Mi\u201d moment for free. From there, it’s a scenic hike to Schloss Leopoldskron, the home featured in the film. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

These welcome offers could cover your next trip<\/h2>\n

<\/path> <\/svg> <\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Chase<\/figure>\n

Chase Sapphire Preferred\u00ae Card<\/span> <\/p>\n

\n

on Chase’s website<\/p>\n

Rates & Fees\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n
\"Chase<\/figure>\n

Chase Sapphire Reserve\u00ae<\/span> <\/p>\n

\n

on Chase’s website<\/p>\n

Rates & Fees\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n
\"American<\/figure>\n

American Express Platinum Card\u00ae<\/span> <\/p>\n

\n

on American Express’ website<\/p>\n

Rates & Fees\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n
\"American<\/figure>\n

American Express\u00ae Gold Card<\/span> <\/p>\n

\n

on American Express’ website<\/p>\n

Rates & Fees\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards\u00ae Points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Terms apply.<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards\u00ae Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you\u2019re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount \u2013 all with no credit score impact. If you\u2019re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

<\/astro-island><\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\"Field,<\/div>
Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Fans of Disney\u2019s Animal Kingdom have likely taken multiple rides through Kilimanjaro Safaris. It might be time to experience the real thing in Tanzania, home to Mount Kilimanjaro. Book a safari, and you\u2019ll see wild animals like lions, cheetahs, elephants and zebras up close in their natural habitats. <\/span><\/p>\n

Most travelers book all-inclusive safari packages, which bundle lodging, meals, guides and transportation. While these packages can be expensive, often starting in the low thousands per person, you generally don\u2019t have to put a lot of effort into managing logistics, like coordinating dinner reservations or rides. <\/span><\/p>\n

The most opulent safari lodges or glamping sites sit adjacent to watering holes, where elephants wander past your deck at sunrise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\"Play<\/div>
Go-Chan, a character from a Japanese TV show, stands alongside Cinnamoroll, the famous Sanrio character in Tokyo, Japan.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Kawaii culture, which describes Japan\u2019s celebration of cuteness, means nearly everything in Tokyo has a character attached. It might not be Mickey \u2014 it could be Pikachu or Hello Kitty \u2014 but the spirit is quite Disney. In Tokyo, some trains and train stations are decked out with cute characters, and even construction sites feature cartoon animals politely asking you to watch your step or guiding you where to go. Disney adults will likely appreciate this level of whimsy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Tokyo\u2019s snacks are elite. Convenience stores sell beautifully packaged meals and desserts that look as good as they taste, while vending machines dispense everything from frozen crepes to hot pork cutlet sandwiches.<\/span><\/p>\n

And just in case you can\u2019t travel without a smidge of Disney, there\u2019s Tokyo Disney Resort, home to what many fans argue is the best Disney park in the world. It\u2019s also far cheaper. One-day adult tickets to Tokyo Disneyland start at just 7,900 yen (about $50), a bargain compared to Walt Disney World tickets, which start at $119.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

5. Royal Caribbean\u2019s Icon-class ships<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\"Amusement<\/div>
A water park on the top deck of Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas. (Photo by Sally French\/SS)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

For Disney Cruise Line fans curious about alternatives, Royal Caribbean\u2019s Icon-class ships offer familiar scale and over-the-top theming. <\/span><\/p>\n

Similar to the themed lands in Disney parks, these ships are divided into themed neighborhoods, like Thrill Island (which includes an entire waterpark made up of six slides), the kid-friendly Surfside (featuring an actual carousel) and Central Park, which places 30,500 real plants on the ship.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ships feature top-tier entertainment, with Broadway-caliber musicals and ice rink performances. <\/span><\/p>\n

Another good reason to love Royal Caribbean: The cruise line\u2019s sailings, on average, are more than 60% cheaper than Disney Cruise Line cruises, according to data provided by Cruise Critic to SS. That data compared the average starting cost of a three- to five-night cruise to the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda for dates between February and December 2026.<\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\"Honolulu<\/div>
Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Disney adults know Oahu is home to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, located in the swanky resort area of Ko Olina. <\/span><\/p>\n

But you don’t need to stay at Aulani to experience the island’s Disney-esque magic. On Oahu, you can find a Dole Whip pretty much anywhere. The scenic drives and designated viewpoints feel almost Imagineered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss the hike to Diamond Head State Monument. The crater trail winds upward through tunnels and old military bunkers before opening onto sweeping views of the water and Honolulu skyline. The summit can get crowded, so arrive early in the morning.<\/span><\/p>\n

And then there\u2019s the Polynesian Cultural Center, with different cultural \u201cvillages\u201d featuring activities such as dance performances, craft-making and spear-throwing demonstrations.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

7. San Francisco, California<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\"Cable<\/div>
A cable car runs up and down a hill in San Francisco.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Much like Disneyland\u2019s trains and streetcars, San Francisco stands out for its iconic and charming public transit system: the cable car. The $9 ride to Fisherman\u2019s Wharf will put you close to the antique arcade Mus\u00e9e M\u00e9canique (which was featured in \u201cThe Princess Diaries\u201d), Ghirardelli Square and a whole bunch of barking sea lions that are free to watch.<\/span><\/p>\n

Disney adults might also enjoy making the pilgrimage to the Walt Disney Family Museum, which was founded by Walt\u2019s daughter, Diane Disney Miller.<\/span><\/p>\n

And fans of Walt Disney\u2019s Enchanted Tiki Room will love San Francisco\u2019s strong tiki culture, with bars like Smuggler\u2019s Cove, the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar and Trader Vic\u2019s (just across the Bay Bridge in Emeryville).<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

8. Yosemite and Sequoia national parks<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\"Nature,<\/div>
Half Dome in California’s Yosemite National Park.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

If you like the vibes in Disney California Adventure\u2019s Grizzly Peak area, just go see the real thing, which is not actually that far away.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yosemite offers the towering granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls that inspired the land\u2019s design \u2014 think Half Dome, El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall. Sequoia lets you stand at the base of the largest trees on the planet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yosemite and Sequoia are within a half-day\u2019s drive from Anaheim, California, making them realistic add-ons or alternatives to a Disneyland trip. If you plan to visit multiple parks, consider getting the America the Beautiful Pass. At $80 for U.S. citizens and residents, it\u2019s far less than even a single day at a Disney park.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

9. Utah and Arizona\u2019s national parks<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\"Mountain,<\/div>
Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Speaking of national parks, Disney fans might want to explore some of the ones in Utah and Arizona, too.<\/span><\/div>\n

Bryce Canyon\u2019s hoodoos famously inspired the scenery for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Zion is just downright beautiful, with steep cliffs framed by deep canyons. And rather than look at the diorama version of the Grand Canyon from the Disneyland Railroad, you might as well see the real thing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Staying in Kanab, Utah, makes it easy to do day trips to all three parks. Kanab, which is famously the filming site of many Western movies, today houses the Little Hollywood Museum.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alternatively, stay in the town of Moab as a base to see both Arches and Canyonlands.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\"Boat,<\/div>
The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

The Las Vegas Strip is built on immersive theming. Hotels like The Venetian Las Vegas lean all the way in, with gondoliers who sing as they glide through indoor canals under a permanently blue fake sky. A literal roller coaster runs through the New York-New York Hotel & Casino. <\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s plenty of wholesome fun in Vegas, too. Catch a Cirque du Soleil show, visit the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay or take in the free fountain show at the Bellagio Las Vegas, which feels like the original World of Color, the nighttime water and light show at Disney California Adventure.<\/span><\/div>\n
To view rates and fees of the American Express\u00ae Gold Card<\/span>, see this page<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
To view rates and fees of the American Express Platinum Card\u00ae<\/span>, see this page<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\n

How to maximize your rewards<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re a Disney adult, a lot of your travel might revolve around going to Disney parks. By now, you\u2019ve memorized park maps. You know every word of the Haunted Mansion spiel. You know how to maximize every minute of your time in the parks. If that\u2019s you, it might be time to travel somewhere<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":26375,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[195],"tags":[2330,1824,6401,4072],"class_list":{"0":"post-26374","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-personal-finance","8":"tag-adults","9":"tag-arent","10":"tag-disney","11":"tag-trips"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26374","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=26374"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26374\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/26375"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=26374"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=26374"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=26374"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}