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Writer's pictureSarah Bergman

How to Spend Your Child's College Fund the Right Way: A Disney Adventure

So, there I was, daydreaming about another mundane vacation when Disney popped up like an overenthusiastic telemarketer to say, "Why don't you spend a ridiculous amount of money to explore all our parks around the world, you know, just because?" I mean, who wouldn't want to burn through a small fortune faster than Cinderella's fairy godmother can say, "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo"? If this is you, I've got the solution for you, and it's about as sensible as a screen door on a submarine.




It's a 24-day, 6-country, 12-Disney-Park extravaganza with a price tag that would make Scrooge McDuck dive into his coin vault for joy: a casual $114,995 USD. I mean, who needs a new car, or a down payment for a house, when you can ride the teacups in different time zones? And you'll be traveling in style - aboard a VIP-configured Boeing 757, operated by Icelandair. They didn't specify if it's a magic carpet plane, but for that price, it better be.



Your adventure starts in Southern California with a welcome dinner, because what better way to start a trip than with food? After that, you'll get to marvel at Disneyland's fireworks. You know, just a typical Tuesday night, except this time you don't have to pretend your neighbor's firecrackers are actually Disney-grade pyrotechnics.


Next up, you're off on a tour of The Walt Disney Studios. And let's be honest, you'll feel like you've bought a small share in the company after this trip. But hey, at least you're investing in dreams, right? Followed by Disneyland, where you'll be treated like a VIP (which you better be, for the price you've paid). Get ready to smile for a photo op with Sleeping Beauty's Castle, because what could be more Disney than a snapshot in front of a pink castle straight out of a fairy tale? It's the stuff of dreams, and let's face it, you're all about that life now!



Next, you'll jet off to the city where Tony Bennett famously left his heart - San Francisco. Here, you'll embark on a tour of The Walt Disney Family Museum, which is basically like stepping into Walt Disney's brain, but without the creepy science-fiction overtones. You'll get to see the dreams and sketches that eventually turned into the world's most famous mouse and his magical kingdom.


But wait, there's more! You're also going on a Lucasfilm Campus Tour. That's right, you're not just getting Disney, you're getting Star Wars too! It's like a pop culture sundae with an extra helping of awesomeness. Now, I'm not saying that there will definitely be a lightsaber with your name on it waiting for you, but I'm not not saying that either. After all, you're already living in a galaxy far, far away from average vacation plans. So, who knows? Maybe the Force is strong with this one!





From the City by the Bay, you'll be whisked across the Pacific to the land of the rising sun, Tokyo. Get ready for an explosion of technicolor and charm that only Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea can deliver. This isn't just your run-of-the-mill amusement park experience - this is Disney with a splash of sushi, a dash of manga, and a whole lot of "kawaii" (that's "cute" for those who don't speak anime).



Here’s your plot twist! You'll also have the option to embark on a Full-Day Kamakura Zen Tour. That's right, you can swap the hustle and bustle of a Disney theme park for a tranquil day of Zen Buddhism. It's like choosing between a rock concert and a meditation retreat, and it's just as jarring and delightful as it sounds. Imagine, one moment you're dodging excitable children and their equally excitable parents at a theme park, and the next you're contemplating the sound of one hand clapping. It's the perfect antidote to sensory overload. Because nothing says "Zen" quite like a full day of tranquility sandwiched between Disney adventures. Balance, after all, is the key to life, right?


Onwards and upwards from Tokyo, you'll find yourself landing in Shanghai, the city that never sleeps. Unless, of course, it's during their afternoon siesta, but that's another story. Here, you'll be faced with a choice straight out of an Indiana Jones movie - do you choose the adventure of touring Disneyland or the wisdom of a cooking class?


Option one: Shanghai Disneyland. The magic of Disney continues here but with a side of dumplings and dragons. This isn't just another theme park; this is an East-meets-West explosion of culture, complete with a castle that's even bigger than the one in Orlando. I know, it's like Disney's in a castle arms race with itself.


Option two: a cooking class. Because nothing screams "vacation" like learning a new skill that requires concentration and precision. After all, who wouldn't want to trade in the adrenaline rush of a roller coaster for the subtle art of folding dumplings? It's like swapping a jet ski for a jigsaw puzzle.


But let's be honest, whether you're plunging down the side of a roller coaster or up to your elbows in dough, you're still having more fun than anyone stuck at home scrolling through your envy-inducing holiday photos. And isn't that what it's all about?


From Shanghai, you'll then jet off to Hong Kong, the city that's been described as the place where East meets West, and apparently, where Mickey Mouse meets dim sum. Once there, you'll be faced with another choice that's as difficult as choosing a favorite Disney character.



On the one hand, you've got Hong Kong Disneyland, an East-Asian take on the classic park. Here, you can gallivant through the park at your own pace, choosing your own Disney adventure. Maybe you'll meet Mulan, or get a thrill on the Iron Man Experience. Or perhaps you'll spend the day testing out every flavor of popcorn (spoiler alert: they have flavors like wasabi and curry).


Let's not forget there is also the option to take a local tour of Hong Kong. You know, for those moments when you want to remember you're actually in China and not in an episode of "Phineas and Ferb". You can marvel at the towering skyscrapers, soak in the vibrant street markets, and maybe even try some authentic dim sum that wasn't shaped like a Disney character.


So, will it be a day of Disney enchantment or a crash course in Cantonese culture? That's your call, explorer. Either way, you're in for a dazzling day of discovery. Let's face it, whether you're belting out "Let It Go" on a Frozen-themed ride or haggling over trinkets in a bustling Hong Kong market, you're still winning at the game of vacationing.


Just when you're starting to believe you might actually be a Disney character, the itinerary takes a turn for the exotic and you're off to Agra, India. This isn't a new Disney park (although, I wouldn't put it past them), this is the Taj Mahal. Yes, that's right. The Taj Mahal. As in, "one of the seven wonders of the world" Taj Mahal.


You'll be rubbing your eyes in disbelief as you watch the sunrise over the ivory-white mausoleum, half-expecting Aladdin and Jasmine to float by on their magic carpet. And if you thought your Sleeping Beauty Castle photo was impressive, just wait until your friends see your sunrise Taj Mahal selfie. You might want to warn them to sit down before they open that Snapchat.



But hold onto your Mickey Mouse ears, because the adventure isn't over yet. Next, it's a quick jaunt over to Cairo, Egypt to visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. Because, why not? After all, you're already on the adventure of a lifetime, you might as well throw in some Ancient Egyptian wonders while you're at it.


You'll marvel at the pyramids, wondering if they were maybe the inspiration for the Epcot's Spaceship Earth. And don't forget about the Sphinx, who is clearly the original model for the concept of "resting cat face". So get ready to swap your Mouse ears for a Pharaoh's headdress and watch out for any mummies - although, I've heard they're much friendlier than the ones in the movies.



In conclusion, if you've discovered a spare $114,995 stashed away and you're brimming with an insatiable desire to visit every Disney park on the globe, then this is the trip you've been dreaming of. Picture it: you're embarking on a journey that combines the thrill of roller coasters and the awe of world heritage tours, all under the watchful eye of our beloved Mouse. This is the story that will leave your old high school classmates breathless at your next reunion. You're not just a globetrotter, you're a Disney globetrotter.


Yet, if you find yourself relating more to the many who can't quite justify such a lavish adventure, fear not. Though it may be a tough pill to swallow, the magic of Disney is not reserved for the jet-setting elite. You can live vicariously through those fortunate enough to embark on this extraordinary journey, dreaming about the sights, the thrills, and the magical moments they'll experience.


But don't let your Disney dreams end there! Park and Preston Travel, your very own Fairy Godmother of travel, is here to make those dreams a reality, but on a scale that suits you and your budget. We can book your place on this ultimate Disney adventure if you wish, but our specialty lies in crafting Disney experiences for every budget and every Disney fan.



Craving a quick weekend escape to Disneyland? Or perhaps a week-long escapade in Disney World? We've got you covered. And if you fancy throwing a day at Universal Studios into your itinerary, your secret's safe with us. At Park and Preston Travel, we believe everyone deserves a sprinkle of magic in their lives, no matter the size of their bank account.


So why not give us a call? Let's start planning your perfect Disney adventure today. After all, the only thing better than dreaming about a Disney vacation is actually embarking on one. Whether you're eyeing the ultimate Disney globe-trot or a more modest magical retreat, remember this: your Disney dreams are always within reach.


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