Adventures By Disney China Reviews 2019: Prices, Itinerary, Dates

The Adventures By Disney China trip is a fantastic itinerary for children eight and up. Below you will see in our Adventures By Disney China review all of the details on what is included in the tour, a review of all of the Adventures by Disney amenities, pricing info, and the best place to book your Adventures By Disney China itinerary.

Now, let’s get into my full Adventures By Disney China itinerary reviews…

Adventures By Disney China Reviews

The Adventures By Disney China trip includes 12 Days and 11 Nights. Overall this entire Adventures By Disney vacation costs about $8,119-$9,599 USD depending on what departure you choose for summer and fall.

This Adventures By Disney China itinerary is best for younger adults and older children and less suited to multigenerational trips, aside from the long flights to China and adjusting to a very different new time zone, which can be challenging for young children and people over 70, there are often complicated issues of history and politics to contemplate. While it’s a great itinerary to spark discussion among family members about the cultural and political differences between the Chinese and themselves, much of the history would go over the heads of younger children who have not had a chance to learn about these things in school yet.

Additionally, this itinerary, which features a very ambitious travel schedule, hop scotching around a large country, with several internal flights, will better suit older kids and adults who can pack themselves up every few days and be patient at airports, maybe journaling or chatting with new friends on the adventure. This itinerary would appeal to adventurous eaters, with lots of opportunities to try local Chinese specialties (often different from the Chinese food restaurants at home). However, like all ABD trips, plenty of comfort Western food is available to suit the less adventurous eaters.

This trip would appeal to history buffs, photographers, adventurous foodies and garden and animal lovers (the Chengdu Panda Research facility is a once in a life time opportunity to see pandas up close. While this itinerary does include a lot of walking with some stairs and uneven footing, it is not an active adventure, and anyone with ordinary fitness should be comfortable participating. This trip would also appeal to the Disney lover, with TWO visits to Disney parks in China. If ticking off all the Disney parks is on your bucket list, this trip will help get you there in style!

This trip really requires 2 weeks of vacation time with travel and acclimating to the time zone changes. Departures are summer and fall. Due to the expense of US China flights (not included) in and out of different Chinese cities as well as several included interior flights and very luxurious high end hotels that cater to Westerners, this itinerary is among one of the more expensive Adventures By Disney trips. However, it is also one of the more challenging destinations to attempt on your own, and the Adventure Guides not only take care of all the logistics, they also provide one of kind opportunities that you can’t replicate on your own in China. (See ABD’s Are They Worth It Here)

Adventures By Disney China Itinerary Includes:

(11 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 7 Dinners)
Suitable for children minimum of age 6, but recommended for children 8+, this trip includes 5 internal flights. Plan to fly into HKG (Hong Kong) and fly out of PVG (Shanghai) at your own expense.
Looking to tick the Great Wall of China off your bucket list, or maybe visit Shanghai and Hong Kong Disneyland to round out your Disney Park experiences? Or maybe your family just saw Disney’s “Born in China” documentary and became fascinated with the landscape and animals. Whatever the reason for wanting to visit this country with rich history and incredible landscapes, Adventures by Disney’s China trip offers a thrilling opportunity to explore both ancient and modern China.

Where You Will Go on Your Adventures By Disney China Itinerary:
BEIJING
Explore the history of Beijing, with privately guided explorations of the Forbidden City and historic Tiananmen Square. Have the opportunity to walk along the Great Wall, one of the Seven New Wonders of the World.
CHENGDU
Another day, learn about panda bears featured in the Disney documentary, “Born in China” at the Chengdu Research Base Of Giant Panda Breeding on a privately guided tour.
XI’AN
In Xi’an, revel in the discovery of the terracotta warriors and horses that were buried with China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang Di, at a recently discovered archeological area, where more treasures are still being uncovered today.
HONG KONG
Go shopping at the world famous Stanley Market, enjoy China’s vibrant culinary scene and enjoy the view of the city from the top of Victoria Peak.
GUILIN
The Sichuan Opera performs a traditional performance of the magical art of face changing, with actors changing 10 masks in 20 seconds.
SHANGHAI
During your trip, you’ll experience the unique attractions and culture of the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Shanghai Disneyland parks.

Where You Will Stay During Your Adventures By Disney China Trip:
The Peninsula Hong Kong – 2 Nights
Rosewood Beijing – 3 Nights
The Ritz-Carlton, Chengdu – 2 Night
The Shangri-La Guilin – 2 Nights
The Peninsula Shanghai – 2 nights

Adventures By Disney China Itinerary Day By Day

Day 1 HONG KONG
Arrive in Hong Kong, where after you pass through customs, you will be met by an Adventures By Disney China representative who will handle your luggage and ensure you meet a transfer vehicle to drive to your hotel, The Peninsula Hong Kong. Known as the “Grande Dame of the Far East”, after being checked in by your Adventure Guides, you’ll have a chance to explore this historic hotel, Hong Kong’s oldest, or relax in the grand lobby.
You’ll have an opportunity to explore Hong Kong on your own, including seeing A Symphony of Lights, a multimedia laser light show spectacular at 8 PM in Victoria Harbour set to orchestral music. Adventure Guides will help you plan your afternoon and evening on your own.
Meet your fellow adventurers during a private dinner at the Peninsula Hong Kong, where your adventure Guides brief you on all the details of the exciting adventures you’ll have over the next 11 days.
(Hotel: Peninsula Hong Kong, Dinner Included)

DAY 2 HONG KONG
Enjoy breakfast at the Peninsula Hong Kong. The Adventures By Disney China group will travel across the harbor on the classic Star Ferry to Hong Kong’s colorful business Central District. You will travel by motor coach up to Victoria Peak, the mountain on the west side of the city. You’ll have time on your own here to explore a playground, gardens, and the Peak Galleria shopping and activity arcade.
A group lunch is included at a restaurant near the summit of Victoria Peak, where you can take in the incredible views of this spectacular skyline and busy harbor.
You’ll leave Victoria Peak on the historic Peak Tram funicular railway, gliding above the natural landscape of Victoria Peak.
Next, you’ll be free to explore the Central District. Whether you prefer to find photo opportunities in this colorful, bustling district, with its harbor views and dramatic skyscrapers, or visit Stanley Market to shop for souvenirs.
In the afternoon, you’ll travel by motor coach to Hong Kong Disneyland, where you will have dinner on your own, and have access to special fast passes allowing you to experience all the best attractions with little waiting! What could be more fascinating than exploring Main St USA in Hong Kong China! You’ll also be free to explore Adventureland, Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point, Toy Story Land, and Tomorrowland. Plus, you’ll have the cultural opportunity to enjoy an evening in the park alongside locals.
(Hotel: Peninsula Hong Kong, Breakfast, Lunch Included)

DAY 3 HONG KONG TO BEIJING
Enjoy Breakfast at the Peninsula Hong Kong before a transfer with the group to the airport for your flight to Beijing. All your luggage will be handled for you, and your adventure guides handle all the travel details! On board the plane you’ll enjoy lunch and arrive in Beijing, the capital city of the People’s Republic of China.
After clearing customs in Beijing, you’ll be met by an Adventures by Disney representative who will transfer you to the Rosewood Beijing Hotel. Adventure guides at the hotel will handle check in and arrange for your luggage to be delivered to your room. The Rosewood is in the center of the busy city, but you will find a relaxing oasis of elegant luxury in traditional Chinese style with all the modern amenities.
You will have the rest of the afternoon to explore Beijing. The Adventure Guides are always available to make suggestions and provide directions. Enjoy this city of contrasts, both modern and ancient, with lots of places to explore.
Dinner tonight will be held for the group at Duck De Chine, in the 1949 The Hidden City dining and night life complex. Duck De Chine, is a popular and highly rated restaurant with duck specialties, including classic Peking Duck Combo of slices of crispy duck and pancakes with plum sauce. Non-duck specialties are also served with both French and Chinese styles. Enjoy the variety of statues places around the lawn and indoor industrial décor while sampling local specialties!
(Hotel: Rosewood Beijing Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and one internal flight to Beijing included)

DAY 4 BEIJING
You’ll begin your day with a breakfast at the hotel and meet you English speaking guide, especially selected to understand how to interpret Beijing’s wonders to families. After a brief orientation, you’ll be driven by motor coach to the Temple of Heaven. Your guide will explain this huge temple, built in 1420 as the place of worship for emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Today, the temple serves as a cultural museum to the history of China told through art, architecture, and music.
Lunch will be with the group at Huajia Yiyuan restaurant. Enjoy Beijing duck or other specialties in a traditional setting.
After lunch, you will commence a walking tour of Tiananmen Square with your guide. Tiananmen Square is home to the Tiananmen Gate, known as the “Gate of Heavenly Peace”. Other features of this area are the Monument to People’s Heroes, Tiananmen Tower, Great Hall of the People, Memorial Hall of Chairmen Mao and the National Museum of China. Your guide will share stories of both the ceremonial gatherings and protests.
Forbidden City (negotiate level stone paths and some stairs)
A guided tour of the imperial palace and area around it called the Forbidden City. The seat of power from 1416 to 1911, this 178-acre area contains more than 90 palaces and courtyards, dating from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. While it’s impossible to see it all, you will see the classic art and architectural details that this era of Chinese history, including the Glazed-Tile Nine-Dragon screen and the Imperial Garden, while strolling through the elaborate halls, and courts with your guide putting all that you see in context during your visit.
Tonight, you will be on your own for dinner in Beijing. Whether you choose a restaurant or a night market, your Adventure guides will help plan where to dine in Beijing. And they can arrange for you to enjoy the Beijing Opera or an exciting acrobat show after dinner.
(Hotel: Rosewood Beijing, Breakfast, Lunch Included)

DAY 5 BEIJING
Breakfast will be at the hotel and prepare for a morning of adventure touring the Great Wall. One of the New Wonders of the World, you will ride a cable car to one of the best-preserved sections of the wall at Mutianyu. Your guide will walk with you along the top of the wall with views of the woods below. Your guide will help explain the history of this enormous fortification that can be seen from space! Just imagine when this was guarded and protected the city to the south. (Negotiate numerous steps with some steep climbs. Sidewalks have some broken or uneven surfaces.)
Lunch will be a private meal with your group at the Schoolhouse in Mutianyu. You will take a motor coach to this western style restaurant, which is built in a converted village schoolhouse. Guests can enjoy homemade ice cream and leave messages on the blackboards that still hang in the dining room!
The afternoon will be on your own in Beijing, when you can explore the city, and choose whether you’d like to explore your interests in ancient of modern Chinses culture.
Dinner will be on your own in Beijing. The Adventure Guides have suggestions for every taste and budget.
(Hotel: Rosewood Beijing Breakfast and Lunch included)

DAY 6 BEIJING, CHENGDU
A last breakfast enjoyed at your hotel in Beijing. After breakfast, you’ll travel by pedicab through Beijing’s narrow streets on a tour of the Hutong neighborhood. Your Adventure Guides will have an interactive family game to play along the way. Family teams will participate in traditional knot-tying, paper cutting, and yo-yo skills. Not only will your family get to try traditional Chinese crafts, but they will bring home some special souvenirs created along the route!
Lunch will be a private meal with your group at the Noble House restaurant. This family style restaurant has both Chines and Western dishes to please the whole family. Located in a former private residence in the Hutong neighborhood, this restaurant features a relaxing atmosphere overlooking a peaceful lake and a public park
After lunch, you’ll transfer by motor coach to the airport for your included flight to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan Province.
Check in at the Ritz -Carlton Chengdu, where all the bags are handled for you, so you can enjoy the 5-star atmosphere of the Ritz-Carlton.
Tonight, you will enjoy Sichuan specialties at dinner at the Ba Guo Bu Yi restaurant. Full of Ba Shu culture, this restaurant serves Western style food and Sichuan specialties family style to please everyone in the family.
(Hotel: The Ritz Carlton, Chengdu, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and Internal flight to Chengdu Included)

DAY 7 CHENGDU
Giant pandas, the stars of Disney’s recent documentary, Born In China, are fascinating animals, and endangered in China. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is where dedicated scientists work to preserve and understand this amazing creature. You will have a private tour of the research base including seeing these animals living in habitats created to mimic their natural environment. As breeding facility, there’s always a chance to see baby panda cubs!
You will enjoy lunch at a local Sichuan Hot Pot restaurant. Here with help from your guides you will choose the ingredients you’d like to include in your meal, where they will be simmered in a metal pot in the center of the table where chefs create your meal before your eyes. Enjoy sliced meats, seafood, leafy vegetables, dumplings, seafood, wontons and dipping sauces.
You’ll have the afternoon on your own in Chengdu. You can relax at the magnificent hotel with its many amenities, or explore Chengdu on your own. As always, your Adventure Guide can recommend activities to interest your family. Check out the restaurants in town to choose one for dinner on your own, or ask your Adventure Guides to point out their favorites.
In the evening, there will be a performance of the Sichuan Opera, a classic Chinese art form of face changing with high energy entertainment of music, acrobatic stunts, puppets, and a traditional face changing act.
(Hotel: Ritz-Carlton, Chengdu, Breakfast and Lunch Included)

DAY 8 CHENGDU, XI’AN, GUILIN
Enjoy breakfast at the Ritz-Carlton in Chengdu and take the motor coach to the airport for the flight for your excursion to Xi’an. Your luggage will be transported as if by magic to follow you to Guilin, so you can enjoy the flight and excursion.
Your first stop after landing will be the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Terracotta Warriors. These incredible art pieces of clay Chinese warriors, horses and chariots were unearthed during an archaeological dig in 1974. They date back to China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang Di, who had the elaborate army of clay buried with him. The active archeological site also has a museum where these imperial guard statues can be seen.
Lunch will be a boxed lunch enjoyed at the Terracotta Museum.
You’ll take a motor coach back to the airport. Dinner will be either a boxed dinner or buffet dinner at the airport, depending on the time of the flight to Guilin.
Adventure Guides will check you in and you’ll meet your bags at the Shangri-La Guilin. The hotel is in the heart of the city with views of the Li River. This contemporary luxury hotel will envelope you in classic Chinese architecture of the ancient city of Guilin.
(Hotel: The Shangri-La Guilin Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and 2 Internal Flights to Xi’an and Guilin Included)

DAY 9 GUILIN
Enjoy breakfast at the Hotel Shangri-La overlooking the Li River before embarking on a Guilin boat tour on the Li River. The Li River flows gently through beautiful gumdrop shaped mountains and rice paddies. The River is famous for spectacular scenery of cliffs and caves, and for local fisherman fishing on bamboo rafts and water buffalo along the shore.

You will have a boxed lunch aboard the boat and will be encouraged to learn how to bargain in preparation for your visit to Yangshuo by your Adventure Guides. They will teach you all you need to know to give it try at the shops in Yangshuo. If you’d like to play, you’ll try to get your best deal on a little trinket and later Adventure Guides will lead a White Elephant Exchange where everyone will shop and share their bargains with the group after dinner.

Dinner will be a delicious Chinese Barbeque back at the Shangri-La Guilin, followed by lots of laughs as you see the “bargains” from Yangshuo and get to select from the items your fellow adventurers have found!
Disney Movie Night for the Junior Adventurers follows dinner to allows adults a relaxing evening in Guilin.
(Hotel: The Shangri-La Guilin Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

DAY 10 GUILIN AND SHANGHAI
Enjoy a relaxing morning with breakfast included at the Shangri-La Guilin, followed by a Tai Chi Class. Restore yourself with this class taught outside by a local Tai Chi Master where you can center yourself surrounded by beautiful gumdrop mountains
You will travel to cosmopolitan Shanghai by plane, with all your luggage being managed by your Adventure Guide team. Have lunch on board and arrive in Shanghai prepared to check into the hotel rated as 2015 Best Hotel in Asia according to readers of Travel + Leisure Magazine (US).

This hotel is located in the historic Bund waterfront district dotted with buildings featuring an amazing mix of architectural styles including Gothic, Classic, Baroque, Romanesque, and Renaissance as well as the dramatic modern skyscrapers of the Pudong financial district. You will have time on your own to explore the city.
You will have dinner with your group at Din Tai Fung in Xiantandi, where you will enjoy Shanghai dumplings and other local specialties.

Following dinner, your group will be transported to Shanghai Circus World Theater and Acrobat Show, called ERA-Intersection of Time, a modern take on the classic Chinese acrobatic show. The high-energy performance incorporates ancient performance techniques with modern surprises, such as rock music, modern lighting, motorcycles, and more!

(Hotel: The Peninsula Shanghai Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Internal Flight to Shanghai Included)

DAY 11 SHANGHAI
A full day to explore Shanghai starts with your breakfast at The Peninsula Shanghai.
Begin the day in “old Shanghai”, the motor coach takes your group to the Old City of Shanghai. You’ll explore the narrow, colorful alleys known for traditional architecture and busy open air markets.

After the hustle bustle of the markets, you can relax in the Yu Gardens, home to the City Gold Temple and 300-year-old gardens surrounding it. This quiet retreat in the heart of the busy city is the ideal place to explore and unwind, before the afternoon excitement.

You’ll arrive by motor coach to the newest Disney Park; Shanghai Disneyland. Here you can enjoy Disney attractions old, and some brand new and unique to the Shanghai park, such as Twelve Friends in the Garden of the Imagination and the Pirates if the Caribbean Battle for Sunken Treasure in Treasure Cove.

You’ll have lunch on your own in Shanghai Disneyland, wherever appeals to your family, although your Adventure Guides can share their favorite places!
Remaining in Shanghai Disneyland, you will enjoy your farewell dinner with your fellow adventurers at one of the best restaurants in Shanghai Disneyland. This special private dinner allows everyone to relive the excitement of the trip and is full of surprises from your Adventure Guides.

After dinner, your family can enjoy the incredible fireworks extravaganza over Shanghai Disneyland. Think of it as a fabulous farewell from China to your family as you prepare to travel home with memories and stories of the incredible Adventures By Disney trip to China!

(Hotel: The Peninsula Shanghai Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, and admission to Shanghai Disneyland Included)

DAY 12 DEPART CHINA
You’ll have a late breakfast with your fellow adventurers at The Peninsula Shanghai.
You’ll be transported to the Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your flight home, no need to worry about your luggage, all the logistics will be taken care of! Now that you’ve had the privilege of sampling so much of this huge country, maybe you’ll plan a return to revisit your favorite places in China!

Adventures By Disney China Review:  What to Pack

While Disney will provide a detailed packing list and information about documents and visas, some basics to prepare for this adventure are good walking shoes, a good camera, a hat for sun protection, and possibly a mask for protection on smoggy days and in crowded areas.