There are destinations well-suited for a trip where a multi-faceted itinerary is managed by a talented tour operator. Scotland is certainly one of them, particularly if you want to see and do as much as possible in a short amount of time. Adventures by Disney launched their new Scotland itinerary in 2013 and I gave a condensed five-night version a go on their inaugural media trip.

I now understand why Adventures by Disney escorted group travel makes a fantastic family vacation in Scotland for families with kids ages 8 and up.

When I shared with people that I was heading off to Scotland with Adventures By Disney to write about their new “Brave” Scotland Family Vacation, I got many blank stares. Word isn’t quite out that Disney offers much more in family travel than theme parks. Adventures by Disney started offering escorted group trips in 2004, and for those in the know, it’s the best thing going — evident by the 40% guest return rate for these global itineraries.

I must admit, as a passionate independent traveler, I had my doubts about experiencing an international destination as a group …

I am a huge Disney fan. The Disney brand consistently delivers high quality entertainment whether it’s a Disneyland vacation with kids or a Disney Cruise with grandparents. I have yet to meet a Disney experience that I don’t like – except Space Mountain which I ride only to be brave in front of my kids.

I was speechless however when I was shown to my “room” at the Disneyland Hotel a few weeks ago. When the Disneyland Hotel …

In many families, a typical visit to Disneyland with kids is about packing in the most rides and attractions in a day and not wasting one precious moment of park time. By the end of the day the family is exhausted; the race is over and everyone is content but no one has seen much of the scenery along the way. Sound familiar?

The “one day and done” visit to Disneyland is challenging now that Cars Land and Buena Vista Street have arrived at California Adventure.

Traditional theme family vacations are just part of the Disney story these days. From the Disney Cruise Line, to Adventures by Disney group trips, to Aulani Resort on Hawaii, there is something to please all ages and interests in the US and abroad.

I polled a few of the top bloggers who are also big Disney fans for their take on what’s new and exciting in 2013, including our own …

The Disneyland holiday season is my favorite time of the year to visit the parks. Southern California weather is just right to get in the festive mood; warm during the day and crisp at night. Disney characters in their holiday finest stroll through streets decorated with garland wrapped lamp posts and wreaths tied with giant red bows. Familiar Christmas tunes play in the background.

For many guests, celebrating the holidays at Disneyland is a yearly family tradition. One step down Disneyland Main Street and the Christmas spirit hits you.

After five years of planning and development, Disney’s California Adventure has reinvented itself with the addition of the 12-acre Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Carthay Circle. Disney didn’t just rearrange things, they took over an existing parking and created entirely new attractions and dining and guest experiences. Families will want to spend a day at Disney California Adventure.

A Disney vacation is a treasured family event. Staying at a Walt Disney World hotel while you’re visiting is the icing on the cake as kids will be immersed in Disney magic 24 hours a day.

Before leaving for our recent Disney Fantasy Cruise, I spent two nights at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, a deluxe category Disney hotel with unique amenities. The African-themed resort has several savannas filled with African animals but it never feels like a zoo.

At long last, Disney California Adventure Park is finally its own destination. Long seen by Disneyland visitors as a pit stop on their Disneyland vacation, it’s now a full fledged member of the Disney Parks family. After five years of planning and construction, the new Cars Land and Buena Vista Street are here!

My take? These new attractions will wow Disney visitors. The new and improved California Adventure includes heathy and interesting food options too. The attention to detail in all respects is unbelievable.

I’ve had many of out-of-town guests ask me if it’s worth it to stay in a Disneyland hotel for their two or three day park visit versus staying off-property. With this in mind, I set off for my stay at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, a beautiful craftsman-style lodge that sits at the entrance to California Adventure and adjacent to Downtown Disney.

There is a “wow” factor as you enter the lobby or great room of the Grand Californian. It’s a gorgeous room …