A Few of My Favorite Things on an Adventures by Disney Holiday Danube River Cruise

The New Year is here, but I can't stop reliving the amazing time I had on the Adventures by Disney Holiday Danube River Cruise last month. I could go for days about all the things I loved about this experience, but in the interest of time I've pulled together a (somewhat) short list of my favorite things from throughout this 7-night, 8-day vacation.

Exploring Charming Salzburg
The word "charming" is an understatement when describing Salzburg, a town that serves as the muse for many songs and movies (including one you may have heard of called "The Sound of Music"). While all of Salzburg is a feast for the eyes, my favorite spot is Mirabell Gardens. In the summertime this destination is bursting with floral color, but the wintertime also brings an almost dreamlike wonderment to the gardens, which might even be covered in an ethereal dusting of snow.

European Christmas Markets
Sipping on mulled wine I browsed through endless one-of-a-kind trinkets. My holiday shopping list steadily shrank as my cookie-laden waistline stretched, but I couldn't help but continue to indulge. Fun mugs shaped like boots, unique Christmas ornaments, wooden toys for my little guy, quaint little light-up Bavarian houses and more are among my favorite take-home items from my shopping spree.

Oktoberfest Party in Germany
If there's one German word I've conquered it's "bier," and it was especially fun to sip this timeless beverage during a full-fledged Oktoberfest style party, complete with oompah band! It was the perfect excuse for my husband and I to break out the lederhosen and dirndl we donned for our honeymoon five years ago on the Adventures by Disney Germany vacation.

Hiking to Hilltop Castle Ruins
As a Floridian I'm used to flat (very flat) terrain. So, imagine my delight as we sailed through the rolling vineyard-covered hills of Austria's Wachau Valley. Breathtaking for sure, but even more jaw-dropping was the view from the famous hilltop ruins of the castle Burgruine Dürnstein.

Making My Own Hungarian Goulash
Stirring a giant cauldron of goulash was not on my "must do" list in life, but it turned out to be an experience I'll never forget. I felt like I was in my own foodie tv show, learning the authentic cooking methods Hungarians have practiced for ages, and then sampling it all for myself. As someone who's a sucker for great culinary stories, this one whetted my appetite for sure!

I could go on, but I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you the very best part of Adventures by Disney river cruising: The new booking offer that allows you to save $1,000 off on kids and teens or $500 off per adult for summer 2017 Danube river cruises when you book by March 4, 2017!

The $1,000 per child and teen discount and the $500 per adult discount may not be combined. Discount is taken from the non-discounted prevailing River Cruise Package price as quoted on AdventuresByDisney.com on date of booking ("Regular Rate"). Guests 11 years of age and younger at time of travel will receive the $1,000 discount off the child rate. Guests 12 – 19 years of age at time of travel will receive the $1,000 discount off of the adult rate. Regular Rates vary by departure date. Offer not valid for Suites. Lead Guest of the booking party must travel on the Package booked. Valid for new bookings only. Bookings must be made through Adventures by Disney Travel Services, Inc. Discount not applicable toward deposit. Packages subject to availability. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Subject to change without notice. See AdventuresbyDisney.com for additional Terms and Conditions.