Terry Ward

Special for USA TODAY

It’s almost summer vacation time, and with it that perpetual question: What are we going to do this summer? Since 2005, Adventures by Disney has offered immersive family vacations led by their adventure guides to such diverse destinations as the Costa Rican rainforest and the savannas of South Africa. And with three new itineraries debuting across the USA for summer 2016, there’s a trip to tantalize the nature lovers, theme park fanatics and culture vultures among you. The fact that Disney’s travel experts and expert guides take care of all the planning – from hotels and excursions to meals and insider access to attractions – means all there’s left for you and your gang to do is bond over some of America’s most awesome adventures.

Walt Disney World Resort & Central Florida (7 days/6 nights)

Even if you’ve visited Orlando’s theme parks before, you probably haven’t experienced all that Central Florida has to offer in quite this pampered way. Your VIP experience feels as relaxed and comfortable as touring the area with a well-connected friend - and includes such treats as behind-the-scenes tours in all four Disney parks, an exclusive dinner at Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s chef’s kitchen and premium access to popular rides and attractions. You’ll stay in the heart of it all at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. But there’s much more to soak up beyond the park gates, too. Central Florida is still a wild place home to spectacular natural sights that include swamps and woodlands. You can opt to get up close and personal with nature by zipline, kayak or horseback. There are airboat rides and Florida Cowboy cookouts on the itinerary. And you’ll spend one utterly fascinating day at the nearby Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where a veteran NASA astronaut will share his or her experiences in space while leading you on a personal tour through the inner workings of the U.S. Space Program. Top off your trip with nighttime activities such as VIP seating at Disney dinner shows and on-your-own time at the resort and parks, and it’s a great way to balance your family's vacation.

Prices (air not included): from $4,299 per child, $4,539 for adults, based on double occupancy.

Exclusive: Disney announces weddings inside the Magic Kingdom

Montana (7 days/6 nights)

Going deep in the American west is as iconic as USA travel gets. And with this summer’s 100th anniversary of the National Park System, now’s the time to celebrate this great country with your family. Experience the best of the Old West during one fabulous week exploring Montana and Yellowstone National Park with the Disney experts. Early morning visits to the Lamar Valley – one of the premiere spots in Yellowstone for wildlife viewing – will likely have you spotting elk, bison, bighorn sheep and possibly bears, too. Clamber aboard a stagecoach driven by a cowboy who brings tales of the wild west to life. And spend a night glamping with the gang, sleeping in luxurious safari-style tents complete with private bathrooms and an onsite gourmet restaurant. Visits to Old Faithful geyser and the area’s famous hot springs and a whitewater rafting run down the Gallatin River also await. In the stunning town of Big Sky, you’ll get to stay at a rustic and authentic dude ranch – the 320 Guest Ranch – too. Other optional activities throughout the week include horseback riding, fly-fishing lessons to perfect your cast, zip lining and high ropes courses – all with the backdrop of the most spectacular scenery in the USA.

Prices (air not included): from $3,379 per child, $3,569 for adults, based on double occupancy.

Washington D.C. and Philadelphia (7 days/6 nights)

Your kids will hardly be saying history is boring during this week-long adventure through landmark homes, hallowed halls and battlefields that bring to life the storied past of Washington D.C. and Philadelphia. The tour kicks off with a stay in a historic-district hotel in Philadelphia and an excursion with a costumed character through the Betsy Ross Home. There are visits to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Reading Terminal Market, and lots of free time to explore the city on foot or by trolley as a family, too. The next day, you’ll move on to Gettysburg National Park, where a character in period costume walks you through Civil War era life. Then it’s off to Washington D.C. and the legendary Mayflower Hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Rest up for the next day’s fun – visits to the National Archives, Iwo Jima and Arlington National Cemetery will be followed with a relaxing barbecue along the Potomac River. There’s lots of free time built into the schedule to visit D.C.’s world-class museums, almost all of which offer free admission. And enjoy a nighttime tour of the lit-up monuments by bus, too. Other excursions while in Washington include a visit by boat to beautiful George Washington’s riverfront home at Mount Vernon and tours through the Capitol building’s Rotunda and the Library of Congress.

Prices (air not included): from $2,809 per child, $2,969 for adults, based on double occupancy.