Occasionally in life, with some good fortune, a person’s passion can be combined with years of life experiences to create a perfect opportunity. I’m Stewart Buchanan and that’s how I feel about Buchanan Themed Tours, an idea that had its beginnings back in 2009. At that time, I was combining my love and knowledge of Walt Disney World (WDW), along with my passion for planning, to help friends organize Central Florida vacations.
Early musings, documents and plans (2009-2012)
This is me
Me and the real Gaston! (Note: I'm on the left)
From the complete enjoyment and satisfaction of doing that, I knew early on that upon retirement, I would start some form of travel business with Disney as a central focus. During the next several years, I continued this type of planning and our family made many more excursions to Central Florida. I became increasingly fascinated with, and read many books on, the history, design and creation of the theme parks, took backstage tours while at WDW and jotted down a great deal of thoughts and research notes for the future travel business.
The business vision became clearer in April, 2016. At my wife Kristina’s suggestion, I floated the idea of a Walt Disney World March Break trip to the Grads of 2017 at the high school at which I taught. I was beyond thrilled at the response and thirty-seven of us boarded the plane for that first Disney school trip. Even though our travel party consisted of an eclectic mix with varied interests and very different personalities, that amazing one week excursion did two significant things. It confirmed what I already strongly believed; that all who travelled with us had an amazing time because WDW is the perfect destination. It offers everything from thrill rides, atmospheric attractions, Broadway style shows, theater shows, art, live music, street performers, a wealth of food options, sporting events, nighttime spectaculars, unique shopping choices, recreational opportunities, educational opportunities, and more. It also provided me with one of the great privileges in life; being able to watch the joy of others having unique and exciting shared experiences.
Me and Josh D'Amaro* (Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products)
*I don't think he ran over to ask for the photo. I may have recognized him and thanked him for the continued investment in the theme parks. So, I guess the photo is not an official business endorsement, but I did tell him that I bring groups to WDW every year and he did say "That's great." So, there's that.
A poster collage from the Grads of 2020 Disney Trip
The feedback from that first group trip was overwhelmingly positive and crystallized my ideas for what our travel business would be. Group travel to Central Florida in general, and Walt Disney World in particular, would offer youth an awesome opportunity and it also perfectly aligned with several of my passions and experiences.
In 2020, I retired from teaching after a 32-year career, and I am now able to bring together my enjoyment and experience working with youth, along with my knowledge and love for Disney, and the satisfaction of meticulous planning and attention to detail, to build my group travel business.
Part of the March 2017 group at Magic Kingdom
As I write this and a return to normalcy and travel is becoming more of a reality, I already have 2 large group trips booked for spring 2022. That is indeed very welcome after the pandemic cancelled travel and put a damper on optimism for many months. I look forward to working with you and your group in 2022 and beyond.
Stewart