Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation Updates
THE DISNEY NEWS
December 31, 2004
Copyright © 1999 - 2004 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
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Or copy and paste the following URL into your RSS Reader:
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Happy New Year, Everyone!
Here's a new special for WALT DISNEY WORLD:
Lowest rates at a Deluxe Resort on Walt Disney World
property January and February, 2005! Rates from $159 per
weekend. Guests enjoy Extra Magic Hours and complimentary
transportation. Disney Character meal on property!
Log in today. Not a member? Join our Disney family here.
---------------@@---------------
A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR
Our Ticket agent has DISCOUNT TICKETS not available at the
gate or Disney's website! Plus! Great prices on tickets to
other Florida attractions!
NOTE: Disney's new ticket prices kick in January 2, 2005,
but you still have a chance to purchase tickets at 2004
prices! Omar writes:
"We will have plenty of 4 and 5 day hopper Plus passes and 5
day regular hoppers at the old system and price. Disney will
be honoring them... I should have them for a couple of weeks
after January 2nd until we sell out."
"I thought I knew all the tips for saving money at WDW, even
being a member of the Magic Kingdom Club for over 15 years,
but just learning about [your ticket agent] saved our family
over $300!!! Thanks." Janet Handy, Bel Air, MD
Details on how to purchase these special passes will be
provided with your Disney access codes. Join our Disney family here.
---------------@@---------------
INFO ON FREE DISNEY BUS TRANSPORTATION
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "I've had a few questions on
this, so I thought I'd clarify:
As part of Disneyland's 50th Anniversary (which starts
5/5/05) ALL the Disney theme parks are making changes,
additions, etc. which may or may not continue after the 18-
month celebration. One of the changes that WDW is making is
adding a much-needed airport transportation service - FOR
FREE!
If you've ever stayed at a Disney Resort or close by then
you know that none of the Disney hotels and practically none
of the none Disney resorts in the vicinity offer
complimentary airport transportation. For a family of four,
the most cost-efficient choice is a private car and driver
which runs around $100-120 with gratuity, depending on what
hotel you're at. While you do get to stop at a grocery store
on the way in, it's still a lot to pay for transportation.
Nonetheless, it's been an unavoidable expense.
Well, starting 5/5/05, if you're staying at a Disney resort
then you can use the brand new complimentary Magical Express
service. You need to sign up (through your travel agent,
online, or by calling Disney directly) at least 10 days
prior (preferably at least 21 days prior).
*** You cannot add this service prior to January 2.
*** Special luggage tags must be placed on your bags prior
to boarding your first flight. When you arrive in Orlando
you go straight to the Disney Welcome Center (Level 1, A
side) and you'll be directed to a comfy motorcoach which,
when filled, will whisk you away to your hotel. Your bags
will be collected off the luggage belt by Disney
representatives and will eventually be delivered to your
room. If you are on an international flight and Orlando is
your first US city you will have to claim your bags to go
through customs and then give them back. They will go to the
baggage claim area at that point where the Disney
representative will collect and transport them for you.
For the return trip, you'll get a notice under the door the
day prior telling you what time to meet the bus out front.
It will average 2.5-3 hours prior to your flight time. They
will NOT pick up your luggage from the room. Either haul it
down yourself or call a bellman. (Call bell services early,
because in peak hours you can have a long wait for them.)
To use the luggage pre-check service you must stop by the
special desk at the hotel between 6AM and 2PM (and at least
2.75 hours before the flight). You will also receive
boarding passes for your flights home, thus eliminating the
need to stand in a check-in line at the airport. You just
go straight to security! This is great for families that
have flights leaving later in the day.
The airlines that participate in baggage pre-check and
boarding passes are American, United (and TED), Delta (and
SONG) and Continental. You can't check-in for a flight more
than 12 hours prior to the flight time. If you're not using
one of these airlines then you can still get the free trip
back, but can't use the baggage pre-check and boarding pass
service.
* You CAN do a one-way transfer.
* You CAN add the return trip once you're at the resort (if
you didn't have it already)
* You CAN use the transportation even if you aren't on one
of the airlines listed. You just won't be able to pre-check
your bags and get boarding passes for the return portion.
You'll have to stand in line at the airport like you always
have.
* Gratuities for the bellmen delivering the luggage on
arrival are taken care of. If you use bell services for
departure, though, you do need to tip them.
* You CAN add the service to reservations that were made
prior to January 2. (Email me if I did your reservations.)
* You CAN use the remote check-in process without using the
bus transportation if you want to.
* You CAN use the return transportation service for
international flights, but not the remote check-in service.
* You CAN'T book this service at the airport. It must be
added at least 10 days prior to arrival day.
* You CAN'T have just your luggage transported.
* You CAN'T use the transfers to go to any non-Disney hotel
(including Swan/Dolphin).
* You CAN'T use the return check-in service unless you're a
Disney resort guest (must show room key).
The airport check-in service is operated by a TSA-approved
company (not Disney) and all the usual rules apply. Everyone
needs to come to the desk to check in and passports and/or
photo ID are needed for everyone. If you lock your bags they
may have to break the lock at the airport to look inside
unless you use the new TSA-approved locks that they can get
into.
To reserve your transportation space you must provide your
Disney room/package reservation number (unless the
transportation is booked at the same time), the airline and
flight #s, the city of origin for the flight coming into
Orlando, and the destination city for your departing flight.
Again, you can't add this until after January 2, and it is
only for reservations starting May 5, 2005 or later.
Buses will make 3-4 stops, so it's not necessarily a real
time-saver; and they will not stop at a grocery store like
the private drivers. Still, to save $100 or so, it's going
to be worth it for most folks.
The service will run 24/7 and they will be tracking flights
so even if you arrive late they will wait for you and ensure
that you get to the hotel. If you miss your incoming flight
for some reason, but your bags make it, they will hold the
bags at the airport until you physically arrive in Orlando.
If you get to your room and one or more of your bags doesn't
show up, then you contact the Magical Express deck at your
resort and they will assist. If you check your bags at the
hotel and then fail to appear at the airport for the flight,
federal regulations require that your baggage be pulled off
the plane. This can cause delays and everyone on the plane
will hate you."
=================================================
YOU CAN AFFORD DISNEY WORLD!
If you THINK a Disney vacation costs too much ... WE AGREE!
That's why we created the ULTIMATE Disney savings site. Save
up to 40% on your total trip. Learn about discounts on
tickets, food, Disney merchandise, hotels ON Disney
property, travel, parking, and MUCH more. Too much to list
here. See it all here.
=================================================
See You Real Soon!
John
AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
=============================================
Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the accuracy of information
contained in THE DISNEY NEWS. Always check to be sure. The
views and opinions expressed by others in THE DISNEY NEWS do
not necessarily reflect the views of AffordableDisney.Com.
=============================================
December 31, 2004
Copyright © 1999 - 2004 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
To subscribe to Affordable Disney's blog, click the following
icon:
Or copy and paste the following URL into your RSS Reader:
http://affordabledisney.blogspot.com/atom.xml
=================================================
Happy New Year, Everyone!
Here's a new special for WALT DISNEY WORLD:
Lowest rates at a Deluxe Resort on Walt Disney World
property January and February, 2005! Rates from $159 per
weekend. Guests enjoy Extra Magic Hours and complimentary
transportation. Disney Character meal on property!
Log in today. Not a member? Join our Disney family here.
---------------@@---------------
A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR
Our Ticket agent has DISCOUNT TICKETS not available at the
gate or Disney's website! Plus! Great prices on tickets to
other Florida attractions!
NOTE: Disney's new ticket prices kick in January 2, 2005,
but you still have a chance to purchase tickets at 2004
prices! Omar writes:
"We will have plenty of 4 and 5 day hopper Plus passes and 5
day regular hoppers at the old system and price. Disney will
be honoring them... I should have them for a couple of weeks
after January 2nd until we sell out."
"I thought I knew all the tips for saving money at WDW, even
being a member of the Magic Kingdom Club for over 15 years,
but just learning about [your ticket agent] saved our family
over $300!!! Thanks." Janet Handy, Bel Air, MD
Details on how to purchase these special passes will be
provided with your Disney access codes. Join our Disney family here.
---------------@@---------------
INFO ON FREE DISNEY BUS TRANSPORTATION
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "I've had a few questions on
this, so I thought I'd clarify:
As part of Disneyland's 50th Anniversary (which starts
5/5/05) ALL the Disney theme parks are making changes,
additions, etc. which may or may not continue after the 18-
month celebration. One of the changes that WDW is making is
adding a much-needed airport transportation service - FOR
FREE!
If you've ever stayed at a Disney Resort or close by then
you know that none of the Disney hotels and practically none
of the none Disney resorts in the vicinity offer
complimentary airport transportation. For a family of four,
the most cost-efficient choice is a private car and driver
which runs around $100-120 with gratuity, depending on what
hotel you're at. While you do get to stop at a grocery store
on the way in, it's still a lot to pay for transportation.
Nonetheless, it's been an unavoidable expense.
Well, starting 5/5/05, if you're staying at a Disney resort
then you can use the brand new complimentary Magical Express
service. You need to sign up (through your travel agent,
online, or by calling Disney directly) at least 10 days
prior (preferably at least 21 days prior).
*** You cannot add this service prior to January 2.
*** Special luggage tags must be placed on your bags prior
to boarding your first flight. When you arrive in Orlando
you go straight to the Disney Welcome Center (Level 1, A
side) and you'll be directed to a comfy motorcoach which,
when filled, will whisk you away to your hotel. Your bags
will be collected off the luggage belt by Disney
representatives and will eventually be delivered to your
room. If you are on an international flight and Orlando is
your first US city you will have to claim your bags to go
through customs and then give them back. They will go to the
baggage claim area at that point where the Disney
representative will collect and transport them for you.
For the return trip, you'll get a notice under the door the
day prior telling you what time to meet the bus out front.
It will average 2.5-3 hours prior to your flight time. They
will NOT pick up your luggage from the room. Either haul it
down yourself or call a bellman. (Call bell services early,
because in peak hours you can have a long wait for them.)
To use the luggage pre-check service you must stop by the
special desk at the hotel between 6AM and 2PM (and at least
2.75 hours before the flight). You will also receive
boarding passes for your flights home, thus eliminating the
need to stand in a check-in line at the airport. You just
go straight to security! This is great for families that
have flights leaving later in the day.
The airlines that participate in baggage pre-check and
boarding passes are American, United (and TED), Delta (and
SONG) and Continental. You can't check-in for a flight more
than 12 hours prior to the flight time. If you're not using
one of these airlines then you can still get the free trip
back, but can't use the baggage pre-check and boarding pass
service.
* You CAN do a one-way transfer.
* You CAN add the return trip once you're at the resort (if
you didn't have it already)
* You CAN use the transportation even if you aren't on one
of the airlines listed. You just won't be able to pre-check
your bags and get boarding passes for the return portion.
You'll have to stand in line at the airport like you always
have.
* Gratuities for the bellmen delivering the luggage on
arrival are taken care of. If you use bell services for
departure, though, you do need to tip them.
* You CAN add the service to reservations that were made
prior to January 2. (Email me if I did your reservations.)
* You CAN use the remote check-in process without using the
bus transportation if you want to.
* You CAN use the return transportation service for
international flights, but not the remote check-in service.
* You CAN'T book this service at the airport. It must be
added at least 10 days prior to arrival day.
* You CAN'T have just your luggage transported.
* You CAN'T use the transfers to go to any non-Disney hotel
(including Swan/Dolphin).
* You CAN'T use the return check-in service unless you're a
Disney resort guest (must show room key).
The airport check-in service is operated by a TSA-approved
company (not Disney) and all the usual rules apply. Everyone
needs to come to the desk to check in and passports and/or
photo ID are needed for everyone. If you lock your bags they
may have to break the lock at the airport to look inside
unless you use the new TSA-approved locks that they can get
into.
To reserve your transportation space you must provide your
Disney room/package reservation number (unless the
transportation is booked at the same time), the airline and
flight #s, the city of origin for the flight coming into
Orlando, and the destination city for your departing flight.
Again, you can't add this until after January 2, and it is
only for reservations starting May 5, 2005 or later.
Buses will make 3-4 stops, so it's not necessarily a real
time-saver; and they will not stop at a grocery store like
the private drivers. Still, to save $100 or so, it's going
to be worth it for most folks.
The service will run 24/7 and they will be tracking flights
so even if you arrive late they will wait for you and ensure
that you get to the hotel. If you miss your incoming flight
for some reason, but your bags make it, they will hold the
bags at the airport until you physically arrive in Orlando.
If you get to your room and one or more of your bags doesn't
show up, then you contact the Magical Express deck at your
resort and they will assist. If you check your bags at the
hotel and then fail to appear at the airport for the flight,
federal regulations require that your baggage be pulled off
the plane. This can cause delays and everyone on the plane
will hate you."
=================================================
YOU CAN AFFORD DISNEY WORLD!
If you THINK a Disney vacation costs too much ... WE AGREE!
That's why we created the ULTIMATE Disney savings site. Save
up to 40% on your total trip. Learn about discounts on
tickets, food, Disney merchandise, hotels ON Disney
property, travel, parking, and MUCH more. Too much to list
here. See it all here.
=================================================
See You Real Soon!
John
AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
=============================================
Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the accuracy of information
contained in THE DISNEY NEWS. Always check to be sure. The
views and opinions expressed by others in THE DISNEY NEWS do
not necessarily reflect the views of AffordableDisney.Com.
=============================================
posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 10:17 AM
