Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation Updates
THE DISNEY NEWS Updates From Affordable WDW Vacation
December 16, 2004 - Issue #246
Copyright © 1999 - 2004 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
To subscribe to Affordable Disney's blog, click the following
icon:
=================================================
Hi Everyone!
We continuously update our information and you can find the
latest additions in our Addenda:
WALT DISNEY WORLD:
* Disney Cruise 2005 Early Bird Specials from $359 per person!
* Fly anywhere this airline flies (Orange County, CA is excluded)
for $39 to $149 one-way with 14-day advance purchase. Hurry!
Purchase through December 16, 2004, midnight Pacific Time.
* Dining Gift Certificates to restaurants in Orlando and in
the WDW area. For a limited time, save another 50% off
their discounted certificates!
* Members of this group can still get discount rooms at WDW
in January and February. Rooms start at $49!
* Residents of this state can still get discount rooms at WDW
in January and February. Rooms start at $49!
* Disney Cruise Line Specials for most sailings in January
and February are in effect for residents of this state
(starting at $349 per person) and the military (starting at
$349 per person!)
DISNEYLAND, CALIFORNIA:
* Kids Fly Free on this airline!
* Stay at the Disneyland Resort Hotels and receive FREE Disney
Dollars!
* Kids Play Free and Grown-Ups Play Like Kids at Disneyland with
this 2005 special.
* Universal Studios Hollywood Buy A Day Get 2005 Free!
* Stay at this "good neighbor" hotel and take advantage of
special savings on connecting rooms.
Log in today. Not a member? Join our Disney family here.
=================================================
DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM!
Disney offers special deals to Disney's Visa cardholders. Plus,
you'll get 25 Disney Dream Reward Dollars FREE for just becoming
a cardmember! For more details, click here.
Universal offers special deals to Universal Entertainment
MasterCard cardholders. Apply now and receive a movie ticket with
your first purchase! For more details, click here.
=================================================
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
A Big Band-themed buffet will take place New Year's Eve at
Epcot's World ShowPlace:
Time: 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 PM
Entertainment: Tom Butler Orchestra begins playing at 7:45 PM
Cost: $29.99 + tax for guests 12 and older; $13.99 + tax (3-11)
Includes gratuity, but alcoholic beverages cost extra.
For more information, call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463)
--------------------------------
Disney's California Adventure is featuring Santa's Beach Blast:
Where: Sunshine Plaza, which now looks like a vacation paradise
Activities: games, dancing and singing.
--------------------------------
The following rides and attractions at Disneyland, California
are closed for refurbishment:
Disneyland Park:
Space Mountain April 10,2003 - TBD
Haunted Mansion January 4 - 23, 2005
it's a small world January 10 - 23, 2005
Tomorrowland Railroad Station January 11 - May 2, 2005
Mark Twain Riverboat January 17 - March 17, 2005
Disneyland Railroad January 11 - March 17, 2005
Enchanted Tiki Room August 2, 2004 - March 11, 2005
Mad Tea Party January 24, 2005 - February 10, 2005
Splash Mountain January 24, 2005 - March 17, 2005
Disney's California Adventure Park
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Play it August 20, 2004 - TBD
It's Tough to be a Bug! January 24 - February 4, 2005
(Source: Promotional email for Walt Disney World Resort and
Disneyland Resort, 12/14/04)
--------------------------------
"The huge "Ice" spectacular [at the Gaylord Palms Resort &
Convention Center] is just one of many magical activities
that await visitors to Orlando this holiday season.
Thousands of brightly colored lights depicting holiday
scenes are glowing throughout the city and at the theme
parks....
There are eight "Bistro Gourmet" McDonald’s in Orlando which
serve made to order breakfast, lunch and dinners on real
plates with silverware." These restaurants also have game
rooms and include pastas and gourmet coffees on the menu!
For locations, click here.
(Source: travellady.con, 12/04) For the rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
"Disney and Mandeville Films are moving forward on two new
flicks, a remake of The Swiss Family Robinson and the ride-
to-film adaptation of the classic Jungle Cruise attraction."
(Source: filmforce.ign.com, 12/13/04) For the rest of the
story, click here.
--------------------------------
Turtle Talk with Crush at Epcot is wowing visitors! "Your
"Turtle Talk" experience begins as you enter a small theater
filled with low carpeted benches which are facing a 8' by
16' screen... At first, most members of the audience seem to
think that they're watching yet another movie. Until -- that
is -- Crush begins calling on individual members of the
audience..." (Source: JimHillMedia.Com, 12/13/04) For the
rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
"On December 15, the 50th anniversary of his debut as "king
of the wild frontier," the man known to millions of baby-
boomers as legendary frontiersman Davy Crockett will receive
the highest honor Disneyland bestows, when the park unveils
a tribute window to beloved actor Fess Parker...
A Disneyland window is considered the ultimate honor anyone
can receive from "The Happiest Place on Earth" and unlike
other Disneyland window tributes, Parker's salute will also
include an entirely rethemed building facade which pays
tribute to Parker's portrayal of Davy Crockett, along with
his sidekick Georgie Russell, played by the late actor Buddy
Ebsen."
My brother and I both wore Davey Crocket outfits in the
'50's! (Source: Disneyland Resort, 12/13/04)
--------------------------------
"Disney's Magic Kingdom was host to 15.2 million guests in
2004, once again making it the world's most-visited theme
park." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 12/13/04) Universal didn't
fare as well. For the rest of the story, click 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!
"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 as soon as you join our Disney
family. Click here.
---------------@@---------------
Putting all those holiday decorations on display at the theme
parks is the result of a lot of hard work that began last
January!
"Behind the copious decorations at Disney is a team of 27 full-
timers, who do nothing all year but prepare for the winter
holidays, and 25 seasonal part-timers." (Source: Orlando
Sentinel, 12/11/04) For the rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
Cypress Gardens is now officially open. "As Southern belles
strolled about Cypress Gardens Adventure Park in their antebellum
costumes, faint screams from thrill seekers riding the park's
four new roller coasters floated in the air." (Source: Orlando
Sentinel, 12/10/04) For the rest of the story, click here.
=================================================
NOTE: Links to newspaper articles change quickly and without
notice. If you receive a "File Not Found" error message, search
the newspaper's archives for the story. If web addresses are
broken into more than one line, copy and paste all lines.
=================================================
AFFORDABLE DISNEY BOOKS
Disney and other new books 50-90% off the list price. Hundreds of
books under $1.00!
* Shop now for an additional 50% off their already low prices on
over 2500 titles. Items will sell out fast. Don't miss out.
* Plus! Over 700 videos have been marked down to $1.99.
* Plus! Save $5.00 on your $35 purchase: Coupon Code: fall-promo;
Coupon Password: bookcloseouts.
* Hurry! Sale Ends: December 31 at 12:00am EST.
To check out the bargains, click here.
=================================================
Jeffrey writes:
"We went to Disneyworld Aug 20, 2004 - Sept 2, 2004. Managed
to dodge Charley and Frances.
Pleasure Island was still allowing you entry for free (Note
from John: this special is still in effect!). You only
needed to pay if you wanted to go in a club. The price was
only $16.95, which is lower than I remember from past visits
(AND LOWER THAN DISCOUNTERS WERE SELLING THE TICKETS FOR).
I bought my hopper passes from [your ticket agent], and he
gave me a magazine called "Enjoy Florida." I also saw the
magazine on racks at the Belz outlet mall where the
character corner is. In any case, on the inside back cover
of the magazine was a coupon for 20% off Pleasure Island
tickets, good for up to 6 tickets. The expiration was
12/31/04. That means the Pleasure Island clubs could be
visited for $13.56 + taxes.
There was no apparent damage to the theme parks from
charley, and since I left before Frances arrived, I have no
idea what damage it caused to the theme parks (Note from
John: the parks suffered little damage from either storm).
There was a lot of damage visible around Orlando: Billboards
completely wrecked, trees down, lots of roof damage; but the
parks were fine.
We had a great time. the crowds were smaller than I've ever
seen, so we managed to do everything we wanted to do before
the afternoon storms came through each day. we got in the
habit of going at opening to a park, and coming back to the
condo at around 3 pm to enjoy the pool and hang out. I think
the longest line we ever waited in was 30 minutes at any
park, including universal and seaworld. And that only
happened around 1 pm or so when the park was fullest."
=================================================
MONEY SAVING TIP
Highlands Reserve Golf
500 Highlands Reserve Blvd
Davenport, Florida 33897
407/629-6767 or 863/420-1724
Present this coupon and receive your choice of free rental
clubs (a $25.00 value!) or free range balls on day of play.
=================================================
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.
=================================================
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Got Coupons?
The 2005 Edition of the Orlando Entertainment Book is now
available for purchase. Order today and get $5.00 off and Free
Shipping! For details, click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Accommodations
Get the guaranteed lowest prices at the Downtown Disney Resorts
as well as at hotels, condos and vacation rentals outside Disney
property. Plus! Receive up to a $100.00 rebate! For hotels, click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Car Rental
Just enter in your travel dates, select the kind of car you want,
and receive a list of car rental prices at over 12 companies
starting with the cheapest price! Click here.
Cheryl writes: "I saved over $200.00 on my mini van rental!!!"
--------------------------------
Earn Up To 40% Cash Rebates On Over 700 Products
Membership is FREE. And best of all, no forms to mail in! They'll
even give you $2.00 just for signing up! And you'll get rewards
for signing up your friends. For more details or to sign up, click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Airfare
This service delivers as many as 230 flight options in a single
search - more options than any other travel site. It's possible
to save as much as 80%! To compare prices, click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Disney CD's, DVD's And VHS Tapes
Save as much as 80% on your favorite Disney Movie or CD!
Click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Meals
If your accommodations include a full kitchen, you can order
frozen, pre-packaged meals from A La Zing delivered to your
hotel! Click here.
--------------------------------
Own A Piece Of The Magic Kingdom
Disney framed stock certificates are works of art. They feature
Walt Disney and the Disney characters. You can frame the stock
certificate yourself or OneShare will frame if for you at a
nominal cost. For more details, click here.
=============================================
To read excerpts from our book online, click here.
=============================================
To read past issues of THE DISNEY NEWS, click here.
=============================================
Well, that's it for now. THE DISNEY NEWS is a free service
provided by AffordableDisney.Com. Please forward our newsletter
to your friends and family. To subscribe, send an email to:
subscribe-956607225@ezinedirector.net
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 16, 2004 - Issue #246
Copyright © 1999 - 2004 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
To subscribe to Affordable Disney's blog, click the following
icon:
=================================================
Hi Everyone!
We continuously update our information and you can find the
latest additions in our Addenda:
WALT DISNEY WORLD:
* Disney Cruise 2005 Early Bird Specials from $359 per person!
* Fly anywhere this airline flies (Orange County, CA is excluded)
for $39 to $149 one-way with 14-day advance purchase. Hurry!
Purchase through December 16, 2004, midnight Pacific Time.
* Dining Gift Certificates to restaurants in Orlando and in
the WDW area. For a limited time, save another 50% off
their discounted certificates!
* Members of this group can still get discount rooms at WDW
in January and February. Rooms start at $49!
* Residents of this state can still get discount rooms at WDW
in January and February. Rooms start at $49!
* Disney Cruise Line Specials for most sailings in January
and February are in effect for residents of this state
(starting at $349 per person) and the military (starting at
$349 per person!)
DISNEYLAND, CALIFORNIA:
* Kids Fly Free on this airline!
* Stay at the Disneyland Resort Hotels and receive FREE Disney
Dollars!
* Kids Play Free and Grown-Ups Play Like Kids at Disneyland with
this 2005 special.
* Universal Studios Hollywood Buy A Day Get 2005 Free!
* Stay at this "good neighbor" hotel and take advantage of
special savings on connecting rooms.
Log in today. Not a member? Join our Disney family here.
=================================================
DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM!
Disney offers special deals to Disney's Visa cardholders. Plus,
you'll get 25 Disney Dream Reward Dollars FREE for just becoming
a cardmember! For more details, click here.
Universal offers special deals to Universal Entertainment
MasterCard cardholders. Apply now and receive a movie ticket with
your first purchase! For more details, click here.
=================================================
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
A Big Band-themed buffet will take place New Year's Eve at
Epcot's World ShowPlace:
Time: 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 PM
Entertainment: Tom Butler Orchestra begins playing at 7:45 PM
Cost: $29.99 + tax for guests 12 and older; $13.99 + tax (3-11)
Includes gratuity, but alcoholic beverages cost extra.
For more information, call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463)
--------------------------------
Disney's California Adventure is featuring Santa's Beach Blast:
Where: Sunshine Plaza, which now looks like a vacation paradise
Activities: games, dancing and singing.
--------------------------------
The following rides and attractions at Disneyland, California
are closed for refurbishment:
Disneyland Park:
Space Mountain April 10,2003 - TBD
Haunted Mansion January 4 - 23, 2005
it's a small world January 10 - 23, 2005
Tomorrowland Railroad Station January 11 - May 2, 2005
Mark Twain Riverboat January 17 - March 17, 2005
Disneyland Railroad January 11 - March 17, 2005
Enchanted Tiki Room August 2, 2004 - March 11, 2005
Mad Tea Party January 24, 2005 - February 10, 2005
Splash Mountain January 24, 2005 - March 17, 2005
Disney's California Adventure Park
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Play it August 20, 2004 - TBD
It's Tough to be a Bug! January 24 - February 4, 2005
(Source: Promotional email for Walt Disney World Resort and
Disneyland Resort, 12/14/04)
--------------------------------
"The huge "Ice" spectacular [at the Gaylord Palms Resort &
Convention Center] is just one of many magical activities
that await visitors to Orlando this holiday season.
Thousands of brightly colored lights depicting holiday
scenes are glowing throughout the city and at the theme
parks....
There are eight "Bistro Gourmet" McDonald’s in Orlando which
serve made to order breakfast, lunch and dinners on real
plates with silverware." These restaurants also have game
rooms and include pastas and gourmet coffees on the menu!
For locations, click here.
(Source: travellady.con, 12/04) For the rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
"Disney and Mandeville Films are moving forward on two new
flicks, a remake of The Swiss Family Robinson and the ride-
to-film adaptation of the classic Jungle Cruise attraction."
(Source: filmforce.ign.com, 12/13/04) For the rest of the
story, click here.
--------------------------------
Turtle Talk with Crush at Epcot is wowing visitors! "Your
"Turtle Talk" experience begins as you enter a small theater
filled with low carpeted benches which are facing a 8' by
16' screen... At first, most members of the audience seem to
think that they're watching yet another movie. Until -- that
is -- Crush begins calling on individual members of the
audience..." (Source: JimHillMedia.Com, 12/13/04) For the
rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
"On December 15, the 50th anniversary of his debut as "king
of the wild frontier," the man known to millions of baby-
boomers as legendary frontiersman Davy Crockett will receive
the highest honor Disneyland bestows, when the park unveils
a tribute window to beloved actor Fess Parker...
A Disneyland window is considered the ultimate honor anyone
can receive from "The Happiest Place on Earth" and unlike
other Disneyland window tributes, Parker's salute will also
include an entirely rethemed building facade which pays
tribute to Parker's portrayal of Davy Crockett, along with
his sidekick Georgie Russell, played by the late actor Buddy
Ebsen."
My brother and I both wore Davey Crocket outfits in the
'50's! (Source: Disneyland Resort, 12/13/04)
--------------------------------
"Disney's Magic Kingdom was host to 15.2 million guests in
2004, once again making it the world's most-visited theme
park." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 12/13/04) Universal didn't
fare as well. For the rest of the story, click 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!
"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 as soon as you join our Disney
family. Click here.
---------------@@---------------
Putting all those holiday decorations on display at the theme
parks is the result of a lot of hard work that began last
January!
"Behind the copious decorations at Disney is a team of 27 full-
timers, who do nothing all year but prepare for the winter
holidays, and 25 seasonal part-timers." (Source: Orlando
Sentinel, 12/11/04) For the rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
Cypress Gardens is now officially open. "As Southern belles
strolled about Cypress Gardens Adventure Park in their antebellum
costumes, faint screams from thrill seekers riding the park's
four new roller coasters floated in the air." (Source: Orlando
Sentinel, 12/10/04) For the rest of the story, click here.
=================================================
NOTE: Links to newspaper articles change quickly and without
notice. If you receive a "File Not Found" error message, search
the newspaper's archives for the story. If web addresses are
broken into more than one line, copy and paste all lines.
=================================================
AFFORDABLE DISNEY BOOKS
Disney and other new books 50-90% off the list price. Hundreds of
books under $1.00!
* Shop now for an additional 50% off their already low prices on
over 2500 titles. Items will sell out fast. Don't miss out.
* Plus! Over 700 videos have been marked down to $1.99.
* Plus! Save $5.00 on your $35 purchase: Coupon Code: fall-promo;
Coupon Password: bookcloseouts.
* Hurry! Sale Ends: December 31 at 12:00am EST.
To check out the bargains, click here.
=================================================
Jeffrey writes:
"We went to Disneyworld Aug 20, 2004 - Sept 2, 2004. Managed
to dodge Charley and Frances.
Pleasure Island was still allowing you entry for free (Note
from John: this special is still in effect!). You only
needed to pay if you wanted to go in a club. The price was
only $16.95, which is lower than I remember from past visits
(AND LOWER THAN DISCOUNTERS WERE SELLING THE TICKETS FOR).
I bought my hopper passes from [your ticket agent], and he
gave me a magazine called "Enjoy Florida." I also saw the
magazine on racks at the Belz outlet mall where the
character corner is. In any case, on the inside back cover
of the magazine was a coupon for 20% off Pleasure Island
tickets, good for up to 6 tickets. The expiration was
12/31/04. That means the Pleasure Island clubs could be
visited for $13.56 + taxes.
There was no apparent damage to the theme parks from
charley, and since I left before Frances arrived, I have no
idea what damage it caused to the theme parks (Note from
John: the parks suffered little damage from either storm).
There was a lot of damage visible around Orlando: Billboards
completely wrecked, trees down, lots of roof damage; but the
parks were fine.
We had a great time. the crowds were smaller than I've ever
seen, so we managed to do everything we wanted to do before
the afternoon storms came through each day. we got in the
habit of going at opening to a park, and coming back to the
condo at around 3 pm to enjoy the pool and hang out. I think
the longest line we ever waited in was 30 minutes at any
park, including universal and seaworld. And that only
happened around 1 pm or so when the park was fullest."
=================================================
MONEY SAVING TIP
Highlands Reserve Golf
500 Highlands Reserve Blvd
Davenport, Florida 33897
407/629-6767 or 863/420-1724
Present this coupon and receive your choice of free rental
clubs (a $25.00 value!) or free range balls on day of play.
=================================================
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.
=================================================
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Got Coupons?
The 2005 Edition of the Orlando Entertainment Book is now
available for purchase. Order today and get $5.00 off and Free
Shipping! For details, click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Accommodations
Get the guaranteed lowest prices at the Downtown Disney Resorts
as well as at hotels, condos and vacation rentals outside Disney
property. Plus! Receive up to a $100.00 rebate! For hotels, click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Car Rental
Just enter in your travel dates, select the kind of car you want,
and receive a list of car rental prices at over 12 companies
starting with the cheapest price! Click here.
Cheryl writes: "I saved over $200.00 on my mini van rental!!!"
--------------------------------
Earn Up To 40% Cash Rebates On Over 700 Products
Membership is FREE. And best of all, no forms to mail in! They'll
even give you $2.00 just for signing up! And you'll get rewards
for signing up your friends. For more details or to sign up, click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Airfare
This service delivers as many as 230 flight options in a single
search - more options than any other travel site. It's possible
to save as much as 80%! To compare prices, click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Disney CD's, DVD's And VHS Tapes
Save as much as 80% on your favorite Disney Movie or CD!
Click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Meals
If your accommodations include a full kitchen, you can order
frozen, pre-packaged meals from A La Zing delivered to your
hotel! Click here.
--------------------------------
Own A Piece Of The Magic Kingdom
Disney framed stock certificates are works of art. They feature
Walt Disney and the Disney characters. You can frame the stock
certificate yourself or OneShare will frame if for you at a
nominal cost. For more details, click here.
=============================================
To read excerpts from our book online, click here.
=============================================
To read past issues of THE DISNEY NEWS, click here.
=============================================
Well, that's it for now. THE DISNEY NEWS is a free service
provided by AffordableDisney.Com. Please forward our newsletter
to your friends and family. To subscribe, send an email to:
subscribe-956607225@ezinedirector.net
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 9:23 AM
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