Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation Updates
THE DISNEY NEWS
December 23, 2004 - Issue #247
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
=================================================
Hi Everyone!
We continuously update our information and you can find the
latest additions in our Addenda:
WALT DISNEY WORLD:
* Universal Orlando: Free Passes for Kids (Ages 3-9)!
* Disney Cruise 2005 Early Bird Specials from $359 per person!
* Dining Gift Certificates to restaurants in Orlando and in
the WDW area. For a limited time, save another 50% off
their discounted certificates!
DISNEYLAND, CALIFORNIA:
* Kids Fly Free on this airline!
* Stay at the Disneyland Hotels and receive FREE Disney Dollars!
* Kids receive a Disneyland Three-day Park Hopper for FREE!
* Adults can buy a Disneyland Park Hopper at the child's price!
* Universal Studios Hollywood Buy A Day Get 2005 Free!
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"
Walk in and win January 15 at the Disney-MGM Studios and win at
"Who Wants to Be a Millionaire."
"Everyone who wants to participate in Walk In and Win Week must
be at the Main Entrance of the Disney-MGM Studios at Walt Disney
World® Resort in Florida by 7:30 am on Saturday, January 15."
(Source: http://millionairetv.com/, 12/21/04)
For the rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
"Golf carts at Disney's Eagle Pines and Osprey Ridge Golf Courses
at the Walt Disney World® Resort are now equipped with Global
Positioning System (GPS) devices... These high-tech computers
offer detailed 3-D renderings of golf holes and course features,
measure exact distances from the golf ball to the flagstick, and
at the touch of a button, share tips from professionals with
helpful strategies for each hole."
DISNEYLAND, CALIFORNIA
To celebrate Mickey's 75 anniversary, "a collection of specially-
created Mickey Mouse statues is en route to the Disneyland®
Resort and will be on display Jan. 10 through Feb. 22, 2005."
(Source: Promotional e-mail from Disneyland Resort and Walt
Disney World Resort, 12/21/04)
--------------------------------
"Ticket prices at Universal Orlando will go up today for the
third time this year -- by far the largest single-year increase
in the theme park's history.
Before tax, a one-day, one-park adult ticket to either Universal
Studios or Islands of Adventure will go up $5 to $59.75, a 9
percent increase over the old price...
In the price changes that take effect today, Universal increased
the price of every ticket it offers -- including multi-day passes
-- except its most expensive annual pass. Two- and three-day
multiple-park passes increased about 5 percent, while the cost of
a five-day pass went up 25 percent.
Still, even with the increases, Universal's two, three and five-
day tickets will be cheaper than similar tickets at Disney. The
price of a one-park adult ticket at the two resorts will match."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 12/18/04)
--------------------------------
"The television quiz show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire," hosted
by Meredith Vieira, will tape five weeks of episodes during
January at Disney-MGM Studios.
The tapings will take place inside the "Who Wants To Be A
Millionaire-Play It!" set on Jan. 12-16, with multiple episodes
taped each day.
A limited number of audience tickets are available in advance and
can be requested at millionairetv.com. A limited number of
tickets will also be available the day of the tapings and will be
distributed inside Disney-MGM Studios on a first-come, first-
served basis, while seats last, on taping days."
(Source: Walt Disney World, 12/17/04)
---------------@@---------------
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. Join our Disney family here.
---------------@@---------------
The Atlantic Dance club located at Disney’s Boardwalk is
having a New Years Eve Party.
Entertainment: The Big Ide band and a DJ playing music from the
70s to the present
Time: Starts at 9:00 PM
Snacks: Enjoy light hors d'oeuvres from 9:30 until 11:30 PM;
a champagne toast, party favors and fireworks at midnight.
All guests must be 21 years old with proper ID
Tickets: Purchase at Atlantic Dance box office starting at
12 noon December 31. $40.00 per person. Call 407/939-2444.
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Renea writes:
"Hello John:
We went to Disneyworld in June and in November. There isn't
anything to report about the June trip worth while.
The November trip however was very eventful!
We arrived at 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 4th. I decided
since it was only myself and my 3 children to stay on airport
property. We stayed at the La Quinta Inn North for only $34.50
including breakfast with my Entertainment rate.
The hotel was "o.k." There were young girls talking on their
phones at midnight outside our door (until they saw my dirty
looks and went down the hall). The room was clean enough and the
breakfast was very good with waffles, fruit, yogurt, breads, and
cereals.
We checked into the La Quinta Inn on Jamaican Court on
International Drive. Stay away from this property at all costs! I
mean this!
We only paid $39.50/night with breakfast but here is what
happened to us:
1. Both properties charged extra $ on my debit card for
incidentals (I was only at the airport property for 10 hours)
2. The second morning I woke up to a man screaming at his
girlfriend and beating her. I called the front desk immediately.
it took a second call down there for a manager to come up!
3. Our bathroom was not cleaned. only dirty towels taken away.
there was a man at the desk complaining that he was there for 7
days and never got his coffee replenished.
4. there were people trying to get into a room with a key that
obviously wasn't the correct one.
5. the security guard and the desk clerk were sleeping at night
watching t.v.
6. I told them to take the charges off my debit card and I would
pay cash. I took the cash out, went to pay and they charged my
card again for 2 nights!
I was terrified to stay here so I walked next door to the embassy
suites and explained my situation. I am a Hilton honors member so
I got a suite for $99/night. the room was o.k., much better then
the L.Q. but not as clean and maintained as it should have been.
It is a nice place with indoor/outdoor pool, hot breakfast in the
a.m. and manager's reception with free drinks for 2 hours every
night.
The good part of our trip was the last. I made reservations at
the Grand Floridian in the Lodge Concierge building where we
always stay (we know everyone there by name). I paid for the 2
nights in advance. the problem is we were in the lodge for 1
night and a lagoon view the second because they were sold out. I
went to the lodge building the night before check in and spoke
with the desk clerk who I know very well. he called the room
assigner and asked if we could stay in the lodge building both
nights.
we arrived on Tuesday a.m. and the concierge staff greeted us as
usual to take us to the lodge building. he brought us to the
golden elevators (these are only accessible to those who are
staying in the main building concierge). I asked him where we
were going and he said they upgraded us for the night!
What a fantastic place! breakfast, snacks at lunch, tea in the
afternoon, hot foods at night with champagne, beer, etc. then at
8:00 they had cordials and fancy deserts. the rooms are gorgeous,
the staff very helpful and the service is great. I couldn't
believe this place.
I went down the next morning to check out and into the lodge
building and they let me keep my free upgrade! I was so happy
after the nightmare we were in before. if your readers have the $
and want a very special treat, stay here!
they were also setting up the gingerbread house (which we watched
the chefs put the gingerbread and icing on the house) and I came
out of the Jacuzzi around midnight and they were starting to put
all the Christmas trees up (even the large one in the lobby).
We always stay at the G.F. and after this experience, we won't
stay anywhere else...
thanks for the newsletter every week. it helps when planning our
trips."
Ahhhh... concierge service! If you got the cash, make a dash for
those gold elevators!
=================================================
MONEY SAVING TIP
Captain Nemo's All You Can Eat Seafood Feast
5469 W. Hwy. 192, Kissimmee, FL
2 miles east of I-4
407/396-6911 or 407/239-7729
Enjoy a free beer, wine or soft drink with the purchase of any
adult feast with this coupon
=================================================
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 23, 2004 - Issue #247
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
=================================================
Hi Everyone!
We continuously update our information and you can find the
latest additions in our Addenda:
WALT DISNEY WORLD:
* Universal Orlando: Free Passes for Kids (Ages 3-9)!
* Disney Cruise 2005 Early Bird Specials from $359 per person!
* Dining Gift Certificates to restaurants in Orlando and in
the WDW area. For a limited time, save another 50% off
their discounted certificates!
DISNEYLAND, CALIFORNIA:
* Kids Fly Free on this airline!
* Stay at the Disneyland Hotels and receive FREE Disney Dollars!
* Kids receive a Disneyland Three-day Park Hopper for FREE!
* Adults can buy a Disneyland Park Hopper at the child's price!
* Universal Studios Hollywood Buy A Day Get 2005 Free!
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"
Walk in and win January 15 at the Disney-MGM Studios and win at
"Who Wants to Be a Millionaire."
"Everyone who wants to participate in Walk In and Win Week must
be at the Main Entrance of the Disney-MGM Studios at Walt Disney
World® Resort in Florida by 7:30 am on Saturday, January 15."
(Source: http://millionairetv.com/, 12/21/04)
For the rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
"Golf carts at Disney's Eagle Pines and Osprey Ridge Golf Courses
at the Walt Disney World® Resort are now equipped with Global
Positioning System (GPS) devices... These high-tech computers
offer detailed 3-D renderings of golf holes and course features,
measure exact distances from the golf ball to the flagstick, and
at the touch of a button, share tips from professionals with
helpful strategies for each hole."
DISNEYLAND, CALIFORNIA
To celebrate Mickey's 75 anniversary, "a collection of specially-
created Mickey Mouse statues is en route to the Disneyland®
Resort and will be on display Jan. 10 through Feb. 22, 2005."
(Source: Promotional e-mail from Disneyland Resort and Walt
Disney World Resort, 12/21/04)
--------------------------------
"Ticket prices at Universal Orlando will go up today for the
third time this year -- by far the largest single-year increase
in the theme park's history.
Before tax, a one-day, one-park adult ticket to either Universal
Studios or Islands of Adventure will go up $5 to $59.75, a 9
percent increase over the old price...
In the price changes that take effect today, Universal increased
the price of every ticket it offers -- including multi-day passes
-- except its most expensive annual pass. Two- and three-day
multiple-park passes increased about 5 percent, while the cost of
a five-day pass went up 25 percent.
Still, even with the increases, Universal's two, three and five-
day tickets will be cheaper than similar tickets at Disney. The
price of a one-park adult ticket at the two resorts will match."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 12/18/04)
--------------------------------
"The television quiz show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire," hosted
by Meredith Vieira, will tape five weeks of episodes during
January at Disney-MGM Studios.
The tapings will take place inside the "Who Wants To Be A
Millionaire-Play It!" set on Jan. 12-16, with multiple episodes
taped each day.
A limited number of audience tickets are available in advance and
can be requested at millionairetv.com. A limited number of
tickets will also be available the day of the tapings and will be
distributed inside Disney-MGM Studios on a first-come, first-
served basis, while seats last, on taping days."
(Source: Walt Disney World, 12/17/04)
---------------@@---------------
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. Join our Disney family here.
---------------@@---------------
The Atlantic Dance club located at Disney’s Boardwalk is
having a New Years Eve Party.
Entertainment: The Big Ide band and a DJ playing music from the
70s to the present
Time: Starts at 9:00 PM
Snacks: Enjoy light hors d'oeuvres from 9:30 until 11:30 PM;
a champagne toast, party favors and fireworks at midnight.
All guests must be 21 years old with proper ID
Tickets: Purchase at Atlantic Dance box office starting at
12 noon December 31. $40.00 per person. Call 407/939-2444.
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Renea writes:
"Hello John:
We went to Disneyworld in June and in November. There isn't
anything to report about the June trip worth while.
The November trip however was very eventful!
We arrived at 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 4th. I decided
since it was only myself and my 3 children to stay on airport
property. We stayed at the La Quinta Inn North for only $34.50
including breakfast with my Entertainment rate.
The hotel was "o.k." There were young girls talking on their
phones at midnight outside our door (until they saw my dirty
looks and went down the hall). The room was clean enough and the
breakfast was very good with waffles, fruit, yogurt, breads, and
cereals.
We checked into the La Quinta Inn on Jamaican Court on
International Drive. Stay away from this property at all costs! I
mean this!
We only paid $39.50/night with breakfast but here is what
happened to us:
1. Both properties charged extra $ on my debit card for
incidentals (I was only at the airport property for 10 hours)
2. The second morning I woke up to a man screaming at his
girlfriend and beating her. I called the front desk immediately.
it took a second call down there for a manager to come up!
3. Our bathroom was not cleaned. only dirty towels taken away.
there was a man at the desk complaining that he was there for 7
days and never got his coffee replenished.
4. there were people trying to get into a room with a key that
obviously wasn't the correct one.
5. the security guard and the desk clerk were sleeping at night
watching t.v.
6. I told them to take the charges off my debit card and I would
pay cash. I took the cash out, went to pay and they charged my
card again for 2 nights!
I was terrified to stay here so I walked next door to the embassy
suites and explained my situation. I am a Hilton honors member so
I got a suite for $99/night. the room was o.k., much better then
the L.Q. but not as clean and maintained as it should have been.
It is a nice place with indoor/outdoor pool, hot breakfast in the
a.m. and manager's reception with free drinks for 2 hours every
night.
The good part of our trip was the last. I made reservations at
the Grand Floridian in the Lodge Concierge building where we
always stay (we know everyone there by name). I paid for the 2
nights in advance. the problem is we were in the lodge for 1
night and a lagoon view the second because they were sold out. I
went to the lodge building the night before check in and spoke
with the desk clerk who I know very well. he called the room
assigner and asked if we could stay in the lodge building both
nights.
we arrived on Tuesday a.m. and the concierge staff greeted us as
usual to take us to the lodge building. he brought us to the
golden elevators (these are only accessible to those who are
staying in the main building concierge). I asked him where we
were going and he said they upgraded us for the night!
What a fantastic place! breakfast, snacks at lunch, tea in the
afternoon, hot foods at night with champagne, beer, etc. then at
8:00 they had cordials and fancy deserts. the rooms are gorgeous,
the staff very helpful and the service is great. I couldn't
believe this place.
I went down the next morning to check out and into the lodge
building and they let me keep my free upgrade! I was so happy
after the nightmare we were in before. if your readers have the $
and want a very special treat, stay here!
they were also setting up the gingerbread house (which we watched
the chefs put the gingerbread and icing on the house) and I came
out of the Jacuzzi around midnight and they were starting to put
all the Christmas trees up (even the large one in the lobby).
We always stay at the G.F. and after this experience, we won't
stay anywhere else...
thanks for the newsletter every week. it helps when planning our
trips."
Ahhhh... concierge service! If you got the cash, make a dash for
those gold elevators!
=================================================
MONEY SAVING TIP
Captain Nemo's All You Can Eat Seafood Feast
5469 W. Hwy. 192, Kissimmee, FL
2 miles east of I-4
407/396-6911 or 407/239-7729
Enjoy a free beer, wine or soft drink with the purchase of any
adult feast with this coupon
=================================================
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 7:32 AM
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