Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation Updates
THE DISNEY NEWS
January 06, 2005
Copyright © 1999 - 2005 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
=================================================
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
"Delta Air Lines Inc. on Wednesday announced it is cutting
domestic fares by up to 50 percent and scrapped its
unpopular Saturday-stay requirements... Other features of
the plan called SimpliFares include charging $50 instead of
$100 to change tickets... The move would make the company,
the nation's No. 3 airline, more like low-cost airlines such
as Southwest Airlines Co..." (Source: Orlando Sentinel,
01/05/05) For the rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
Fewer people are getting sick on Mission: Space. Has Disney
softened the rides effects or are more visitors heeding the
ride's warnings? (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/04/05) For
the rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
Disney is working on Stitch's Great Escape in the Magic
Kingdom to make it less scary. (Source: Orlando Sentinel,
01/03/05) No details have been released yet.
--------------------------------
New for 2005 at the themeparks:
* Crush 'n' Gusher water-coaster opens at Disney's Typhoon
Lagoon
* Disco H2O, a flume set to a disco motif, is being built at
Wet 'n Wild
* A dolphin show will debut at SeaWorld Orlando this summer
AirTran Airways has added nonstop service between Tampa and
Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport in Virginia.
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/03/05) For the rest of the
story, click here.
--------------------------------
Following Disney's and Universal's recent price increases,
SeaWorld and Busch Gardens raised their prices Monday,
January 3. A single day ticket at SeaWorld now costs $59.75
+ tax or about 11 percent more than 2004's price! Busch
Gardens had a slow 2004 so they have only raised their price
to $55.95. (We sent out a notice in our blog on Saturday
notifying subscribers to buy their tickets before the price
increase.)
--------------------------------
"The Buccaneers will hold their 2005 training camp at
Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, heading back to
Central Florida for the fourth straight year." (Source:
buccaneers.com, 12/29/04) For the rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
The Science of Queuing...
"In geometry, the shortest distance between two points may
be a straight line, but in queuing science that's heresy
when long waits are concerned. If Disney guests saw what a
one- hour wait looked like in a continuous single-file line,
they'd be too demoralized to enter it, research suggests.
That's why the [Indiana] Jones ride [at Disneyland,
California] repeatedly cuts back and forth, and turns around
bends and corners to prevent guests from ever spotting the
front.
The ride adroitly manages expectations as well, a basic
concept in the science of queuing. By posting estimated wait
times along the way, Disney helps guests make an informed
decision about joining." (Source: latimes.com, 12/29/04) For
the rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
For an article on Disney World for adults, 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!
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.
---------------@@---------------
"The "Happiest Celebration on Earth" marks the 50th
Anniversary of Disneyland, the landmark destination that
changed the way the world thinks about family vacations.
When the 18-month celebration officially begins May 5, 2005,
every Disney destination around the world, along with Disney
Cruise Line, will join in the festivities with new
attractions, shows and other offerings."
Disneyland California
* Sleeping Beauty Castle has a new look
* ride vehicles have a golden sheen
* Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters!
* "re-Imagineered" Space Mountain
Walt Disney World, Florida - Imports from other parks:
* Soarin' from Disney's California Adventure
* Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show from Paris
* Cinderellabration from Tokyo Disney Resort
Tokyo Disneyland Park
* Rock Around the Mouse - a tribute
* Raging Spirits at Tokyo DisneySea, featuring a 360- degree
vertical loop
Disneyland, Paris
* a new fireworks show
* Space Mountain: Mission 2
Disney Cruise Line
* The Disney Magic will sail to the Port of Los Angeles
visiting the Mexican Riviera
(Source: Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, 12/30/04)
--------------------------------
SeaWorld's new Annual Pass card is disappointing Passport
members. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 12/31/04) 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.
=================================================
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).
*** 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 BE CONTINUED
=================================================
MONEY SAVING TIP
Did you receive a gift card that you can't use? Now you can
sell or trade it online! See:
SwapAGift.com
Ebay.com
CardAvenue.com
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 12/31/04) For more details, click here.
=================================================
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.
=============================================
January 06, 2005
Copyright © 1999 - 2005 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
=================================================
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
"Delta Air Lines Inc. on Wednesday announced it is cutting
domestic fares by up to 50 percent and scrapped its
unpopular Saturday-stay requirements... Other features of
the plan called SimpliFares include charging $50 instead of
$100 to change tickets... The move would make the company,
the nation's No. 3 airline, more like low-cost airlines such
as Southwest Airlines Co..." (Source: Orlando Sentinel,
01/05/05) For the rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
Fewer people are getting sick on Mission: Space. Has Disney
softened the rides effects or are more visitors heeding the
ride's warnings? (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/04/05) For
the rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
Disney is working on Stitch's Great Escape in the Magic
Kingdom to make it less scary. (Source: Orlando Sentinel,
01/03/05) No details have been released yet.
--------------------------------
New for 2005 at the themeparks:
* Crush 'n' Gusher water-coaster opens at Disney's Typhoon
Lagoon
* Disco H2O, a flume set to a disco motif, is being built at
Wet 'n Wild
* A dolphin show will debut at SeaWorld Orlando this summer
AirTran Airways has added nonstop service between Tampa and
Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport in Virginia.
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/03/05) For the rest of the
story, click here.
--------------------------------
Following Disney's and Universal's recent price increases,
SeaWorld and Busch Gardens raised their prices Monday,
January 3. A single day ticket at SeaWorld now costs $59.75
+ tax or about 11 percent more than 2004's price! Busch
Gardens had a slow 2004 so they have only raised their price
to $55.95. (We sent out a notice in our blog on Saturday
notifying subscribers to buy their tickets before the price
increase.)
--------------------------------
"The Buccaneers will hold their 2005 training camp at
Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, heading back to
Central Florida for the fourth straight year." (Source:
buccaneers.com, 12/29/04) For the rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
The Science of Queuing...
"In geometry, the shortest distance between two points may
be a straight line, but in queuing science that's heresy
when long waits are concerned. If Disney guests saw what a
one- hour wait looked like in a continuous single-file line,
they'd be too demoralized to enter it, research suggests.
That's why the [Indiana] Jones ride [at Disneyland,
California] repeatedly cuts back and forth, and turns around
bends and corners to prevent guests from ever spotting the
front.
The ride adroitly manages expectations as well, a basic
concept in the science of queuing. By posting estimated wait
times along the way, Disney helps guests make an informed
decision about joining." (Source: latimes.com, 12/29/04) For
the rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
For an article on Disney World for adults, 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!
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.
---------------@@---------------
"The "Happiest Celebration on Earth" marks the 50th
Anniversary of Disneyland, the landmark destination that
changed the way the world thinks about family vacations.
When the 18-month celebration officially begins May 5, 2005,
every Disney destination around the world, along with Disney
Cruise Line, will join in the festivities with new
attractions, shows and other offerings."
Disneyland California
* Sleeping Beauty Castle has a new look
* ride vehicles have a golden sheen
* Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters!
* "re-Imagineered" Space Mountain
Walt Disney World, Florida - Imports from other parks:
* Soarin' from Disney's California Adventure
* Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show from Paris
* Cinderellabration from Tokyo Disney Resort
Tokyo Disneyland Park
* Rock Around the Mouse - a tribute
* Raging Spirits at Tokyo DisneySea, featuring a 360- degree
vertical loop
Disneyland, Paris
* a new fireworks show
* Space Mountain: Mission 2
Disney Cruise Line
* The Disney Magic will sail to the Port of Los Angeles
visiting the Mexican Riviera
(Source: Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, 12/30/04)
--------------------------------
SeaWorld's new Annual Pass card is disappointing Passport
members. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 12/31/04) 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.
=================================================
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).
*** 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 BE CONTINUED
=================================================
MONEY SAVING TIP
Did you receive a gift card that you can't use? Now you can
sell or trade it online! See:
SwapAGift.com
Ebay.com
CardAvenue.com
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 12/31/04) For more details, click here.
=================================================
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 8:09 AM
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