Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation Updates
THE DISNEY NEWS
April 28, 2005
Copyright © 1999 - 2005 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
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Hi Everyone!
Beth, our travel agent, writes about Magical Express:
"This little tidbit is VERY important!
We're told that the first mailing of Magical Express baggage
tags has been delayed. It is imperative that those who want
to take this complimentary airport transportation service
from the Orlando International airport to their Disney
resort have their bags tagged with the correct tags. The
Magical Express tags are **** NOT ***** the ones that come
with your Magic Your Way package documents. Those tags (one
per person) are just for you to use as you see fit. You
should receive the Magical Express tags in a separate
mailing.
If you are leaving within 10 days and have not yet gotten
your baggage tags, and you're certain that you gave Disney
or your travel agent your flight information, then contact
your travel agent right away, or if you didn't use one
contact the company operating the Magical Express service
toll free at 1-866-599-0951."
---------------@@---------------
TIME SENSITIVE DEAL!
Stay at this Walt Disney World Good neighbor Hotel and enjoy
standard rooms at $69 and suites at $99! Includes:
>> Complimentary scheduled Disney shuttle
>> 79 foot Python waterslide
>> "Sweet Sleeper" bedding
>> All Suites just upgraded
Book your reservation between now and May 2nd for arrival
between May 1 and May 26. Blackout dates May 13 and May 14.
This particular special is NOT on our Addendum. Affordable
Disney Members should email me personally for details at
johngross@affordabledisney.com
---------------@@---------------
Stay at this newly-renovated Walt Disney World Good Neighbor
Hotel and enjoy:
>> Traditional 1-BR Suite from $89 - save $25 per night
>> Traditional 2-BR Suite from $139 - save $50 per night
>> Deluxe 1 & 2-BR Suite from $94 - save $50 per night
>> All Suites Close to Walt Disney World Resort
>> Spacious 1 & 2 bedroom suites
>> Complimentary Breakfast
>> Complimentary Happy Hours
>> Free Park Shuttles; shuttle transportation to other theme
parks available
>> Children stay Free! No extra person charges
>> One Acre Poolside Recreation Area
>> Pet friendly, king bed, Jacuzzi and deluxe-featured
suites with stereo / CD / DVD / VCR also available
>> Poolside bar featuring music, sports TV, drink specials,
internet café on-site
>> Guest Services Desk, Non-smoking & ADA suites, Guest
laundry & valet, Mini-market & gift shop
>> Group Arrangements Available for sports teams, family
reunions, church groups, student & tour groups
Rates are valid most nights 05/05/05 - 09/05/05. Book by
May 5, 2005.
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disney Package for Spring-Summer 2005: This group can book a
package for Disneyland and receive the following extra perks
at no charge:
>> Preferred seating for Snow White -- An Enchanting Musical
>> Preferred parade viewing at either Disney park
>> Disney tote bag
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
New general admission prices!
Discounts on Annual Passports!
Vacation Package for UK residents with discounts on dining,
tours, shopping, golf and transportation!
--------------------------------
LAS VEGAS
This famous Resort & Casino is celebrating 100 years of Las
Vegas with a special $100 deal. Book by May 7 for select
midweek July, August, and September dates and you'll revel
in the unparalleled splendor of this resort for only $100
per night! Or stay on select May and June dates from $149!
--------------------------------
Affordable Disney Members should log in at our password-
protected site (The Disney Reading Room) to access the
particulars about the above mentioned specials.
If you are not a member, you can join our Disney family here.
=================================================
A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR
Our Ticket agent has GREAT PRICES on tickets to Walt Disney
World and 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
"Plenty of roadside outfits in Orlando promise discounted
tickets, but most of them really want to rope you into a
time-share sales pitch in exchange for vouchers - accept at
your own risk. [Affordable Disney's ticket agent], though,
is legit." The New York Post, November 16, 2004.
FORGET paying too much for your Disney tickets! Keep that
extra money in YOUR pocket! Join our Disney family today.
=================================================
News From Around The "World"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
"Disney Cruise Line will introduce its special brand of
cruising to a new market and new customers when the Disney
Magic sets sail for California on May 14 as part of the
50th-anniversary celebration of Disneyland...While Disney is
considering adding a third ship to its fleet, no deals have
been worked out with shipbuilders, largely because of an
unfavorable exchange rate between the dollar and the euro.
Most large cruise ships are built by European companies."
(floridatoday.com, 04/23/05) For the rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
"Irish hospitality and a bit of blarney will be coming to
Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort in the form of
Raglan Road, an authentic Irish pub and restaurant.
Scheduled to open in summer 2005, Raglan Road will feature
the very best of Irish food, flair, heritage and
entertainment." The Pub will feature:
* fixtures and furnishings built in Ireland
* Irish music, storytelling and dance
* a menu of Irish fare and fresh ingredients
"Raglan Road will occupy the building that formerly housed
The Jazz Company. Pleasure Island club admission will not be
required for entrance to the pub." (Source: WDW Press
Release, 04/25/05)
--------------------------------
Star Wars Weekend will run from May 20 to June 12, 2005 at
the Disney-MGM Studios. Activities will include autograph
sessions, a Star Wars Motorcade, Talk Show and Q&A session.
Star Wars Schedule:
Daniel Logan (Young Boba Fett) May 20 - 22
John Goodson (Concept Model Maker)
Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) May 27 - 29
Rob Coleman (Animation Supervisor)
Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok) June 3 - 5
Don Bies (R2-D2 Operator)
Jerome Blake (Rune Haako) June 10 - 12
Brian Gernand (Model Supervisor)
(Source: disneyworld.com)
--------------------------------
"a growing number of hotels, including locally the Gaylord
Palms in Kissimmee and the Hilton in the Walt Disney World
Resort, are willing to accommodate the special needs of
Jewish guests at Passover, which falls near Easter -- one of
the slowest times of the year in the convention business."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/23/05) For the rest of the
story, click here.
--------------------------------
"Born in the labs of Walt Disney Imagineering, Lucky the
Dinosaur is loose in the streets of Disney's Animal Kingdom!...
Lucky represents the latest innovation in Audio-Animatronics
design and is the first Disney character of its type to walk
freely and personally interact with children and families.
After a prototype test period in California, Lucky comes to
Walt Disney World Resort for a limited engagement to help
launch the "Happiest Celebration on Earth," a global salute
to 50 years of Disney park magic.
* Lucky the Dinosaur is 9 feet tall and weighs 450 lbs.
* Lucky is the first Disney Audio-Animatronics figure to
walk freely.
* Lucky can sniffle, burp, hiccup, sneeze, yawn, cough,
giggle, snort, purr and talk."
(Source: Walt Disney World Press Release, 04/21/05)
--------------------------------
Essays on Walt Disney with Photos
In Walt Disney's Missouri...
"Marceline, in north central Missouri, is a town of
around twenty-five hundred people, its population today
about the same as it was when Elias Disney moved his family
there ninety-nine years ago... Marceline... still feels much
like the town that Walt Disney enjoyed as a boy, almost a
century ago. Were he to come back today, he would have no
trouble finding his way around." (Source:
michaelbarrier.com, 04/04/05) For the rest of the story,
click here.
"Walt Disney spent the better part of a dozen years in
Kansas City, living there most of the time from 1911 to
1923... The point of visiting places like the Disney sites
in Kansas City is to step back in time and connect with the
lives of people long dead. Although Kansas City as a whole
is prosperous and attractive, Walt Disney's old neighborhood
is so badly blighted - and so radically different from what
he knew - that making that imaginative leap back to 1922 is,
I'm afraid, very difficult." (Source: michaelbarrier.com,
04/04/05) For the rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
CLOSED FOR REFURBISHMENT
Magic Kingdom
Peter Pan: 05/22/05 - 05/26/05
Epcot
Living with the Land: 01/02/05-04/30/05
Circle of Life: 01/02/05-04/30/05
Disney's Polynesian Resort
Lodge Building #1 closed now through May 9, 2005.
Disney's Boardwalk Resort
Now through April 29: Quiet Pool Deck repairs 8 AM - 2 PM
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Now through April 29: Marina Guest restroom closed for rehab
May 30 - Oct. 31: South Garden Wing closed for rehab
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
The new "Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams" will take place
during the 18-month celebration of Disneyland's 50th
anniversary and will include:
* Disney Characters
* dancers
* gymnasts
* trampolinists
* aerialists
* fountains
* confetti
* bubbles
* puppets
* 2-story floats
(Source: LaughingPlace.com, 04/25/05)
--------------------------------
Here are some fun stats to mark Disneyland's 50th
anniversary:
* 56,472,815 hot dogs and corndogs served since 1955 -
enough to reach from Disneyland to Moscow
* 222 million Matterhorn visitors rode enough track to climb
and descend the real Matterhorn over 2 million times.
* visitors to Space Mountain and It's a Small World made
more than 18 round trips to the moon and circumnavigated
the earth more than 191 times
* most popular Disneyland souvenir: Mousketeer ears -
78,617,280 sold
(Source: latimes.com, 04/22/05) For the rest of the story,
click here.
---------------@@---------------
A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR
Our Ticket agent has great prices on tickets to Walt Disney
World and 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
"Plenty of roadside outfits in Orlando promise discounted
tickets, but most of them really want to rope you into a
time-share sales pitch in exchange for vouchers - accept at
your own risk. [Affordable Disney's ticket agent], though,
is legit." The New York Post, November 16, 2004.
FORGET paying too much for your Disney tickets! Keep that
extra money in YOUR pocket! Join our Disney family today.
---------------@@---------------
DISNEYLAND HONG KONG
Disney has designed the park with respect to the local
culture:
"When building the new entrance to Hong Kong Disneyland,
Walt Disney executives decided to shift the angle of the
front gate by 12 degrees. They did so after consulting a
feng shui specialist, who said the change would ensure
prosperity for the park. Disney also put a bend in the
walkway from the train station to the gate, to make sure the
flow of positive energy, or chi, did not slip past the
entrance and out to the China Sea." (Source: New York Times,
04/25/05) For the rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
"Inside the Lin home and many others in China, there is a
distinct generational, cultural and economic divide - and it
figures to be a major challenge for Walt Disney Co. and
other Western companies trying to sell entertainment in the
world's fastest-growing emerging consumer market.
If Huanbin [their son] receives too much Western culture, in
the future he may not cherish family relations, forget his
ancestors and not go back to our hometown," Lin Zhengguang
says." (Source: latimes.com, 04/21/05) For the rest of the
story, click here.
--------------------------------
"The Disneyland theme park due to open in Hong Kong in
September will "suffer from constant haze" because of
worsening air pollution over Hong Kong and southern China,
according to a report released yesterday by CLSA, the
investment bank." (Source: ft.com, 04/20/05)
--------------------------------
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. Certain
newspapers require a free registration to view their
articles online.
=================================================
Patti writes:
"Hi John! I don't know if you know about this or not, but
the Disney Magazine has ceased publication as of last week.
I read that a mass mailing is going out to all subscribers
and offering them two options: 1) they get a refund for any
unread issues, or 2) they can get a subscription to a
"family" magazine instead."
Yes, it looks like ezines like ours, The Disney News, are
providing Disney fans with the latest Disney information
faster and for free.
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Cynthia writes:
"Dear John, My parents are going to be at WDW tonight (April
25) and tomorrow in celebration of their 45th anniversary. I
heard that Narcoossee's at the Grand Floridian was a good
place to get dessert and view the fireworks so they have
seating there for 9:30 pm tonight. However, they have asked
if you know of a better place to view them, perhaps even a
location within the park where they could have a seat, but
not necessarily a restaurant. Any info you have is
appreciated. Just trying to give them a magical time on this
mini- honeymoon trip. Thanks!"
Have them go to Toontown in the Magic Kingdom and watch them
from there. If they're early enough they can grab one of the
benches!
Cynthia wrote back:
"Thanks John for the reply. I spoke with them last night and
they had decided to go on to Narcoosee's in hopes of seeing
the fireworks from there.
I called the restaurant before hand and told them that my
parents had priority seating and that it was their 45th
anniversary, and honeymoon. I asked if they could
acknowledge the occasion to make it special for them.
From the account I received from my folks, the staff came
through. When my parents arrived, the gentleman at the
podium greeted them with congratulations and said that they
were holding for them the best table in the house. That of
course thrilled my father. The server then brought them a
menu and printed right on the menu was "Happy Anniversary
Alton and Gayle!"
After Dad ate his flavorful clam chowder and Mom her fresh
greens, the server brought a delicious key lime dessert with
a candle and more congratulations. The dessert was on the
house!
Soon after, the lights went down and the music from the
Magic Kingdom began. My parents sat at their "best table in
the house," and enjoyed the much anticipated fireworks;
after which the restaurant erupted in applause.
When I spoke to them later, they were strolling back to
their room at the French Quarter and could not say enough
about their fabulous day and evening at Walt Disney World.
They have one more day and are planning to attend the flower
and garden festival at Epcot. I'm sure today will be magical
as well.
Thanks again for the great book and information you give. We
have been to WDW three times since buying the book and
learning from the many tips you provide. We have saved money
and time, and you have enriched our Disney experiences. God
bless you and yours."
I love a happy ending! Thanks again, Cynthia, for your kind
comments!
=================================================
MONEY SAVING TIP
Timacuan Golf & Country Club .
550 Timacuan Boulevard
Lake Mary, FL 32766
407/321-0014
Voted "Best Golf Course in Seminole County"
(Seminole Herald's Reader's Choice Award 2003)
Non-residents save $10.00 off the Visitor's Rate!
Click here. Scroll down for coupon. Offer Expires December 31, 2005.
=================================================
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Have Dinner On Us!
For every person you send to our site who becomes a member
of our Disney family, we'll send you a $10.00 electronic
gift certificate from Restaurant.com! Use your certificate
to purchase dining certificates online that are redeemable
at thousands of restaurants across the USA, including those
in Florida! Have your referral include your NAME AND EMAIL
ADDRESS in the comment box when she joins so we know where
to send your gift certificate via email. Note: Gift
Certificates are redeemable only by residents of the U.S.
and Puerto Rico.
--------------------------------
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. To check out the bargains, click here.
--------------------------------
Got Coupons?
Here's a great deal on the 2005 Edition of the Orlando
Entertainment Book, which can save you thousands on travel,
groceries, shopping, movie tickets, and more! For a limited
time, all 2005 Entertainment books are 50% OFF their retail
price or just $12.50 a book! Now you can buy two books for
the price of one and save even more! You could buy one for
Florida and one for your local area! Offers in the 2005
books are valid through November 1, 2005. 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!!!"
--------------------------------
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 Luggage
Save up to 60% on Luggage, Backpacks, and more! 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. Unlike stock
brokers that require you to purchase several shares of
stock, OneShare sells one share of stock and mails you the
certificate. You can frame the stock certificate yourself or
OneShare will frame if for you at a nominal cost. Click 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.
=============================================
April 28, 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
: My Yahoo! users can instantly add our blogcontent to My Yahoo! Add My Yahoo!
: You can also subscribe to our blog at MSN! Add to My MSN!
=================================================
Hi Everyone!
Beth, our travel agent, writes about Magical Express:
"This little tidbit is VERY important!
We're told that the first mailing of Magical Express baggage
tags has been delayed. It is imperative that those who want
to take this complimentary airport transportation service
from the Orlando International airport to their Disney
resort have their bags tagged with the correct tags. The
Magical Express tags are **** NOT ***** the ones that come
with your Magic Your Way package documents. Those tags (one
per person) are just for you to use as you see fit. You
should receive the Magical Express tags in a separate
mailing.
If you are leaving within 10 days and have not yet gotten
your baggage tags, and you're certain that you gave Disney
or your travel agent your flight information, then contact
your travel agent right away, or if you didn't use one
contact the company operating the Magical Express service
toll free at 1-866-599-0951."
---------------@@---------------
TIME SENSITIVE DEAL!
Stay at this Walt Disney World Good neighbor Hotel and enjoy
standard rooms at $69 and suites at $99! Includes:
>> Complimentary scheduled Disney shuttle
>> 79 foot Python waterslide
>> "Sweet Sleeper" bedding
>> All Suites just upgraded
Book your reservation between now and May 2nd for arrival
between May 1 and May 26. Blackout dates May 13 and May 14.
This particular special is NOT on our Addendum. Affordable
Disney Members should email me personally for details at
johngross@affordabledisney.com
---------------@@---------------
Stay at this newly-renovated Walt Disney World Good Neighbor
Hotel and enjoy:
>> Traditional 1-BR Suite from $89 - save $25 per night
>> Traditional 2-BR Suite from $139 - save $50 per night
>> Deluxe 1 & 2-BR Suite from $94 - save $50 per night
>> All Suites Close to Walt Disney World Resort
>> Spacious 1 & 2 bedroom suites
>> Complimentary Breakfast
>> Complimentary Happy Hours
>> Free Park Shuttles; shuttle transportation to other theme
parks available
>> Children stay Free! No extra person charges
>> One Acre Poolside Recreation Area
>> Pet friendly, king bed, Jacuzzi and deluxe-featured
suites with stereo / CD / DVD / VCR also available
>> Poolside bar featuring music, sports TV, drink specials,
internet café on-site
>> Guest Services Desk, Non-smoking & ADA suites, Guest
laundry & valet, Mini-market & gift shop
>> Group Arrangements Available for sports teams, family
reunions, church groups, student & tour groups
Rates are valid most nights 05/05/05 - 09/05/05. Book by
May 5, 2005.
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disney Package for Spring-Summer 2005: This group can book a
package for Disneyland and receive the following extra perks
at no charge:
>> Preferred seating for Snow White -- An Enchanting Musical
>> Preferred parade viewing at either Disney park
>> Disney tote bag
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
New general admission prices!
Discounts on Annual Passports!
Vacation Package for UK residents with discounts on dining,
tours, shopping, golf and transportation!
--------------------------------
LAS VEGAS
This famous Resort & Casino is celebrating 100 years of Las
Vegas with a special $100 deal. Book by May 7 for select
midweek July, August, and September dates and you'll revel
in the unparalleled splendor of this resort for only $100
per night! Or stay on select May and June dates from $149!
--------------------------------
Affordable Disney Members should log in at our password-
protected site (The Disney Reading Room) to access the
particulars about the above mentioned specials.
If you are not a member, you can join our Disney family here.
=================================================
A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR
Our Ticket agent has GREAT PRICES on tickets to Walt Disney
World and 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
"Plenty of roadside outfits in Orlando promise discounted
tickets, but most of them really want to rope you into a
time-share sales pitch in exchange for vouchers - accept at
your own risk. [Affordable Disney's ticket agent], though,
is legit." The New York Post, November 16, 2004.
FORGET paying too much for your Disney tickets! Keep that
extra money in YOUR pocket! Join our Disney family today.
=================================================
News From Around The "World"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
"Disney Cruise Line will introduce its special brand of
cruising to a new market and new customers when the Disney
Magic sets sail for California on May 14 as part of the
50th-anniversary celebration of Disneyland...While Disney is
considering adding a third ship to its fleet, no deals have
been worked out with shipbuilders, largely because of an
unfavorable exchange rate between the dollar and the euro.
Most large cruise ships are built by European companies."
(floridatoday.com, 04/23/05) For the rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
"Irish hospitality and a bit of blarney will be coming to
Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort in the form of
Raglan Road, an authentic Irish pub and restaurant.
Scheduled to open in summer 2005, Raglan Road will feature
the very best of Irish food, flair, heritage and
entertainment." The Pub will feature:
* fixtures and furnishings built in Ireland
* Irish music, storytelling and dance
* a menu of Irish fare and fresh ingredients
"Raglan Road will occupy the building that formerly housed
The Jazz Company. Pleasure Island club admission will not be
required for entrance to the pub." (Source: WDW Press
Release, 04/25/05)
--------------------------------
Star Wars Weekend will run from May 20 to June 12, 2005 at
the Disney-MGM Studios. Activities will include autograph
sessions, a Star Wars Motorcade, Talk Show and Q&A session.
Star Wars Schedule:
Daniel Logan (Young Boba Fett) May 20 - 22
John Goodson (Concept Model Maker)
Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) May 27 - 29
Rob Coleman (Animation Supervisor)
Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok) June 3 - 5
Don Bies (R2-D2 Operator)
Jerome Blake (Rune Haako) June 10 - 12
Brian Gernand (Model Supervisor)
(Source: disneyworld.com)
--------------------------------
"a growing number of hotels, including locally the Gaylord
Palms in Kissimmee and the Hilton in the Walt Disney World
Resort, are willing to accommodate the special needs of
Jewish guests at Passover, which falls near Easter -- one of
the slowest times of the year in the convention business."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/23/05) For the rest of the
story, click here.
--------------------------------
"Born in the labs of Walt Disney Imagineering, Lucky the
Dinosaur is loose in the streets of Disney's Animal Kingdom!...
Lucky represents the latest innovation in Audio-Animatronics
design and is the first Disney character of its type to walk
freely and personally interact with children and families.
After a prototype test period in California, Lucky comes to
Walt Disney World Resort for a limited engagement to help
launch the "Happiest Celebration on Earth," a global salute
to 50 years of Disney park magic.
* Lucky the Dinosaur is 9 feet tall and weighs 450 lbs.
* Lucky is the first Disney Audio-Animatronics figure to
walk freely.
* Lucky can sniffle, burp, hiccup, sneeze, yawn, cough,
giggle, snort, purr and talk."
(Source: Walt Disney World Press Release, 04/21/05)
--------------------------------
Essays on Walt Disney with Photos
In Walt Disney's Missouri...
"Marceline, in north central Missouri, is a town of
around twenty-five hundred people, its population today
about the same as it was when Elias Disney moved his family
there ninety-nine years ago... Marceline... still feels much
like the town that Walt Disney enjoyed as a boy, almost a
century ago. Were he to come back today, he would have no
trouble finding his way around." (Source:
michaelbarrier.com, 04/04/05) For the rest of the story,
click here.
"Walt Disney spent the better part of a dozen years in
Kansas City, living there most of the time from 1911 to
1923... The point of visiting places like the Disney sites
in Kansas City is to step back in time and connect with the
lives of people long dead. Although Kansas City as a whole
is prosperous and attractive, Walt Disney's old neighborhood
is so badly blighted - and so radically different from what
he knew - that making that imaginative leap back to 1922 is,
I'm afraid, very difficult." (Source: michaelbarrier.com,
04/04/05) For the rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
CLOSED FOR REFURBISHMENT
Magic Kingdom
Peter Pan: 05/22/05 - 05/26/05
Epcot
Living with the Land: 01/02/05-04/30/05
Circle of Life: 01/02/05-04/30/05
Disney's Polynesian Resort
Lodge Building #1 closed now through May 9, 2005.
Disney's Boardwalk Resort
Now through April 29: Quiet Pool Deck repairs 8 AM - 2 PM
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Now through April 29: Marina Guest restroom closed for rehab
May 30 - Oct. 31: South Garden Wing closed for rehab
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
The new "Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams" will take place
during the 18-month celebration of Disneyland's 50th
anniversary and will include:
* Disney Characters
* dancers
* gymnasts
* trampolinists
* aerialists
* fountains
* confetti
* bubbles
* puppets
* 2-story floats
(Source: LaughingPlace.com, 04/25/05)
--------------------------------
Here are some fun stats to mark Disneyland's 50th
anniversary:
* 56,472,815 hot dogs and corndogs served since 1955 -
enough to reach from Disneyland to Moscow
* 222 million Matterhorn visitors rode enough track to climb
and descend the real Matterhorn over 2 million times.
* visitors to Space Mountain and It's a Small World made
more than 18 round trips to the moon and circumnavigated
the earth more than 191 times
* most popular Disneyland souvenir: Mousketeer ears -
78,617,280 sold
(Source: latimes.com, 04/22/05) For the rest of the story,
click here.
---------------@@---------------
A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR
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"I thought I knew all the tips for saving money at WDW, even
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---------------@@---------------
DISNEYLAND HONG KONG
Disney has designed the park with respect to the local
culture:
"When building the new entrance to Hong Kong Disneyland,
Walt Disney executives decided to shift the angle of the
front gate by 12 degrees. They did so after consulting a
feng shui specialist, who said the change would ensure
prosperity for the park. Disney also put a bend in the
walkway from the train station to the gate, to make sure the
flow of positive energy, or chi, did not slip past the
entrance and out to the China Sea." (Source: New York Times,
04/25/05) For the rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
"Inside the Lin home and many others in China, there is a
distinct generational, cultural and economic divide - and it
figures to be a major challenge for Walt Disney Co. and
other Western companies trying to sell entertainment in the
world's fastest-growing emerging consumer market.
If Huanbin [their son] receives too much Western culture, in
the future he may not cherish family relations, forget his
ancestors and not go back to our hometown," Lin Zhengguang
says." (Source: latimes.com, 04/21/05) For the rest of the
story, click here.
--------------------------------
"The Disneyland theme park due to open in Hong Kong in
September will "suffer from constant haze" because of
worsening air pollution over Hong Kong and southern China,
according to a report released yesterday by CLSA, the
investment bank." (Source: ft.com, 04/20/05)
--------------------------------
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. Certain
newspapers require a free registration to view their
articles online.
=================================================
Patti writes:
"Hi John! I don't know if you know about this or not, but
the Disney Magazine has ceased publication as of last week.
I read that a mass mailing is going out to all subscribers
and offering them two options: 1) they get a refund for any
unread issues, or 2) they can get a subscription to a
"family" magazine instead."
Yes, it looks like ezines like ours, The Disney News, are
providing Disney fans with the latest Disney information
faster and for free.
=================================================
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
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=================================================
Cynthia writes:
"Dear John, My parents are going to be at WDW tonight (April
25) and tomorrow in celebration of their 45th anniversary. I
heard that Narcoossee's at the Grand Floridian was a good
place to get dessert and view the fireworks so they have
seating there for 9:30 pm tonight. However, they have asked
if you know of a better place to view them, perhaps even a
location within the park where they could have a seat, but
not necessarily a restaurant. Any info you have is
appreciated. Just trying to give them a magical time on this
mini- honeymoon trip. Thanks!"
Have them go to Toontown in the Magic Kingdom and watch them
from there. If they're early enough they can grab one of the
benches!
Cynthia wrote back:
"Thanks John for the reply. I spoke with them last night and
they had decided to go on to Narcoosee's in hopes of seeing
the fireworks from there.
I called the restaurant before hand and told them that my
parents had priority seating and that it was their 45th
anniversary, and honeymoon. I asked if they could
acknowledge the occasion to make it special for them.
From the account I received from my folks, the staff came
through. When my parents arrived, the gentleman at the
podium greeted them with congratulations and said that they
were holding for them the best table in the house. That of
course thrilled my father. The server then brought them a
menu and printed right on the menu was "Happy Anniversary
Alton and Gayle!"
After Dad ate his flavorful clam chowder and Mom her fresh
greens, the server brought a delicious key lime dessert with
a candle and more congratulations. The dessert was on the
house!
Soon after, the lights went down and the music from the
Magic Kingdom began. My parents sat at their "best table in
the house," and enjoyed the much anticipated fireworks;
after which the restaurant erupted in applause.
When I spoke to them later, they were strolling back to
their room at the French Quarter and could not say enough
about their fabulous day and evening at Walt Disney World.
They have one more day and are planning to attend the flower
and garden festival at Epcot. I'm sure today will be magical
as well.
Thanks again for the great book and information you give. We
have been to WDW three times since buying the book and
learning from the many tips you provide. We have saved money
and time, and you have enriched our Disney experiences. God
bless you and yours."
I love a happy ending! Thanks again, Cynthia, for your kind
comments!
=================================================
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Have Dinner On Us!
For every person you send to our site who becomes a member
of our Disney family, we'll send you a $10.00 electronic
gift certificate from Restaurant.com! Use your certificate
to purchase dining certificates online that are redeemable
at thousands of restaurants across the USA, including those
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to send your gift certificate via email. Note: Gift
Certificates are redeemable only by residents of the U.S.
and Puerto Rico.
--------------------------------
Affordable Disney Books
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Hundreds of books under $1.00! Shop now for an additional
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--------------------------------
Got Coupons?
Here's a great deal on the 2005 Edition of the Orlando
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time, all 2005 Entertainment books are 50% OFF their retail
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books are valid through November 1, 2005. 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
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Cheryl writes: "I saved over $200.00 on my mini van rental!!!"
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--------------------------------
Own a piece of the Magic Kingdom
Disney framed stock certificates are works of art. They
feature Walt Disney and the Disney characters. Unlike stock
brokers that require you to purchase several shares of
stock, OneShare sells one share of stock and mails you the
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=============================================
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 7:57 AM
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