Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation Updates
THE DISNEY NEWS
May 03, 2005
Copyright © 1999 - 2005 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
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Hi Everyone!
WALT DISNEY WORLD:
A reminder...
* An exclusive deal for Affordable Disney members only at
Walt Disney World's Port Orleans French Quarter in
November, 2005.
* An exclusive deal for Affordable Disney members only at
Walt Disney World's Port Orleans French Quarter and
Wilderness Lodge in December, 2005!
"Hi John, I just joined your affordable Disney group. My
wife and I have been planning a trip to Disney World in
December. When we received your newsletter and saw the
prices we were just awed."
--------------------------------
A reminder...
Disney Cruise Line Special! Beth's Travel Agency has just
announced the dates for their quarterly Disney Cruise Line
promotion, scheduled for Sunday May 1 through Saturday May
7. It's for most 2005 and 2006 cruises! Anyone who makes a
NEW cruise or land/sea booking during those dates will
receive a cabin credit for $25 - $100 per cabin (depending
on the length of trip and type of cabin booked), plus a copy
of the "Passporter Guide to Disney Cruise Line." Please note
that this offer is not combinable with any other, nor is it
good for existing bookings.
--------------------------------
This resort near SeaWorld offers a spectacular setting in
the heart of Orlando’s world-renowned attractions.
Reminiscent of a seaside Bermuda village, the spacious
studios and one and two- bedroom suites are beautifully
furnished and decorated. Distinctive amenities include
spectacular swimming pools and waterfall features,
children’s wading pools, whirlpool spas, the Bermuda
Provisions Gift Shop and Deli, a poolside restaurant and bar
and Kids Club. The Orlando International Airport is only 12
miles from the resort and more than 94 championship golf
courses are in close proximity.
Guest Accommodations include large bedroom with queen bed
and sleeper sofa, convenient food preparation area with
small refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and sink. From
now through June 30, 2005, you can enjoy great rates
starting at just $99 per night!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
2-Day Park Hopper Discount Coupon saves this group $20.00 on
tickets for family and friends! Valid now through mid-June.
Disney's Visa Cardholders save 10% at these eateries at the
Disneyland Resort. To learn more about Disney's Visa
Program, click here.
--------------------------------
LAS VEGAS
Last minute specials!
* Enjoy an exotic summer vacation at this luxury Resort &
Casino. Package includes:
>> Tower Deluxe Upgrade
>> 2-for-1 Frozen Cocktails
>> 2-for-1 Breakfast
>> Commemorative Poster
>> Stay THREE NIGHTS and receive a tote bag and beach towel
Valid select nights May - July, 2005 from $79! Hurry! Book
your EXOTIC package by May 6, 2005!
* Stay at this popular Hotel & Casino on select nights now
through July, 2005 from $79.99 per night! Included with your
stay:
>> 2 for 1 Breakfast
>> 2 for 1 Drinks
>> Highlighted dates receive additional $10 credit at
Starbucks
Hurry! Book by May 8, 2005.
--------------------------------
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
Holiday Tickets
Tickets for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party are now on
sale: Adult: $37.23; child: $29.77. (Ticket prices are
higher on October 31: adult: $42.55; child: $35.10.) To
purchase tickets, call 407/W-DISNEY.
This group can save 15% on Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween
Party tickets. See our book for details.
Tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party are now on
sale: $41.49 (adult); $31.90 (child). Tickets prices for
Friday nights are higher: $46.81 (adult); $37.23 (child). To
purchase tickets, call 407/W-DISNEY.
This group can save 15% on Mickey's Very Merry Christmas
Party tickets. See our book for details.
=================================================
No new parks in the US for Disney?
"Squeezed by rising costs and Wall Street pressures, the
Burbank, Calif.-based business is looking for different,
more economical ways to grow and focusing on overseas
locations for its next parks. The change means Animal
Kingdom, which Disney opened in 1998, may be the last major
park built by the company in Central Florida. There are no
current plans to add another." (Source: Orlando Sentinel,
05/01/05) For the rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
Disney India?
"The Walt Disney Co. denied a report it is planning to build
a theme park in India and has lobbied the government there
on the matter." (Source: Associated Press, 05/02/05) For the
rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
"Disney fanatics have taken the theme park experience to the
extreme. They've adopted it as a lifestyle - quitting jobs,
transforming their bodies, purchasing real estate and moving
to strange cities based on their need to immerse themselves
in the innocence, happiness and community that they feel the
entertainment conglomerate gives them." (Source: Associated
Press, 04/29/05) For the rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea at the Magic Kingdom is being
turned into Winnie the Pooh's Hundred Acre Wood with
fountain and slides. They say it should open in August.
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/29/05) 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 CALIFORNIA
New Disneyland 50th Anniversary Tour: Three-and-a-half hour
tour covering park history and attractions and shows created
for the 50th anniversary. Four tours per day. Entrance to
some attractions included, as well as priority seating for
the new Parade of Dreams and the new Remember... Dreams Come
True fireworks show. Includes a snack, souvenirs, and
commemorative photo. $55 per person.
--------------------------------
"Increasingly aware that children today are "born with a
mouse in their hands," as one expert puts it, Disney
scientists and designers are working overtime to appeal to
tech-savvy youngsters raised on computer games, digital
effects and iPods..."
Case in point:
"Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters will bridge the online realm
with the physical world in what Disney designers describe as
an industry first. Beginning in June, Disney fans sitting in
front of their home computers will be able to team up with
park visitors to fight the evil Emperor Zurg, shooting at
targets and accumulating points."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/02/05) For the rest of the
story, click here.
What will happen if Disney abandons imagination for sensory
gratification? Click here.
--------------------------------
Here's an article on Disney's remake of the Submarine ride
with characters from "Nemo" added.
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
"After a difficult two years blighted by difficult trading
conditions and poor attendances, the "cast members" and
executives who work for Euro Disney are hopeful the Paris
theme-park operator is heading for a more stable future."
(Source: ft.com, 04/28/05) For the rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND HONG KONG
"HONG KONG Disneyland and the MTR Corporation unveiled the
Disneyland Resort Line Train on Monday, which will bring
visitors to the heart of China's first Disney theme park,
set to open Sept. 12 this year.
The MTR Disneyland Resort Line, which comprises two new
stations - Sunny Bay Station and Disneyland Resort Station -
and whimsical Disney-themed trains, were exclusively
designed by the MTR Corporation in conjunction with
Disney¡¯s images.
The unveiling of the Disneyland Resort Line Train at Sunny
Bay Station marks the first train line dedicated for the
theme park in the world and will offer Hong Kong Disneyland
visitors an exciting and convenient journey." (sznews.com,
04/26/05) 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. Certain
newspapers require a free registration to view their
articles online.
=================================================
Brenda writes:
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I can not tell you how
awesome your website has been. In October of 2004 I was
married and had always dreamt of a Disney wedding, which was
way out of reach for us. Your website provided us with [the
Florida minister's] information and made that dream
possible. so on 10/03/04 we were able to get married in a
beautiful, reasonably priced ceremony in Orlando. I can
wait to get back on your site. Thanks again!!!!"
Thank you, Brenda, for your generous comments! Donna and I
are celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary this year. May
your marriage be as blessed as ours has been.
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
"Thought I'd start writing up some things from my own recent
trip to WDW.
We stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge in a standard savannah
room with concierge level access. The concierge level was a
holiday gift from my inside sales rep, so I had the unique
opportunity to evaluate it without thinking about my wallet!
First, though, the room... We were on the Zebra Trail about
half way down the hall. It's a hike from the lobby if you're
way at the end, but half way down wasn't too bad. We were on
the fifth floor and had a nice view of everything, but I
have to say that I was a little disappointed that we didn't
see more animals. Our previous stay was more fruitful in
that respect. Not that there weren't any, but they were not
as abundant and didn't come as close. Still very cool,
though, and I'd stay there again in a heartbeat for the view
alone.
We had two queen beds for two adults and a child. The room
had a comfy chair as well as a table with two chairs, and
adequate drawer space in the entertainment armoire for all
our "stuff." The double-sink vanity area was plenty large
enough for my mother and myself to primp simultaneously, and
my mother declared the spray from the shower the most
wonderful she's ever experienced. The rooms were kept very
clean, and we had turndown service each night. Two thumbs up
on the room - especially since the Affordable Disney group
pricing was just $149 per night plus tax!
The trek to the concierge lounge was just that - a trek. We
had to go down the hall, across the bridge that spans the
lobby, down another hall, and up to the sixth floor using
our specially encoded keys. The elevators in the front near
the gift shop are the only ones that go up to the lounge,
and our keys didn't work at first, so I had to go back to
the front desk to get them fixed, then back across the lobby
to the elevators to try again. It worked that time, though.
So up we went to the lounge to experience the late afternoon
offerings. There were several types of African wines, and
the two I tried were very good. They also offered both
African and domestic beers, sodas, iced tea, juice - pretty
much anything you might want in the way of non-alcoholic
beverages. The appetizers were... interesting. We were all
in agreement that the lightly salted and baked wheat pita
was really different and very good, and a few of the other
offerings were OK, but apparently our Americanized palates
aren't appropriately appreciative of African flavors. We
were impressed with the presentation and quantity of items,
but not the tastes. My daughter gave the crustless PB&J tea-
sized sandwiches her seal of approval, though.
We stopped in later that night (after dinner) just to see
what it looked like. We found that most of the desserts were
taken straight from the dessert section of Boma, the African
buffet restaurant downstairs. There were a number of
cordials available for self-service, as well as coffee and
cappuccino and various non-alcoholic beverages. All in all,
it's a very nice set-up. My only negative comment regarding
the late evening offerings is that they are apparently
removed at 10:00 PM. Given that people are often not back to
the resort by then, you can count on missing out on the
desserts at least a few nights of your stay.
We didn't get to see the lunch offerings, but we did have
breakfast in the lounge all three mornings. Surprisingly,
getting a table was never a problem. The traffic flow seems
to move pretty well. The continental breakfast was
exceptionally good. There were stacks of assorted bagels and
pastries, fresh fruits, sliced fresh melons, and lovely
strawberries every morning. There were several types of dry
cereals and three types of juice. It was all abundant and
nicely presented and we were VERY happy to be eating up
there instead of down at the Mara food court.
A TV tuned to Disney cartoons keeps the little ones busy,
and several different newspapers are available for the
adults. The concierge desk attendants seem to rotate between
doing that job and overseeing the care and replenishment of
the food, so that no matter who you ask your questions to,
they're likely to have an answer. So we give the concierge
service two thumbs up - but not the price.
The difference between a standard savannah view room and the
concierge level can be as much as $200 a day - plus tax! The
difference between a deluxe savannah view and concierge is
as high as $110 a night + tax. If budget isn't a concern, go
for it, but you'd have to really hate food courts to get
your money's worth at those prices! After all, you probably
won't get to enjoy it more than 1-2 times a day at most. If,
on the other hand, you can get it for maybe $60 more on a
promotion and you have three teenagers that eat like
linebackers then it's a good deal even if you're only having
breakfast there, given the nicer atmosphere. If you can get
a nightcap or an occasional snack from it, too, so much the
better.
We checked into the hotel on this trip right about 3:00 and
there was no line at all! It still took them awhile to get
it all processed, but my mother went down to the other end
to pick up our Candlelight Processional stuff and my
daughter watched TV, so it wasn't bad. We never waited more
than 10 minutes for a bus to any park, although people told
me that their wait for a bus to Downtown Disney was about 30
minutes.
The location for waiting for return buses from the parks was
good, and the lines were usually not too bad compared to the
ones for moderate resorts and other deluxe resorts, but
unfortunately, the bus drivers are equally inept at getting
scooters and wheelchairs loaded in a timely manner. A bus
can hold two of them, and it can take up to 15 minutes each
to get them loaded. If you've ever experienced this yourself
and feel that Disney needs to look into ways to make this
process faster, I encourage you to click here and send a
message. Submitting complaints is the only way they know
that there's a problem, so don't hesitate to let them know.
They really do listen!
One last note... I had three people leave me things at the
hotel. One person left an envelope for me and it was slipped
under the door within a few hours after I checked in. One
person ordered a chocolate sculpture for me through the
hotel (and I have to say that is was exquisite). It was
delivered on our second night and was waiting in the room
when we returned from Mickey's Christmas Party. The third
person spent weeks collecting items to put in a basket for
the three of us, then wrapped it all up and put my name on
it, leaving it at the front desk just hours before we
arrived. We never got it. The hotel did, however, give the
person that left it a credit for the full value she placed
on it. So they managed to get two out of three deliveries
right.
I was told by the agent that came in after me that she was
given a smoking room, not normally a problem, but this one
smelled REALLY bad even after they sent someone to clean it
with special stuff. Eventually they were able to move the
agent and her daughter, but that's not always possible, so
be sure to request nonsmoking if it's important to you.
Finally, the last agent that stayed left her car with valet
parking - and they lost it. Not permanently, but for over an
hour. When they finally found the car they couldn't find the
keys and suggested that they call someone to rekey the car.
The agent insisted that they look harder and they did
eventually locate the keys. They offered to pay for the
agent's room, but she was there at no charge. She jokingly
suggested they pick up her birthday party tab from the
previous night at Pleasure Island - around $300 - and they
did! In short, the hotel makes mistakes, but they do what
they can to make it up to you.
More later on the Candlelight Processional and Mickey's Very
Merry Christmas Party."
=================================================
MONEY SAVING TIP
Ciao Italia Italian Ristorante
I-DRIVE/CONVENTION CENTER
6149 Westwood Boulevard
Orlando, FL, 32821
407/354-0770
Authentic Italian cuisine. Family owned and operated with 30
years experience in the restaurant business. Receive 10% off
total check. Click here and 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.
=============================================
May 03, 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!
WALT DISNEY WORLD:
A reminder...
* An exclusive deal for Affordable Disney members only at
Walt Disney World's Port Orleans French Quarter in
November, 2005.
* An exclusive deal for Affordable Disney members only at
Walt Disney World's Port Orleans French Quarter and
Wilderness Lodge in December, 2005!
"Hi John, I just joined your affordable Disney group. My
wife and I have been planning a trip to Disney World in
December. When we received your newsletter and saw the
prices we were just awed."
--------------------------------
A reminder...
Disney Cruise Line Special! Beth's Travel Agency has just
announced the dates for their quarterly Disney Cruise Line
promotion, scheduled for Sunday May 1 through Saturday May
7. It's for most 2005 and 2006 cruises! Anyone who makes a
NEW cruise or land/sea booking during those dates will
receive a cabin credit for $25 - $100 per cabin (depending
on the length of trip and type of cabin booked), plus a copy
of the "Passporter Guide to Disney Cruise Line." Please note
that this offer is not combinable with any other, nor is it
good for existing bookings.
--------------------------------
This resort near SeaWorld offers a spectacular setting in
the heart of Orlando’s world-renowned attractions.
Reminiscent of a seaside Bermuda village, the spacious
studios and one and two- bedroom suites are beautifully
furnished and decorated. Distinctive amenities include
spectacular swimming pools and waterfall features,
children’s wading pools, whirlpool spas, the Bermuda
Provisions Gift Shop and Deli, a poolside restaurant and bar
and Kids Club. The Orlando International Airport is only 12
miles from the resort and more than 94 championship golf
courses are in close proximity.
Guest Accommodations include large bedroom with queen bed
and sleeper sofa, convenient food preparation area with
small refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and sink. From
now through June 30, 2005, you can enjoy great rates
starting at just $99 per night!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
2-Day Park Hopper Discount Coupon saves this group $20.00 on
tickets for family and friends! Valid now through mid-June.
Disney's Visa Cardholders save 10% at these eateries at the
Disneyland Resort. To learn more about Disney's Visa
Program, click here.
--------------------------------
LAS VEGAS
Last minute specials!
* Enjoy an exotic summer vacation at this luxury Resort &
Casino. Package includes:
>> Tower Deluxe Upgrade
>> 2-for-1 Frozen Cocktails
>> 2-for-1 Breakfast
>> Commemorative Poster
>> Stay THREE NIGHTS and receive a tote bag and beach towel
Valid select nights May - July, 2005 from $79! Hurry! Book
your EXOTIC package by May 6, 2005!
* Stay at this popular Hotel & Casino on select nights now
through July, 2005 from $79.99 per night! Included with your
stay:
>> 2 for 1 Breakfast
>> 2 for 1 Drinks
>> Highlighted dates receive additional $10 credit at
Starbucks
Hurry! Book by May 8, 2005.
--------------------------------
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
Holiday Tickets
Tickets for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party are now on
sale: Adult: $37.23; child: $29.77. (Ticket prices are
higher on October 31: adult: $42.55; child: $35.10.) To
purchase tickets, call 407/W-DISNEY.
This group can save 15% on Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween
Party tickets. See our book for details.
Tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party are now on
sale: $41.49 (adult); $31.90 (child). Tickets prices for
Friday nights are higher: $46.81 (adult); $37.23 (child). To
purchase tickets, call 407/W-DISNEY.
This group can save 15% on Mickey's Very Merry Christmas
Party tickets. See our book for details.
=================================================
No new parks in the US for Disney?
"Squeezed by rising costs and Wall Street pressures, the
Burbank, Calif.-based business is looking for different,
more economical ways to grow and focusing on overseas
locations for its next parks. The change means Animal
Kingdom, which Disney opened in 1998, may be the last major
park built by the company in Central Florida. There are no
current plans to add another." (Source: Orlando Sentinel,
05/01/05) For the rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
Disney India?
"The Walt Disney Co. denied a report it is planning to build
a theme park in India and has lobbied the government there
on the matter." (Source: Associated Press, 05/02/05) For the
rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
"Disney fanatics have taken the theme park experience to the
extreme. They've adopted it as a lifestyle - quitting jobs,
transforming their bodies, purchasing real estate and moving
to strange cities based on their need to immerse themselves
in the innocence, happiness and community that they feel the
entertainment conglomerate gives them." (Source: Associated
Press, 04/29/05) For the rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea at the Magic Kingdom is being
turned into Winnie the Pooh's Hundred Acre Wood with
fountain and slides. They say it should open in August.
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/29/05) 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 CALIFORNIA
New Disneyland 50th Anniversary Tour: Three-and-a-half hour
tour covering park history and attractions and shows created
for the 50th anniversary. Four tours per day. Entrance to
some attractions included, as well as priority seating for
the new Parade of Dreams and the new Remember... Dreams Come
True fireworks show. Includes a snack, souvenirs, and
commemorative photo. $55 per person.
--------------------------------
"Increasingly aware that children today are "born with a
mouse in their hands," as one expert puts it, Disney
scientists and designers are working overtime to appeal to
tech-savvy youngsters raised on computer games, digital
effects and iPods..."
Case in point:
"Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters will bridge the online realm
with the physical world in what Disney designers describe as
an industry first. Beginning in June, Disney fans sitting in
front of their home computers will be able to team up with
park visitors to fight the evil Emperor Zurg, shooting at
targets and accumulating points."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/02/05) For the rest of the
story, click here.
What will happen if Disney abandons imagination for sensory
gratification? Click here.
--------------------------------
Here's an article on Disney's remake of the Submarine ride
with characters from "Nemo" added.
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
"After a difficult two years blighted by difficult trading
conditions and poor attendances, the "cast members" and
executives who work for Euro Disney are hopeful the Paris
theme-park operator is heading for a more stable future."
(Source: ft.com, 04/28/05) For the rest of the story, click here.
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND HONG KONG
"HONG KONG Disneyland and the MTR Corporation unveiled the
Disneyland Resort Line Train on Monday, which will bring
visitors to the heart of China's first Disney theme park,
set to open Sept. 12 this year.
The MTR Disneyland Resort Line, which comprises two new
stations - Sunny Bay Station and Disneyland Resort Station -
and whimsical Disney-themed trains, were exclusively
designed by the MTR Corporation in conjunction with
Disney¡¯s images.
The unveiling of the Disneyland Resort Line Train at Sunny
Bay Station marks the first train line dedicated for the
theme park in the world and will offer Hong Kong Disneyland
visitors an exciting and convenient journey." (sznews.com,
04/26/05) 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. Certain
newspapers require a free registration to view their
articles online.
=================================================
Brenda writes:
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wait to get back on your site. Thanks again!!!!"
Thank you, Brenda, for your generous comments! Donna and I
are celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary this year. May
your marriage be as blessed as ours has been.
=================================================
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=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
"Thought I'd start writing up some things from my own recent
trip to WDW.
We stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge in a standard savannah
room with concierge level access. The concierge level was a
holiday gift from my inside sales rep, so I had the unique
opportunity to evaluate it without thinking about my wallet!
First, though, the room... We were on the Zebra Trail about
half way down the hall. It's a hike from the lobby if you're
way at the end, but half way down wasn't too bad. We were on
the fifth floor and had a nice view of everything, but I
have to say that I was a little disappointed that we didn't
see more animals. Our previous stay was more fruitful in
that respect. Not that there weren't any, but they were not
as abundant and didn't come as close. Still very cool,
though, and I'd stay there again in a heartbeat for the view
alone.
We had two queen beds for two adults and a child. The room
had a comfy chair as well as a table with two chairs, and
adequate drawer space in the entertainment armoire for all
our "stuff." The double-sink vanity area was plenty large
enough for my mother and myself to primp simultaneously, and
my mother declared the spray from the shower the most
wonderful she's ever experienced. The rooms were kept very
clean, and we had turndown service each night. Two thumbs up
on the room - especially since the Affordable Disney group
pricing was just $149 per night plus tax!
The trek to the concierge lounge was just that - a trek. We
had to go down the hall, across the bridge that spans the
lobby, down another hall, and up to the sixth floor using
our specially encoded keys. The elevators in the front near
the gift shop are the only ones that go up to the lounge,
and our keys didn't work at first, so I had to go back to
the front desk to get them fixed, then back across the lobby
to the elevators to try again. It worked that time, though.
So up we went to the lounge to experience the late afternoon
offerings. There were several types of African wines, and
the two I tried were very good. They also offered both
African and domestic beers, sodas, iced tea, juice - pretty
much anything you might want in the way of non-alcoholic
beverages. The appetizers were... interesting. We were all
in agreement that the lightly salted and baked wheat pita
was really different and very good, and a few of the other
offerings were OK, but apparently our Americanized palates
aren't appropriately appreciative of African flavors. We
were impressed with the presentation and quantity of items,
but not the tastes. My daughter gave the crustless PB&J tea-
sized sandwiches her seal of approval, though.
We stopped in later that night (after dinner) just to see
what it looked like. We found that most of the desserts were
taken straight from the dessert section of Boma, the African
buffet restaurant downstairs. There were a number of
cordials available for self-service, as well as coffee and
cappuccino and various non-alcoholic beverages. All in all,
it's a very nice set-up. My only negative comment regarding
the late evening offerings is that they are apparently
removed at 10:00 PM. Given that people are often not back to
the resort by then, you can count on missing out on the
desserts at least a few nights of your stay.
We didn't get to see the lunch offerings, but we did have
breakfast in the lounge all three mornings. Surprisingly,
getting a table was never a problem. The traffic flow seems
to move pretty well. The continental breakfast was
exceptionally good. There were stacks of assorted bagels and
pastries, fresh fruits, sliced fresh melons, and lovely
strawberries every morning. There were several types of dry
cereals and three types of juice. It was all abundant and
nicely presented and we were VERY happy to be eating up
there instead of down at the Mara food court.
A TV tuned to Disney cartoons keeps the little ones busy,
and several different newspapers are available for the
adults. The concierge desk attendants seem to rotate between
doing that job and overseeing the care and replenishment of
the food, so that no matter who you ask your questions to,
they're likely to have an answer. So we give the concierge
service two thumbs up - but not the price.
The difference between a standard savannah view room and the
concierge level can be as much as $200 a day - plus tax! The
difference between a deluxe savannah view and concierge is
as high as $110 a night + tax. If budget isn't a concern, go
for it, but you'd have to really hate food courts to get
your money's worth at those prices! After all, you probably
won't get to enjoy it more than 1-2 times a day at most. If,
on the other hand, you can get it for maybe $60 more on a
promotion and you have three teenagers that eat like
linebackers then it's a good deal even if you're only having
breakfast there, given the nicer atmosphere. If you can get
a nightcap or an occasional snack from it, too, so much the
better.
We checked into the hotel on this trip right about 3:00 and
there was no line at all! It still took them awhile to get
it all processed, but my mother went down to the other end
to pick up our Candlelight Processional stuff and my
daughter watched TV, so it wasn't bad. We never waited more
than 10 minutes for a bus to any park, although people told
me that their wait for a bus to Downtown Disney was about 30
minutes.
The location for waiting for return buses from the parks was
good, and the lines were usually not too bad compared to the
ones for moderate resorts and other deluxe resorts, but
unfortunately, the bus drivers are equally inept at getting
scooters and wheelchairs loaded in a timely manner. A bus
can hold two of them, and it can take up to 15 minutes each
to get them loaded. If you've ever experienced this yourself
and feel that Disney needs to look into ways to make this
process faster, I encourage you to click here and send a
message. Submitting complaints is the only way they know
that there's a problem, so don't hesitate to let them know.
They really do listen!
One last note... I had three people leave me things at the
hotel. One person left an envelope for me and it was slipped
under the door within a few hours after I checked in. One
person ordered a chocolate sculpture for me through the
hotel (and I have to say that is was exquisite). It was
delivered on our second night and was waiting in the room
when we returned from Mickey's Christmas Party. The third
person spent weeks collecting items to put in a basket for
the three of us, then wrapped it all up and put my name on
it, leaving it at the front desk just hours before we
arrived. We never got it. The hotel did, however, give the
person that left it a credit for the full value she placed
on it. So they managed to get two out of three deliveries
right.
I was told by the agent that came in after me that she was
given a smoking room, not normally a problem, but this one
smelled REALLY bad even after they sent someone to clean it
with special stuff. Eventually they were able to move the
agent and her daughter, but that's not always possible, so
be sure to request nonsmoking if it's important to you.
Finally, the last agent that stayed left her car with valet
parking - and they lost it. Not permanently, but for over an
hour. When they finally found the car they couldn't find the
keys and suggested that they call someone to rekey the car.
The agent insisted that they look harder and they did
eventually locate the keys. They offered to pay for the
agent's room, but she was there at no charge. She jokingly
suggested they pick up her birthday party tab from the
previous night at Pleasure Island - around $300 - and they
did! In short, the hotel makes mistakes, but they do what
they can to make it up to you.
More later on the Candlelight Processional and Mickey's Very
Merry Christmas Party."
=================================================
MONEY SAVING TIP
Ciao Italia Italian Ristorante
I-DRIVE/CONVENTION CENTER
6149 Westwood Boulevard
Orlando, FL, 32821
407/354-0770
Authentic Italian cuisine. Family owned and operated with 30
years experience in the restaurant business. Receive 10% off
total check. Click here and 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
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--------------------------------
Got Coupons?
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--------------------------------
Affordable Accommodations
Get the guaranteed lowest prices at the Downtown Disney
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--------------------------------
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--------------------------------
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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
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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 7:45 AM
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