Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
June 29, 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:
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=================================================
Hi Everyone!
In this issue...
* New deals and specials
* The latest news from around the "World" - including the
loss of 2 Winnie The Pooh voices
* Alison asks about transportation from WDW to SeaWorld
* Carmen asks us if she can afford a WDW vacation
* Karen recommends this fun FREE activity at WDW
* This week's money saving tip
=================================================
We continuously update our information and you can find
these current specials in our Addenda:
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."
* An exclusive deal for Affordable Disney members only on a
3-day cruise aboard the Disney Wonder in December, 2005.
Beth writes: "Prices are at least $50 per cabin below
Disney's current pricing, it's a short cruise over a weekend
so you don't have to take a lot of time off work, you can
easily combine it with our great room rates, and the ship is
all decked out (so to speak) for the holidays."
* FREE DISNEY DINING! We have a new Disney World deal that
includes FREE Disney Dining! With a 5-day vacation, a family
of 2 adults and 2 children will save $90.00 per day on
meals! A family of 4 adults will save $140.00 per day or
$700.00 for 5 days! Hurry! You must book before July 4!
--------------------------------
2006 Magic Your Way packages go on sale June 30!
--------------------------------
Save $20.00 on this Annual pass to Universal Studios and
Islands of Adventure with this promotional code!
--------------------------------
Universal Vacation package including hotel and tickets for
$89 per person!
=================================================
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Prices reduced again on 7 Day Cruises aboard the Disney
Magic in 2005 and 2006. Save up to 53%!
There is still space available for the return trip of the
Disney Magic from the West Coast. The 14-night cruise sets
sail from Los Angeles on August 20 and includes passage
through the Panama Canal.
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Local residents can buy a 4-Day ticket to Disneyland or
Disney's California Adventure (all ages) at this outlet for
$99 or less than $25 per day!
SeaWorld San Diego Ticket Special: Kids save half and adults
pay kids price!
=================================================
OTHER VACATION SPECIALS
Alaska Clearance Sale on Now!
This summer, take a premium cruise to see breathtaking
glaciers and charming costal ports! Plus! You can take a
tour and explore the tundra, wildlife and endless forests.
7-Day Alaska Cruises from only $449
10- to 12-Day Alaska CruiseTours from only $849
--------------------------------
This luxury hotel & casino located on the East Coast offers
sun-drenched days by the pool and moon-lit walks on the
beach. Everyone loves the summertime. Vacation packages
start at $75 per person and rooms from $129!
--------------------------------
Enjoy a 3- to 4-Day Coastal Cruise this Fall from $299.
Valid on select dates in September. Offers 3- and 4-day
sailings from Vancouver to Los Angeles, San Diego or San
Francisco. Featured Ports of call include Seattle, WA and
Victoria, B.C.
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
Carmen writes:
"Hello John,
I have been receiving your e-newsletter for a few months now
and have wanted to sign up as a member. What’s stopping me
you ask? Well, I’m trying to decide how to approach a trip
to Disney World with my four-year-old daughter. I’m a single
mom and want very much to have my daughter visit the
princesses she so loves. I know that your membership is
affordable, but I want to be sure that I can afford a trip
to DWD before I sign up. I know that doesn't make much
sense, but I’d rather use the membership fee for other
entertainment for my daughter if we cannot afford DWD with
the membership. Am I making any more sense?
So, my question: if I’m planning a trip to DWD in early
September - beginning on Labor Day - what should be my
realistic expectations on what I will be spending? I have a
quote through the DWD website of $790.70 plus tax for 5
nights with airfare around another $600+ to cover the both
of us. Adding in food and other expenses I figure I’m
looking at a total of $1900.
Being a marketing professional I realize that I’m putting
you in a bit of a marketing corner. Of course, you would
say, I will save money by becoming a member and booking
through Affordable Disney. And by all indications on your
website and through all the testimonials you certainly know
your business. Plus, they look too good to be true. But is
there any way that you can give me a ballpark of what that
savings there would be for her and me? If you believe that
I’m being unreasonable, please just say so. I will
understand. Just thought it would be worth the time sending
an email to ask. Thanks so very much."
Hi Carmen,
5-night/6-day vacation, including 5 nights accommodations at
a Value resort, 6-day Magic Your Way Base Ticket and Dining:
$425 per adult
$168 per child (ages 3-9)
Airfare will be $400-$500 for both of you (depending on
where you live)
Our travel agent will book it for you.
To join our Disney family, click here.
=================================================
News From Around The "World"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
"Dining arrangements are now referred to as 'reservations'
instead of 'priority seating.' In addition, the age range
for children’s dining (such as dinner shows, character
dining and buffets) has been changed to ages 3-9...
As with a 'priority seating' (the old name), Guests arriving
at dining location will be seated on time or at the next
available table.
The second change makes our dining age range for younger
children consistent with our admission age range at all Walt
Disney World Theme Parks." (Source: Promotional email from
the Walt Disney World Resort, 06/28/05)
--------------------------------
"Walt Disney World Theme Parks will no longer use handstamps
for same day re-admission and Park Hopper® privileges.
If Guests plan to re-enter or visit another Theme Park on
the same day, they will be asked to present their valid
ticket or Resort ID with ticket entitlements and utilize the
Ticket Tag system [which] uses a special reader to match
each ticket with the specific Guest who owns that ticket...
Guests with 'pre-Magic Your Way' tickets should sign their
existing tickets (even though there is no preprinted
signature line) should they encounter a challenge with re-
entry."
Guests will continue to receive handstamps at WDW Water
Parks, Pleasure Island, DisneyQuest, and Wide World of
Sports Complex. (Source: Promotional email from the Walt
Disney World Resort, 06/28/05)
--------------------------------
In Memoriam...
"Paul Winchell, the longtime voice of Tigger in "Winnie the
Pooh" features, and also a versatile ventriloquist, has
died. He was 82." (Source: The Seattle Times, 06/27/05) For
the rest of the story, click here.
"John Fiedler, who played character roles in celebrated
dramas on Broadway and in Hollywood but gained lasting fame
among young audiences as the voice of Piglet in Walt
Disney's Winnie-the-Pooh films, died on Saturday. He was
80." (Source: nytimes.com, 06/27/05) For the rest of the
story, click here.
--------------------------------
It is being reported that SeaWorld is seeking approval to
build a water park on its site. However, Orange County's
Development Review Committee has rejected SeaWorld's
proposal for lack of detail. SeaWorld will have to submit
plans that are more specific to gain approval. (Source:
Orlando Sentinel, 06/22/05)
--------------------------------
CLOSED FOR REFURBISHMENT
Disney's Contemporary Resort South Garden Wing:
May 30 - Oct. 31
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Closed for Refurbishment
Disneyland Park
Space Mountain: April 10,2003 - July 14, 2005
=================================================
DISNEYLAND HONG KONG
"The Disney company has pulled shark's fin dishes from the
menu of its Hong Kong theme park after pressure from
environmentalists who had protested loudly against the
product." (Source: China Daily, 06/25/05) For the rest of the
story, click here.
"Hong Kong Disneyland will only sell 12,000 tickets for its
opening day, with the majority sold online through the theme
park's Web site (http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com), Disney
executives said Wednesday... [the park] will be closed to
the public that morning for private events." Disney expects
to sell 70% of its tickets online at their website.
"Telephone bookings will only be accepted from guests
staying at the two Disney hotels in Hong Kong and for groups
of 25 people or more." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/22/05)
--------------------------------
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. If web addresses are broken into more than
one line, copy and paste all lines.
=================================================
Alison writes:
"I have a few questions that I hope you can answer. We are
leaving for Walt Disney World in one week. We already have
our reservations inside the park at the Coranado Springs
Resort, and we also have our airline tickets. We are on a
budget!!!!! The reason we are going is because my husband is
a martial arts instructor and the US Karate Open is being
held at the resort. We decided that we would stay a few more
days and make a trip out of it. We are both in our late
twenties and have no children. As far as parks go, we are
going to try to go to all, but where should we go since we
have no kids?>>
See all the parks! See the "Customized Tours of the Walt
Disney World Theme Parks" in our book and choose the
attractions and rides you like - highlight them. Make sure
you see the Magic Kingdom - it's a must see!
-- Also, where should we eat? Should we buy a Dining Plan?
I'm not a fan of the dining plan since you must be big
eaters to break even. See our dining chapter in the book and
follow our advice.
-- If time permits we would like to go to SeaWorld, how is
the best way to get there since we don't have a car?
Elegance Transportation provides affordable transportation
to Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, and other Florida
attractions. I would call them for the rate from WDW to
SeaWorld and back. Be sure to tell them we sent you and ask
for your Affordable Disney discount!
I would call them for the rate from WDW to SeaWorld and
back.
Phone #: 321-689-8833
Fax #: 407-812-7068
Toll Free: 1-866-884-4567
You can take a Mears shuttle from WDW to SeaWorld. Call
800/759-5219 or 407/423-5566.
You can also take a taxi. Taxis cost $1.50 per mile.
SeaWorld is about 15 miles from WDW.
You can rent a car at any Disney resort. See Guest Services
for details. The Downtown Disney Resort Hotels also have
rental car agencies on property. These Downtown Disney hotel
agencies are less expensive than Disney's official rental
car company, Alamo. You could take a WDW bus to downtown
Disney and then walk to one of these nearby hotels.
-- What about Hopper Passes? The resort said we would get a
discount since we were participating in the Karate Open.
Buy your passes at your hotel's Guest Services. Remind them
they are supposed to give you a discount.
-- All advice will be greatly appreciated. And I love all
the info so far. Thanks.
=================================================
Karen writes:
"John,
One of the best FREE things that we did when we stayed at
Port Orleans Riverside is not on your list and you might
want to add it.
We went to the piano bar one night and sat and enjoyed the
antics of Bob Jackson. I think he's only there evenings
Thurs through Sunday if I remember right. He is a great
entertainer and the cost is free unless you decide to
purchase a drink or soft drink from the bar. He's hilarious
and keeps the whole family laughing and children are
welcome. He even calls the kids up to help him with some
songs and then hands out autographed photos during his
break. Great time for free."
Thanks, Karen. I've seen him playing and getting lots of
laughs on my way to and from the food court. I'll add him to
the list.
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Questions about Disney’s new transportation program, Magical
Express:
1. When will I receive my Magical Express documents?
Your travel agent will receive your Air Transportation
Booklet two weeks before your flight.
2. How long is the trip from the airport to the WDW hotel?
One hour and 40 minutes.
3. When will my luggage arrive from the airport?
Allow six hours. Take a small bag with you for important
items while you're waiting.
4. When do I leave my hotel to return to the airport?
About two hours and 45 minutes before your plane leaves.
=================================================
MONEY SAVING TIP
House of Blues - Downtown Disney
1490 E Buena Vista Dr.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Phone: 407/934-BLUE(2583)
Fax: 407/934-1100
Get 10% off in The Restaurant OR $5 off your purchase of $25
or more in the House Of Blues Company Store with this coupon.
Offer expires 01/31/06.
=================================================
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Affordable Disney Transportation
Elegance Transportation provides affordable transportation
to Walt Disney World, the Disney Cruise Line, Universal, Wet
'n Wild, the Convention Center, and much more! Elegance also
includes a 30-minute grocery stop at no additional cost.
Plus! Affordable Disney members save up to $10.00 on
roundtrip transportation! For services and rates, click here.
--------------------------------
Don't Leave Home Without It!
Universal offers special deals to Universal Entertainment
MasterCard cardholders. Apply now and receive a movie ticket
with your first purchase! For more details, click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Disney Books
Disney and other new books 50-90% off the list price.
Hundreds of books under $1.00! Plus! Over 700 videos have
been marked down to $1.99!
Exclusively for Affordable Disney Readers!
Save $5.00 on an order of $35 or more!
Coupon code: bookcloseouts
Coupon password: bargainbooks
Expires: December 31, 2005
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!
All 2005 Entertainment books are FREE when you pre-order the
exciting 2006 edition! Offer expires July 31, 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.
=============================================
June 29, 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!
In this issue...
* New deals and specials
* The latest news from around the "World" - including the
loss of 2 Winnie The Pooh voices
* Alison asks about transportation from WDW to SeaWorld
* Carmen asks us if she can afford a WDW vacation
* Karen recommends this fun FREE activity at WDW
* This week's money saving tip
=================================================
We continuously update our information and you can find
these current specials in our Addenda:
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."
* An exclusive deal for Affordable Disney members only on a
3-day cruise aboard the Disney Wonder in December, 2005.
Beth writes: "Prices are at least $50 per cabin below
Disney's current pricing, it's a short cruise over a weekend
so you don't have to take a lot of time off work, you can
easily combine it with our great room rates, and the ship is
all decked out (so to speak) for the holidays."
* FREE DISNEY DINING! We have a new Disney World deal that
includes FREE Disney Dining! With a 5-day vacation, a family
of 2 adults and 2 children will save $90.00 per day on
meals! A family of 4 adults will save $140.00 per day or
$700.00 for 5 days! Hurry! You must book before July 4!
--------------------------------
2006 Magic Your Way packages go on sale June 30!
--------------------------------
Save $20.00 on this Annual pass to Universal Studios and
Islands of Adventure with this promotional code!
--------------------------------
Universal Vacation package including hotel and tickets for
$89 per person!
=================================================
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Prices reduced again on 7 Day Cruises aboard the Disney
Magic in 2005 and 2006. Save up to 53%!
There is still space available for the return trip of the
Disney Magic from the West Coast. The 14-night cruise sets
sail from Los Angeles on August 20 and includes passage
through the Panama Canal.
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Local residents can buy a 4-Day ticket to Disneyland or
Disney's California Adventure (all ages) at this outlet for
$99 or less than $25 per day!
SeaWorld San Diego Ticket Special: Kids save half and adults
pay kids price!
=================================================
OTHER VACATION SPECIALS
Alaska Clearance Sale on Now!
This summer, take a premium cruise to see breathtaking
glaciers and charming costal ports! Plus! You can take a
tour and explore the tundra, wildlife and endless forests.
7-Day Alaska Cruises from only $449
10- to 12-Day Alaska CruiseTours from only $849
--------------------------------
This luxury hotel & casino located on the East Coast offers
sun-drenched days by the pool and moon-lit walks on the
beach. Everyone loves the summertime. Vacation packages
start at $75 per person and rooms from $129!
--------------------------------
Enjoy a 3- to 4-Day Coastal Cruise this Fall from $299.
Valid on select dates in September. Offers 3- and 4-day
sailings from Vancouver to Los Angeles, San Diego or San
Francisco. Featured Ports of call include Seattle, WA and
Victoria, B.C.
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
Carmen writes:
"Hello John,
I have been receiving your e-newsletter for a few months now
and have wanted to sign up as a member. What’s stopping me
you ask? Well, I’m trying to decide how to approach a trip
to Disney World with my four-year-old daughter. I’m a single
mom and want very much to have my daughter visit the
princesses she so loves. I know that your membership is
affordable, but I want to be sure that I can afford a trip
to DWD before I sign up. I know that doesn't make much
sense, but I’d rather use the membership fee for other
entertainment for my daughter if we cannot afford DWD with
the membership. Am I making any more sense?
So, my question: if I’m planning a trip to DWD in early
September - beginning on Labor Day - what should be my
realistic expectations on what I will be spending? I have a
quote through the DWD website of $790.70 plus tax for 5
nights with airfare around another $600+ to cover the both
of us. Adding in food and other expenses I figure I’m
looking at a total of $1900.
Being a marketing professional I realize that I’m putting
you in a bit of a marketing corner. Of course, you would
say, I will save money by becoming a member and booking
through Affordable Disney. And by all indications on your
website and through all the testimonials you certainly know
your business. Plus, they look too good to be true. But is
there any way that you can give me a ballpark of what that
savings there would be for her and me? If you believe that
I’m being unreasonable, please just say so. I will
understand. Just thought it would be worth the time sending
an email to ask. Thanks so very much."
Hi Carmen,
5-night/6-day vacation, including 5 nights accommodations at
a Value resort, 6-day Magic Your Way Base Ticket and Dining:
$425 per adult
$168 per child (ages 3-9)
Airfare will be $400-$500 for both of you (depending on
where you live)
Our travel agent will book it for you.
To join our Disney family, click here.
=================================================
News From Around The "World"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
"Dining arrangements are now referred to as 'reservations'
instead of 'priority seating.' In addition, the age range
for children’s dining (such as dinner shows, character
dining and buffets) has been changed to ages 3-9...
As with a 'priority seating' (the old name), Guests arriving
at dining location will be seated on time or at the next
available table.
The second change makes our dining age range for younger
children consistent with our admission age range at all Walt
Disney World Theme Parks." (Source: Promotional email from
the Walt Disney World Resort, 06/28/05)
--------------------------------
"Walt Disney World Theme Parks will no longer use handstamps
for same day re-admission and Park Hopper® privileges.
If Guests plan to re-enter or visit another Theme Park on
the same day, they will be asked to present their valid
ticket or Resort ID with ticket entitlements and utilize the
Ticket Tag system [which] uses a special reader to match
each ticket with the specific Guest who owns that ticket...
Guests with 'pre-Magic Your Way' tickets should sign their
existing tickets (even though there is no preprinted
signature line) should they encounter a challenge with re-
entry."
Guests will continue to receive handstamps at WDW Water
Parks, Pleasure Island, DisneyQuest, and Wide World of
Sports Complex. (Source: Promotional email from the Walt
Disney World Resort, 06/28/05)
--------------------------------
In Memoriam...
"Paul Winchell, the longtime voice of Tigger in "Winnie the
Pooh" features, and also a versatile ventriloquist, has
died. He was 82." (Source: The Seattle Times, 06/27/05) For
the rest of the story, click here.
"John Fiedler, who played character roles in celebrated
dramas on Broadway and in Hollywood but gained lasting fame
among young audiences as the voice of Piglet in Walt
Disney's Winnie-the-Pooh films, died on Saturday. He was
80." (Source: nytimes.com, 06/27/05) For the rest of the
story, click here.
--------------------------------
It is being reported that SeaWorld is seeking approval to
build a water park on its site. However, Orange County's
Development Review Committee has rejected SeaWorld's
proposal for lack of detail. SeaWorld will have to submit
plans that are more specific to gain approval. (Source:
Orlando Sentinel, 06/22/05)
--------------------------------
CLOSED FOR REFURBISHMENT
Disney's Contemporary Resort South Garden Wing:
May 30 - Oct. 31
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Closed for Refurbishment
Disneyland Park
Space Mountain: April 10,2003 - July 14, 2005
=================================================
DISNEYLAND HONG KONG
"The Disney company has pulled shark's fin dishes from the
menu of its Hong Kong theme park after pressure from
environmentalists who had protested loudly against the
product." (Source: China Daily, 06/25/05) For the rest of the
story, click here.
"Hong Kong Disneyland will only sell 12,000 tickets for its
opening day, with the majority sold online through the theme
park's Web site (http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com), Disney
executives said Wednesday... [the park] will be closed to
the public that morning for private events." Disney expects
to sell 70% of its tickets online at their website.
"Telephone bookings will only be accepted from guests
staying at the two Disney hotels in Hong Kong and for groups
of 25 people or more." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/22/05)
--------------------------------
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. If web addresses are broken into more than
one line, copy and paste all lines.
=================================================
Alison writes:
"I have a few questions that I hope you can answer. We are
leaving for Walt Disney World in one week. We already have
our reservations inside the park at the Coranado Springs
Resort, and we also have our airline tickets. We are on a
budget!!!!! The reason we are going is because my husband is
a martial arts instructor and the US Karate Open is being
held at the resort. We decided that we would stay a few more
days and make a trip out of it. We are both in our late
twenties and have no children. As far as parks go, we are
going to try to go to all, but where should we go since we
have no kids?>>
See all the parks! See the "Customized Tours of the Walt
Disney World Theme Parks" in our book and choose the
attractions and rides you like - highlight them. Make sure
you see the Magic Kingdom - it's a must see!
-- Also, where should we eat? Should we buy a Dining Plan?
I'm not a fan of the dining plan since you must be big
eaters to break even. See our dining chapter in the book and
follow our advice.
-- If time permits we would like to go to SeaWorld, how is
the best way to get there since we don't have a car?
Elegance Transportation provides affordable transportation
to Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, and other Florida
attractions. I would call them for the rate from WDW to
SeaWorld and back. Be sure to tell them we sent you and ask
for your Affordable Disney discount!
I would call them for the rate from WDW to SeaWorld and
back.
Phone #: 321-689-8833
Fax #: 407-812-7068
Toll Free: 1-866-884-4567
You can take a Mears shuttle from WDW to SeaWorld. Call
800/759-5219 or 407/423-5566.
You can also take a taxi. Taxis cost $1.50 per mile.
SeaWorld is about 15 miles from WDW.
You can rent a car at any Disney resort. See Guest Services
for details. The Downtown Disney Resort Hotels also have
rental car agencies on property. These Downtown Disney hotel
agencies are less expensive than Disney's official rental
car company, Alamo. You could take a WDW bus to downtown
Disney and then walk to one of these nearby hotels.
-- What about Hopper Passes? The resort said we would get a
discount since we were participating in the Karate Open.
Buy your passes at your hotel's Guest Services. Remind them
they are supposed to give you a discount.
-- All advice will be greatly appreciated. And I love all
the info so far. Thanks.
=================================================
Karen writes:
"John,
One of the best FREE things that we did when we stayed at
Port Orleans Riverside is not on your list and you might
want to add it.
We went to the piano bar one night and sat and enjoyed the
antics of Bob Jackson. I think he's only there evenings
Thurs through Sunday if I remember right. He is a great
entertainer and the cost is free unless you decide to
purchase a drink or soft drink from the bar. He's hilarious
and keeps the whole family laughing and children are
welcome. He even calls the kids up to help him with some
songs and then hands out autographed photos during his
break. Great time for free."
Thanks, Karen. I've seen him playing and getting lots of
laughs on my way to and from the food court. I'll add him to
the list.
=================================================
YOU CAN AFFORD DISNEY WORLD!
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=================================================
Questions about Disney’s new transportation program, Magical
Express:
1. When will I receive my Magical Express documents?
Your travel agent will receive your Air Transportation
Booklet two weeks before your flight.
2. How long is the trip from the airport to the WDW hotel?
One hour and 40 minutes.
3. When will my luggage arrive from the airport?
Allow six hours. Take a small bag with you for important
items while you're waiting.
4. When do I leave my hotel to return to the airport?
About two hours and 45 minutes before your plane leaves.
=================================================
MONEY SAVING TIP
House of Blues - Downtown Disney
1490 E Buena Vista Dr.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Phone: 407/934-BLUE(2583)
Fax: 407/934-1100
Get 10% off in The Restaurant OR $5 off your purchase of $25
or more in the House Of Blues Company Store with this coupon.
Offer expires 01/31/06.
=================================================
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Affordable Disney Transportation
Elegance Transportation provides affordable transportation
to Walt Disney World, the Disney Cruise Line, Universal, Wet
'n Wild, the Convention Center, and much more! Elegance also
includes a 30-minute grocery stop at no additional cost.
Plus! Affordable Disney members save up to $10.00 on
roundtrip transportation! For services and rates, click here.
--------------------------------
Don't Leave Home Without It!
Universal offers special deals to Universal Entertainment
MasterCard cardholders. Apply now and receive a movie ticket
with your first purchase! For more details, click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Disney Books
Disney and other new books 50-90% off the list price.
Hundreds of books under $1.00! Plus! Over 700 videos have
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Save $5.00 on an order of $35 or more!
Coupon code: bookcloseouts
Coupon password: bargainbooks
Expires: December 31, 2005
To check out the bargains, click here.
--------------------------------
Got Coupons?
Here's a great deal on the 2005 Edition of the Orlando
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All 2005 Entertainment books are FREE when you pre-order the
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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
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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
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It's possible to save as much as 80%! To compare prices, click here.
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Affordable Luggage
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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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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.
=============================================
posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 12:11 PM
