Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
July 19, 2005
Copyright © 1999 - 2005 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
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=================================================
Hi Everyone!
In this issue...
* New deals and specials - including WDW discounts for
teachers, military, government workers, and nurses from ANY
country!
* The latest news from around the "World" - Disney Cruise
Line buses sidelined because of fires!
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about Disney dining
reservations
* Sue writes about her son's disturbing ride on a Disney bus
* Reid asks about the perks for those traveling with a youth
group to 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."
--------------------------------
Universal Summer/Fall Vacation Package saves you $340!
Includes:
* 4 nights and 5 days at the Royal Pacific Resort
* Admission for the length of your stay to Universal
Studios, Islands of Adventure, Wet 'n Wild and SeaWorld
* Universal Express ride access - skip the regular lines
* Complimentary transportation to all four theme parks
--------------------------------
Florida Resident Special starting at $59 per night!
--------------------------------
Beth, our travel agent, can book an add-on package for
Epcot's Food and Wine Festival September 30 - November 13,
2005 for only $119 + tax per person! Includes:
* Reserved seating at Eat to the Beat! concert at the
American Gardens Theatre
* Admission to the "Party for the Senses." Sample dishes and
wines while being entertained by Cirque du Soleil.
* Commemorative bottle of wine and Riedel wine glass gift
set
--------------------------------
Another note from Beth:
"I have a client who is doing a family group in October.
They have a GREAT rate for concierge level rooms at Animal
Kingdom Lodge for October 13-14-15 and will not be using all
the space that is currently blocked, so we can sell up to 4
more rooms to anyone else who wants to take advantage.
As you know, we are not allowed to advertise prices, but I
can say that it's a VERY good rate - and given that you
can't even access annual pass or Florida resident rates for
these dates at this point, it's just that much sweeter.
First ones to ask get them!"
=================================================
LAS VEGAS
The most spectacular suites the Strip has to offer are now
available this summer at this luxury hotel & casino from
only $149 per night! Valid from June 27 to Sept 12, 2005.
Hurry! Book by July 25, 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.
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, writes about Disney dining
reservations:
"Disney is at it again. In their ongoing attempt to give
added value to being a guest of a "real" Disney resort, they
will now allow Disney resort guests to book up to 10 days of
dining reservations at once up to 90 days prior to their
arrival date. That means that Disney resort guests will have
first shot at booking meals that are as many as 100 days
out, including the ever-popular character breakfasts.
This change effects ONLY people staying at Disney-owned and
operated resorts. This does NOT apply to guests of the Swan
and Dolphin, people traveling on DVC points, military
staying at Shades of Green, and people staying at the
Downtown Disney resorts. Guests of these hotels, as well as
all resorts not on Disney property, may still book
reservations 90 days prior to the day they want to eat. They
will have to call back each day until they've covered all
the days of their stay, just as they've been required to do
for years.
If you are staying at a Disney resort and have a reservation
number, call 1-407-WDW-DINE at 90 days prior to arrival. How
are you supposed to figure THAT out, you ask? Use this great
website to look up the date: (Fill in your arrival date and then
press the CALC button.) Note that you still have to cancel
any pre-pay reservations you don't want lest you be charged
a no-show fee.
If you are part of the Affordable Disney November or
December groups at Port Orleans and Wilderness Lodge, rest
assured that we are working closely with the Groups
department at Disney to find out how you will be able to
take advantage of this new perk. They've always issued
individual reservations numbers to group participants, but
normally not until a few weeks before the travel date.
Perhaps they will just have to start earlier now! :-)"
=================================================
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
"Fourteen Disney Cruise Line buses were removed from service
this week because of concerns about two separate fires in
the past 11 months.
The buses are operated by Orlando-based Mears Transportation
Group, which shuttles Disney customers between Orlando and
the coast. Both fires were attributed to problems with the
buses' braking systems, which are being replaced in the
remaining vehicles." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/16/05)
--------------------------------
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "I have it on good advice
that August 15 will be the day that Candlelight Processional
dinner package reservations go on sale via Disney dining."
--------------------------------
"SeaWorld Orlando confirmed Thursday that its proposed new
attraction will be a "naturalistic water park" that will
give visitors a chance to be in close contact with marine
life while taking water rides...
SeaWorld officials said one of the park's signature elements
would be an attraction that would swoosh swimsuit-clad
visitors down clear acrylic flumes amid a lagoon of jumping
Commerson's dolphins, a rare species native to South
America." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/15/05)
The water park is scheduled to open in 2007.
"The thought of kids careening down water slides at a
planned SeaWorld water park brings no joy to Williamsburg
resident Anthony Franco... The neighborhood lies in the
shadow of SeaWorld, and the traffic makes too much noise, he
said. "Just wait until they make it bigger," he warned."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/1905)
--------------------------------
"Each summer, Gatorland offers thrill-seekers the chance to
assist in its annual egg-collecting duties.
When the park's randy reptile residents are done mating,
trainers guide guests into the 10-acre breeding marsh in
search of fertile nests. Once a mound is isolated from the
protective mother, participants carefully excavate the pile
of decomposing plant matter to unearth 30 to 70 eggs. From
there, it's off to incubation and a safe birth."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/08/05)
--------------------------------
"Disney guests must now put their index and middle fingers
into a device at the turnstile that assigns a code to link
the image of their fingers with their name and ticket...
Universal Orlando relies on photographs to identify pass-
holders, but by the end of the year it plans to roll out a
new system that uses finger geometry. SeaWorld uses a
variation of the finger-scanning device for its multiday
pass holders but does not require it for single-day ticket
holders." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/14/05)
--------------------------------
"No one saw it coming. Over and over again, Leanne Deacon
rode the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror thrill ride without a
hitch. The British teen had visited Disney-MGM Studios six
times in a week...
Leanne remained in critical condition at Florida Hospital
Orlando on Wednesday, a day after doctors discovered blood
on her brain and performed emergency surgery." (Source:
Orlando Sentinel, 07/14/05)
--------------------------------
"The sidewalk star, one of Hollywood's most venerable perks,
is going corporate.
Long available to celebrities with $15,000 and a project to
promote, a version of the iconic symbol will be given for
the first time Thursday to a company: Disneyland is
receiving the pink terrazzo-and-brass star in honor of the
Anaheim theme park's 50th anniversary."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/13/05)
--------------------------------
CLOSED FOR REFURBISHMENT
Disney's Contemporary Resort South Garden Wing:
May 30 - Oct. 31
Epcot:
The Living Seas: 8/21/2005 - Nov. 2005
Turtle Talk with Crush: 8/21/2005 - Nov. 2005
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Happy Birthday Disneyland!
Disneyland turned 50 on July 17, 2005. Click here for related stories.
"Thousands of Disney fans donned special gold-colored Mickey
ears as they streamed through the entrance to Disneyland on
Sunday, 50 years after the landmark opened its gates and
gave birth to the modern theme park." (Source: Associated Press, 07/17/05)
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
Sue writes:
"Our family went to Fl. at the end of March and we were
looking forward to a great time. My son, who has Aspergers
Syndrome, a form of Autism was especially excited, which was
great because he seldom shows excitement about anything.
There were only 2 places he really wanted to go, that was
Epcot and Kennedy Space center.
After arriving and looking at different pamphlets we thought
that Animal Kingdom would be something he would enjoy. We
took the shuttle from the parking lot to Animal Kingdom and
it was extremely crowded, especially since so many people
had to stand. This was irritating to most and was especially
for a person that has special needs and by the end of the
trip it was especially bad for our son.
The trip back on the shuttle to the parking lot was
devastating for our son. The amount of people that were
crowded onto the bus was unbelievable, people packed in
seats not to mention all that were standing. Our son had a
total melt down (a term used for autistic people). Neither
my husband nor I were able to sit with him due to the amount
of people packed on the bus. I saw him from behind (I was 2
seats back) and could tell what was happening to him, it was
devastating.
After getting off the shuttle our son would not let us
comfort or console him, he couldn't stand to be touched
because of this incident. Knowing that his main goal of
going to Fl. was to go to Epcot and Kennedy we thought we
would take him the next day to Epcot, but he wanted no part
of going to either of the places. He asked if he would have
to go on the shuttle again and we told him it was possible
and he started to cry and said we would never go back. So
that shuttle ride ended his expectations, any chance or
thought we had of doing anything at the Disney parks, which
was such a shame. After that all he wanted to do was stay at
the motel and go to the pool.
I did not see anything, shuttle wise, to make the Disney
experience a nice one for the special needs. I do understand
that the parks get crowded, but something should really be
done about the shuttle situation. I enjoy the Affordable
Disney newsletter and got some very helpful hints. I did not
know who to contact about the problems we encountered, so I
thought telling you this story you maybe able to get it to
the appropriate persons in charge. Thank you."
Sue, I'm very sorry to hear about your son's experience.
Disney really loads those buses to capacity.
You can make a complaint or a comment about your experiences
at WDW...
Disney has provided a form online.
Snailmail your letter to:
COMPLAINTS AND COMMENTS:
Walt Disney World Guest Communications
P.O. Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040
For those who may find themselves in a similar situation, I
would recommend calling a taxi or renting a car to avoid
taking the shuttle to the parks.
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Reid writes:
"John,
My daughter is going with her school choir group to sing at
Disneyland.... I am taking the whole family to Disneyworld
for the international soccer tournament.... That same
daughter will be playing in the soccer tournament.
Here is my question: Being at Disneyland are there any
savings or things you would recommend she buy at Disneyland
(i.e.: tickets, or ?) for our family trip to Disneyworld?"
No savings there. Buy your tickets for Disney World from our
ticket agent.
"The second part of that question... are there any
particular savings or things we should do when someone in
your party is participating in a Disneyworld event?"
Disney has a separate division for youth groups and there
are perks. For example, a chaperone gets one free chaperone
ticket for every ten student tickets purchased. If you need
more chaperone tickets than that, you can buy one additional
chaperone ticket at the student price for every five student
tickets. See the book for details.
"Thanks Again....this is an awesome site and I am going to
tell my soccer team about you."
=================================================
MONEY SAVING TIP
Islands Dining Room at Universal's Royal Pacific Resort
6300 Hollywood Way
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 407-503-3000
Fax: 407-503-3010
Enjoy the taste of the islands and traditional menu items in
Islands Dining Room. Present this coupon and receive $10 off lunch or dinner with purchase of two entrees. Valid through
June 30, 2006
=================================================
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.
=============================================
July 19, 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 - including WDW discounts for
teachers, military, government workers, and nurses from ANY
country!
* The latest news from around the "World" - Disney Cruise
Line buses sidelined because of fires!
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about Disney dining
reservations
* Sue writes about her son's disturbing ride on a Disney bus
* Reid asks about the perks for those traveling with a youth
group to 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."
--------------------------------
Universal Summer/Fall Vacation Package saves you $340!
Includes:
* 4 nights and 5 days at the Royal Pacific Resort
* Admission for the length of your stay to Universal
Studios, Islands of Adventure, Wet 'n Wild and SeaWorld
* Universal Express ride access - skip the regular lines
* Complimentary transportation to all four theme parks
--------------------------------
Florida Resident Special starting at $59 per night!
--------------------------------
Beth, our travel agent, can book an add-on package for
Epcot's Food and Wine Festival September 30 - November 13,
2005 for only $119 + tax per person! Includes:
* Reserved seating at Eat to the Beat! concert at the
American Gardens Theatre
* Admission to the "Party for the Senses." Sample dishes and
wines while being entertained by Cirque du Soleil.
* Commemorative bottle of wine and Riedel wine glass gift
set
--------------------------------
Another note from Beth:
"I have a client who is doing a family group in October.
They have a GREAT rate for concierge level rooms at Animal
Kingdom Lodge for October 13-14-15 and will not be using all
the space that is currently blocked, so we can sell up to 4
more rooms to anyone else who wants to take advantage.
As you know, we are not allowed to advertise prices, but I
can say that it's a VERY good rate - and given that you
can't even access annual pass or Florida resident rates for
these dates at this point, it's just that much sweeter.
First ones to ask get them!"
=================================================
LAS VEGAS
The most spectacular suites the Strip has to offer are now
available this summer at this luxury hotel & casino from
only $149 per night! Valid from June 27 to Sept 12, 2005.
Hurry! Book by July 25, 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.
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, writes about Disney dining
reservations:
"Disney is at it again. In their ongoing attempt to give
added value to being a guest of a "real" Disney resort, they
will now allow Disney resort guests to book up to 10 days of
dining reservations at once up to 90 days prior to their
arrival date. That means that Disney resort guests will have
first shot at booking meals that are as many as 100 days
out, including the ever-popular character breakfasts.
This change effects ONLY people staying at Disney-owned and
operated resorts. This does NOT apply to guests of the Swan
and Dolphin, people traveling on DVC points, military
staying at Shades of Green, and people staying at the
Downtown Disney resorts. Guests of these hotels, as well as
all resorts not on Disney property, may still book
reservations 90 days prior to the day they want to eat. They
will have to call back each day until they've covered all
the days of their stay, just as they've been required to do
for years.
If you are staying at a Disney resort and have a reservation
number, call 1-407-WDW-DINE at 90 days prior to arrival. How
are you supposed to figure THAT out, you ask? Use this great
website to look up the date: (Fill in your arrival date and then
press the CALC button.) Note that you still have to cancel
any pre-pay reservations you don't want lest you be charged
a no-show fee.
If you are part of the Affordable Disney November or
December groups at Port Orleans and Wilderness Lodge, rest
assured that we are working closely with the Groups
department at Disney to find out how you will be able to
take advantage of this new perk. They've always issued
individual reservations numbers to group participants, but
normally not until a few weeks before the travel date.
Perhaps they will just have to start earlier now! :-)"
=================================================
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
"Fourteen Disney Cruise Line buses were removed from service
this week because of concerns about two separate fires in
the past 11 months.
The buses are operated by Orlando-based Mears Transportation
Group, which shuttles Disney customers between Orlando and
the coast. Both fires were attributed to problems with the
buses' braking systems, which are being replaced in the
remaining vehicles." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/16/05)
--------------------------------
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "I have it on good advice
that August 15 will be the day that Candlelight Processional
dinner package reservations go on sale via Disney dining."
--------------------------------
"SeaWorld Orlando confirmed Thursday that its proposed new
attraction will be a "naturalistic water park" that will
give visitors a chance to be in close contact with marine
life while taking water rides...
SeaWorld officials said one of the park's signature elements
would be an attraction that would swoosh swimsuit-clad
visitors down clear acrylic flumes amid a lagoon of jumping
Commerson's dolphins, a rare species native to South
America." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/15/05)
The water park is scheduled to open in 2007.
"The thought of kids careening down water slides at a
planned SeaWorld water park brings no joy to Williamsburg
resident Anthony Franco... The neighborhood lies in the
shadow of SeaWorld, and the traffic makes too much noise, he
said. "Just wait until they make it bigger," he warned."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/1905)
--------------------------------
"Each summer, Gatorland offers thrill-seekers the chance to
assist in its annual egg-collecting duties.
When the park's randy reptile residents are done mating,
trainers guide guests into the 10-acre breeding marsh in
search of fertile nests. Once a mound is isolated from the
protective mother, participants carefully excavate the pile
of decomposing plant matter to unearth 30 to 70 eggs. From
there, it's off to incubation and a safe birth."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/08/05)
--------------------------------
"Disney guests must now put their index and middle fingers
into a device at the turnstile that assigns a code to link
the image of their fingers with their name and ticket...
Universal Orlando relies on photographs to identify pass-
holders, but by the end of the year it plans to roll out a
new system that uses finger geometry. SeaWorld uses a
variation of the finger-scanning device for its multiday
pass holders but does not require it for single-day ticket
holders." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/14/05)
--------------------------------
"No one saw it coming. Over and over again, Leanne Deacon
rode the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror thrill ride without a
hitch. The British teen had visited Disney-MGM Studios six
times in a week...
Leanne remained in critical condition at Florida Hospital
Orlando on Wednesday, a day after doctors discovered blood
on her brain and performed emergency surgery." (Source:
Orlando Sentinel, 07/14/05)
--------------------------------
"The sidewalk star, one of Hollywood's most venerable perks,
is going corporate.
Long available to celebrities with $15,000 and a project to
promote, a version of the iconic symbol will be given for
the first time Thursday to a company: Disneyland is
receiving the pink terrazzo-and-brass star in honor of the
Anaheim theme park's 50th anniversary."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/13/05)
--------------------------------
CLOSED FOR REFURBISHMENT
Disney's Contemporary Resort South Garden Wing:
May 30 - Oct. 31
Epcot:
The Living Seas: 8/21/2005 - Nov. 2005
Turtle Talk with Crush: 8/21/2005 - Nov. 2005
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Happy Birthday Disneyland!
Disneyland turned 50 on July 17, 2005. Click here for related stories.
"Thousands of Disney fans donned special gold-colored Mickey
ears as they streamed through the entrance to Disneyland on
Sunday, 50 years after the landmark opened its gates and
gave birth to the modern theme park." (Source: Associated Press, 07/17/05)
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
Sue writes:
"Our family went to Fl. at the end of March and we were
looking forward to a great time. My son, who has Aspergers
Syndrome, a form of Autism was especially excited, which was
great because he seldom shows excitement about anything.
There were only 2 places he really wanted to go, that was
Epcot and Kennedy Space center.
After arriving and looking at different pamphlets we thought
that Animal Kingdom would be something he would enjoy. We
took the shuttle from the parking lot to Animal Kingdom and
it was extremely crowded, especially since so many people
had to stand. This was irritating to most and was especially
for a person that has special needs and by the end of the
trip it was especially bad for our son.
The trip back on the shuttle to the parking lot was
devastating for our son. The amount of people that were
crowded onto the bus was unbelievable, people packed in
seats not to mention all that were standing. Our son had a
total melt down (a term used for autistic people). Neither
my husband nor I were able to sit with him due to the amount
of people packed on the bus. I saw him from behind (I was 2
seats back) and could tell what was happening to him, it was
devastating.
After getting off the shuttle our son would not let us
comfort or console him, he couldn't stand to be touched
because of this incident. Knowing that his main goal of
going to Fl. was to go to Epcot and Kennedy we thought we
would take him the next day to Epcot, but he wanted no part
of going to either of the places. He asked if he would have
to go on the shuttle again and we told him it was possible
and he started to cry and said we would never go back. So
that shuttle ride ended his expectations, any chance or
thought we had of doing anything at the Disney parks, which
was such a shame. After that all he wanted to do was stay at
the motel and go to the pool.
I did not see anything, shuttle wise, to make the Disney
experience a nice one for the special needs. I do understand
that the parks get crowded, but something should really be
done about the shuttle situation. I enjoy the Affordable
Disney newsletter and got some very helpful hints. I did not
know who to contact about the problems we encountered, so I
thought telling you this story you maybe able to get it to
the appropriate persons in charge. Thank you."
Sue, I'm very sorry to hear about your son's experience.
Disney really loads those buses to capacity.
You can make a complaint or a comment about your experiences
at WDW...
Disney has provided a form online.
Snailmail your letter to:
COMPLAINTS AND COMMENTS:
Walt Disney World Guest Communications
P.O. Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040
For those who may find themselves in a similar situation, I
would recommend calling a taxi or renting a car to avoid
taking the shuttle to the parks.
=================================================
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Reid writes:
"John,
My daughter is going with her school choir group to sing at
Disneyland.... I am taking the whole family to Disneyworld
for the international soccer tournament.... That same
daughter will be playing in the soccer tournament.
Here is my question: Being at Disneyland are there any
savings or things you would recommend she buy at Disneyland
(i.e.: tickets, or ?) for our family trip to Disneyworld?"
No savings there. Buy your tickets for Disney World from our
ticket agent.
"The second part of that question... are there any
particular savings or things we should do when someone in
your party is participating in a Disneyworld event?"
Disney has a separate division for youth groups and there
are perks. For example, a chaperone gets one free chaperone
ticket for every ten student tickets purchased. If you need
more chaperone tickets than that, you can buy one additional
chaperone ticket at the student price for every five student
tickets. See the book for details.
"Thanks Again....this is an awesome site and I am going to
tell my soccer team about you."
=================================================
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=================================================
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Affordable Disney Transportation
Elegance Transportation provides affordable transportation
to Walt Disney World, the Disney Cruise Line, Universal, Wet
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Plus! Affordable Disney members save up to $10.00 on
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--------------------------------
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Universal offers special deals to Universal Entertainment
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To check out the bargains, click here.
--------------------------------
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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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--------------------------------
Affordable Accommodations
Get the guaranteed lowest prices at the Downtown Disney
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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 5:11 PM
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