Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
August 17, 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 some very good ones
about to expire
* The latest news from around the "World" - including a
video tour of Walt Disney's apartment in Disneyland
* Holland America Cruises writes about passport requirements
for U.S. and Canadian citizens
* Catherine writes about our travel agent, Beth, and our
exclusive deals for members in November and December
* Jim writes about his April vacation at WDW
* Beth writes about the Disney Dining Experience
* 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."
--------------------------------
ABOUT TO EXPIRE...
Enjoy FREE Disney Dining at Walt Disney World with this
deal. A family of 2 parents and 2 children 10-17 will save
over $800.00 on a 5-night/6-day vacation!
Beth, our travel agent, has Group Rates for Concierge
Service at Animal Kingdom Lodge! Beth writes: "A fellow
agent has a few rooms in the concierge level of Animal
Kingdom Lodge for October 13, 14. and 15 at wonderful group
rates."
Last minute Disney Cruise Line Special. Price just reduced
again! 4-day resort stay and 3-day cruise on the Disney
Wonder in August from $969!
7-Night Mexico cruises on the Disney Magic are still
available through August, 2005!
--------------------------------
The early bird catches the worm!
Disney and other Florida venues will be announcing their
winter deals soon! Join our Disney family today and you'll
be ready to grab a deal before they're all gone!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Save up to $40.00 on tickets to Disneyland!
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
Passport Requirements For U.S. And Canadian Citizens
"In April 2005, the U.S. Department of State announced
details of the proposed 'Western Hemisphere Travel
Initiative.' If enacted, U.S. and Canadian citizens will be
required to carry a passport for travel to or from certain
countries/areas that were previously exempt. [Note the
following dates]:
Beginning December 31, 2005, a passport or other accepted
document* will be required for all air and sea travel to or
from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America.
Beginning December 31, 2006, a passport or other accepted
document* will be required for all air and sea travel to or
from Mexico and Canada.
Beginning December 31, 2007, a passport or other accepted
document* will be required for all air, sea and land border
crossings.
*Although other valid documentation may be sufficient in
some circumstances, the United States Department of Homeland
Security has not yet made a final determination as to which
forms of documentation may serve as a valid alternative to a
passport." (Source: Email from Holland America Cruise Line,
08/11/05)
Get your passport now! For more helpful information, see:
Obtaining a Passport in the U.S.
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and Time Line
Holland America Line Documentation Requirements
=================================================
News From Around The "World"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
"Freedom Airlines will begin flying out of Orlando
International Airport in October as a contract carrier for
Delta Air Lines giving travelers from Orlando new nonstop
service...
The new nonstop destinations are Austin, Texas;
Charlottesville, Va.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Fayetteville,
Ark.; Fort Wayne, Ind.; and Jackson, Miss...
Freedom will add service between Orlando and more than a
dozen other destinations throughout the South and Midwest by
December." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/11/05)
--------------------------------
Disney Liquidators
"In one short year, Mouse Surplus has become one of the
premier clearinghouses of Disney memorabilia, artifacts,
signage and one-of-a-kind items anywhere.
In addition to selling items on eBay, Mouse Surplus just
opened a showroom in south Orlando where you can hunt
through its warehouse and even walk through its 2-acre lot
full of artifacts." (Source: Yahoo News, 08/11/05)
--------------------------------
Caution: The following videos contain spoilers!
Here's actual video footage from some of the fun rides
you'll experience at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando
and SeaWorld Adventure Park!
"SeaWorld's plan to build a new water theme park effectively
won approval from Orange County government Wednesday, all
but clearing the way for ground breaking this fall."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/11/05)
=================================================
CLOSED FOR REFURBISHMENT
Magic Kingdom
Fun and Sun Shop: Closed until 2006
Liberty Square Riverboat: 9/11/2005 - 9/19/2005
Epcot
The Living Seas: 8/21/2005 - Nov. 2005
Norway's Stave Church: 9/12/2005 - 11/14/2005
Restaurant Akershus: 9/4/2005 - 9/14/2005
Ice Station Cool: 5/31/2005 - Winter 2005
Italy's La Bottega Shop: 9-6/2005 - 9/22/2005
Disney-MGM Studios
ABC Commissary: 9/6/2005 - 9/12/2005
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre: 9/6/2005 - 9/12/2005
Disney's Contemporary Resort
South Garden Wing: 5/30/2005 - 10/31/2005
Disney's Yacht Club Resort
Periwig's: 8/8/2005 - 8/19/2005
Disney's Boardwalk Resort
Keister Coaster pool slide: 9/6/2005 - 9/26/2005
Disney's All-Star Music Resort
Piano Pool: 9/6/2005 - 9/14/2005
Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort
Old Man Island Spa: 9/6/2005 - 9/23/2005
(Source: Walt Disney World Mailer)
=================================================
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
"'Disneyland Resort Express' offers hassle-free, convenient,
and on-time transportation between the Disneyland Resort and
Los Angeles International (LAX) or John Wayne/Orange County
(SNA) airports." Disneyland Resort Express does not transfer
your luggage to your hotel room like Disney’s Magical
Express at WDW. (Source: Promotional Email from Disneyland®
Resort, 08/16/05)
--------------------------------
"Ride operators at Disney's California Adventure told
Anaheim authorities that the California Screamin' roller
coaster was functioning normally before the July 29
collision that hospitalized 17 people with minor injuries.
The statements were contained in police and fire reports
released Tuesday. The ride remains closed as state
investigators try to determine what caused one train to
rear-end another that was stopped."
(Source: latimes.com, 08/10/05)
--------------------------------
Here's a 360 degree tour of Walt Disney's apartment in Disneyland with commentary. (Source: ocregister.com, 08/11/05)
=================================================
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Repeat Disney Cruisers are entitled to the benefits of
Disney's Castaway Club:
* Priority check-in at Port Canaveral
* A Castaway Club souvenir (two Castaway Club pins)
* A cocktail party with the ship’s senior officers
* Castaway Club kit filled with Disney Cruise Line gifts
(Source: Promotional Email from Disneyland Resort, 08/16/05)
=================================================
HONG KONG DISNEYLAND
"In this photo released by Disney, performers lead a giant
puppet figures featuring Disney character Mickey Mouse
during the first parade on the 'Rehearsal Days' of the Hong
Kong Disneyland in Hong Kong Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2005."
(Source: Yahoo! News, 08/16/05)
--------------------------------
"A set of special stamps would be issued to mark the grand
opening of Hong Kong Disneyland on Sept. 12, 2005, Hong Kong
Postmaster General Allan Chiang announced on Monday."
(Source: chinaview.cn, 08/15/05)
--------------------------------
"Hong Kong Disneyland has rejected a request to install
air and noise pollution monitors around its Penny's Bay site
to gauge the effects of the theme park's nightly fireworks
display, a government environmental advisory body said
Monday." (Source: The Standard, 08/16/05)
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Jim sent us some comments about his April vacation at WDW:
"Disney Dining Experience Card: I noticed some inconsistency
in the use of this card. SO why do I get 2? One as a back-
up? I thought so but when I went to Chef Mickey's I was told
if I had both cards I could have used them for all 13 in my
party. I only took one card with me that day but had both of
them for the next meal at Sci-Fi. I had one Priority seating
number with two tables and got 20% off for all 13 of us. At
'Ohana and 1900 Park Faire I only got the discount for 10.
If you get two tables (with less than 8), sometimes you are
not charged the automatic gratuity of 18-20 %. I saved over
$200 on that trip. If you are an educator, check out the
Disney YES Program. It is great! (The DDE is for Florida
residents and AP holders. See Beth's comments below about
the DDE. See our book for info on Disney's Yes Program.)
Disney Characters: I have never seen more characters out
than this time at WDW. On the Wednesday night when MK was
open 3 hours later, the characters poured out at 9:00 PM.
There was no Spectromagic parade that night do I don't know
if there was any connection there.
American Adventure: The EPCOT Vybes and Voices of Liberty
are now performing back to back for 15 minutes each before
the American Adventure begins. They are as good as ever.
Kevin (former Voice of Liberty) is now a Dapper Dan. He was
the voice at EPCOT in the late 80's and early 90's. Every
night before Illuminations you could hear his voice all
around the World Showcase Promenade saying "Ladies and
Gentlemen, in just 15 minutes..."
=================================================
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 about the Disney Dining
Experience:
"I've been a member for about 6 months. I was told at the
time that I joined that I'd get a 'companion' card. It's
apparently meant for someone else in your household, but
they said I could put anyone's name on it so I used my
stepmother's because she sometimes goes without me. (She
actually lives elsewhere in Florida, though.)
On our first trip there were several occasions when she went
through one line and I went through another so it was nice
to have two cards... So yes, you do get two cards and there
are plenty of handy uses for that second one.
As to the discounts, my cards came stuck to a piece of paper
that clearly indicated on the back what all the discounts
were and where the cards were good... For the most part,
it's good at table service locations, but they are also good
at the food courts at the value resorts and PO Riverside and
French Quarter. The rules clearly state that it's only good
for up to 10 people and only one card per table, but the few
times that we used both cards at our table (for separate
bills) the servers didn't seem to have a problem with that -
and your reader's experience would suggest that he found the
same was true for him at some places.
My understanding of group gratuities is that the restaurants
that have a policy of automatically adding it on for bigger
groups say as much right on the menu. I guess if you divide
into two tables you could ask for two checks and then not
only avoid the automatic gratuity, but also you could use
both your dining cards and get the discount for everyone.
Having never eaten with a group large enough to think about
such things (other than groups where we were all pre-paid) I
don't have enough personal experience to say much more than
that on this subject."
=================================================
Catherine writes:
"I have a lifetime membership to the affordable disney site,
unfortunately I recently had a computer crash and all of my
presets and password information was lost. I was hoping you
can email this info to me so I can get back into the site. I
go there nearly every day and I am having withdraw!!!! By
the way, I can never say enough thank yous for sending us
Beth the travel agent!!! And the great rates she was able to
get for members for this November and December!!!!"
Thank you, Catherine, for your kind comments about Beth.
She's one of the jewels in the Affordable Disney crown!
=================================================
MONEY SAVING TIP
The Butcher Shop Steak House
8445 International Drive, Suite 140
At The Mercado
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 407/363-9727
Fax: 407/447-2662
Voted one of the top 10 steakhouses in Orlando! Opens daily
at 5:00 PM. Reminds you of an old Chicago-style steak house.
Customers can choose their own cuts and help the chef cook
their own steaks. Has three dining rooms and large bar.
Specialties include 2-inch-thick filet mignon and 30- ounce
T-bones.
Get $10.00 off dinner for two with this coupon.
=================================================
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?
With the Orlando Entertainment Book, you can save big on
travel, groceries, shopping, movie tickets, restaurants
near WDW, and more! 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.
=============================================
August 17, 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 some very good ones
about to expire
* The latest news from around the "World" - including a
video tour of Walt Disney's apartment in Disneyland
* Holland America Cruises writes about passport requirements
for U.S. and Canadian citizens
* Catherine writes about our travel agent, Beth, and our
exclusive deals for members in November and December
* Jim writes about his April vacation at WDW
* Beth writes about the Disney Dining Experience
* 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."
--------------------------------
ABOUT TO EXPIRE...
Enjoy FREE Disney Dining at Walt Disney World with this
deal. A family of 2 parents and 2 children 10-17 will save
over $800.00 on a 5-night/6-day vacation!
Beth, our travel agent, has Group Rates for Concierge
Service at Animal Kingdom Lodge! Beth writes: "A fellow
agent has a few rooms in the concierge level of Animal
Kingdom Lodge for October 13, 14. and 15 at wonderful group
rates."
Last minute Disney Cruise Line Special. Price just reduced
again! 4-day resort stay and 3-day cruise on the Disney
Wonder in August from $969!
7-Night Mexico cruises on the Disney Magic are still
available through August, 2005!
--------------------------------
The early bird catches the worm!
Disney and other Florida venues will be announcing their
winter deals soon! Join our Disney family today and you'll
be ready to grab a deal before they're all gone!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Save up to $40.00 on tickets to Disneyland!
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
Passport Requirements For U.S. And Canadian Citizens
"In April 2005, the U.S. Department of State announced
details of the proposed 'Western Hemisphere Travel
Initiative.' If enacted, U.S. and Canadian citizens will be
required to carry a passport for travel to or from certain
countries/areas that were previously exempt. [Note the
following dates]:
Beginning December 31, 2005, a passport or other accepted
document* will be required for all air and sea travel to or
from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America.
Beginning December 31, 2006, a passport or other accepted
document* will be required for all air and sea travel to or
from Mexico and Canada.
Beginning December 31, 2007, a passport or other accepted
document* will be required for all air, sea and land border
crossings.
*Although other valid documentation may be sufficient in
some circumstances, the United States Department of Homeland
Security has not yet made a final determination as to which
forms of documentation may serve as a valid alternative to a
passport." (Source: Email from Holland America Cruise Line,
08/11/05)
Get your passport now! For more helpful information, see:
Obtaining a Passport in the U.S.
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and Time Line
Holland America Line Documentation Requirements
=================================================
News From Around The "World"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
"Freedom Airlines will begin flying out of Orlando
International Airport in October as a contract carrier for
Delta Air Lines giving travelers from Orlando new nonstop
service...
The new nonstop destinations are Austin, Texas;
Charlottesville, Va.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Fayetteville,
Ark.; Fort Wayne, Ind.; and Jackson, Miss...
Freedom will add service between Orlando and more than a
dozen other destinations throughout the South and Midwest by
December." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/11/05)
--------------------------------
Disney Liquidators
"In one short year, Mouse Surplus has become one of the
premier clearinghouses of Disney memorabilia, artifacts,
signage and one-of-a-kind items anywhere.
In addition to selling items on eBay, Mouse Surplus just
opened a showroom in south Orlando where you can hunt
through its warehouse and even walk through its 2-acre lot
full of artifacts." (Source: Yahoo News, 08/11/05)
--------------------------------
Caution: The following videos contain spoilers!
Here's actual video footage from some of the fun rides
you'll experience at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando
and SeaWorld Adventure Park!
"SeaWorld's plan to build a new water theme park effectively
won approval from Orange County government Wednesday, all
but clearing the way for ground breaking this fall."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/11/05)
=================================================
CLOSED FOR REFURBISHMENT
Magic Kingdom
Fun and Sun Shop: Closed until 2006
Liberty Square Riverboat: 9/11/2005 - 9/19/2005
Epcot
The Living Seas: 8/21/2005 - Nov. 2005
Norway's Stave Church: 9/12/2005 - 11/14/2005
Restaurant Akershus: 9/4/2005 - 9/14/2005
Ice Station Cool: 5/31/2005 - Winter 2005
Italy's La Bottega Shop: 9-6/2005 - 9/22/2005
Disney-MGM Studios
ABC Commissary: 9/6/2005 - 9/12/2005
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre: 9/6/2005 - 9/12/2005
Disney's Contemporary Resort
South Garden Wing: 5/30/2005 - 10/31/2005
Disney's Yacht Club Resort
Periwig's: 8/8/2005 - 8/19/2005
Disney's Boardwalk Resort
Keister Coaster pool slide: 9/6/2005 - 9/26/2005
Disney's All-Star Music Resort
Piano Pool: 9/6/2005 - 9/14/2005
Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort
Old Man Island Spa: 9/6/2005 - 9/23/2005
(Source: Walt Disney World Mailer)
=================================================
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
"'Disneyland Resort Express' offers hassle-free, convenient,
and on-time transportation between the Disneyland Resort and
Los Angeles International (LAX) or John Wayne/Orange County
(SNA) airports." Disneyland Resort Express does not transfer
your luggage to your hotel room like Disney’s Magical
Express at WDW. (Source: Promotional Email from Disneyland®
Resort, 08/16/05)
--------------------------------
"Ride operators at Disney's California Adventure told
Anaheim authorities that the California Screamin' roller
coaster was functioning normally before the July 29
collision that hospitalized 17 people with minor injuries.
The statements were contained in police and fire reports
released Tuesday. The ride remains closed as state
investigators try to determine what caused one train to
rear-end another that was stopped."
(Source: latimes.com, 08/10/05)
--------------------------------
Here's a 360 degree tour of Walt Disney's apartment in Disneyland with commentary. (Source: ocregister.com, 08/11/05)
=================================================
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Repeat Disney Cruisers are entitled to the benefits of
Disney's Castaway Club:
* Priority check-in at Port Canaveral
* A Castaway Club souvenir (two Castaway Club pins)
* A cocktail party with the ship’s senior officers
* Castaway Club kit filled with Disney Cruise Line gifts
(Source: Promotional Email from Disneyland Resort, 08/16/05)
=================================================
HONG KONG DISNEYLAND
"In this photo released by Disney, performers lead a giant
puppet figures featuring Disney character Mickey Mouse
during the first parade on the 'Rehearsal Days' of the Hong
Kong Disneyland in Hong Kong Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2005."
(Source: Yahoo! News, 08/16/05)
--------------------------------
"A set of special stamps would be issued to mark the grand
opening of Hong Kong Disneyland on Sept. 12, 2005, Hong Kong
Postmaster General Allan Chiang announced on Monday."
(Source: chinaview.cn, 08/15/05)
--------------------------------
"Hong Kong Disneyland has rejected a request to install
air and noise pollution monitors around its Penny's Bay site
to gauge the effects of the theme park's nightly fireworks
display, a government environmental advisory body said
Monday." (Source: The Standard, 08/16/05)
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Jim sent us some comments about his April vacation at WDW:
"Disney Dining Experience Card: I noticed some inconsistency
in the use of this card. SO why do I get 2? One as a back-
up? I thought so but when I went to Chef Mickey's I was told
if I had both cards I could have used them for all 13 in my
party. I only took one card with me that day but had both of
them for the next meal at Sci-Fi. I had one Priority seating
number with two tables and got 20% off for all 13 of us. At
'Ohana and 1900 Park Faire I only got the discount for 10.
If you get two tables (with less than 8), sometimes you are
not charged the automatic gratuity of 18-20 %. I saved over
$200 on that trip. If you are an educator, check out the
Disney YES Program. It is great! (The DDE is for Florida
residents and AP holders. See Beth's comments below about
the DDE. See our book for info on Disney's Yes Program.)
Disney Characters: I have never seen more characters out
than this time at WDW. On the Wednesday night when MK was
open 3 hours later, the characters poured out at 9:00 PM.
There was no Spectromagic parade that night do I don't know
if there was any connection there.
American Adventure: The EPCOT Vybes and Voices of Liberty
are now performing back to back for 15 minutes each before
the American Adventure begins. They are as good as ever.
Kevin (former Voice of Liberty) is now a Dapper Dan. He was
the voice at EPCOT in the late 80's and early 90's. Every
night before Illuminations you could hear his voice all
around the World Showcase Promenade saying "Ladies and
Gentlemen, in just 15 minutes..."
=================================================
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 about the Disney Dining
Experience:
"I've been a member for about 6 months. I was told at the
time that I joined that I'd get a 'companion' card. It's
apparently meant for someone else in your household, but
they said I could put anyone's name on it so I used my
stepmother's because she sometimes goes without me. (She
actually lives elsewhere in Florida, though.)
On our first trip there were several occasions when she went
through one line and I went through another so it was nice
to have two cards... So yes, you do get two cards and there
are plenty of handy uses for that second one.
As to the discounts, my cards came stuck to a piece of paper
that clearly indicated on the back what all the discounts
were and where the cards were good... For the most part,
it's good at table service locations, but they are also good
at the food courts at the value resorts and PO Riverside and
French Quarter. The rules clearly state that it's only good
for up to 10 people and only one card per table, but the few
times that we used both cards at our table (for separate
bills) the servers didn't seem to have a problem with that -
and your reader's experience would suggest that he found the
same was true for him at some places.
My understanding of group gratuities is that the restaurants
that have a policy of automatically adding it on for bigger
groups say as much right on the menu. I guess if you divide
into two tables you could ask for two checks and then not
only avoid the automatic gratuity, but also you could use
both your dining cards and get the discount for everyone.
Having never eaten with a group large enough to think about
such things (other than groups where we were all pre-paid) I
don't have enough personal experience to say much more than
that on this subject."
=================================================
Catherine writes:
"I have a lifetime membership to the affordable disney site,
unfortunately I recently had a computer crash and all of my
presets and password information was lost. I was hoping you
can email this info to me so I can get back into the site. I
go there nearly every day and I am having withdraw!!!! By
the way, I can never say enough thank yous for sending us
Beth the travel agent!!! And the great rates she was able to
get for members for this November and December!!!!"
Thank you, Catherine, for your kind comments about Beth.
She's one of the jewels in the Affordable Disney crown!
=================================================
MONEY SAVING TIP
The Butcher Shop Steak House
8445 International Drive, Suite 140
At The Mercado
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 407/363-9727
Fax: 407/447-2662
Voted one of the top 10 steakhouses in Orlando! Opens daily
at 5:00 PM. Reminds you of an old Chicago-style steak house.
Customers can choose their own cuts and help the chef cook
their own steaks. Has three dining rooms and large bar.
Specialties include 2-inch-thick filet mignon and 30- ounce
T-bones.
Get $10.00 off dinner for two with this coupon.
=================================================
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?
With the Orlando Entertainment Book, you can save big on
travel, groceries, shopping, movie tickets, restaurants
near WDW, and more! 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.
=============================================
posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 7:41 AM
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