Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
February 08, 2006
Copyright © 1999 - 2006 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
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Hi Everyone!
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - including program information for
Adventures by Disney
* The latest news from around the "World" - including the
closing of Pirates of the Caribbean
* Beth, our travel agent, continues her report on her recent
visit to Universal
* Joanne and Sara comment on Michael's dining experience at
the Crystal Palace in last week's issue
* Millie writes about Disney World's backstage tours
=================================================
We continuously update our information and you can find
these current specials in our Addenda:
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
The new Adventures by Disney programs are now on sale.
Here's an overview...
* As previously mentioned, the trips are to Hawaii, Wyoming,
Costa Rica, Paris/London, Italy, and the Canadian Rockies.
* Trips vary in length from 6 to 8 nights, depending on
destination.
* Children are welcome, but must be at least 6 for the
Hawaiian itineraries and at least 8 for all others. There
are special activities planned as part of each trip for
children, so that they will enjoy any of the itineraries as
much as the adults will.
* There are two guides on each trip, and they will baby-sit
for you in the evening if you want a night out alone.
* The groups are all kept to a small, intimate group -
roughly 35-40 in most cases
* Prices are based on double occupancy and include all
ground transportation, airport transfers, and travel between
cities.
* Transportation is by motorcoach except in Italy and in
Paris/London where there are some Eurostar segments, and in
Hawaii where there is a short flight to the other island.
* The dates for most of these start in May and continue
through the summer. Many have adults-only departures in the
Fall, and several have an odd assortment of dates later in
the year as well. For instance, the Hawaiian trip that
includes Kauai has departures for the whole family on
November 22, December 17 and December 31. The other Hawaiian
itinerary has November 19 and January 7 (2007).
* Each itinerary includes LOTS of daily activities (no
charge) and a few optional ones that there may be fees for.
The included tours cover all the 'must see and do' things
for each area - but, of course, you're never required to do
anything you don't feel like doing. You're welcome to go off
and play on your own. (No refunds for the things you don't
participate in.)
* Hotels are all REALLY nice - 4 stars in most cases. Names
like JW Marriott, Hyatt, Fairmont, etc. In most cases, the
preferred views are included (ocean view, mountain view,
etc.) although there are a few exceptions.
* Many meals are included as well.
* Disney can book your air, or you can do it separately
(like, if you want to use frequent flyer miles). Airport
transfers are always included regardless of how you get your
air.
* These are very high-quality tours which provide you VIP
treatment across the board. As you might expect, that
doesn't come cheap. All pricing is based on two to a room.
Triples and quads are available in most places. Children are
charged the same as adults when they are the first or second
in a room, but there is a small price break ($300-$800) when
they are the 3rd or 4th person. There is also a per-person
break for adult triples and quads. For the most part, age 14
and down is considered a child.
SAMPLE PRICING:
HAWAII (either itinerary) - $3099 p/p double occupancy,
$2799 p/p triple occupancy, $2699 p/p quad occupancy. Break
for children as 3rd/4th person is $500 each. Max of three
adults and a child or two adults and three children.
AVAILABLE ITINERARIES:
* Escape to Paradise (Oahu and Kauai, Hawaii) - 6 nights/7
days
* Legends of the Islands (Oahu and the Big Island, Hawaii) -
6 nights / 7 days
* Quest for the West (Wyoming) - 7 nights / 8 days
* Magic of the Mountains (Canadian Rockies) - 7 nights / 8
days
* Costa Rica (not sure what it's officially called) - 7
nights / 8 days
* Land of Eternal Nights (London and Paris) - 7 nights / 8
days
* Viva Italian (Rome, Chianti and Venice, Italy) - 8 nights
/ 9 days
Want more information? Affordable Disney members should log
in for Beth's contact info. Beth will send a brochure when
they are available and provide specific pricing and details.
--------------------------------
Current Schedule for the Disney Dining Experience
--------------------------------
A new sweepstakes: Win a vacation for 4 to Orlando!
--------------------------------
If you are not a member, you can join our Disney family here.
=================================================
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Sylvester McMonkey McBean's Very Unusual Driving Machines
Coming Summer 2006 to Universal's Islands of Adventure
"a children's monorail inspired by the Dr. Seuss rhyme that
klonks, bonks, jerks and berks, never worked in its nearly
seven years in the park. But that may be about to change.
The ride, perched 15 feet above ground in Seuss Landing, may
open later this year, though with a revised design and
possibly a new name." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/08/06)
--------------------------------
Click here for the official site for Disney's new roller coaster,
Expedition Everest!
--------------------------------
Here's the phone number for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
which opens in April in the Princess Room at the World of
Disney store in Downtown Disney. To arrange a royal makeover
for your little princess, call 407/WDW-STYLE (939-78953).
--------------------------------
"Pirates of the Caribbean, the classic Disney theme park
adventure brought to the big screen in Pirates of the
Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, is adding new
characters and features from the blockbuster entertainment
franchise and debuting when the next adventure begins in
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.
Both the Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney
World Resort in Florida will close the attraction in March
to complete the updates in time for the opening of Pirates
of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest on July 7. The attraction
will re-open at Disneyland on June 24 and in Florida’s Magic
Kingdom on July 7.
The attraction will feature the addition of two of
Hollywood’s most infamous buccaneers, Captain Jack Sparrow
and his nemesis Barbossa. Joining the wildest crew that ever
sacked the Spanish Main, Captain Jack and Barbossa add an
exciting new twist to the attraction’s original storyline as
they race to be the first to claim a cache of plundered
treasure...
Woven into some of the attraction’s most memorable scenes,
the rival swashbucklers will be seen interacting with some
of the more familiar Audio-Animatronics buccaneers found
inside the ride-thru adventure. Also making a guest
appearance is the ghostly Davy Jones from the second movie
in the series, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.
But new characters are only the beginning. New special
effects will also be added to enhance the 'Pirates of the
Caribbean' theme park experience." (Source: Disney Press
Release, 02/02/06)
"Sparrow will make his first appearance at the ride's well
scene... The captain at the well is dunking the mayor,
asking him if he knows where Jack Sparrow is... In the
shadows, just outside of the scene, is going to be the
figure of Jack Sparrow... The Davy Jones character will be
'a brand new special effect and a brand new way of
presenting a character in the ride'" (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/03/06)
--------------------------------
Universal has posted at their site a comparison of a
vacation at Universal vs a vacation at WDW.
(Source: Universal Orlando, 02/01/06)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
"Construction is underway on the newest attraction at the
Disneyland® Resort - Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
(scheduled to open in the spring of 2007)."
(Source: Promotional email from WDW Resort, 02/07/06)
--------------------------------
Disneyland Resort Calendar
--------------------------------
HONG KONG DISNEYLAND
"Over a hundred people who were denied entry to Hong Kong
Disneyland today because it was sold out as a result of the
Lunar New Year grew angry and raucous, with some trying to
force their way in, news reports said...
The visitors bought flexible tickets that are valid for six
months but do not guarantee entry on any day, said Betty
Law, a spokeswoman for Hong Kong Disneyland."
(Source: Associated Press, 02/02/06)
"In a sign that a deal may be imminent, Disney officials
have for the first time admitted it's negotiating to build a
theme park in Shanghai, shortly after disclosing that the
Lantau park contributed to the California-based
entertainment giant's stellar results in the quarter ended
December... While noting that no deal has yet been inked
between the two sides, a Hong Kong Disneyland spokeswoman
reiterated that another Chinese park would not open before
2010." (Source: The Standard, 02/08/06)
=================================================
TOKYO DISNEYLAND
"Oriental Land Co, Ltd. has announced that the new Disney
hotel scheduled to open in Tokyo Disney Resort in Japanese
fiscal year 2008 will be named 'Tokyo Disneyland Hotel.'
The new hotel will be built in front of Tokyo Disneyland
Park, with the Disney Resort Line’s Tokyo Disneyland Station
in between. The hotel will reflect the early 20th-century
Victorian architectural style found in the Park’s World
Bazaar themed land, the monorail station and the main
entrance area. While grand and elegant, the hotel will
generate a friendly, welcoming atmosphere for the Guests.
Stepping through the main entrance on the third floor,
Guests will find themselves in the most striking feature of
the hotel: the spacious, brightly lit atrium lobby with its
approximately 30-meter high ceiling. Descending to the first
floor, guests will be able to move outside into a pleasant,
spacious courtyard bordered by a restaurants and shops.
Beyond this courtyard the monorail station and the entrance
to Tokyo Disneyland will be waiting, promising fun things to
come.
Structure: 9 levels above ground
Floor Space: About 89,000 meters squared
Guestrooms: About 700
Other Facilities: Banquet rooms, restaurants, Disney shop,
etc." (Source: Disney Press Release, 02/07/06)
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Donna (Lifetime Affordable Disney Member) writes:
"Hi John,
I just returned from a wonderful five day trip to
DisneyWorld Jan. 29th - Feb. 3rd. My friend and I stayed at
Boardwalk and had a Boardwalk view which was great. The
weather was nice, it only rained part of Monday and the rest
of the week was sunny and mild.
The new ride SOARIN at EPCOT was so awesome, We really felt
like we were flying and could smell the evergreen trees and
orange groves. just how do they do that? Ha. There were
hardly any wait times for rides at the parks so most
fastpass machines were covered except for SOARIN. we used
the fastpass twice.
I wanted to say we used [your ticket agent] for our Disney
Passes and Cirque De Soleil La Neuba passes. We bought them
in Sept. '05. When we arrived at our resort we noticed the
Cirque passes expired 12/30/05. We we very upset because
they cost $75 each. I called and talked to [your agent's]
father who was wonderful. he told us that Disney expires
them every year and comes out with new prices. We knew the
hopper passes went up every year, but didn't know the other
pass would have an expiration date. He gave us new passes
and brought them to the Boardwalk and didn't charge me
anything! I have used [your ticket agent] three times and
will ALWAYS use them now.
We saved a lot of money by using suggestions from your book
about food and drinks, and your maps are so much easier to
follow. Thanks for all your advice. I enjoy looking over
your book even when my Disney trips are a year apart. Many
Thanks."
Thanks again, Donna, for your generous comments. We are very
proud of the service our ticket agent provides to our
members.
NOTE: In addition to his already low prices, our ticket
agent is currently running this special: Affordable Disney
members receive a 5th Day FREE when they purchase a Walt
Disney World Magic Your Way 4-Day Base or Hopper ticket with
14 day Expiration!
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, continues her report on her recent
visit to Universal:
"Here's how the Universal Parks Meal Deal works...
When you walk into either park there is a place with a big
Meal Deal - Eat All Day sign where you can purchase
wristbands. You can also purchase the plan at any of the
places that participates in the program. It's about $20 with
tax for adults, and $10 with tax for kids. It's a few
dollars more if you want to be able to eat in BOTH parks.
There is no multiday version; you have to do this each day,
and the wristbands are color-coded (so you can't wear
today's wristband tomorrow and get free food).
There are three counter service places at each park that
honor the wristbands. Each time you go through the line you
can get an entree and a dessert. There is no limit to how
many times you can go through. The adults can choose from
ANY entree on the menu. Children have to choose from a
special child's menu which is NOT posted. There are small
red stand-up signs that tell you what the children's items
are, and if you don't see it you can ask. There are three
items to choose from for kids and they include things like
pizza, cheeseburger, spaghetti, PB&J, chicken, etc. The
children's options are apparently a new thing, and they do
have them for sale to people who are NOT on the plan as
well; however, they are priced higher than Disney's
children's options. (A mini-cheeseburger and fries for kids
was $5.39 at one of the places we went.)
There are some odd things about the plan for adults. For
instance, it was OK to get an eggroll with your orange
chicken platter at one place (no extra charge, even though
it's listed separately on the menu), but you can't get
cheese sauce for your fries at another place unless you pay
for it. Milkshakes and ice cream can't be your dessert, even
if they are listed in the dessert section of the menu;
they're extra. If you want two burgers you have to go
through the line twice, but if you want two slices of pizza
on one trip that seemed to be OK. For one meal I got a slice
of pizza and they offered me fries or onion rings to go with
it. At another place I ordered a chicken sandwich with onion
rings and I got BOTH fries and onion rings. In other words,
if you want something then ask and they might include it for
you, but don't make assumptions because logic really doesn't
apply here.
I should mention that beverages are NOT included. We
invested in a refillable cup. There were several to choose
from and they come at varying prices, but if you're on the
Meal Deal then they are all $7 - including the cool
Spongebob one that blows bubbles which normally sells for
over $12. You can have them refill it all day long for free
at any of the places that honor the Meal Deal, but it's
$1.30 (or something like that) to get a refill at the other
counter places - still about half off the regular drink
price. If we'd had the two-park Meal Deal we'd have been
allowed to get refills at the other park that day as well.
What we didn't realize, though, is that the other park also
sold Spongebob mugs (the bubble ones as well as the more
traditional handled kind) so we could have carried our mug
back on day two and refilled it again all day instead of
buying a new mug. I'm sure you're not supposed to do that,
but since some of the mugs are the same in both parks they
wouldn't know the difference.
Tips:
* The Meal Deal places don't open until 10AM or later, so
bring granola bars to hold you until then.
* We got two gorgeous fruit plates at the end of the day
from the International place at the Studios. They were
already wrapped in plastic so we just asked a store for a
plastic bag (which they were happy to give us) and we put
our fruit in there to haul back to the room. We had yummy
fresh fruit for breakfast the next day!
* Both days we made the rounds and collected enough food for
a good dinner shortly before leaving the park. We wrapped
everything in napkins and tossed them into plastic shopping
bags, adding napkins, condiments, and plastic flatware. If
you remember, bring ziplock bags in your fanny pack, though.
That would have been a lot easier than asking stores for
plastic bags. We weren't hungry for dinner at 6PM, but by
the time we got back to the room and settled in we were, so
this worked well for us and enabled us to really get a lot
out of the Meal Deal even with the parks closing so early.
* Food service stops 30 minutes before park closing, and the
lines for food can be longer than attraction lines, so be
sure to get in line for the last meal of the day about an
hour before closing to be sure you'll get through.
And yes, we could have had just one wristband and sent that
person through the line once or twice without raising
suspicion, then moved on to another location and done the
same thing - thus feeding all of us on that one wristband.
The cashiers have enough to do without watching the seating
areas to see if anyone is doing illegal sharing. We freely
passed food between the three of us and our wristbands were
usually not visible to anyone who may have watched. No one
ever paid any attention to us. Do I suggest doing this? No,
that wouldn't be right - and too many people doing it might
spell the end of the Meal Deal. Can you get away with it if
you're so inclined? I'd say yes, pretty easily - especially
if you don't mind visiting multiple locations for each meal.
And how much did we save? Well the Meal Deal for two
adults and a child was about $50 a day. Day one our food
total would have come to at least $110. Day two our total
would have been about $80. Had we NOT had the meal deal
we'd have definitely spent more than this - but we'd have
also been able to visit some of the better restaurants
without feeling that we were wasting our meal Deal wristband
privileges. All six participating restaurants (three in
each park) served pretty much the same food, with one or two
different things at each. We were really tired of having
the same options by the end of the second day, and the
desserts (cake, Jell-O parfait, chocolate chip cookies) were
identical at each place. So would we do it again? Yes, for
one day, and then for the second day we'd probably pay to
eat at better places. I'd say that the Studios have the
better three places to use the plan on (although there's
very little difference really)."
=================================================
Joanne writes about Michael's comments in last week's
newsletter about his dining experience at the Crystal
Palace:
"I read what Michael wrote about his experience at the
Crystal Palace and wanted to add my experience there in
December. We had a wonderful time there and the food was
excellent. Yes the children's food is at the very end of the
main buffet but it was not inconvenient at all. I thought
that there was an excellent selection on the buffet and
everything was so good. In regards to the characters, the
only character that did not come to our table was Pooh, we
had to go up and see him. When the characters had to go in
for a break, someone would put a paper corresponding to the
characters color on the table they need to start with when
their break is over. Our waitress was also wonderful, I
don't remember her name but she was very friendly and very
attentive."
Sara writes:
"Dear John,
I think Michael should write to Disney about the kid's
buffet table at the Crystal Palace. They should return it. I
think it would be a great suggestion to make to Disney."
=================================================
Millie writes:
"John
We're going to Disney again in January. Do you have any
suggestions for the backstage tours? Appreciate your insight
and all the newsletters. Thanks."
The most popular are the ones that go behind the scenes or,
in the case of the Magic Kingdom, under the streets!
You'll find some more info here:
http://www.affordabledisney.com/tours.html
=================================================
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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! To check out the bargains, click
here.
--------------------------------
Got Coupons?
With the Orlando Entertainment Book, you can save big on
travel, groceries, shopping, movie tickets, and more!
Coupons in the 2006 book are valid through 11/01/06. Save at
hotels and restaurants near Walt Disney World, on car
rental, airfare, admission to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld
Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa! 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! Donna and I
bought a beautiful 5-piece set of Samsonite luggage for our
daughter for Christmas for $144! February 12: 10% OFF Plus
Free Shipping! 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.
=============================================
February 08, 2006
Copyright © 1999 - 2006 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 blog...
* Deals and specials - including program information for
Adventures by Disney
* The latest news from around the "World" - including the
closing of Pirates of the Caribbean
* Beth, our travel agent, continues her report on her recent
visit to Universal
* Joanne and Sara comment on Michael's dining experience at
the Crystal Palace in last week's issue
* Millie writes about Disney World's backstage tours
=================================================
We continuously update our information and you can find
these current specials in our Addenda:
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
The new Adventures by Disney programs are now on sale.
Here's an overview...
* As previously mentioned, the trips are to Hawaii, Wyoming,
Costa Rica, Paris/London, Italy, and the Canadian Rockies.
* Trips vary in length from 6 to 8 nights, depending on
destination.
* Children are welcome, but must be at least 6 for the
Hawaiian itineraries and at least 8 for all others. There
are special activities planned as part of each trip for
children, so that they will enjoy any of the itineraries as
much as the adults will.
* There are two guides on each trip, and they will baby-sit
for you in the evening if you want a night out alone.
* The groups are all kept to a small, intimate group -
roughly 35-40 in most cases
* Prices are based on double occupancy and include all
ground transportation, airport transfers, and travel between
cities.
* Transportation is by motorcoach except in Italy and in
Paris/London where there are some Eurostar segments, and in
Hawaii where there is a short flight to the other island.
* The dates for most of these start in May and continue
through the summer. Many have adults-only departures in the
Fall, and several have an odd assortment of dates later in
the year as well. For instance, the Hawaiian trip that
includes Kauai has departures for the whole family on
November 22, December 17 and December 31. The other Hawaiian
itinerary has November 19 and January 7 (2007).
* Each itinerary includes LOTS of daily activities (no
charge) and a few optional ones that there may be fees for.
The included tours cover all the 'must see and do' things
for each area - but, of course, you're never required to do
anything you don't feel like doing. You're welcome to go off
and play on your own. (No refunds for the things you don't
participate in.)
* Hotels are all REALLY nice - 4 stars in most cases. Names
like JW Marriott, Hyatt, Fairmont, etc. In most cases, the
preferred views are included (ocean view, mountain view,
etc.) although there are a few exceptions.
* Many meals are included as well.
* Disney can book your air, or you can do it separately
(like, if you want to use frequent flyer miles). Airport
transfers are always included regardless of how you get your
air.
* These are very high-quality tours which provide you VIP
treatment across the board. As you might expect, that
doesn't come cheap. All pricing is based on two to a room.
Triples and quads are available in most places. Children are
charged the same as adults when they are the first or second
in a room, but there is a small price break ($300-$800) when
they are the 3rd or 4th person. There is also a per-person
break for adult triples and quads. For the most part, age 14
and down is considered a child.
SAMPLE PRICING:
HAWAII (either itinerary) - $3099 p/p double occupancy,
$2799 p/p triple occupancy, $2699 p/p quad occupancy. Break
for children as 3rd/4th person is $500 each. Max of three
adults and a child or two adults and three children.
AVAILABLE ITINERARIES:
* Escape to Paradise (Oahu and Kauai, Hawaii) - 6 nights/7
days
* Legends of the Islands (Oahu and the Big Island, Hawaii) -
6 nights / 7 days
* Quest for the West (Wyoming) - 7 nights / 8 days
* Magic of the Mountains (Canadian Rockies) - 7 nights / 8
days
* Costa Rica (not sure what it's officially called) - 7
nights / 8 days
* Land of Eternal Nights (London and Paris) - 7 nights / 8
days
* Viva Italian (Rome, Chianti and Venice, Italy) - 8 nights
/ 9 days
Want more information? Affordable Disney members should log
in for Beth's contact info. Beth will send a brochure when
they are available and provide specific pricing and details.
--------------------------------
Current Schedule for the Disney Dining Experience
--------------------------------
A new sweepstakes: Win a vacation for 4 to Orlando!
--------------------------------
If you are not a member, you can join our Disney family here.
=================================================
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Sylvester McMonkey McBean's Very Unusual Driving Machines
Coming Summer 2006 to Universal's Islands of Adventure
"a children's monorail inspired by the Dr. Seuss rhyme that
klonks, bonks, jerks and berks, never worked in its nearly
seven years in the park. But that may be about to change.
The ride, perched 15 feet above ground in Seuss Landing, may
open later this year, though with a revised design and
possibly a new name." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/08/06)
--------------------------------
Click here for the official site for Disney's new roller coaster,
Expedition Everest!
--------------------------------
Here's the phone number for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
which opens in April in the Princess Room at the World of
Disney store in Downtown Disney. To arrange a royal makeover
for your little princess, call 407/WDW-STYLE (939-78953).
--------------------------------
"Pirates of the Caribbean, the classic Disney theme park
adventure brought to the big screen in Pirates of the
Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, is adding new
characters and features from the blockbuster entertainment
franchise and debuting when the next adventure begins in
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.
Both the Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney
World Resort in Florida will close the attraction in March
to complete the updates in time for the opening of Pirates
of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest on July 7. The attraction
will re-open at Disneyland on June 24 and in Florida’s Magic
Kingdom on July 7.
The attraction will feature the addition of two of
Hollywood’s most infamous buccaneers, Captain Jack Sparrow
and his nemesis Barbossa. Joining the wildest crew that ever
sacked the Spanish Main, Captain Jack and Barbossa add an
exciting new twist to the attraction’s original storyline as
they race to be the first to claim a cache of plundered
treasure...
Woven into some of the attraction’s most memorable scenes,
the rival swashbucklers will be seen interacting with some
of the more familiar Audio-Animatronics buccaneers found
inside the ride-thru adventure. Also making a guest
appearance is the ghostly Davy Jones from the second movie
in the series, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.
But new characters are only the beginning. New special
effects will also be added to enhance the 'Pirates of the
Caribbean' theme park experience." (Source: Disney Press
Release, 02/02/06)
"Sparrow will make his first appearance at the ride's well
scene... The captain at the well is dunking the mayor,
asking him if he knows where Jack Sparrow is... In the
shadows, just outside of the scene, is going to be the
figure of Jack Sparrow... The Davy Jones character will be
'a brand new special effect and a brand new way of
presenting a character in the ride'" (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/03/06)
--------------------------------
Universal has posted at their site a comparison of a
vacation at Universal vs a vacation at WDW.
(Source: Universal Orlando, 02/01/06)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
"Construction is underway on the newest attraction at the
Disneyland® Resort - Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
(scheduled to open in the spring of 2007)."
(Source: Promotional email from WDW Resort, 02/07/06)
--------------------------------
Disneyland Resort Calendar
--------------------------------
HONG KONG DISNEYLAND
"Over a hundred people who were denied entry to Hong Kong
Disneyland today because it was sold out as a result of the
Lunar New Year grew angry and raucous, with some trying to
force their way in, news reports said...
The visitors bought flexible tickets that are valid for six
months but do not guarantee entry on any day, said Betty
Law, a spokeswoman for Hong Kong Disneyland."
(Source: Associated Press, 02/02/06)
"In a sign that a deal may be imminent, Disney officials
have for the first time admitted it's negotiating to build a
theme park in Shanghai, shortly after disclosing that the
Lantau park contributed to the California-based
entertainment giant's stellar results in the quarter ended
December... While noting that no deal has yet been inked
between the two sides, a Hong Kong Disneyland spokeswoman
reiterated that another Chinese park would not open before
2010." (Source: The Standard, 02/08/06)
=================================================
TOKYO DISNEYLAND
"Oriental Land Co, Ltd. has announced that the new Disney
hotel scheduled to open in Tokyo Disney Resort in Japanese
fiscal year 2008 will be named 'Tokyo Disneyland Hotel.'
The new hotel will be built in front of Tokyo Disneyland
Park, with the Disney Resort Line’s Tokyo Disneyland Station
in between. The hotel will reflect the early 20th-century
Victorian architectural style found in the Park’s World
Bazaar themed land, the monorail station and the main
entrance area. While grand and elegant, the hotel will
generate a friendly, welcoming atmosphere for the Guests.
Stepping through the main entrance on the third floor,
Guests will find themselves in the most striking feature of
the hotel: the spacious, brightly lit atrium lobby with its
approximately 30-meter high ceiling. Descending to the first
floor, guests will be able to move outside into a pleasant,
spacious courtyard bordered by a restaurants and shops.
Beyond this courtyard the monorail station and the entrance
to Tokyo Disneyland will be waiting, promising fun things to
come.
Structure: 9 levels above ground
Floor Space: About 89,000 meters squared
Guestrooms: About 700
Other Facilities: Banquet rooms, restaurants, Disney shop,
etc." (Source: Disney Press Release, 02/07/06)
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Donna (Lifetime Affordable Disney Member) writes:
"Hi John,
I just returned from a wonderful five day trip to
DisneyWorld Jan. 29th - Feb. 3rd. My friend and I stayed at
Boardwalk and had a Boardwalk view which was great. The
weather was nice, it only rained part of Monday and the rest
of the week was sunny and mild.
The new ride SOARIN at EPCOT was so awesome, We really felt
like we were flying and could smell the evergreen trees and
orange groves. just how do they do that? Ha. There were
hardly any wait times for rides at the parks so most
fastpass machines were covered except for SOARIN. we used
the fastpass twice.
I wanted to say we used [your ticket agent] for our Disney
Passes and Cirque De Soleil La Neuba passes. We bought them
in Sept. '05. When we arrived at our resort we noticed the
Cirque passes expired 12/30/05. We we very upset because
they cost $75 each. I called and talked to [your agent's]
father who was wonderful. he told us that Disney expires
them every year and comes out with new prices. We knew the
hopper passes went up every year, but didn't know the other
pass would have an expiration date. He gave us new passes
and brought them to the Boardwalk and didn't charge me
anything! I have used [your ticket agent] three times and
will ALWAYS use them now.
We saved a lot of money by using suggestions from your book
about food and drinks, and your maps are so much easier to
follow. Thanks for all your advice. I enjoy looking over
your book even when my Disney trips are a year apart. Many
Thanks."
Thanks again, Donna, for your generous comments. We are very
proud of the service our ticket agent provides to our
members.
NOTE: In addition to his already low prices, our ticket
agent is currently running this special: Affordable Disney
members receive a 5th Day FREE when they purchase a Walt
Disney World Magic Your Way 4-Day Base or Hopper ticket with
14 day Expiration!
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, continues her report on her recent
visit to Universal:
"Here's how the Universal Parks Meal Deal works...
When you walk into either park there is a place with a big
Meal Deal - Eat All Day sign where you can purchase
wristbands. You can also purchase the plan at any of the
places that participates in the program. It's about $20 with
tax for adults, and $10 with tax for kids. It's a few
dollars more if you want to be able to eat in BOTH parks.
There is no multiday version; you have to do this each day,
and the wristbands are color-coded (so you can't wear
today's wristband tomorrow and get free food).
There are three counter service places at each park that
honor the wristbands. Each time you go through the line you
can get an entree and a dessert. There is no limit to how
many times you can go through. The adults can choose from
ANY entree on the menu. Children have to choose from a
special child's menu which is NOT posted. There are small
red stand-up signs that tell you what the children's items
are, and if you don't see it you can ask. There are three
items to choose from for kids and they include things like
pizza, cheeseburger, spaghetti, PB&J, chicken, etc. The
children's options are apparently a new thing, and they do
have them for sale to people who are NOT on the plan as
well; however, they are priced higher than Disney's
children's options. (A mini-cheeseburger and fries for kids
was $5.39 at one of the places we went.)
There are some odd things about the plan for adults. For
instance, it was OK to get an eggroll with your orange
chicken platter at one place (no extra charge, even though
it's listed separately on the menu), but you can't get
cheese sauce for your fries at another place unless you pay
for it. Milkshakes and ice cream can't be your dessert, even
if they are listed in the dessert section of the menu;
they're extra. If you want two burgers you have to go
through the line twice, but if you want two slices of pizza
on one trip that seemed to be OK. For one meal I got a slice
of pizza and they offered me fries or onion rings to go with
it. At another place I ordered a chicken sandwich with onion
rings and I got BOTH fries and onion rings. In other words,
if you want something then ask and they might include it for
you, but don't make assumptions because logic really doesn't
apply here.
I should mention that beverages are NOT included. We
invested in a refillable cup. There were several to choose
from and they come at varying prices, but if you're on the
Meal Deal then they are all $7 - including the cool
Spongebob one that blows bubbles which normally sells for
over $12. You can have them refill it all day long for free
at any of the places that honor the Meal Deal, but it's
$1.30 (or something like that) to get a refill at the other
counter places - still about half off the regular drink
price. If we'd had the two-park Meal Deal we'd have been
allowed to get refills at the other park that day as well.
What we didn't realize, though, is that the other park also
sold Spongebob mugs (the bubble ones as well as the more
traditional handled kind) so we could have carried our mug
back on day two and refilled it again all day instead of
buying a new mug. I'm sure you're not supposed to do that,
but since some of the mugs are the same in both parks they
wouldn't know the difference.
Tips:
* The Meal Deal places don't open until 10AM or later, so
bring granola bars to hold you until then.
* We got two gorgeous fruit plates at the end of the day
from the International place at the Studios. They were
already wrapped in plastic so we just asked a store for a
plastic bag (which they were happy to give us) and we put
our fruit in there to haul back to the room. We had yummy
fresh fruit for breakfast the next day!
* Both days we made the rounds and collected enough food for
a good dinner shortly before leaving the park. We wrapped
everything in napkins and tossed them into plastic shopping
bags, adding napkins, condiments, and plastic flatware. If
you remember, bring ziplock bags in your fanny pack, though.
That would have been a lot easier than asking stores for
plastic bags. We weren't hungry for dinner at 6PM, but by
the time we got back to the room and settled in we were, so
this worked well for us and enabled us to really get a lot
out of the Meal Deal even with the parks closing so early.
* Food service stops 30 minutes before park closing, and the
lines for food can be longer than attraction lines, so be
sure to get in line for the last meal of the day about an
hour before closing to be sure you'll get through.
And yes, we could have had just one wristband and sent that
person through the line once or twice without raising
suspicion, then moved on to another location and done the
same thing - thus feeding all of us on that one wristband.
The cashiers have enough to do without watching the seating
areas to see if anyone is doing illegal sharing. We freely
passed food between the three of us and our wristbands were
usually not visible to anyone who may have watched. No one
ever paid any attention to us. Do I suggest doing this? No,
that wouldn't be right - and too many people doing it might
spell the end of the Meal Deal. Can you get away with it if
you're so inclined? I'd say yes, pretty easily - especially
if you don't mind visiting multiple locations for each meal.
And how much did we save? Well the Meal Deal for two
adults and a child was about $50 a day. Day one our food
total would have come to at least $110. Day two our total
would have been about $80. Had we NOT had the meal deal
we'd have definitely spent more than this - but we'd have
also been able to visit some of the better restaurants
without feeling that we were wasting our meal Deal wristband
privileges. All six participating restaurants (three in
each park) served pretty much the same food, with one or two
different things at each. We were really tired of having
the same options by the end of the second day, and the
desserts (cake, Jell-O parfait, chocolate chip cookies) were
identical at each place. So would we do it again? Yes, for
one day, and then for the second day we'd probably pay to
eat at better places. I'd say that the Studios have the
better three places to use the plan on (although there's
very little difference really)."
=================================================
Joanne writes about Michael's comments in last week's
newsletter about his dining experience at the Crystal
Palace:
"I read what Michael wrote about his experience at the
Crystal Palace and wanted to add my experience there in
December. We had a wonderful time there and the food was
excellent. Yes the children's food is at the very end of the
main buffet but it was not inconvenient at all. I thought
that there was an excellent selection on the buffet and
everything was so good. In regards to the characters, the
only character that did not come to our table was Pooh, we
had to go up and see him. When the characters had to go in
for a break, someone would put a paper corresponding to the
characters color on the table they need to start with when
their break is over. Our waitress was also wonderful, I
don't remember her name but she was very friendly and very
attentive."
Sara writes:
"Dear John,
I think Michael should write to Disney about the kid's
buffet table at the Crystal Palace. They should return it. I
think it would be a great suggestion to make to Disney."
=================================================
Millie writes:
"John
We're going to Disney again in January. Do you have any
suggestions for the backstage tours? Appreciate your insight
and all the newsletters. Thanks."
The most popular are the ones that go behind the scenes or,
in the case of the Magic Kingdom, under the streets!
You'll find some more info here:
http://www.affordabledisney.com/tours.html
=================================================
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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! To check out the bargains, click
here.
--------------------------------
Got Coupons?
With the Orlando Entertainment Book, you can save big on
travel, groceries, shopping, movie tickets, and more!
Coupons in the 2006 book are valid through 11/01/06. Save at
hotels and restaurants near Walt Disney World, on car
rental, airfare, admission to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld
Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa! 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! Donna and I
bought a beautiful 5-piece set of Samsonite luggage for our
daughter for Christmas for $144! February 12: 10% OFF Plus
Free Shipping! 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 7:48 AM
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