Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
February 16, 2006
Copyright © 1999 - 2006 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
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=================================================
Hi Everyone!
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - including how members of the press
can get free tickets to Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal
* The latest news from around the "World" - including the
return of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Disney
* Andrea writes about the dining plan at WDW
* A newsletter subscriber writes about her visit to WDW in
December
=================================================
We continuously update our information and you can find
these current specials in our Addenda:
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Last minute Airfare Special: Travel to or from a nearby
airport and save money! Travel from BALTIMORE WASH, DC (BWI)
About 81 miles from Harrisburg INTL, PA (MDT) to TAMPA/ST
PETERSB, FL (TPA) About 93 miles from Orlando, FL (MCO):
$203 roundtrip! Estimated savings up to $96.00 per adult!
Estimated price $107.00+ per adult! Latest Travel: March 31,
2006.
--------------------------------
How members of the press can get FREE tickets to Disney
World, SeaWorld and Universal!
--------------------------------
Win a trip for four to the World's Fair for Kids 2006!
Win a trip to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex!
Win a trip for four to Walt Disney World!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Receive a Disneyland Resort Gift Card for $150!
--------------------------------
These members can buy a 3-day adult park hopper bonus ticket
for $119!
--------------------------------
Information on Disneyland Annual Passholders Vacation
Packages.
--------------------------------
How to receive double Disney Dream Reward Dollars!
--------------------------------
A New Sweepstakes: Win a trip for 4 to Disneyland!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Updated schedule of early booking savings on three-, four-,
and seven-night cruises!
--------------------------------
How to get a $50.00 Cruise credit!
--------------------------------
If you are not a member, you can join our Disney family here.
=================================================
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Jaws Returns!
"Universal finished refurbishing the ride and put it back on
full-time operation this month, after all but shutting it
down last year. In September, park officials reduced Jaws'
operation to occasional after-hours events and holiday
crowds. Demand has brought it back, and visitors may cruise
the perilous waters of Amity at least through the end of the
summer, said Universal Orlando spokesman Tom Schroder."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/16/06)
--------------------------------
"A 70-year-old man was injured Tuesday evening when he was
pinned under [Peter Pan's Flight in Fantasyland] at Walt
Disney World's Magic Kingdom, authorities said."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/15/06)
--------------------------------
"Universal Orlando is getting rid of its Universal Express
service that allowed visitors to skip an occasional long
line -- and switching entirely to its Express Plus service,
in which people pay extra money for the privilege of cutting
lines all day... visitors pay extra -- a fee that ranges
from $15 to $50 depending on the season and package."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/13/06)
--------------------------------
"It's not such a small world after all. As Disneyland
celebrates its 50th birthday, the park is grappling with a
harsh reality of middle age: Mickey Mouse's entourage has
put on a few pounds. To accommodate the ballooning bodies of
American workers, the Magic Kingdom is redesigning some of
its costumes for ride operators, shop clerks, waitresses and
other employees." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/09/06)
--------------------------------
"[Chief Executive Robert] Iger is trading "Monday Night
Football" sportscaster Al Michaels to NBC Universal... for
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit... The rabbit was a creation of
company founder Walt Disney's in 1927, and the source of 26
cartoons that he produced for Universal Studios. Disney
discovered, however, that Universal wanted ownership of
Oswald, so he set out to create a new character. That gave
birth to Mickey Mouse." (Source: MarketWatch, 02/09/06)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Andrea writes:
"We vacationed at WDW in September 2005. Thanks in part to
your web site, we took advantage of the "free" dining that
was offered at that time. Our family consists of 4, two
adults, a 13 year old & a 12 year old. We thought the dining
plan was terrific.
We were in WDW for 5 nights - 6 days. We stayed at
Wilderness Lodge (which was absolutely fantastic) and used 2
counter service meals for breakfast and split the meal and
used 2 counter service for lunch and again split the meal.
I had no problem what-so-ever in getting priority seating
for dinner anywhere. We ate at: Park Fare at the Grand
Floridian, Chef Mickey's, Hollywood & Vine, the Concourse
Steak House and the Crystal Palace. There was no problem
with service, especially at the Concourse and the bill was
way over $200.00 + the tip was included.
When we go again I will make sure we take the dining plan.
We thought it was great. We have been to Disney 7 times in 8
years and expect to return in 2006."
=================================================
A newsletter subscriber writes:
"Dear John,
Although we are not subscribers to your affordable disney, we
do receive your letters and enjoy them very much. I did
think that you might enjoy hearing about our recent trip
with our children and grandchildren to Disney World in
Orlando. There were 15 of us, 7 adults and 8 children
(2-13,1-9,1-7,2-5,1-3 and 1 almost 2). We left for Disney on
Dec.10th, 11 of us leaving from Illinois and four from
Minnesota.
We took advantage of the magical express transportation and
found it very good. We did have to wait for about a half an
hour for our turn to board the bus but found it efficient
and comfortable.
Upon arrival one group stayed at BoardWalk and the other at
Saratoga Springs. We were in two bedroom condos. We are time
share owners (not Disney) and had traded into Disney. Our
accommodations were wonderful. All of the workers are so
helpful and polite. Everyone and everything was exceptional.
Even the pools were very warm and the grandchildren had a
wonderful time in them.
Because we were there during what is considered low season
we hardly ever waited more then 15 minutes for a ride except
of course Soarin, which we got fastpasses for. We did wait
once without fastpass and it was only about 40 minutes.
Soarin is a wonderful experience and everyone really enjoyed
it. My husband and I were fortunate in that we had already
experienced Soarin last April before the official Grand
Opening so we knew it was well worth the wait.
We also purchased dining discount cards. As Annual pass
members we received them for 50% off. This was a huge
advantage for us. In it we received a extra 20% off our
meals up to 10 people. This card paid for itself over and
over. I took the girls to two Princess meals (one breakfast
and one lunch) and my husband took the boys to Mickey's
Breakfast and at that point the card was free and clear.
The Princess lunch in the castle is well worth the money.
The meal was wonderful and the restaurant is lovely. The
girls really enjoyed visiting with each of the Princesses
that were present. The Princess breakfast at Norway in Epcot
was enjoyable but the food was just ok, nothing to brag
about. The princesses in Magic Kingdom seem to spend more
time visiting then they did at Epcot.
My one Grand daughter is a huge Belle fan so we had to go to
the breakfast at Norway to get to have time with her. I had
made her a 'Belle" dress and she looked lovely with Belle.
When we visited the Beauty and the Beast we even got special
seating because she was in her "Belle" dress. It was
wonderful, she felt very special.
My husband and I did stop and listen to the symphony a
couple of nights at epcot also. It was truly a magical
experience well worth the time. We ate at Morocco (the men
loved the belly dancer), Japan, Mexico, and snacked at
several other countries. The food was all delicious and we
used our dining card at a couple of these countries too.
We also ate at Planet Hollywood and the kids loved it. Our
server was excellent and the food was very good. And once
again used our discount card.
One of our favorite places to eat is Bongo's in Downtown
Disney. This trip we did not eat there, but had in our
previous two visits this year.
Anyone who visits Disney World should take the time to
really visit each country in Epcot, their entertainment is
wonderful and it is very enjoyable. The children can make
something and go to each country to add a new piece to it
and a stamp showing they were there. If all countries are
visited and stamped something is given to them when they
complete it. My grandchildren loved this and raced from one
country to the next to see what was next. I think it is a
great idea to excite children into visiting each of the
countries.
We will probably not return to Disney World for a few years
now, but this year has been such a fun year for us. It had
always been my dream to take our children and grandchildren
all together for Christmas. This year we finally could
afford to take them. It was worth every penny (and dollar).
We now have memories to last ours and their lifetime.
My husband and I also saw La Nouba. What an experience. It
was so incredible. The acts are so good. It is well worth
the money. We were fortunate to get a discount because of
being Disney Card members and lucky to be in Disney at the
time it was offered. Our children had all left so it was
something for just the two of us to enjoy. And because we
stayed at Saratogo Springs we could walk to and from it with
ease.
Sorry for going on and on, but as you can hear I loved our
trip. Sincerely, one excited g'ma."
Looks like you made some wonderful memories for you and the
children! Thanks for sharing.
=================================================
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! 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 16, 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 how members of the press
can get free tickets to Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal
* The latest news from around the "World" - including the
return of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Disney
* Andrea writes about the dining plan at WDW
* A newsletter subscriber writes about her visit to WDW in
December
=================================================
We continuously update our information and you can find
these current specials in our Addenda:
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Last minute Airfare Special: Travel to or from a nearby
airport and save money! Travel from BALTIMORE WASH, DC (BWI)
About 81 miles from Harrisburg INTL, PA (MDT) to TAMPA/ST
PETERSB, FL (TPA) About 93 miles from Orlando, FL (MCO):
$203 roundtrip! Estimated savings up to $96.00 per adult!
Estimated price $107.00+ per adult! Latest Travel: March 31,
2006.
--------------------------------
How members of the press can get FREE tickets to Disney
World, SeaWorld and Universal!
--------------------------------
Win a trip for four to the World's Fair for Kids 2006!
Win a trip to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex!
Win a trip for four to Walt Disney World!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Receive a Disneyland Resort Gift Card for $150!
--------------------------------
These members can buy a 3-day adult park hopper bonus ticket
for $119!
--------------------------------
Information on Disneyland Annual Passholders Vacation
Packages.
--------------------------------
How to receive double Disney Dream Reward Dollars!
--------------------------------
A New Sweepstakes: Win a trip for 4 to Disneyland!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Updated schedule of early booking savings on three-, four-,
and seven-night cruises!
--------------------------------
How to get a $50.00 Cruise credit!
--------------------------------
If you are not a member, you can join our Disney family here.
=================================================
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Jaws Returns!
"Universal finished refurbishing the ride and put it back on
full-time operation this month, after all but shutting it
down last year. In September, park officials reduced Jaws'
operation to occasional after-hours events and holiday
crowds. Demand has brought it back, and visitors may cruise
the perilous waters of Amity at least through the end of the
summer, said Universal Orlando spokesman Tom Schroder."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/16/06)
--------------------------------
"A 70-year-old man was injured Tuesday evening when he was
pinned under [Peter Pan's Flight in Fantasyland] at Walt
Disney World's Magic Kingdom, authorities said."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/15/06)
--------------------------------
"Universal Orlando is getting rid of its Universal Express
service that allowed visitors to skip an occasional long
line -- and switching entirely to its Express Plus service,
in which people pay extra money for the privilege of cutting
lines all day... visitors pay extra -- a fee that ranges
from $15 to $50 depending on the season and package."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/13/06)
--------------------------------
"It's not such a small world after all. As Disneyland
celebrates its 50th birthday, the park is grappling with a
harsh reality of middle age: Mickey Mouse's entourage has
put on a few pounds. To accommodate the ballooning bodies of
American workers, the Magic Kingdom is redesigning some of
its costumes for ride operators, shop clerks, waitresses and
other employees." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/09/06)
--------------------------------
"[Chief Executive Robert] Iger is trading "Monday Night
Football" sportscaster Al Michaels to NBC Universal... for
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit... The rabbit was a creation of
company founder Walt Disney's in 1927, and the source of 26
cartoons that he produced for Universal Studios. Disney
discovered, however, that Universal wanted ownership of
Oswald, so he set out to create a new character. That gave
birth to Mickey Mouse." (Source: MarketWatch, 02/09/06)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Andrea writes:
"We vacationed at WDW in September 2005. Thanks in part to
your web site, we took advantage of the "free" dining that
was offered at that time. Our family consists of 4, two
adults, a 13 year old & a 12 year old. We thought the dining
plan was terrific.
We were in WDW for 5 nights - 6 days. We stayed at
Wilderness Lodge (which was absolutely fantastic) and used 2
counter service meals for breakfast and split the meal and
used 2 counter service for lunch and again split the meal.
I had no problem what-so-ever in getting priority seating
for dinner anywhere. We ate at: Park Fare at the Grand
Floridian, Chef Mickey's, Hollywood & Vine, the Concourse
Steak House and the Crystal Palace. There was no problem
with service, especially at the Concourse and the bill was
way over $200.00 + the tip was included.
When we go again I will make sure we take the dining plan.
We thought it was great. We have been to Disney 7 times in 8
years and expect to return in 2006."
=================================================
A newsletter subscriber writes:
"Dear John,
Although we are not subscribers to your affordable disney, we
do receive your letters and enjoy them very much. I did
think that you might enjoy hearing about our recent trip
with our children and grandchildren to Disney World in
Orlando. There were 15 of us, 7 adults and 8 children
(2-13,1-9,1-7,2-5,1-3 and 1 almost 2). We left for Disney on
Dec.10th, 11 of us leaving from Illinois and four from
Minnesota.
We took advantage of the magical express transportation and
found it very good. We did have to wait for about a half an
hour for our turn to board the bus but found it efficient
and comfortable.
Upon arrival one group stayed at BoardWalk and the other at
Saratoga Springs. We were in two bedroom condos. We are time
share owners (not Disney) and had traded into Disney. Our
accommodations were wonderful. All of the workers are so
helpful and polite. Everyone and everything was exceptional.
Even the pools were very warm and the grandchildren had a
wonderful time in them.
Because we were there during what is considered low season
we hardly ever waited more then 15 minutes for a ride except
of course Soarin, which we got fastpasses for. We did wait
once without fastpass and it was only about 40 minutes.
Soarin is a wonderful experience and everyone really enjoyed
it. My husband and I were fortunate in that we had already
experienced Soarin last April before the official Grand
Opening so we knew it was well worth the wait.
We also purchased dining discount cards. As Annual pass
members we received them for 50% off. This was a huge
advantage for us. In it we received a extra 20% off our
meals up to 10 people. This card paid for itself over and
over. I took the girls to two Princess meals (one breakfast
and one lunch) and my husband took the boys to Mickey's
Breakfast and at that point the card was free and clear.
The Princess lunch in the castle is well worth the money.
The meal was wonderful and the restaurant is lovely. The
girls really enjoyed visiting with each of the Princesses
that were present. The Princess breakfast at Norway in Epcot
was enjoyable but the food was just ok, nothing to brag
about. The princesses in Magic Kingdom seem to spend more
time visiting then they did at Epcot.
My one Grand daughter is a huge Belle fan so we had to go to
the breakfast at Norway to get to have time with her. I had
made her a 'Belle" dress and she looked lovely with Belle.
When we visited the Beauty and the Beast we even got special
seating because she was in her "Belle" dress. It was
wonderful, she felt very special.
My husband and I did stop and listen to the symphony a
couple of nights at epcot also. It was truly a magical
experience well worth the time. We ate at Morocco (the men
loved the belly dancer), Japan, Mexico, and snacked at
several other countries. The food was all delicious and we
used our dining card at a couple of these countries too.
We also ate at Planet Hollywood and the kids loved it. Our
server was excellent and the food was very good. And once
again used our discount card.
One of our favorite places to eat is Bongo's in Downtown
Disney. This trip we did not eat there, but had in our
previous two visits this year.
Anyone who visits Disney World should take the time to
really visit each country in Epcot, their entertainment is
wonderful and it is very enjoyable. The children can make
something and go to each country to add a new piece to it
and a stamp showing they were there. If all countries are
visited and stamped something is given to them when they
complete it. My grandchildren loved this and raced from one
country to the next to see what was next. I think it is a
great idea to excite children into visiting each of the
countries.
We will probably not return to Disney World for a few years
now, but this year has been such a fun year for us. It had
always been my dream to take our children and grandchildren
all together for Christmas. This year we finally could
afford to take them. It was worth every penny (and dollar).
We now have memories to last ours and their lifetime.
My husband and I also saw La Nouba. What an experience. It
was so incredible. The acts are so good. It is well worth
the money. We were fortunate to get a discount because of
being Disney Card members and lucky to be in Disney at the
time it was offered. Our children had all left so it was
something for just the two of us to enjoy. And because we
stayed at Saratogo Springs we could walk to and from it with
ease.
Sorry for going on and on, but as you can hear I loved our
trip. Sincerely, one excited g'ma."
Looks like you made some wonderful memories for you and the
children! Thanks for sharing.
=================================================
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! 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 6:48 AM
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