Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
March 01, 2006
Copyright © 1999 - 2006 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
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icon:
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=================================================
Hi Everyone!
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - save hundreds on this new WDW
vacation package for the general public!
* The latest news from around the "World" - two new
restaurants are coming to WDW
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about Disney dining for DVC
members and the addition of suites to All Star Music!
* Cherry writes about dining at WDW
=================================================
We continuously update our information and you can find
these current specials in our Addenda:
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Save hundreds on this Disney vacation package! Includes
water parks, park hopping and Disney dining plan!
--------------------------------
Save up to $95.00 per night at the Disney World resorts this
spring!
--------------------------------
Receive a FREE ticket upgrade worth almost $400.00 to a
family of four!
--------------------------------
Save $25 at the Value resorts; $40 at the Moderate resorts;
and $100 at the Deluxe resorts.
--------------------------------
If you are not a member, you can join our Disney family here.
Members can use the following URLs to log in:
Lifetime Deluxe Member
Lifetime Basic Member
Deluxe Member
Basic Member
=================================================
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
"The World Golf Fitness Summit, scheduled March 9-11 at Walt
Disney World's Coronado Springs Resort, is a three-day
extravaganza designed to showcase the latest golf training
research." (Source: golfweek.com, 02/28/06)
--------------------------------
Two New Restaurants Coming To WDW
"T-Rex, a restaurant of at least 18,000 square feet with
audio-animatronic dinosaurs... will open at the Downtown
Disney Marketplace in early 2008. A second restaurant,
tentatively called Asia, will open at the Animal Kingdom
next year. It will be themed around a village in the
Himalayan foothills -- not unlike the new Expedition Everest
ride." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/27/06)
--------------------------------
"A rider on a roller coaster at Cypress Gardens Adventure
Park was injured Saturday afternoon when he fell from the
ride, authorities said." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/26/06)
"An Orlando boy who fell from a roller coaster at Cypress
Gardens Adventure Park was at fault for standing while
riding the Triple Hurricane, a state inspector said Sunday."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/27/06)
--------------------------------
For Disney merchandise commemorating the Daytona 500, click here
and here.
--------------------------------
"'ESPN The Weekend Presented by Speed Stick 24/7" -- the
third annual ESPN special event at the Walt Disney World
Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. -- will give sports fans
the opportunity to see many of their favorite athletes and
ESPN personalities up-close and personal at the Disney-MGM
Studios March 3-5, 2006." (Source: Press Release, 02/23/06)
--------------------------------
Expedition Everest opens April 7. You must be 44 inches tall
to ride.
"At Walt Disney World's new Expedition Everest attraction,
it's a howling animatronic beast with more potential thrust
power than a 747 airplane -- and the center of the theme
park giant's first big-ticket attraction here in 2 ½ years...
Park researchers [to the Himalayas] were accompanied by
Conservation International and film crews from Discovery
Networks, whose Travel Channel will premiere a chronicle of
the trip called Expedition Everest: Journey to Sacred Lands
the week of April 9." (Source: MiamiHerald.com, 02/20/06)
--------------------------------
Click here for the recipe for Creme Brulee served at Chefs
de France at Epcot's France pavilion.
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
DISNEYLAND HONG KONG
"Walt Disney Co. will introduce three attractions at its
Hong Kong theme park this summer... The three attractions
include a game based on cartoon character Stitch, a new
interactive water ride, and Autopia, in which riders drive
small model cars around a track, park managing director Bill
Ernest said Monday." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/28/06)
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
"DVC (Disney Vacation Club) members *can* now add the dining
plan to their reservations. The rate is the same as it is
for regular package reservations. They must, however, be
using points to stay at one of the DVC resorts, not any of
the other Disney resorts.
Also...
Word is that Disney is going to fast-track the installation
of value-priced family suites. Plans call for 192 two-room
suites (520 sq. ft.) that will sleep two in one room (queen
bed) and up to four in the other room (double sleeper sofa
and two convertible twins). They will offer a 'mini kitchen'
with microwave, small frig, and sink.
The price on these suites will start at $169 a night + tax
in value season. They will be available - for now - ONLY at
All Star Music. No word as to whether or not they will be
included in promotions. (Suites are usually NOT included.)
These suites are NOT currently available for booking, and no
mention was made as to an opening date for the suites."
=================================================
Cherry writes:
"Hi John,
I have been averaging at least 3 Disney trips a year for the
past several years (I used to go only once a year until I
became a Vacation Club member...). I come back from a trip
anxious to share all the things I liked and didn't like
about the most recent trip... and since I began subscribing
to Affordable Disney, now immediately think of sending it to
you for possible inclusion in your newsletter. Of course, as
you've noticed, I also come back with questions...
I hope you don't mind that I'm about to send you another
email or two about some of my preferences and thoughts. The
first time I was shy about you using my name but now I've
decided I like seeing it in print (smile) so please share
anything with your readers you consider potentially helpful
and otherwise ignore the ramblings of yet another Disney
enthusiast. I'll try not to go overboard... Thanks for your
valuable publication!"
>> We encourage all of our readers to share their
experiences.
Cherry continues:
"I enjoyed reading your last issue of the Disney News and
was reminded how important it is to make dining reservations
before I leave for a Disney trip. There is no penalty if I
fail to show for a reservation (though I courteously try to
let the restaurant know I won't be able to make it) and
having a reservation somewhere is a big plus when my family
is tired, hungry, and hot and wants to sit for a meal
without waiting in long lines. "
>> You have to cancel any pre-pay reservations you don't
want or you will be charged a no-show fee.
"Of course, this requires knowing which park I plan to be in
on each day, but it's better to have the reservations and
decide later to do something different, than not be able to
get into a restaurant at all.
Also, planning my days in advance allows me to get in more
of the shows and rides I really want to experience and helps
avoid wasting time in trying to decide on the spot what we
want to do next. Prior planning is particularly important
for first time visitors who may never have another
opportunity to visit Disney.
For my recent December trip, I made all our lunch and dinner
reservations at least two months in advance, and was
disappointed Cinderella's Castle was already booked for all
of the days we would be there."
>> Disney resort guests may now make as many as ten days of
Advanced Dining Reservations with one call 90 days in
advance. Those staying off Disney property will have to call
90 days before each dining reservation day.
"I also couldn't get into Canada's Le Cellier restaurant for
the third trip in a row. However, I made reservations at the
best choices and times available and frequently found, once
at Disney, I could get into a restaurant regardless of the
timing of my reservations - as long as I had a reservation.
During this last trip I hurt my leg shortly before dinner in
EPCOT. A large goose egg had already appeared and I didn't
think I could walk to our dinner reservations at Germany’s
Biergarten. We were near France at the time and my husband
explained the situation to the staff at France’s Bistro de
Paris and they seated us within 10 minutes! I'm convinced
having had a reservation 'somewhere' helped.
Also, when I have first time Disney visitors with me, I try
to be at the park gate when it opens, with a plan in hand
for the attractions we want see or ride first. This puts us
ahead of the crowds for the most popular rides. Two of the
parks, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, are particularly
entertaining early in the morning at opening! We also take
cheese crackers in our fanny packs to hold us over until the
next meal.
Not being able to get reservations for some of our favorite
restaurants led me to a few welcomed surprises during this
last trip. When I couldn't get reservations for lunch at
Cinderella’s Castle, I settled for Crystal Palace. This
buffet was great! I have eaten at most of the other
competing Magic Kingdom restaurants and this one has them
all beat. The meats, vegetables, salads and desserts were
freshly prepared as well or better than I could have cooked
them at home. We had two first time Disney guests with us,
aged 14 and 15, and they also loved the Pooh and Friends
characters who greeted us at lunch. When our waiter
discovered my sister, in her 40’s, was there without her
husband he fell on his knees and began serenading her. Great
fun and pictures!
Another happy surprise was the Sci Fi restaurant at MGM. I
had heard the food was awful and had never tried it. I did
so this time trying to entertain my teenage guests. While
the food was mediocre, it wasn't ghastly, and the atmosphere
and service made up for anything we lost in food quality.
The adults, however, were more satisfied with dinner at the
Hollywood Brown Derby.
As much as I liked Boma’s [at Animal Kingdom Lodge] for
dinner and for breakfast, our best meal was voted by
everyone to be the crab claws and lobster at Fulton’s Crab
House in Downtown Disney. It was also our most expensive
meal, but was a grand 'finale’ on our last night."
>> We'll have more comments from Cherry next week.
=================================================
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! Plus! For every purchase of
$25.00 or more worth of product, customers can choose the
same dollar amount of FREE product from a selection of over
3,000 titles. The selected titles are from all different
categories including Biography, Children's Fiction, Health &
Fitness, Travel and much more! To check out the bargains,
click here.
=================================================
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.
=============================================
March 01, 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 - save hundreds on this new WDW
vacation package for the general public!
* The latest news from around the "World" - two new
restaurants are coming to WDW
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about Disney dining for DVC
members and the addition of suites to All Star Music!
* Cherry writes about dining at WDW
=================================================
We continuously update our information and you can find
these current specials in our Addenda:
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Save hundreds on this Disney vacation package! Includes
water parks, park hopping and Disney dining plan!
--------------------------------
Save up to $95.00 per night at the Disney World resorts this
spring!
--------------------------------
Receive a FREE ticket upgrade worth almost $400.00 to a
family of four!
--------------------------------
Save $25 at the Value resorts; $40 at the Moderate resorts;
and $100 at the Deluxe resorts.
--------------------------------
If you are not a member, you can join our Disney family here.
Members can use the following URLs to log in:
Lifetime Deluxe Member
Lifetime Basic Member
Deluxe Member
Basic Member
=================================================
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
"The World Golf Fitness Summit, scheduled March 9-11 at Walt
Disney World's Coronado Springs Resort, is a three-day
extravaganza designed to showcase the latest golf training
research." (Source: golfweek.com, 02/28/06)
--------------------------------
Two New Restaurants Coming To WDW
"T-Rex, a restaurant of at least 18,000 square feet with
audio-animatronic dinosaurs... will open at the Downtown
Disney Marketplace in early 2008. A second restaurant,
tentatively called Asia, will open at the Animal Kingdom
next year. It will be themed around a village in the
Himalayan foothills -- not unlike the new Expedition Everest
ride." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/27/06)
--------------------------------
"A rider on a roller coaster at Cypress Gardens Adventure
Park was injured Saturday afternoon when he fell from the
ride, authorities said." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/26/06)
"An Orlando boy who fell from a roller coaster at Cypress
Gardens Adventure Park was at fault for standing while
riding the Triple Hurricane, a state inspector said Sunday."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/27/06)
--------------------------------
For Disney merchandise commemorating the Daytona 500, click here
and here.
--------------------------------
"'ESPN The Weekend Presented by Speed Stick 24/7" -- the
third annual ESPN special event at the Walt Disney World
Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. -- will give sports fans
the opportunity to see many of their favorite athletes and
ESPN personalities up-close and personal at the Disney-MGM
Studios March 3-5, 2006." (Source: Press Release, 02/23/06)
--------------------------------
Expedition Everest opens April 7. You must be 44 inches tall
to ride.
"At Walt Disney World's new Expedition Everest attraction,
it's a howling animatronic beast with more potential thrust
power than a 747 airplane -- and the center of the theme
park giant's first big-ticket attraction here in 2 ½ years...
Park researchers [to the Himalayas] were accompanied by
Conservation International and film crews from Discovery
Networks, whose Travel Channel will premiere a chronicle of
the trip called Expedition Everest: Journey to Sacred Lands
the week of April 9." (Source: MiamiHerald.com, 02/20/06)
--------------------------------
Click here for the recipe for Creme Brulee served at Chefs
de France at Epcot's France pavilion.
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
DISNEYLAND HONG KONG
"Walt Disney Co. will introduce three attractions at its
Hong Kong theme park this summer... The three attractions
include a game based on cartoon character Stitch, a new
interactive water ride, and Autopia, in which riders drive
small model cars around a track, park managing director Bill
Ernest said Monday." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/28/06)
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
"DVC (Disney Vacation Club) members *can* now add the dining
plan to their reservations. The rate is the same as it is
for regular package reservations. They must, however, be
using points to stay at one of the DVC resorts, not any of
the other Disney resorts.
Also...
Word is that Disney is going to fast-track the installation
of value-priced family suites. Plans call for 192 two-room
suites (520 sq. ft.) that will sleep two in one room (queen
bed) and up to four in the other room (double sleeper sofa
and two convertible twins). They will offer a 'mini kitchen'
with microwave, small frig, and sink.
The price on these suites will start at $169 a night + tax
in value season. They will be available - for now - ONLY at
All Star Music. No word as to whether or not they will be
included in promotions. (Suites are usually NOT included.)
These suites are NOT currently available for booking, and no
mention was made as to an opening date for the suites."
=================================================
Cherry writes:
"Hi John,
I have been averaging at least 3 Disney trips a year for the
past several years (I used to go only once a year until I
became a Vacation Club member...). I come back from a trip
anxious to share all the things I liked and didn't like
about the most recent trip... and since I began subscribing
to Affordable Disney, now immediately think of sending it to
you for possible inclusion in your newsletter. Of course, as
you've noticed, I also come back with questions...
I hope you don't mind that I'm about to send you another
email or two about some of my preferences and thoughts. The
first time I was shy about you using my name but now I've
decided I like seeing it in print (smile) so please share
anything with your readers you consider potentially helpful
and otherwise ignore the ramblings of yet another Disney
enthusiast. I'll try not to go overboard... Thanks for your
valuable publication!"
>> We encourage all of our readers to share their
experiences.
Cherry continues:
"I enjoyed reading your last issue of the Disney News and
was reminded how important it is to make dining reservations
before I leave for a Disney trip. There is no penalty if I
fail to show for a reservation (though I courteously try to
let the restaurant know I won't be able to make it) and
having a reservation somewhere is a big plus when my family
is tired, hungry, and hot and wants to sit for a meal
without waiting in long lines. "
>> You have to cancel any pre-pay reservations you don't
want or you will be charged a no-show fee.
"Of course, this requires knowing which park I plan to be in
on each day, but it's better to have the reservations and
decide later to do something different, than not be able to
get into a restaurant at all.
Also, planning my days in advance allows me to get in more
of the shows and rides I really want to experience and helps
avoid wasting time in trying to decide on the spot what we
want to do next. Prior planning is particularly important
for first time visitors who may never have another
opportunity to visit Disney.
For my recent December trip, I made all our lunch and dinner
reservations at least two months in advance, and was
disappointed Cinderella's Castle was already booked for all
of the days we would be there."
>> Disney resort guests may now make as many as ten days of
Advanced Dining Reservations with one call 90 days in
advance. Those staying off Disney property will have to call
90 days before each dining reservation day.
"I also couldn't get into Canada's Le Cellier restaurant for
the third trip in a row. However, I made reservations at the
best choices and times available and frequently found, once
at Disney, I could get into a restaurant regardless of the
timing of my reservations - as long as I had a reservation.
During this last trip I hurt my leg shortly before dinner in
EPCOT. A large goose egg had already appeared and I didn't
think I could walk to our dinner reservations at Germany’s
Biergarten. We were near France at the time and my husband
explained the situation to the staff at France’s Bistro de
Paris and they seated us within 10 minutes! I'm convinced
having had a reservation 'somewhere' helped.
Also, when I have first time Disney visitors with me, I try
to be at the park gate when it opens, with a plan in hand
for the attractions we want see or ride first. This puts us
ahead of the crowds for the most popular rides. Two of the
parks, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, are particularly
entertaining early in the morning at opening! We also take
cheese crackers in our fanny packs to hold us over until the
next meal.
Not being able to get reservations for some of our favorite
restaurants led me to a few welcomed surprises during this
last trip. When I couldn't get reservations for lunch at
Cinderella’s Castle, I settled for Crystal Palace. This
buffet was great! I have eaten at most of the other
competing Magic Kingdom restaurants and this one has them
all beat. The meats, vegetables, salads and desserts were
freshly prepared as well or better than I could have cooked
them at home. We had two first time Disney guests with us,
aged 14 and 15, and they also loved the Pooh and Friends
characters who greeted us at lunch. When our waiter
discovered my sister, in her 40’s, was there without her
husband he fell on his knees and began serenading her. Great
fun and pictures!
Another happy surprise was the Sci Fi restaurant at MGM. I
had heard the food was awful and had never tried it. I did
so this time trying to entertain my teenage guests. While
the food was mediocre, it wasn't ghastly, and the atmosphere
and service made up for anything we lost in food quality.
The adults, however, were more satisfied with dinner at the
Hollywood Brown Derby.
As much as I liked Boma’s [at Animal Kingdom Lodge] for
dinner and for breakfast, our best meal was voted by
everyone to be the crab claws and lobster at Fulton’s Crab
House in Downtown Disney. It was also our most expensive
meal, but was a grand 'finale’ on our last night."
>> We'll have more comments from Cherry next week.
=================================================
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! Plus! For every purchase of
$25.00 or more worth of product, customers can choose the
same dollar amount of FREE product from a selection of over
3,000 titles. The selected titles are from all different
categories including Biography, Children's Fiction, Health &
Fitness, Travel and much more! To check out the bargains,
click here.
=================================================
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 6:21 AM
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