Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
March 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 blog
content 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 an incredible deal at this
hotel & resort near Disney
* The latest news from around the "World" - including the
schedule for Epcot's International Flower & Garden Festival
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about being invited to a
Disney industry and press event
* Brian from England sends us a tip about getting a ride on
Expedition Everest
* Cherry writes about getting the best views or rooms at a
Disney resort
=================================================
We continuously update our information and you can find
these current specials in our Addenda:
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Incredible Deal! Enjoy the magic of Orlando with the
friendliest hotel staff ready to deliver vacation memories
of a lifetime! This Hotel & Resort is among the best of
Orlando hotels, conveniently situated one mile from Disney's
Main Gate and 15 miles from Orlando. After a long day at the
parks, come cool off & dive into one of their three big
outdoor pools. March 6, 2006 - February 28, 2006 from $51;
kids suite from $68!
--------------------------------
New Sweeps - Five chances to win:
Win a 3-night trip for four to Universal Orlando!
Win a 3-night trip for six to Orlando!
Win a 7-night trip for four to Orlando!
Win an 8-night trip for four to both WDW and Disneyland!
Win a 4-night trip for four to Walt Disney World!
--------------------------------
These specials are still in effect:
Save hundreds on this Disney vacation package! Includes
water parks, park hopping and Disney dining plan!
Save $25 at the Value resorts; $40 at the Moderate resorts;
and $100 at the Deluxe resorts.
Save up to $95.00 per night at the Disney World resorts this
spring!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
There is talk of Disney doing 10-night and 11-night
Mediterranean cruises as well as repositioning cruises
between Port Canaveral and Europe during summer 2007. Some
staterooms are still available for summer 2007. These will
be released to the public April 4. You need to get on Beth's
waiting list today so she can call as soon as the phones are
open! For more information or to make reservations,
Affordable Disney members should contact our travel agent
today!
--------------------------------
VEGAS
Stay at his luxury hotel & casino and enjoy these exclusive
offers and benefits:
* Invited Guest Check-In
* Dine with a $25 credit
* $10 off show tickets
* $20 in FREE PLAY
* Complimentary Welcome Cocktail
Offer available on select dates April 2, 2006 through May
31, 2006. Rates are per room, per night, subject to
availability and based on single or double occupancy. Triple
and quad occupancy rates available upon request.
--------------------------------
Maximum Vegas at a minimum price! Enjoy Vegas this Spring at
$89 per night! Includes $35 Gift Certificate at the shops
and $25 Bar and Restaurant Credit. Book by March 22, 2006.
--------------------------------
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
Suites at Disney's All-Star Music Resort that accommodate
larger families are now available for booking for stays
beginning June 2006. (Source: Promotional email from Walt
Disney World® Resort, 03/07/06)
--------------------------------
You call yourself a collector?
"Nothing unusual about finding Disney items on eBay. But
finding a 12,000-piece collection complete with lighted
cabinets, a 282-page inventory and an asking price of
$399,000?" (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 03/06/06)
--------------------------------
Disney returns to its past...
"Disney has signed composer Alan Menken, an eight-time Oscar
winner and one of the driving forces behind "The Little
Mermaid" -- which helped resuscitate Disney animation in the
'80s -- to a nonexclusive, multipicture deal. Highly
regarded feature animation directors John Musker and Ron
Clements, the team behind such animated hits as 'Mermaid'
and 'Aladdin,' also are returning to the Disney fold."
(Source: hollywoodreporter.com, 03/01/06)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
--------------------------------
Click here for an interview with John Cooke, co-owner of
Raglan Road at Downtown Disney.
--------------------------------
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
will take place April 21, 2006 - June 11, 2006. Includes:
* Flower Power Concert Series at America Gardens Theater
featuring bands from the 60's and 70's at 5:45 PM, 7:00 PM
and 8:15 PM:
Nelson April 21-24
The Buckinghams April 25-27
Gary Puckett April 28-May 1
Grass Roots Featuring Rob Grill May 2-4
Paul Revere and The Raiders May 5-8
The Association May 9-11
Davy Jones May 12-15
The Tokens May 16-18
BJ Thomas May 19-22
Felix Cavaliere's Rascals May 23-25
The Guess Who May 26-29
Tony Orlando May 30-31, June 1
Arlo Guthrie June 2-5
The Turtles Featuring Flo and Eddie June 6 & 7
Herman's Hermits June 8-11
* Mother's Day Brunch on May 14. Call 407/WDW-DINE
(939-3463) for reservations.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
"Central Florida's drum-tight labor market prompted SeaWorld
Orlando to raise entry-level pay to $7 an hour, a 20-cent
increase, as the region's third-largest attraction prepares
to add staff for the spring and summer tourist season."
Other attractions offer:
* Universal: $6.75 an hour + flexible hours and health insurance
* Disney World: job premiums and bonuses
* Gatorland: $7 an hour + commissions
(Source: Orlando Sentinel,03/08/06)
--------------------------------
"ST. AUGUSTINE -- Hundreds of animal lovers turned out
Saturday to view -- and review -- the makeover of Marineland
as the Florida landmark reopened its doors after a $10
million renovation... The interactive programs allow
visitors the chance to feed, touch and play with dolphins in
small groups." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 03/05/06)
--------------------------------
Viva la Música at SeaWorld Orlando:
Included with paid admission, guests can sample Latin
cuisine (food and drink cost extra), enjoy shows and rides,
and the following performers:
El Gran Combo - salsa orchestra from Puerto Rico March 11
Oscar D'Leon -- salsa legend from Venezuela March 18
Ivy Queen March 25
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Mandara Spa is scheduled to open early April. Guests will be
able to try out the facility starting next week. Call (714)
300-7350 for reservations and be sure to ask about Advanced
Purchase Savings. (Source: Promotional email from Disneyland
Resort, 03/07/06)
--------------------------------
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
OUTSIDE DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
"Knott's Berry Farm, which has struggled to boost attendance
in recent years, is counting on lower ticket prices and
cheaper cotton candy to attract more customers. Starting
today, the Buena Park venue will cut adult admission 11%,
from $45 a ticket to $39.95, the company said Tuesday. The
price of cotton candy will be reduced to 25 cents from
$2.75." (Source: LA Times, 03/01/06)
=================================================
TOKYO DISNEYLAND
"New Tokyo DisneySea Attraction 'Tower of Terror' To Open
September 4, 2006 The new attraction Tower of Terror will
open Monday, September 4, 2006, in Tokyo DisneySea Park.
Located in the American Waterfront themed port, Tower of
Terror will let guests experience an exciting world filled
with thrills and supernatural surprises."
(Source: Press Release, 03/02/06)
=================================================
DISNEYLAND HONG KONG
"Hong Kong Disneyland announced Wednesday it has adjusted
its admission system to prevent chaos that erupted during
the Chinese New Year holiday when hundreds of visitors tried
to storm the park after being denied entry. The adjustment
involves setting aside 11 extra days -- around Easter and
China's Labor Day holidays -- when only visitors holding
date-specific tickets can enter the park... The newly
designated 'special days' run from April 14-21 and May 4-6."
The public can buy three kinds of tickets: regular and peak
day tickets are good for six months, but don't guarantee
entry; special day tickets are date specific.
(Source: Yahoo! Finance, 03/01/06)
=================================================
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:
"At long last, I've finally managed to get invited to a
Disney 'industry and press event.' These events have
historically been spectacular, spare-no-expense affairs.
This one takes place April 6-7 for the grand opening of
Expedition Everest. I will be driving up from Naples on the
6th and will attend a travel industry reception inside
Expedition Everest that evening. In the morning I'll have a
pass to the main event. Disney is providing one night at
Animal Kingdom Lodge, but I booked two more nights at a
greatly reduced rate. Not sure I'll stay for three nights
since this is a 'Mommy only' trip, but I'm sure looking
forward to the experience. I'll be doing emails from my
room Friday after the event and will be sure to send in
prompt reports so you'll all find out what these shindigs
are all about not long after I do!"
I'll post Beth's comments in our blog, which I can publish
any time, to keep all our readers informed about Beth's
experiences.
=================================================
Brian from England writes:
"Just returned from a brilliant two week vacation in
Orlando, and thought anyone going in the immediate future
might like this tip:-
In Animal Kingdom, Disney has just completed its newest ride
Expedition Everest.
Although not officially open yet, if you see the ride going,
then just ask a cast member if you can ride it. They will
always say yes, as all tests are now complete, and cast
members are getting used to the ride. Keep an eye out for
the Yeti !!!"
=================================================
Cherry writes:
"John,
I consider myself a fairly savvy Disney guest now. But I
still do not have the knack of getting the best views or
rooms in the resort I stay in. I have requested,
complained, complained to management, kindly asked for
input, and think I have the answer but still it more often
than not doesn't work out. It seems at best to be hit or
miss. Your book recommends specific floors, wings, etc. for
many of the hotels, but how do you know you will get this?"
>> It's totally up to Disney. They say they will accommodate
where possible. Don't count on it.
"For example, my husband and I were married October a year
ago and spent our honeymoon at Wilderness Lodge Villas. We
planned the honeymoon 9 months in advance, put on the
reservation that it was our honeymoon, requested a romantic
view, and ended up in a room designed to accommodate a
wheelchair, a shower but no tub, and a view of the closest
bus stop. We checked in at 4:00 pm that day.
For our first anniversary trip this past October, we stayed
at Saratoga Springs and had requested a view of Downtown
Disney. At check-in, I was told this view was gone by 2:00
pm that afternoon and was given a garden view which really
looked directly into other balconies. When I said I thought
check-in was at 4:00 pm, I was told people can check in as
early as 6:00 am - they just may not get into their room
that early."
>> You can leave your luggage and return later in the day
when your room is ready.
During my recent December visit, we spent one night at
Animal Kingdom Lodge in a Deluxe Savannah View room so our
teenaged guests could experience this wonderful hotel and
the animals. We were assigned a room at the end of the
corridor with a distant view of the animals which was
nothing like my experience a few years back. I really had to
work at moving beyond my disappointment to avoid ruining the
kids’ excitement. The kids did have a great time along with
a midnight swim in the heated pool and didn't realize what
they were missing... but I had assumed I would get a great
view with a 'Deluxe Savannah View' room and I asked the
front desk staff how this could have happened that I didn't.
The answer was that people are so internet savvy these days
- they all know to request the best views and it’s who gets
there first...
So, in your experience, is that the answer? I need to
arrive very early in the day for the best shot at a good
view even if I can't get into the room they assign me for
hours? Thanks."
>> This is one of my pet peeves. First come, first served
upon arrival seems to be the norm, but Disney should give us
the room we want if it's available when we call. If it's not
available for our visit, they should say so and we can make
the choice to stay at that particular hotel or somewhere
else.
=================================================
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 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 an incredible deal at this
hotel & resort near Disney
* The latest news from around the "World" - including the
schedule for Epcot's International Flower & Garden Festival
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about being invited to a
Disney industry and press event
* Brian from England sends us a tip about getting a ride on
Expedition Everest
* Cherry writes about getting the best views or rooms at a
Disney resort
=================================================
We continuously update our information and you can find
these current specials in our Addenda:
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Incredible Deal! Enjoy the magic of Orlando with the
friendliest hotel staff ready to deliver vacation memories
of a lifetime! This Hotel & Resort is among the best of
Orlando hotels, conveniently situated one mile from Disney's
Main Gate and 15 miles from Orlando. After a long day at the
parks, come cool off & dive into one of their three big
outdoor pools. March 6, 2006 - February 28, 2006 from $51;
kids suite from $68!
--------------------------------
New Sweeps - Five chances to win:
Win a 3-night trip for four to Universal Orlando!
Win a 3-night trip for six to Orlando!
Win a 7-night trip for four to Orlando!
Win an 8-night trip for four to both WDW and Disneyland!
Win a 4-night trip for four to Walt Disney World!
--------------------------------
These specials are still in effect:
Save hundreds on this Disney vacation package! Includes
water parks, park hopping and Disney dining plan!
Save $25 at the Value resorts; $40 at the Moderate resorts;
and $100 at the Deluxe resorts.
Save up to $95.00 per night at the Disney World resorts this
spring!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
There is talk of Disney doing 10-night and 11-night
Mediterranean cruises as well as repositioning cruises
between Port Canaveral and Europe during summer 2007. Some
staterooms are still available for summer 2007. These will
be released to the public April 4. You need to get on Beth's
waiting list today so she can call as soon as the phones are
open! For more information or to make reservations,
Affordable Disney members should contact our travel agent
today!
--------------------------------
VEGAS
Stay at his luxury hotel & casino and enjoy these exclusive
offers and benefits:
* Invited Guest Check-In
* Dine with a $25 credit
* $10 off show tickets
* $20 in FREE PLAY
* Complimentary Welcome Cocktail
Offer available on select dates April 2, 2006 through May
31, 2006. Rates are per room, per night, subject to
availability and based on single or double occupancy. Triple
and quad occupancy rates available upon request.
--------------------------------
Maximum Vegas at a minimum price! Enjoy Vegas this Spring at
$89 per night! Includes $35 Gift Certificate at the shops
and $25 Bar and Restaurant Credit. Book by March 22, 2006.
--------------------------------
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
Suites at Disney's All-Star Music Resort that accommodate
larger families are now available for booking for stays
beginning June 2006. (Source: Promotional email from Walt
Disney World® Resort, 03/07/06)
--------------------------------
You call yourself a collector?
"Nothing unusual about finding Disney items on eBay. But
finding a 12,000-piece collection complete with lighted
cabinets, a 282-page inventory and an asking price of
$399,000?" (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 03/06/06)
--------------------------------
Disney returns to its past...
"Disney has signed composer Alan Menken, an eight-time Oscar
winner and one of the driving forces behind "The Little
Mermaid" -- which helped resuscitate Disney animation in the
'80s -- to a nonexclusive, multipicture deal. Highly
regarded feature animation directors John Musker and Ron
Clements, the team behind such animated hits as 'Mermaid'
and 'Aladdin,' also are returning to the Disney fold."
(Source: hollywoodreporter.com, 03/01/06)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
--------------------------------
Click here for an interview with John Cooke, co-owner of
Raglan Road at Downtown Disney.
--------------------------------
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
will take place April 21, 2006 - June 11, 2006. Includes:
* Flower Power Concert Series at America Gardens Theater
featuring bands from the 60's and 70's at 5:45 PM, 7:00 PM
and 8:15 PM:
Nelson April 21-24
The Buckinghams April 25-27
Gary Puckett April 28-May 1
Grass Roots Featuring Rob Grill May 2-4
Paul Revere and The Raiders May 5-8
The Association May 9-11
Davy Jones May 12-15
The Tokens May 16-18
BJ Thomas May 19-22
Felix Cavaliere's Rascals May 23-25
The Guess Who May 26-29
Tony Orlando May 30-31, June 1
Arlo Guthrie June 2-5
The Turtles Featuring Flo and Eddie June 6 & 7
Herman's Hermits June 8-11
* Mother's Day Brunch on May 14. Call 407/WDW-DINE
(939-3463) for reservations.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
"Central Florida's drum-tight labor market prompted SeaWorld
Orlando to raise entry-level pay to $7 an hour, a 20-cent
increase, as the region's third-largest attraction prepares
to add staff for the spring and summer tourist season."
Other attractions offer:
* Universal: $6.75 an hour + flexible hours and health insurance
* Disney World: job premiums and bonuses
* Gatorland: $7 an hour + commissions
(Source: Orlando Sentinel,03/08/06)
--------------------------------
"ST. AUGUSTINE -- Hundreds of animal lovers turned out
Saturday to view -- and review -- the makeover of Marineland
as the Florida landmark reopened its doors after a $10
million renovation... The interactive programs allow
visitors the chance to feed, touch and play with dolphins in
small groups." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 03/05/06)
--------------------------------
Viva la Música at SeaWorld Orlando:
Included with paid admission, guests can sample Latin
cuisine (food and drink cost extra), enjoy shows and rides,
and the following performers:
El Gran Combo - salsa orchestra from Puerto Rico March 11
Oscar D'Leon -- salsa legend from Venezuela March 18
Ivy Queen March 25
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Mandara Spa is scheduled to open early April. Guests will be
able to try out the facility starting next week. Call (714)
300-7350 for reservations and be sure to ask about Advanced
Purchase Savings. (Source: Promotional email from Disneyland
Resort, 03/07/06)
--------------------------------
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
OUTSIDE DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
"Knott's Berry Farm, which has struggled to boost attendance
in recent years, is counting on lower ticket prices and
cheaper cotton candy to attract more customers. Starting
today, the Buena Park venue will cut adult admission 11%,
from $45 a ticket to $39.95, the company said Tuesday. The
price of cotton candy will be reduced to 25 cents from
$2.75." (Source: LA Times, 03/01/06)
=================================================
TOKYO DISNEYLAND
"New Tokyo DisneySea Attraction 'Tower of Terror' To Open
September 4, 2006 The new attraction Tower of Terror will
open Monday, September 4, 2006, in Tokyo DisneySea Park.
Located in the American Waterfront themed port, Tower of
Terror will let guests experience an exciting world filled
with thrills and supernatural surprises."
(Source: Press Release, 03/02/06)
=================================================
DISNEYLAND HONG KONG
"Hong Kong Disneyland announced Wednesday it has adjusted
its admission system to prevent chaos that erupted during
the Chinese New Year holiday when hundreds of visitors tried
to storm the park after being denied entry. The adjustment
involves setting aside 11 extra days -- around Easter and
China's Labor Day holidays -- when only visitors holding
date-specific tickets can enter the park... The newly
designated 'special days' run from April 14-21 and May 4-6."
The public can buy three kinds of tickets: regular and peak
day tickets are good for six months, but don't guarantee
entry; special day tickets are date specific.
(Source: Yahoo! Finance, 03/01/06)
=================================================
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:
"At long last, I've finally managed to get invited to a
Disney 'industry and press event.' These events have
historically been spectacular, spare-no-expense affairs.
This one takes place April 6-7 for the grand opening of
Expedition Everest. I will be driving up from Naples on the
6th and will attend a travel industry reception inside
Expedition Everest that evening. In the morning I'll have a
pass to the main event. Disney is providing one night at
Animal Kingdom Lodge, but I booked two more nights at a
greatly reduced rate. Not sure I'll stay for three nights
since this is a 'Mommy only' trip, but I'm sure looking
forward to the experience. I'll be doing emails from my
room Friday after the event and will be sure to send in
prompt reports so you'll all find out what these shindigs
are all about not long after I do!"
I'll post Beth's comments in our blog, which I can publish
any time, to keep all our readers informed about Beth's
experiences.
=================================================
Brian from England writes:
"Just returned from a brilliant two week vacation in
Orlando, and thought anyone going in the immediate future
might like this tip:-
In Animal Kingdom, Disney has just completed its newest ride
Expedition Everest.
Although not officially open yet, if you see the ride going,
then just ask a cast member if you can ride it. They will
always say yes, as all tests are now complete, and cast
members are getting used to the ride. Keep an eye out for
the Yeti !!!"
=================================================
Cherry writes:
"John,
I consider myself a fairly savvy Disney guest now. But I
still do not have the knack of getting the best views or
rooms in the resort I stay in. I have requested,
complained, complained to management, kindly asked for
input, and think I have the answer but still it more often
than not doesn't work out. It seems at best to be hit or
miss. Your book recommends specific floors, wings, etc. for
many of the hotels, but how do you know you will get this?"
>> It's totally up to Disney. They say they will accommodate
where possible. Don't count on it.
"For example, my husband and I were married October a year
ago and spent our honeymoon at Wilderness Lodge Villas. We
planned the honeymoon 9 months in advance, put on the
reservation that it was our honeymoon, requested a romantic
view, and ended up in a room designed to accommodate a
wheelchair, a shower but no tub, and a view of the closest
bus stop. We checked in at 4:00 pm that day.
For our first anniversary trip this past October, we stayed
at Saratoga Springs and had requested a view of Downtown
Disney. At check-in, I was told this view was gone by 2:00
pm that afternoon and was given a garden view which really
looked directly into other balconies. When I said I thought
check-in was at 4:00 pm, I was told people can check in as
early as 6:00 am - they just may not get into their room
that early."
>> You can leave your luggage and return later in the day
when your room is ready.
During my recent December visit, we spent one night at
Animal Kingdom Lodge in a Deluxe Savannah View room so our
teenaged guests could experience this wonderful hotel and
the animals. We were assigned a room at the end of the
corridor with a distant view of the animals which was
nothing like my experience a few years back. I really had to
work at moving beyond my disappointment to avoid ruining the
kids’ excitement. The kids did have a great time along with
a midnight swim in the heated pool and didn't realize what
they were missing... but I had assumed I would get a great
view with a 'Deluxe Savannah View' room and I asked the
front desk staff how this could have happened that I didn't.
The answer was that people are so internet savvy these days
- they all know to request the best views and it’s who gets
there first...
So, in your experience, is that the answer? I need to
arrive very early in the day for the best shot at a good
view even if I can't get into the room they assign me for
hours? Thanks."
>> This is one of my pet peeves. First come, first served
upon arrival seems to be the norm, but Disney should give us
the room we want if it's available when we call. If it's not
available for our visit, they should say so and we can make
the choice to stay at that particular hotel or somewhere
else.
=================================================
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!!!"
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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.
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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.
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Own a piece of the Magic Kingdom
Disney framed stock certificates are works of art. They
feature Walt Disney and the Disney characters. Unlike stock
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.
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See You Real Soon!
John
AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
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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.
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posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 6:59 AM
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