Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
March 15, 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:
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=================================================
Hi Everyone!
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - including a March promotion for
Affordable Disney members only!
* The latest news from around the "World" - including
certification of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
* More details about the All-Star Music Resort Family Suites
* Joanne writes about her recent vacation at WDW
* Keith writes about tickets for Florida residents
=================================================
We continuously update our information and you can find
these current specials in our Addenda:
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Affordable Disney March Promotion For Members Only!
Why book your vacation through AffordableDisney.com?
* Our travel agent is familiar with all our deals. She'll be
sure you get what you want without expensive add-ons you
can't use. There is no extra charge for her services.
* We're including a $25 Disney gift card with each booking
of any 2006 Magic Your Way package of $1,500 or more!
* Plus! You'll receive online access to:
>> "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation" -
the 10th edition of our 238-page guidebook includes hundreds
of tips and insider secrets to make your Disney dream
vacation fun and affordable
>> customized tours of the WDW theme parks - some
attractions may not be appropriate for those in your party
>> easy to follow maps - you'll know the shortcuts
>> dining advice - this could save you hundreds on food
>> vacation gift certificate worth $100 good for stays at
hotels in Orlando - we've had hundreds of members use the
certificate to extend their stay in Florida affordably
>> and much more!
*$25 gift card is usable at DisneyShopping.com, for Disney
catalog purchases, and at Disney Stores in USA. You must be
an Affordable Disney member at the time of booking in order
to qualify. The card will be sent to you after final payment
has been made. You don't get the card if you cancel/rebook
or if your total per room/suite/villa/cabin drops below
$1,500 due to changes (which would include a reduction in
price because of a promotion). Good for new reservations
only. Limit of one card per room/suite/villa/cabin booked.
If multiple rooms are on one booking, the average cost per
room/suite/villa/cabin must be a minimum of $1,500 to
qualify for additional cards.
Members should log in today and contact Beth to take
advantage of this promotion.
--------------------------------
Two New Chances to...
Win a 4-night trip for four to Walt Disney World!
Win a 6-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!
--------------------------------
VEGAS
Resort & Casino Special:
Book your stay during BONUS DAYS and receive:
* Room Upgrade
* 2 FREE Drinks
* 2-for-1 Breakfast
* 2-for-1 Lunch
* Admission for 2 to the Spa
Offer available March 14 - May 31, 2006. Rates start at $79!
Package rates are per room, per night, subject to
availability and based on double occupancy. Triple and quad
rates available upon request.
--------------------------------
Caribbean 2006 Summer Specials
This resort has renovated their golf course, rooms and
suites, and created a brand new Children's Village.
The Ultimate In Luxury
Inclusive package: Plan includes luxurious accommodation, 5-
star dining (breakfast, lunch, dinner), premium drinks at
hotel bars, room service, mini bar, golf greens fees,
horseback riding, glass bottom boat, sailing, snorkeling,
windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boat, surf bike, unlimited use
of tennis courts and fitness centre, bicycles, welcome gift
and champagne in room, round-trip airport transfers. Rates
start at $635 per couple per night inclusive of tax and
service charge.
Take Me To The Moon
Plan includes accommodation, 5-star dining (breakfast,
lunch, dinner), premium drinks at hotel bars, room service,
welcome gift and champagne in room, round-trip airport
transfers. Rates start at $489 per couple per night.
Let Us Take You Back Again - 50 Plus
Stay 4 nights and your 5th night will be 50% off rack rate
per room plus $50 food and beverage credit per room. Kids
(under 12 years) stay free when sharing room with 2 parents
(maximum 2 children) and free nanny services for up to 3
hours daily.
Beth our travel agent, writes: "If you're looking for
something really special this summer - sort of the anti-
Disney - this is a great option. Upscale, yet still a good
value and very well done. This resort is just outside
Montego Bay, Jamaica. Airfare is often surprisingly
affordable."
--------------------------------
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
"Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom Lodge has been certified
for the Florida "green lodging" program, the sixth Disney
hotel to earn that distinction for environmentally friendly
practices. Among the hotel's green features: a towel and
linen reuse program to conserve energy and water, an
advanced computerized energy management system and a
recycling program for visitors and staff."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 03/13/06)
The Royal Plaza, a Downtown Disney hotel, is open following
an extensive rehab.
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Inspired by Cirque du Soleil
"Blue Horizons, the extravaganza that debuted last May, has
become SeaWorld Orlando's biggest current hit, packing and
wowing the Whale and Dolphin Stadium for virtually every
performance... On the park's biggest scale yet, the new
Shamu killer whale show, Believe, will have its Orlando
debut this summer." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 03/13/06)
--------------------------------
Universal's Grad Bash will take place at both Universal
Studios and Islands of Adventure April 28 and 29 from 7 PM -
2 PM. This event is reserved for high school seniors who are
graduating. Visit Universal's official site or call
or call 1-800 YOUTH-15 for information.
Entertainment includes live bands, dancing, DJ's, video
walls and more!
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
"A 'QUINCEAÑERA' Fit for a Princess
Every princess has her day and for many young Latinas that
day comes when they turn 15 years old. At the Disneyland
Resort in Southern California, the magic of Disney converts
any Quinceañera into a celebration filled with dreams made
into reality." (Source: Press Release, 03/08/06)
--------------------------------
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
DISNEYLAND HONG KONG
"Shanghai's mayor says the city is making preparations to
build a Disney theme park, but is still awaiting the go-
ahead from China's central government."
(Source: Yahoo! News, 03/13/06)
=================================================
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.
=================================================
All-Star Music Resort Family Suites Fact Sheet:
* open June 4, 2006
* 192 suites
* located at Jazz and Calypso buildings
* 520 square feet
* sleep up to 6
* also accommodate a crib for a child under 3
* furnished
* two full baths, kitchenette with sink, coffee pot and
microwave, refrigerator, and cabinets
* queen bed and 27" flat screen TV in main bedroom
* double sleeper sofa, twin chair sleeper, twin ottoman
(converts to sleeper), and 27" flat screen TV in second
bedroom
* non-smoking only
* high-speed Internet access for a fee
* $169 value season, $209 regular, $239 peak, $259 holiday
* now available for booking -
Affordable Disney members should email Beth, our travel
agent, today to book a suite.
=================================================
Joanne writes about her recent vacation at WDW:
"Dates: December 1-10, 2005
Members of Party who went: Myself, My husband, our 2 sons
ages 4 & 20 months and our babysitter (22)
We stayed at Fort Wilderness in a cabin. The cabins are very
nice however I don't think we would stay there again. The
transportation was a little time consuming with having to
take an internal resort bus to a bus stop and transferring
from there to another bus or a boat depending on where we
were going.
We purchased the meal plan and we were very happy with it.
It is a lot of food but we split counter service meals so we
were able to do breakfast and lunch counter service a few
days. Most of our meals were very good. We will not be
returning to the Sci-Fi Diner in the future unless we were
just looking for dessert. The food in our opinion was
horrible. We did numerous character meals which I think the
adults enjoyed more than the kids.
Going with 2 small children slowed us down more than we
thought it would so there were a few things that we did not
get to do that we would have really liked to do so we have
decided next time we will go for 2 weeks.
All in all we had a wonderful time, and I can't wait until
we can afford to go again."
=================================================
Keith writes about tickets for Florida residents:
"Hi John,
I have a Disney ticket question for you - I talked with my
Aunt (who lives in Orlando) over the Holiday. We mentioned
our plan for a visit soon and would like to spend a few days
of our visit at Disney. To my surprise my Aunt said she
would love to treat our entire family (2 adults & 2
children) to 4 day hopper passes. She continued by saying..
'as a Florida resident she would be able to get these
tickets at a very reasonable rate.' But because of her age
and physical limitations, she would not be able to accompany
us to Disney.
I never thought my Aunt would offer such a generous
Christmas gift -- and I am a bit worried -- I may have read
in your newsletter Fla. residents may not buy tickets for
non Fla. residents. Could you please help me with this
sticky situation?
PS. We have told my Aunt 'we are not sure of our travel
dates' to avoid her purchasing the tickets that we may not
be able to use. Thank you for all your help."
Unfortunately, Disney's policy is to ask for Florida ID -
usually not for kids, but for each adult. That doesn't mean
they will, but if they do, you forfeit your tickets, which
can be very costly and embarrassing.
=================================================
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 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 15, 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 a March promotion for
Affordable Disney members only!
* The latest news from around the "World" - including
certification of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
* More details about the All-Star Music Resort Family Suites
* Joanne writes about her recent vacation at WDW
* Keith writes about tickets for Florida residents
=================================================
We continuously update our information and you can find
these current specials in our Addenda:
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Affordable Disney March Promotion For Members Only!
Why book your vacation through AffordableDisney.com?
* Our travel agent is familiar with all our deals. She'll be
sure you get what you want without expensive add-ons you
can't use. There is no extra charge for her services.
* We're including a $25 Disney gift card with each booking
of any 2006 Magic Your Way package of $1,500 or more!
* Plus! You'll receive online access to:
>> "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation" -
the 10th edition of our 238-page guidebook includes hundreds
of tips and insider secrets to make your Disney dream
vacation fun and affordable
>> customized tours of the WDW theme parks - some
attractions may not be appropriate for those in your party
>> easy to follow maps - you'll know the shortcuts
>> dining advice - this could save you hundreds on food
>> vacation gift certificate worth $100 good for stays at
hotels in Orlando - we've had hundreds of members use the
certificate to extend their stay in Florida affordably
>> and much more!
*$25 gift card is usable at DisneyShopping.com, for Disney
catalog purchases, and at Disney Stores in USA. You must be
an Affordable Disney member at the time of booking in order
to qualify. The card will be sent to you after final payment
has been made. You don't get the card if you cancel/rebook
or if your total per room/suite/villa/cabin drops below
$1,500 due to changes (which would include a reduction in
price because of a promotion). Good for new reservations
only. Limit of one card per room/suite/villa/cabin booked.
If multiple rooms are on one booking, the average cost per
room/suite/villa/cabin must be a minimum of $1,500 to
qualify for additional cards.
Members should log in today and contact Beth to take
advantage of this promotion.
--------------------------------
Two New Chances to...
Win a 4-night trip for four to Walt Disney World!
Win a 6-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!
--------------------------------
VEGAS
Resort & Casino Special:
Book your stay during BONUS DAYS and receive:
* Room Upgrade
* 2 FREE Drinks
* 2-for-1 Breakfast
* 2-for-1 Lunch
* Admission for 2 to the Spa
Offer available March 14 - May 31, 2006. Rates start at $79!
Package rates are per room, per night, subject to
availability and based on double occupancy. Triple and quad
rates available upon request.
--------------------------------
Caribbean 2006 Summer Specials
This resort has renovated their golf course, rooms and
suites, and created a brand new Children's Village.
The Ultimate In Luxury
Inclusive package: Plan includes luxurious accommodation, 5-
star dining (breakfast, lunch, dinner), premium drinks at
hotel bars, room service, mini bar, golf greens fees,
horseback riding, glass bottom boat, sailing, snorkeling,
windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boat, surf bike, unlimited use
of tennis courts and fitness centre, bicycles, welcome gift
and champagne in room, round-trip airport transfers. Rates
start at $635 per couple per night inclusive of tax and
service charge.
Take Me To The Moon
Plan includes accommodation, 5-star dining (breakfast,
lunch, dinner), premium drinks at hotel bars, room service,
welcome gift and champagne in room, round-trip airport
transfers. Rates start at $489 per couple per night.
Let Us Take You Back Again - 50 Plus
Stay 4 nights and your 5th night will be 50% off rack rate
per room plus $50 food and beverage credit per room. Kids
(under 12 years) stay free when sharing room with 2 parents
(maximum 2 children) and free nanny services for up to 3
hours daily.
Beth our travel agent, writes: "If you're looking for
something really special this summer - sort of the anti-
Disney - this is a great option. Upscale, yet still a good
value and very well done. This resort is just outside
Montego Bay, Jamaica. Airfare is often surprisingly
affordable."
--------------------------------
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
"Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom Lodge has been certified
for the Florida "green lodging" program, the sixth Disney
hotel to earn that distinction for environmentally friendly
practices. Among the hotel's green features: a towel and
linen reuse program to conserve energy and water, an
advanced computerized energy management system and a
recycling program for visitors and staff."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 03/13/06)
The Royal Plaza, a Downtown Disney hotel, is open following
an extensive rehab.
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Inspired by Cirque du Soleil
"Blue Horizons, the extravaganza that debuted last May, has
become SeaWorld Orlando's biggest current hit, packing and
wowing the Whale and Dolphin Stadium for virtually every
performance... On the park's biggest scale yet, the new
Shamu killer whale show, Believe, will have its Orlando
debut this summer." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 03/13/06)
--------------------------------
Universal's Grad Bash will take place at both Universal
Studios and Islands of Adventure April 28 and 29 from 7 PM -
2 PM. This event is reserved for high school seniors who are
graduating. Visit Universal's official site or call
or call 1-800 YOUTH-15 for information.
Entertainment includes live bands, dancing, DJ's, video
walls and more!
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
"A 'QUINCEAÑERA' Fit for a Princess
Every princess has her day and for many young Latinas that
day comes when they turn 15 years old. At the Disneyland
Resort in Southern California, the magic of Disney converts
any Quinceañera into a celebration filled with dreams made
into reality." (Source: Press Release, 03/08/06)
--------------------------------
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
DISNEYLAND HONG KONG
"Shanghai's mayor says the city is making preparations to
build a Disney theme park, but is still awaiting the go-
ahead from China's central government."
(Source: Yahoo! News, 03/13/06)
=================================================
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.
=================================================
All-Star Music Resort Family Suites Fact Sheet:
* open June 4, 2006
* 192 suites
* located at Jazz and Calypso buildings
* 520 square feet
* sleep up to 6
* also accommodate a crib for a child under 3
* furnished
* two full baths, kitchenette with sink, coffee pot and
microwave, refrigerator, and cabinets
* queen bed and 27" flat screen TV in main bedroom
* double sleeper sofa, twin chair sleeper, twin ottoman
(converts to sleeper), and 27" flat screen TV in second
bedroom
* non-smoking only
* high-speed Internet access for a fee
* $169 value season, $209 regular, $239 peak, $259 holiday
* now available for booking -
Affordable Disney members should email Beth, our travel
agent, today to book a suite.
=================================================
Joanne writes about her recent vacation at WDW:
"Dates: December 1-10, 2005
Members of Party who went: Myself, My husband, our 2 sons
ages 4 & 20 months and our babysitter (22)
We stayed at Fort Wilderness in a cabin. The cabins are very
nice however I don't think we would stay there again. The
transportation was a little time consuming with having to
take an internal resort bus to a bus stop and transferring
from there to another bus or a boat depending on where we
were going.
We purchased the meal plan and we were very happy with it.
It is a lot of food but we split counter service meals so we
were able to do breakfast and lunch counter service a few
days. Most of our meals were very good. We will not be
returning to the Sci-Fi Diner in the future unless we were
just looking for dessert. The food in our opinion was
horrible. We did numerous character meals which I think the
adults enjoyed more than the kids.
Going with 2 small children slowed us down more than we
thought it would so there were a few things that we did not
get to do that we would have really liked to do so we have
decided next time we will go for 2 weeks.
All in all we had a wonderful time, and I can't wait until
we can afford to go again."
=================================================
Keith writes about tickets for Florida residents:
"Hi John,
I have a Disney ticket question for you - I talked with my
Aunt (who lives in Orlando) over the Holiday. We mentioned
our plan for a visit soon and would like to spend a few days
of our visit at Disney. To my surprise my Aunt said she
would love to treat our entire family (2 adults & 2
children) to 4 day hopper passes. She continued by saying..
'as a Florida resident she would be able to get these
tickets at a very reasonable rate.' But because of her age
and physical limitations, she would not be able to accompany
us to Disney.
I never thought my Aunt would offer such a generous
Christmas gift -- and I am a bit worried -- I may have read
in your newsletter Fla. residents may not buy tickets for
non Fla. residents. Could you please help me with this
sticky situation?
PS. We have told my Aunt 'we are not sure of our travel
dates' to avoid her purchasing the tickets that we may not
be able to use. Thank you for all your help."
Unfortunately, Disney's policy is to ask for Florida ID -
usually not for kids, but for each adult. That doesn't mean
they will, but if they do, you forfeit your tickets, which
can be very costly and embarrassing.
=================================================
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 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 6:55 AM
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