Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
April 05, 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!
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=================================================
Hi Everyone!
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - including a new WDW deal for late
summer!
* The latest news from around the "World" - including a new
Segway experience at Epcot
* Kim writes about her experience with wheelchairs at the
Grand Floridian
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about bus transportation
at the resorts
=================================================
JOIN OUR DISNEY FAMILY FOR 2 BUCKS!
Purchase a Lifetime Basic Membership and receive three (3)
$25.00 Dining Gift Certificates*! A Lifetime Basic
Membership costs $77. Subtract the dining certificates worth
$75 and the membership only costs $2! The certificates are
redeemable at many fine restaurants in Orlando, including:
* Pirates Dinner Adventure: The world's largest and most
interactive dinner show is swashbuckling fun for the whole
family!
* Giovannis Restaurant: Orlando's premiere destination for
gourmet cuisine and impeccable service.
* Jack's Place At Rosen Plaza: Premiere dining establishment
featuring prime steaks and fresh seafood.
* Le Peep Restaurant: Featured on CBS Morning News, Good
Morning America, and The Today Show.
* The Sheraton Studio City's Starlight Grille: Movie
posters, memorabilia, and music transport the diner back in
time to the height of Hollywood Glamour.
You can join our Disney family here.
*Dining certificates are valid in every state, so you may
also be able to redeem them at a restaurant near you! You
will receive the web address by email where you can print
out the dining gift certificates. Promotion applies only to
new lifetime memberships.
Now... on with the show!
=================================================
We continuously update our information and you can find
these current specials in our Addenda:
WALT DISNEY WORLD
A new deal for late summer! Includes FREE dining plan! A
family of four (2 adults and 2 children 3-9) will save
almost $100.00 per day on meals! Over $150.00 if your kids
are older!
--------------------------------
A Mother's Day Special to Remember: This Mother's Day honor
your mom with a mother's day weekend at this luxury resort
hotel in Kissimmee. Aside from a well- deserved getaway, mom
will be honored with a special ceremony thanking her for the
dedication and hard work she displays every day of the year.
Offer valid May 12-15. Packages start at $259 a night (based
on a three-night stay) and include:
* Deluxe accommodations
* Gourmet buffet breakfast each morning for two adults and
two children
* Participation in the Mothers of the Year ceremony on
Sunday, May 14 during which each mother will be recognized
and will receive a commemorative certificate, rose and
souvenir photo.
* Special Mothers of the Year Brunch on Sunday, May 14 for
up to two adults and two children - immediately following
the Mothers of the Year Ceremony
Our dental hygienist just returned from Florida and she
spent a day shopping at this huge resort. She said it was as
big as a city and that the buffet was incredible: large
shrimp cocktails, extremely tender beef, desserts to die
for, and much more!
--------------------------------
A New Sweepstakes...
Win a 4-night trip for four to Walt Disney World! (We now
have over 10 ways to enter to win a trip to WDW or Orlando!)
--------------------------------
These specials are still in effect:
* Save up to $100.00 per night at the Disney World resorts
this spring! Reserve by 06/03/06.
* Deluxe resorts on Disney property as low as $149 per room,
per night in August and September, 2006!
--------------------------------
We've added three new fun activities to our members' Disney
Goodies section for Buzz Lightyear, Narnia, and Magic
Kingdom fans!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Mickey's Halloween Treat will take place October 13, 20, 22,
26, 27, 29, 30, and 31. Gate price: $29. This group saves
$10.00 on up to 8 tickets when purchased in advance.
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
* French residents save big on advance ticket purchases!
* Save 15% on April - July vacation packages! Book before
April 9, 2006.
* Save 25% on your vacation package if you arrive on this day
in April!
--------------------------------
VEGAS
Resort & Casino Exclusive: Valid April 21 through April 25, 2006.
This incredible offer includes:
* Complimentary Welcome Cocktail
* $10 off Show Tickets
* $20 in FREE PLAY
* $25 Discount at the coffee shop
Deluxe Room from $209 per night. Petite Suite - $50 more per
night. Rates are per room, per night. Subject to
availability and based on single or double occupancy. Triple
and quad occupancy rates available upon request.
--------------------------------
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
"Gilbert Fernando knows some secrets about Disney World.
It's not easy being the happiest place on Earth, he said.
Fernando, 30, of Orland Park, is a former performer at the
Orlando, Fla., theme park. Performers are "retired" at 25 so
the park maintains its youthful appearance."
(Source: SuburbanChicagoNews.com, 04/04/06)
--------------------------------
"The Yeti - better-known as the Abominable Snowman - is
getting a boost that Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster can
only dream about -- status as the first legendary creature
among the real-life menagerie at Disney's Animal Kingdom."
(Source: ABC News, 04/03/06)
--------------------------------
The Disney Magic will return to Cozumel April 8 on its 7-
night Western cruise. The island was closed to ship traffic
for months due to the destruction by Hurricane Wilma in
October 2005.
--------------------------------
Tickets are now on sale for Christian music's 2006 Night of
Joy. MercyMe, Casting Crowns, Kirk Franklin and tobyMac will
perform live at the Magic Kingdom Sept. 8 and 9. Separate
admission required.
--------------------------------
Disney adds second Segway Experience
* Two-hour version: includes training at Innoventions West
and tour of World Showcase at Epcot. Cost: $80 a person
* One-hour version: takes place midday inside. Cost: $45
New Race & golf at Fun Spot Action Park
"The new business, called Full Speed Race & Golf, features
six simulators that replicate NASCAR race tracks at Daytona
Beach, Watkins Glen, N.Y., and other locations. The
attraction also contains a blacklight, 18-hole golf course
with a racing theme."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/03/06)
--------------------------------
Disney Remodels Hotels
Disney hired designers to give [rooms at the Contemporary] a
new look that hints of Asian decor and incorporates features
such as flat-screen televisions and high-tech workspaces
that appeal to business travelers as well as tourists... The
renovated rooms [at the Polynesian] will contain visual
references to the South Seas with a modern, casual feel
aimed at family vacation guests." Click here for photos.
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 03/30/06)
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
Kim writes:
"I have read some of the comments appearing on your page
lately and felt that I too needed to speak up. We just went
to Disney at the beginning of December. We noticed many of
the same types of changes. We have been to Disney world 5
times and have noticed a definite difference in customer
service, lines, and cleanliness.
The first time we went, the famed Disney customer service
was in full force. It was what made it a joy to stay there.
Last year and then this year we saw major differences. Last
year we stayed at Port Orleans and had numerous complaints
with the food facility, lack of service and lack of
cleanliness.
This time we stayed at the Grand Floridian, figuring that we
would experience the ultimate in Disney service.
Unfortunately we did not. The lobby areas were always
overflowing and extremely loud due to the over abundance of
kids waiting for the character meals. It was obvious that
these had been overbooked and the kids waiting just ran
rampant through the hotel. The bathrooms in the lobby area
were dirty every time we went in. One time, a child had
become ill and had vomited through the lobby and into the
bathroom. When I went to report this to the closest employee
I could find, I was met with an attitude and told that they
were very busy and would try to get to it!
My 67 year old mother went down a slide at the Honey I Shunk
The Kids Playground and severely injured her knee. The
Disney employee standing at the bottom of the slide never
offered to help her up or to get her a wheelchair. I had to
get her up and have her hop on one foot while holding on to
me until we reached a seat.
Once back at the Grand Floridian we asked for a wheelchair
to get her back to the room. They said that they were all
out but would give us the next available. They sent us to
our room in the golf cart. We waited and waited and no
wheelchair ever arrived. We found out that there are NO
wheelchairs at any resorts! They must be rented! We had been
told incorrect information. When trying to work it out with
the concierge, we got nothing but a run around!
There is so much more that could be told, but suffice it to
say that 1 whole day of our Disney adventure was wasted
trying to get a wheelchair! Dinner reservations were
cancelled and time in the parks was missed. The biggest
thing was that along the way nobody even pretended to care
or to help. They kept telling us "THE HOTEL IS OVERBOOKED
RIGHT NOW AND WE CAN"T HANDLE ALL OF THE GUESTS ISSUES!" We
went at was supposed to be a slow time.
We decided we will give Disney one more try in the future.
But it is 3 strikes and you are out! It is a shame for a
company who actually taught customer service to other
companies to have seen such dramatic negative changes in
such a short time."
I wrote Kim:
According to our information, all Disney resorts have
complimentary wheelchairs (with a deposit), but they are all
gone very early. They should have recommended a rental. And
they certainly should have helped your mother when she hurt
herself. That's just common courtesy.
Kim responded:
"We too thought that all resorts had them. However we were
told by the concierge desk as well as the Hotel Manager that
that was not the case. You must rent from an outside company
and the desk will try to help you coordinate it.
In our case, my mother could not put any weight at all on
the leg and it swelled incredibly. We spent the whole
afternoon and night without anyway of getting her around.
They had promised a chair to our room then by 8 am the next
morning. at 930 am when still no chair arrived, we suggested
for the 3rd time to the manager that he send an employee one
stop away to the MK and get one of the 1000's of chairs they
have there! Finally they did and we got a wheel chair at
10:45 - we still had not had breakfast - they kept telling
us "any minute, we'll have a chair."
It was really pretty bad. The main thing was how little
anyone cared along the way and the excuse was that the hotel
was busy!"
I ran this question past Beth, our travel agent, and she
writes:
"I have not been told anything about the wheelchairs, but
I'll ask around. My understanding was always that they are
like the rollaway beds... SOME resorts have them and some
don't, but you can't reserve them in advance and they do go
fast, so if you are sure you need it it's better to arrange
with an outside source. When I go next week I'll ask at AKL
to see what their response is."
Beth has a source for wheelchairs and scooters and she'd be
glad to arrange delivery for you at WDW.
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
"I recently saw a note in an Affordable Disney newsletter
from a reader who commented that Pop Century resort didn't
share buses with other resorts, while a friend of hers that
stayed at "another moderate resort" said their bus DID pick
up elsewhere. I feel that this needs a little clarification.
First, Pop Century isn't a moderate resort; it's in the
"value resort" category - and don't let the $116 per night
price tag mentioned scare you off... The value resorts start
off as low as $79 a night at certain times of the year. It's
true that while Pop Century buses usually don't service any
other resort, the buses servicing the All Star resorts often
stop at two or even all three in that group. Usually,
though, that's only outside park opening and closing times
when each resort is less likely to have need of a full bus.
I should also mention that Port Orleans Riverside and Port
Orleans French Quarter, while treated as separate resorts in
some ways, are treated as one big resort in others. In
addition to being able to use the pools at both sides,
guests will often find that park buses stop first at French
Quarter and then make the 4-stop loop at Riverside. (This is
but one of the reasons that I prefer French Quarter
personally.) If you ARE staying at Riverside, though,
consider heading to the stop in front of the main building -
or even walking over to French Quarter - during peak morning
hours to increase your chances of getting a seat."
Note from John:
I've never really been bothered by the buses stopping at
French Quarter on our way to Riverside. Patience comes with
age, I guess. :) However, like Beth recommends, we always
catch the bus at the South depot near the gift shop at the
main building.
=================================================
Pixar/Disney Collectible
Pixar stock certificates are becoming valuable as a
collector's item due to Disney's recent acquisition of the
company. The certificates are very colorful and are
decorated with pictures of Woody and Buzz Lightyear from
"Toy Story." Now comes with Free Shipping till 04/15/06. Use
code: freeship. Pixar disappears April 23. Get yourcollectible stock certificate 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.
=============================================
April 05, 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 new WDW deal for late
summer!
* The latest news from around the "World" - including a new
Segway experience at Epcot
* Kim writes about her experience with wheelchairs at the
Grand Floridian
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about bus transportation
at the resorts
=================================================
JOIN OUR DISNEY FAMILY FOR 2 BUCKS!
Purchase a Lifetime Basic Membership and receive three (3)
$25.00 Dining Gift Certificates*! A Lifetime Basic
Membership costs $77. Subtract the dining certificates worth
$75 and the membership only costs $2! The certificates are
redeemable at many fine restaurants in Orlando, including:
* Pirates Dinner Adventure: The world's largest and most
interactive dinner show is swashbuckling fun for the whole
family!
* Giovannis Restaurant: Orlando's premiere destination for
gourmet cuisine and impeccable service.
* Jack's Place At Rosen Plaza: Premiere dining establishment
featuring prime steaks and fresh seafood.
* Le Peep Restaurant: Featured on CBS Morning News, Good
Morning America, and The Today Show.
* The Sheraton Studio City's Starlight Grille: Movie
posters, memorabilia, and music transport the diner back in
time to the height of Hollywood Glamour.
You can join our Disney family here.
*Dining certificates are valid in every state, so you may
also be able to redeem them at a restaurant near you! You
will receive the web address by email where you can print
out the dining gift certificates. Promotion applies only to
new lifetime memberships.
Now... on with the show!
=================================================
We continuously update our information and you can find
these current specials in our Addenda:
WALT DISNEY WORLD
A new deal for late summer! Includes FREE dining plan! A
family of four (2 adults and 2 children 3-9) will save
almost $100.00 per day on meals! Over $150.00 if your kids
are older!
--------------------------------
A Mother's Day Special to Remember: This Mother's Day honor
your mom with a mother's day weekend at this luxury resort
hotel in Kissimmee. Aside from a well- deserved getaway, mom
will be honored with a special ceremony thanking her for the
dedication and hard work she displays every day of the year.
Offer valid May 12-15. Packages start at $259 a night (based
on a three-night stay) and include:
* Deluxe accommodations
* Gourmet buffet breakfast each morning for two adults and
two children
* Participation in the Mothers of the Year ceremony on
Sunday, May 14 during which each mother will be recognized
and will receive a commemorative certificate, rose and
souvenir photo.
* Special Mothers of the Year Brunch on Sunday, May 14 for
up to two adults and two children - immediately following
the Mothers of the Year Ceremony
Our dental hygienist just returned from Florida and she
spent a day shopping at this huge resort. She said it was as
big as a city and that the buffet was incredible: large
shrimp cocktails, extremely tender beef, desserts to die
for, and much more!
--------------------------------
A New Sweepstakes...
Win a 4-night trip for four to Walt Disney World! (We now
have over 10 ways to enter to win a trip to WDW or Orlando!)
--------------------------------
These specials are still in effect:
* Save up to $100.00 per night at the Disney World resorts
this spring! Reserve by 06/03/06.
* Deluxe resorts on Disney property as low as $149 per room,
per night in August and September, 2006!
--------------------------------
We've added three new fun activities to our members' Disney
Goodies section for Buzz Lightyear, Narnia, and Magic
Kingdom fans!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Mickey's Halloween Treat will take place October 13, 20, 22,
26, 27, 29, 30, and 31. Gate price: $29. This group saves
$10.00 on up to 8 tickets when purchased in advance.
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
* French residents save big on advance ticket purchases!
* Save 15% on April - July vacation packages! Book before
April 9, 2006.
* Save 25% on your vacation package if you arrive on this day
in April!
--------------------------------
VEGAS
Resort & Casino Exclusive: Valid April 21 through April 25, 2006.
This incredible offer includes:
* Complimentary Welcome Cocktail
* $10 off Show Tickets
* $20 in FREE PLAY
* $25 Discount at the coffee shop
Deluxe Room from $209 per night. Petite Suite - $50 more per
night. Rates are per room, per night. Subject to
availability and based on single or double occupancy. Triple
and quad occupancy rates available upon request.
--------------------------------
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
"Gilbert Fernando knows some secrets about Disney World.
It's not easy being the happiest place on Earth, he said.
Fernando, 30, of Orland Park, is a former performer at the
Orlando, Fla., theme park. Performers are "retired" at 25 so
the park maintains its youthful appearance."
(Source: SuburbanChicagoNews.com, 04/04/06)
--------------------------------
"The Yeti - better-known as the Abominable Snowman - is
getting a boost that Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster can
only dream about -- status as the first legendary creature
among the real-life menagerie at Disney's Animal Kingdom."
(Source: ABC News, 04/03/06)
--------------------------------
The Disney Magic will return to Cozumel April 8 on its 7-
night Western cruise. The island was closed to ship traffic
for months due to the destruction by Hurricane Wilma in
October 2005.
--------------------------------
Tickets are now on sale for Christian music's 2006 Night of
Joy. MercyMe, Casting Crowns, Kirk Franklin and tobyMac will
perform live at the Magic Kingdom Sept. 8 and 9. Separate
admission required.
--------------------------------
Disney adds second Segway Experience
* Two-hour version: includes training at Innoventions West
and tour of World Showcase at Epcot. Cost: $80 a person
* One-hour version: takes place midday inside. Cost: $45
New Race & golf at Fun Spot Action Park
"The new business, called Full Speed Race & Golf, features
six simulators that replicate NASCAR race tracks at Daytona
Beach, Watkins Glen, N.Y., and other locations. The
attraction also contains a blacklight, 18-hole golf course
with a racing theme."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/03/06)
--------------------------------
Disney Remodels Hotels
Disney hired designers to give [rooms at the Contemporary] a
new look that hints of Asian decor and incorporates features
such as flat-screen televisions and high-tech workspaces
that appeal to business travelers as well as tourists... The
renovated rooms [at the Polynesian] will contain visual
references to the South Seas with a modern, casual feel
aimed at family vacation guests." Click here for photos.
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 03/30/06)
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
Kim writes:
"I have read some of the comments appearing on your page
lately and felt that I too needed to speak up. We just went
to Disney at the beginning of December. We noticed many of
the same types of changes. We have been to Disney world 5
times and have noticed a definite difference in customer
service, lines, and cleanliness.
The first time we went, the famed Disney customer service
was in full force. It was what made it a joy to stay there.
Last year and then this year we saw major differences. Last
year we stayed at Port Orleans and had numerous complaints
with the food facility, lack of service and lack of
cleanliness.
This time we stayed at the Grand Floridian, figuring that we
would experience the ultimate in Disney service.
Unfortunately we did not. The lobby areas were always
overflowing and extremely loud due to the over abundance of
kids waiting for the character meals. It was obvious that
these had been overbooked and the kids waiting just ran
rampant through the hotel. The bathrooms in the lobby area
were dirty every time we went in. One time, a child had
become ill and had vomited through the lobby and into the
bathroom. When I went to report this to the closest employee
I could find, I was met with an attitude and told that they
were very busy and would try to get to it!
My 67 year old mother went down a slide at the Honey I Shunk
The Kids Playground and severely injured her knee. The
Disney employee standing at the bottom of the slide never
offered to help her up or to get her a wheelchair. I had to
get her up and have her hop on one foot while holding on to
me until we reached a seat.
Once back at the Grand Floridian we asked for a wheelchair
to get her back to the room. They said that they were all
out but would give us the next available. They sent us to
our room in the golf cart. We waited and waited and no
wheelchair ever arrived. We found out that there are NO
wheelchairs at any resorts! They must be rented! We had been
told incorrect information. When trying to work it out with
the concierge, we got nothing but a run around!
There is so much more that could be told, but suffice it to
say that 1 whole day of our Disney adventure was wasted
trying to get a wheelchair! Dinner reservations were
cancelled and time in the parks was missed. The biggest
thing was that along the way nobody even pretended to care
or to help. They kept telling us "THE HOTEL IS OVERBOOKED
RIGHT NOW AND WE CAN"T HANDLE ALL OF THE GUESTS ISSUES!" We
went at was supposed to be a slow time.
We decided we will give Disney one more try in the future.
But it is 3 strikes and you are out! It is a shame for a
company who actually taught customer service to other
companies to have seen such dramatic negative changes in
such a short time."
I wrote Kim:
According to our information, all Disney resorts have
complimentary wheelchairs (with a deposit), but they are all
gone very early. They should have recommended a rental. And
they certainly should have helped your mother when she hurt
herself. That's just common courtesy.
Kim responded:
"We too thought that all resorts had them. However we were
told by the concierge desk as well as the Hotel Manager that
that was not the case. You must rent from an outside company
and the desk will try to help you coordinate it.
In our case, my mother could not put any weight at all on
the leg and it swelled incredibly. We spent the whole
afternoon and night without anyway of getting her around.
They had promised a chair to our room then by 8 am the next
morning. at 930 am when still no chair arrived, we suggested
for the 3rd time to the manager that he send an employee one
stop away to the MK and get one of the 1000's of chairs they
have there! Finally they did and we got a wheel chair at
10:45 - we still had not had breakfast - they kept telling
us "any minute, we'll have a chair."
It was really pretty bad. The main thing was how little
anyone cared along the way and the excuse was that the hotel
was busy!"
I ran this question past Beth, our travel agent, and she
writes:
"I have not been told anything about the wheelchairs, but
I'll ask around. My understanding was always that they are
like the rollaway beds... SOME resorts have them and some
don't, but you can't reserve them in advance and they do go
fast, so if you are sure you need it it's better to arrange
with an outside source. When I go next week I'll ask at AKL
to see what their response is."
Beth has a source for wheelchairs and scooters and she'd be
glad to arrange delivery for you at WDW.
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
"I recently saw a note in an Affordable Disney newsletter
from a reader who commented that Pop Century resort didn't
share buses with other resorts, while a friend of hers that
stayed at "another moderate resort" said their bus DID pick
up elsewhere. I feel that this needs a little clarification.
First, Pop Century isn't a moderate resort; it's in the
"value resort" category - and don't let the $116 per night
price tag mentioned scare you off... The value resorts start
off as low as $79 a night at certain times of the year. It's
true that while Pop Century buses usually don't service any
other resort, the buses servicing the All Star resorts often
stop at two or even all three in that group. Usually,
though, that's only outside park opening and closing times
when each resort is less likely to have need of a full bus.
I should also mention that Port Orleans Riverside and Port
Orleans French Quarter, while treated as separate resorts in
some ways, are treated as one big resort in others. In
addition to being able to use the pools at both sides,
guests will often find that park buses stop first at French
Quarter and then make the 4-stop loop at Riverside. (This is
but one of the reasons that I prefer French Quarter
personally.) If you ARE staying at Riverside, though,
consider heading to the stop in front of the main building -
or even walking over to French Quarter - during peak morning
hours to increase your chances of getting a seat."
Note from John:
I've never really been bothered by the buses stopping at
French Quarter on our way to Riverside. Patience comes with
age, I guess. :) However, like Beth recommends, we always
catch the bus at the South depot near the gift shop at the
main building.
=================================================
Pixar/Disney Collectible
Pixar stock certificates are becoming valuable as a
collector's item due to Disney's recent acquisition of the
company. The certificates are very colorful and are
decorated with pictures of Woody and Buzz Lightyear from
"Toy Story." Now comes with Free Shipping till 04/15/06. Use
code: freeship. Pixar disappears April 23. Get yourcollectible stock certificate 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 9:37 AM
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