Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
May 31, 2006
Copyright © 1999 - 2006 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
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=================================================
Hi Everyone!
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - including a FREE night at Disneyland California!
* The latest news from around the "World" - including tips to reduce your wait time at the airport
* Susan describes how she pulled together her recent WDW vacation on the spur of the moment
=================================================
We continuously update our information and you can find
these current specials in our Addenda:
WALT DISNEY WORLD
New Sweeps!
Win a 3-night trip for four to Orlando!
Win a 4-night trip for four to Orlando!
Win a 3-night trip for twenty to Universal Orlando!
Win a 3-night trip for four to Universal Studios Hollywood!
--------------------------------
Time is running out!
* FREE dining specials end June 4!
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
One of the finest resorts in Orlando Florida from $159 now through September 6, 2006! Built on over 200 acres of lush tropical landscape, this resort's championship golf, award-winning cuisine, and relaxing spa services make them an ideal location for business or pleasure. Only 1.5 miles from Walt Disney World and minutes away from all of Orlando, Florida's local attractions including SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, Universal Orlando, and the Lake Buena Vista area. They provide guests with an impressive array of services and facilities designed to deliver the conveniences of home nd the indulgences you expect from a superior full-service resort. Enjoy their Guest Suites, lounges, swimming pools, business center and newly remodeled Guest Rooms.
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA FALL SPECIAL!
One of our suppliers has secured this deal: Book four consecutive nights at any Disneyland resort and get the 4th night FREE!
--------------------------------
VEGAS
$206 FOR A 5 STAR HOTEL ON THE STRIP!
Valid June 1 - August 31. This resort is a refreshingly elegant, tranquil oasis amidst the high-thrill attractions of Las Vegas. Personally catering to the specific needs of each guest, the $2.7 billion destination resort is sure to be one of the most luxurious properties ever built. Located on the Las Vegas Strip, its ideal location provides guests with easy access to the Fashion Show mall, the Sands Expo, and the Las Vegas Convention Center, which will be accessible by a resort shuttle.
--------------------------------
RESORT & CASINO SUMMER STIMULATION
Valid May 29 - September 7, 2006.
Deluxe Room from $99 Sunday - Thursday and $149 Friday - Saturday
* Free Upgrade to a Strip View Room
* Complimentary Welcome Cocktail
* $15 Lunch or Dinner Food & Beverage Credit
* $20 Casino FREE PLAY
Petite Suite from $159 Sunday - Thursday
* Invited Guest Check-In
* Complimentary Welcome Cocktail
* $15 Lunch or Dinner Food and Beverage Credit
* $50 Casino FREE PLAY
Tower Suite from $250 Sunday - Thursday
* VIP Check-In
* Complimentary Flower Bouquet in Suite
* $30 Lunch or Dinner Food & Beverage Credit
* $75 Casino FREE PLAY
--------------------------------
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
"Attractions and hotels are expecting a boost in crowds this week after Tuesday night's kickoff of Gay Days in Orlando (MAY 30 - JUNE 4). Organizers estimate a record 140,000 gays and lesbians will be in town for the 16th annual gathering, which has grown a worldwide reputation with six days of events that largely center on Walt Disney World. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/31/06)
--------------------------------
"Disney films such as Glory Road and the animated Chicken Little will soon be available to own via computer download from the Internet-based movie site CinemaNow, but the movies can't be played on a standalone DVD player.
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/31/06)
--------------------------------
"A 12-year-old Atlantic bottlenose dolphin living in the backwaters of Epcot at Walt Disney World, Calvin is being taught a vocal form of communication that involves the cadence of his sounds, something that's never been done before with animals, his researchers said."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/31/06)
--------------------------------
"With a decline in DVD sales and the rising cost of making movies, Hollywood in general has been tightening its belt. And now Disney, as part of a long-term review, is contemplating layoffs, looking to rein in costs and rethinking the type of movies it wants to make at its live-action Disney Studios, according to people apprised of Disney's planning." (Source: NY Times, 05/26/06)
--------------------------------
Disney has been recognized by the National Weather Service for its severe weather preparations. "Disney World is the first theme park and resort to receive the StormReady community distinction. The attraction joins more than 1,000 communities across the country that are part of the weather service program." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/30/06)
--------------------------------
To lessen wait times at the airport...
Leave your cigarette lighters at home: "In Orlando, the TSA seizes 600 to 800 cigarette lighters every day from passengers. Congress banned lighters on aircraft last year. (You can still bring up to three packs of matches)... Parents often don't realize they need to take all of their belongings out of the stroller and fold it up to be scanned." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/26/06)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
DISNEY ASIA
"Malaysia is exploring plans to build the first Disney theme park in Southeast Asia, a government minister said Tuesday.
Effendi Norwawi, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of economic affairs, said the government is in talks with Disneyland operators in Japan and the United States to establish a theme park in the southern state of Johor, near Singapore." (Source: Yahoo! Finance, 05/30/06)
However...
This article denies any such plans!
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Susan writes:
"Hi John,
Concerning the section of the newsletter for people suffering from WDW withdrawal, I just had to write and tell you about our crazy trip in February. Usually, I make our reservations for the end of January/first of February in November - just after we get back from our annual end of October/first of November trip to WDW. But this year we decided to take a break from a winter trip and save up for a longer fall trip with friends (besides, four visits to WDW and a 7 day cruise on the Magic in 2005 should have been enough for a while).
Well, starting a week before the time we usually leave, my husband began the 'This time last year' litany. Such as 'This time last year, we were sitting down to dinner at the Kona Cafe' right down to the 'This time last year, we were on our way home.' I heard so many 'this time last year's,' I was ready to scream.
So I did what any self-respecting Disneyholic would do - on February 5th I looked at air fares on a whim and was shocked at how low they were. I called Disney reservations and was disappointed (but not surprised) that The Polynesian and The Contemporary were booked the next week. I called a few hours later and was lucky to get a room at The Contemporary for February 12th through the 15th.
I booked everything we needed from the air fare to the room to a scooter for my husband and the Magical Express from the airport to The Contemporary. Then I told my husband something like 'This time last year you had been home from Disney for almost a month but this time next week you'll be there again.'
For a few bright, shining minutes there was joy. Then we heard the dreaded four-letter word - snow. And then my husband, ever the pessimist, said we weren't going. By the time Friday rolled around, I decided to check the airport information. The local weathermen were drooling and had that glazed look that only hurricanes and blizzards can achieve. While everyone else is wondering if toilet paper and milk will still be available in two days, I'm wondering if the airport has roll-out cots for rent.
Then I called the airline Friday evening and was informed by a cheerful voice that they were going to call me to let me know that they had already canceled our flight. Our options were to either save our southbound leg for another time (what was I supposed to do with the return trip?) or get out of town on Saturday morning. I opted for Saturday morning.
Then I had to call Disney reservations and get a room for one more night. God help me, there were absolutely no rooms available on Disney property! Of 29,000 rooms from value to deluxe, not one single room was available. Finally, the castmember I was working with looked at the hotels over by the Disney Marketplace. The Buena Vista Palace had a room so I grabbed it. But the Magical Express doesn't run to the hotels over by the Marketplace so I had to rent a vehicle for pickup at the airport that would fit the scooter we needed for my husband.
After everything was reorganized for the extra day and I got off the phone for the last time, I ran down the stairs yelling 'Pack your bag, we have to leave here in five hours!' Needless to say, I didn't sleep that night. But we did get out before the snow hit. Sunday, February 12th saw 18 inches in our neighborhood.
We've been going to WDW for enough years to know that this time of the year can be iffy as far as the weather is concerned. We've had some gorgeous years and we've had some 'what were we thinking' years. This was almost one of the 'what were we thinking' years because the weather was so cold and windy. But the weather couldn't ever hold us back from having a great time at Walt Disney World. Between the attractions, food and the castmembers who've become close friends, the weather is just a little blip on the radar screen."
Wow! That's quite a story! It's amazing how things still come together at the last minute despite all the obstacles. The secret is to be flexible. A little luck doesn't hurt, either! :)
=================================================
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! 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.
=============================================
May 31, 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 FREE night at Disneyland California!
* The latest news from around the "World" - including tips to reduce your wait time at the airport
* Susan describes how she pulled together her recent WDW vacation on the spur of the moment
=================================================
We continuously update our information and you can find
these current specials in our Addenda:
WALT DISNEY WORLD
New Sweeps!
Win a 3-night trip for four to Orlando!
Win a 4-night trip for four to Orlando!
Win a 3-night trip for twenty to Universal Orlando!
Win a 3-night trip for four to Universal Studios Hollywood!
--------------------------------
Time is running out!
* FREE dining specials end June 4!
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
One of the finest resorts in Orlando Florida from $159 now through September 6, 2006! Built on over 200 acres of lush tropical landscape, this resort's championship golf, award-winning cuisine, and relaxing spa services make them an ideal location for business or pleasure. Only 1.5 miles from Walt Disney World and minutes away from all of Orlando, Florida's local attractions including SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, Universal Orlando, and the Lake Buena Vista area. They provide guests with an impressive array of services and facilities designed to deliver the conveniences of home nd the indulgences you expect from a superior full-service resort. Enjoy their Guest Suites, lounges, swimming pools, business center and newly remodeled Guest Rooms.
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA FALL SPECIAL!
One of our suppliers has secured this deal: Book four consecutive nights at any Disneyland resort and get the 4th night FREE!
--------------------------------
VEGAS
$206 FOR A 5 STAR HOTEL ON THE STRIP!
Valid June 1 - August 31. This resort is a refreshingly elegant, tranquil oasis amidst the high-thrill attractions of Las Vegas. Personally catering to the specific needs of each guest, the $2.7 billion destination resort is sure to be one of the most luxurious properties ever built. Located on the Las Vegas Strip, its ideal location provides guests with easy access to the Fashion Show mall, the Sands Expo, and the Las Vegas Convention Center, which will be accessible by a resort shuttle.
--------------------------------
RESORT & CASINO SUMMER STIMULATION
Valid May 29 - September 7, 2006.
Deluxe Room from $99 Sunday - Thursday and $149 Friday - Saturday
* Free Upgrade to a Strip View Room
* Complimentary Welcome Cocktail
* $15 Lunch or Dinner Food & Beverage Credit
* $20 Casino FREE PLAY
Petite Suite from $159 Sunday - Thursday
* Invited Guest Check-In
* Complimentary Welcome Cocktail
* $15 Lunch or Dinner Food and Beverage Credit
* $50 Casino FREE PLAY
Tower Suite from $250 Sunday - Thursday
* VIP Check-In
* Complimentary Flower Bouquet in Suite
* $30 Lunch or Dinner Food & Beverage Credit
* $75 Casino FREE PLAY
--------------------------------
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
"Attractions and hotels are expecting a boost in crowds this week after Tuesday night's kickoff of Gay Days in Orlando (MAY 30 - JUNE 4). Organizers estimate a record 140,000 gays and lesbians will be in town for the 16th annual gathering, which has grown a worldwide reputation with six days of events that largely center on Walt Disney World. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/31/06)
--------------------------------
"Disney films such as Glory Road and the animated Chicken Little will soon be available to own via computer download from the Internet-based movie site CinemaNow, but the movies can't be played on a standalone DVD player.
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/31/06)
--------------------------------
"A 12-year-old Atlantic bottlenose dolphin living in the backwaters of Epcot at Walt Disney World, Calvin is being taught a vocal form of communication that involves the cadence of his sounds, something that's never been done before with animals, his researchers said."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/31/06)
--------------------------------
"With a decline in DVD sales and the rising cost of making movies, Hollywood in general has been tightening its belt. And now Disney, as part of a long-term review, is contemplating layoffs, looking to rein in costs and rethinking the type of movies it wants to make at its live-action Disney Studios, according to people apprised of Disney's planning." (Source: NY Times, 05/26/06)
--------------------------------
Disney has been recognized by the National Weather Service for its severe weather preparations. "Disney World is the first theme park and resort to receive the StormReady community distinction. The attraction joins more than 1,000 communities across the country that are part of the weather service program." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/30/06)
--------------------------------
To lessen wait times at the airport...
Leave your cigarette lighters at home: "In Orlando, the TSA seizes 600 to 800 cigarette lighters every day from passengers. Congress banned lighters on aircraft last year. (You can still bring up to three packs of matches)... Parents often don't realize they need to take all of their belongings out of the stroller and fold it up to be scanned." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/26/06)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
DISNEY ASIA
"Malaysia is exploring plans to build the first Disney theme park in Southeast Asia, a government minister said Tuesday.
Effendi Norwawi, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of economic affairs, said the government is in talks with Disneyland operators in Japan and the United States to establish a theme park in the southern state of Johor, near Singapore." (Source: Yahoo! Finance, 05/30/06)
However...
This article denies any such plans!
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Susan writes:
"Hi John,
Concerning the section of the newsletter for people suffering from WDW withdrawal, I just had to write and tell you about our crazy trip in February. Usually, I make our reservations for the end of January/first of February in November - just after we get back from our annual end of October/first of November trip to WDW. But this year we decided to take a break from a winter trip and save up for a longer fall trip with friends (besides, four visits to WDW and a 7 day cruise on the Magic in 2005 should have been enough for a while).
Well, starting a week before the time we usually leave, my husband began the 'This time last year' litany. Such as 'This time last year, we were sitting down to dinner at the Kona Cafe' right down to the 'This time last year, we were on our way home.' I heard so many 'this time last year's,' I was ready to scream.
So I did what any self-respecting Disneyholic would do - on February 5th I looked at air fares on a whim and was shocked at how low they were. I called Disney reservations and was disappointed (but not surprised) that The Polynesian and The Contemporary were booked the next week. I called a few hours later and was lucky to get a room at The Contemporary for February 12th through the 15th.
I booked everything we needed from the air fare to the room to a scooter for my husband and the Magical Express from the airport to The Contemporary. Then I told my husband something like 'This time last year you had been home from Disney for almost a month but this time next week you'll be there again.'
For a few bright, shining minutes there was joy. Then we heard the dreaded four-letter word - snow. And then my husband, ever the pessimist, said we weren't going. By the time Friday rolled around, I decided to check the airport information. The local weathermen were drooling and had that glazed look that only hurricanes and blizzards can achieve. While everyone else is wondering if toilet paper and milk will still be available in two days, I'm wondering if the airport has roll-out cots for rent.
Then I called the airline Friday evening and was informed by a cheerful voice that they were going to call me to let me know that they had already canceled our flight. Our options were to either save our southbound leg for another time (what was I supposed to do with the return trip?) or get out of town on Saturday morning. I opted for Saturday morning.
Then I had to call Disney reservations and get a room for one more night. God help me, there were absolutely no rooms available on Disney property! Of 29,000 rooms from value to deluxe, not one single room was available. Finally, the castmember I was working with looked at the hotels over by the Disney Marketplace. The Buena Vista Palace had a room so I grabbed it. But the Magical Express doesn't run to the hotels over by the Marketplace so I had to rent a vehicle for pickup at the airport that would fit the scooter we needed for my husband.
After everything was reorganized for the extra day and I got off the phone for the last time, I ran down the stairs yelling 'Pack your bag, we have to leave here in five hours!' Needless to say, I didn't sleep that night. But we did get out before the snow hit. Sunday, February 12th saw 18 inches in our neighborhood.
We've been going to WDW for enough years to know that this time of the year can be iffy as far as the weather is concerned. We've had some gorgeous years and we've had some 'what were we thinking' years. This was almost one of the 'what were we thinking' years because the weather was so cold and windy. But the weather couldn't ever hold us back from having a great time at Walt Disney World. Between the attractions, food and the castmembers who've become close friends, the weather is just a little blip on the radar screen."
Wow! That's quite a story! It's amazing how things still come together at the last minute despite all the obstacles. The secret is to be flexible. A little luck doesn't hurt, either! :)
=================================================
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! 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 7:49 AM
