Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
May 10, 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 Holiday cruises with Europe's #1 cruise line starting at $549 per person!
* The latest news from around the "World" - including the announcement that Disney and McDonald's are no longer Happy Meal Partners
* Jen writes about Beth, our travel agent
* David writes about where he found a good place to watch Epcot's fireworks show
* Beth, our travel agent, comments on Barry's disappointing experience at Disney's Contemporary Resort
=================================================
We continuously update our information and you can find
these current specials in our Addenda:
WALT DISNEY WORLD
These specials are still in effect:
* FREE Dining at Disney's Magical Beginnings!
* Save up to $1,000 on ADVENTURES BY DISNEY!
* Stay three nights and get the fourth night free at this Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel!
* A 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!
* Save up to $100.00 per night at the Disney World resorts this spring!
--------------------------------
New Sweeps!
Win a 3-night trip for two to Orlando!
Win a 4-night trip for four to Disney World or Disneyland!
Win a 3-night trip for four to Universal Orlando!
Win a 3-night trip for four to Walt Disney World!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE SPECIAL FOR CANADIANS!
Canadian residents save up to 20%! Only one guest must be a Canadian resident to get the deal!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Save $20.00 on 2-day Disneyland Park Hoppers for family and friends!
Save $10.00 on Disneyland 1-Day Park Hoppers!
--------------------------------
VEGAS
Star at this luxury hotel & casino May 14 - September 7, 2006 and enjoy:
* Deluxe Room rates from $109/night
* Luxurious Suite rates from $229/night
* Receive a complimentary premium view upgrade
--------------------------------
HOLIDAY CRUISE SPECIAL WITH EUROPE'S #1 CRUISE LINE!
Prices are per person.
Thanksgiving - 7 nights - Western Caribbean Itinerary from $649! Plus! Take off $50 Early Booking Discount = $599! Plus! 15 concession points!
Christmas Shoppers Special - 12/10/06 - Eastern Caribbean with Grand Turks from $599! Early Booking Discount = $549! Plus! 15 concession points!
New Years Cruise - 8 nights from $1249! Early Booking Discount = $1199! Plus! 18 concession points!
7 night Christmas Cruise - Western Caribbean from $799! Early Booking Discount = $699 for Christmas!
01/07/07 Western Caribbean from $599! Early Booking Discount = $549! Plus 18 concession points!
Beth writes: "These are really amazing GROUP rates for the holidays from [this cruise line]. Anyone who is inclined to do a family cruise rather than cook for the gang and then do all the dishes should really take a look at these deals. Note that group concession points can be used for all sorts of things, from onboard credits to bottles of wine to cocktail parties and more. Note that these rates are for the best available cabins in each class at the time of booking!"
--------------------------------
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
"Once a haven for grown-ups looking to dance the night away, Disney's Pleasure Island is morphing into a place where Mom, Dad and the little ones can feel comfortable -- but the wild uncle is still welcome... Disney is tearing out bridges, building a bigger, more prominent new bridge, knocking down two outdoor music stages, cutting a building in half, leveling a hill, opening up vistas of the lake and getting away from the back-alley warehouse-district look." (Source:Orlando Sentinel , 05/10/06)
--------------------------------
Disney announced in April that its Stars of Disney/Pixar's Cars was going to visit cities across the USA to promote its upcoming movie, CARS. What they didn't say is that those visits are not open to the public! (Source: meon.com, 05/09/06)--------------------------------
"Disney-pin trading is as much about building friendships as it is about building collections... Collectors come together in a variety of ways. They meet at events such as a September pin celebration at Epcot and on Disney pin cruises. They meet on online message boards and in line for rides at the parks. And they meet at the trading post outside of the pin stores at Epcot and at Disney Marketplace, part of Downtown Disney." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/08/06)
--------------------------------
"Disney is not renewing its cross-promotional pact with the fast- food giant, ending the arrangement with this summer's release of 'Cars' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.' One reason, say multiple high-ranking sources within Disney, is that the company - which prides itself on being family friendly - wants to distance itself from fast food and its links to the epidemic of childhood obesity... it's not a complete divorce. McDonald's fare will continue to be offered in Disney's theme parks. Disney is also leaving open the possibility of McDonald's promotions geared toward adults." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/08/06)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Florida OK's Sales Tax Break
"So, for the last nine days of July, Florida shoppers won't have to pay sales tax on books, clothes, wallets and most bags selling for up to $50 and school supplies such as pens, pencils and binders selling for up to $10.
NOTE: The Senate threw in an exception: You WILL pay tax on the above items if you buy them in a theme park, hotel or at the airport! (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/04/06)
--------------------------------
Click here for "A beginner's guide to Universal Orlando")
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
"Disneyland has been forced to recruit more creatively and aggressively. This year, for the first time, the resort is offering internships that allow students to earn college credit for working, and taking courses, at the park, according to guidelines by an accrediting organization." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/05/06)
--------------------------------
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
HONG KONG DISNEYLAND
"The launch of its new theme park got off to a rocky start, but Disney's still got an appetite for the China market... Disney executives insist the park is on track. " (Source: Time Asia Magazine, 05/08/06)
--------------------------------
"Mickey and Minnie Mouse are set to dazzle in glamorous gold costumes at Hong Kong Disneyland this Sunday as they extend a warm welcome to guests during the Golden Week holiday. Guests holding special day tickets can enjoy reserved admission to Hong Kong Disneyland while pre-purchased special day tickets are encouraged for those still planning their visit on the designated special days from April 30 through to May 6, 2006." (Source: Antara News, 05/02/06)
--------------------------------
"Hong Kong Disneyland has offered free entry to more than 40,000 taxi drivers in a bid to promote the theme park, a spokeswoman for the park said Wednesday." (Source: The China Post, 05/05/06)
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Jen writes about Beth, our travel agent:
"I just wanted to tell you what I have already told Beth. I told her that even if she hadn't saved me money on my upcoming trip, I would still have used her as I had been looking into this trip with other travel agents....one of which is my Uncle and even with a AAA discount his price still came in over $200 more than Beth's.
Plus I would always use her because every time I talked to her I did not feel rushed and she shared her experiences and went into so much detail without sounding scripted and listened to me and each of my questions and answered them thoroughly. She worked with me when I had many changes and was just awesome. Like I said, even if Beth had not saved me money, her personality would make me use her no matter what! You have found a gem with her and you really need to hold onto her."
Thanks again, Jen, for your rave review! I will hold onto Beth as long as she will have me.
=================================================
David writes about Epcot's fireworks show, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth:
"John,
Thanks for the site, really useful notes and updates that helped us during our visit over Easter.
Just a quick note to pass on. Taking up a good position, in good time to watch the Reflections display we found a table in La Cantina De San Angel - great. Fueling with Margaritas and nachos, ideal. Unfortunately not put off by propriety or just plain politeness did not stop a parade of people wandering in off 'the street' and standing between the tables, right in front of anyone seated!
Otherwise great time, great holiday."
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, sent us these comments on Barry's letter we published in issue #317 about his disappointing experience at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Barry was used to staying at the Swan and Dolphin Hotel:
"Reading Barry's note in your newsletter made me really sad. I never like to hear about someone having a bad trip to Disney - and fortunately it doesn't happen very often - but in this case nearly every item mentioned was so avoidable.
Barry mentioned his girlfriend going off to a conference, and the Contemporary does host plenty of them. This could well be a case of people who decided to take advantage of a convention rate on the rooms without doing much research on the resort itself first. No matter what the situation, though, it certainly emphasizes the importance of doing your homework first - or at least contacting someone that can fill you in before you go. Lest there may be readers out there that have suddenly decided they never want to set foot in the Contemporary based on Barry's report, I think it's only fair to point out a few things...
1) The Contemporary is one of the two original Disney hotels and was built back in the 70s so expecting it to look as updated as the name would suggest isn't realistic. To Disney's credit the entire resort is being extensively refurbished, so construction noise can be expected after 8AM (when most guests are out of their rooms, or at least up and getting dressed). The refurbished rooms are really lovely, and you can request one when you reserve (although they won't make any promises).
2) There are eight 'deluxe resorts' and the Contemporary can be a real bargain among them if you can get one of the standard view wing rooms because you're paying not much more than standard view rates at the Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom Lodge AND getting the added perk of a great monorail location. OK, so the view isn't wonderful - but in Disney terms "standard view" translates to "parking lot view" at ALL the resorts so that's what one should expect. Anything better is a bonus. If you want to be in the tower with a view of Cindy's castle you'll pay a lot more for it.
3) Rooms at ALL Disney resorts are officially ready at 3PM, so if you check in earlier count yourself lucky if you can get into the room before that.
4) Yes, it does get cold in Florida in the winter and it does occasionally rain. If you're unfortunate enough to be hit by them simultaneously then you'll be both cold and wet if not dressed appropriately - and that would go for nearly ALL the resorts, not just the Contemporary. Many require at least some amount of walking outside to get from the front desk to the rooms. Given that Barry lives only three hours away from Disney, I'm a little surprised that he and his girlfriend were caught off guard by the weather.
5) Chef Mickey's is a very highly sought after character breakfast so it's not unusual that they couldn't just walk up and be seated. The same holds true of ALL character meals. My guess is that they probably could have been accommodated at the Concourse Steakhouse next to Chef Mickey's where they serve a nice breakfast and usually have at least a little space for walk-ups.
6) Finally, you'd be surprised how often a Disney hotel is sold out even on dates that you wouldn't expect. They do a good job of selling to convention and meeting planners for off dates as well as holding special events like the marathon, cheerleading competition, etc. so it's very possible that there wouldn't be any place to move you to if you don't like your room.
In summary, I think this is a case where the guest had expectations based on incorrect and/or preconceived ideas of what the stay would be like. Had he known in advance that his room would be in a wing, that there was construction going on, etc. he could have done a different hotel - or at least been better mentally prepared for the Contemporary experience.
Barry DOES have some very valid points about soaked luggage (bellmen DO have to go outside, but the luggage should have been covered) and an unwillingness to provide robes in a more timely manner given that Disney was responsible for their clothes being all wet.
I, too, have found that the check-in wait time can seem unbearable at times (although that can be true of ANY hotel).
The Swan and Dolphin are fine resorts - among the best of the Sheraton and Westin chains - but I have always found them to be just that... a Sheraton and a Westin. They could be located in any city in the country. I find the service there to be at least as good as others in their chain - but generally no better than the typical service I get at a Disney resort. If you can stay in them on points or get a really great discounted rate that's one thing, but otherwise, if your budget can handle it, a Disney resort is the way to go in most cases.
I hope that Barry gives Disney another chance - but the next time, he needs to spend a few minutes reading up on his resort before booking (or at least consulting someone who can supply the details)."
=================================================
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.
=============================================
May 10, 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 Holiday cruises with Europe's #1 cruise line starting at $549 per person!
* The latest news from around the "World" - including the announcement that Disney and McDonald's are no longer Happy Meal Partners
* Jen writes about Beth, our travel agent
* David writes about where he found a good place to watch Epcot's fireworks show
* Beth, our travel agent, comments on Barry's disappointing experience at Disney's Contemporary Resort
=================================================
We continuously update our information and you can find
these current specials in our Addenda:
WALT DISNEY WORLD
These specials are still in effect:
* FREE Dining at Disney's Magical Beginnings!
* Save up to $1,000 on ADVENTURES BY DISNEY!
* Stay three nights and get the fourth night free at this Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel!
* A 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!
* Save up to $100.00 per night at the Disney World resorts this spring!
--------------------------------
New Sweeps!
Win a 3-night trip for two to Orlando!
Win a 4-night trip for four to Disney World or Disneyland!
Win a 3-night trip for four to Universal Orlando!
Win a 3-night trip for four to Walt Disney World!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE SPECIAL FOR CANADIANS!
Canadian residents save up to 20%! Only one guest must be a Canadian resident to get the deal!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Save $20.00 on 2-day Disneyland Park Hoppers for family and friends!
Save $10.00 on Disneyland 1-Day Park Hoppers!
--------------------------------
VEGAS
Star at this luxury hotel & casino May 14 - September 7, 2006 and enjoy:
* Deluxe Room rates from $109/night
* Luxurious Suite rates from $229/night
* Receive a complimentary premium view upgrade
--------------------------------
HOLIDAY CRUISE SPECIAL WITH EUROPE'S #1 CRUISE LINE!
Prices are per person.
Thanksgiving - 7 nights - Western Caribbean Itinerary from $649! Plus! Take off $50 Early Booking Discount = $599! Plus! 15 concession points!
Christmas Shoppers Special - 12/10/06 - Eastern Caribbean with Grand Turks from $599! Early Booking Discount = $549! Plus! 15 concession points!
New Years Cruise - 8 nights from $1249! Early Booking Discount = $1199! Plus! 18 concession points!
7 night Christmas Cruise - Western Caribbean from $799! Early Booking Discount = $699 for Christmas!
01/07/07 Western Caribbean from $599! Early Booking Discount = $549! Plus 18 concession points!
Beth writes: "These are really amazing GROUP rates for the holidays from [this cruise line]. Anyone who is inclined to do a family cruise rather than cook for the gang and then do all the dishes should really take a look at these deals. Note that group concession points can be used for all sorts of things, from onboard credits to bottles of wine to cocktail parties and more. Note that these rates are for the best available cabins in each class at the time of booking!"
--------------------------------
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
"Once a haven for grown-ups looking to dance the night away, Disney's Pleasure Island is morphing into a place where Mom, Dad and the little ones can feel comfortable -- but the wild uncle is still welcome... Disney is tearing out bridges, building a bigger, more prominent new bridge, knocking down two outdoor music stages, cutting a building in half, leveling a hill, opening up vistas of the lake and getting away from the back-alley warehouse-district look." (Source:
--------------------------------
Disney announced in April that its Stars of Disney/Pixar's Cars was going to visit cities across the USA to promote its upcoming movie, CARS. What they didn't say is that those visits are not open to the public! (Source: meon.com, 05/09/06)--------------------------------
"Disney-pin trading is as much about building friendships as it is about building collections... Collectors come together in a variety of ways. They meet at events such as a September pin celebration at Epcot and on Disney pin cruises. They meet on online message boards and in line for rides at the parks. And they meet at the trading post outside of the pin stores at Epcot and at Disney Marketplace, part of Downtown Disney." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/08/06)
--------------------------------
"Disney is not renewing its cross-promotional pact with the fast- food giant, ending the arrangement with this summer's release of 'Cars' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.' One reason, say multiple high-ranking sources within Disney, is that the company - which prides itself on being family friendly - wants to distance itself from fast food and its links to the epidemic of childhood obesity... it's not a complete divorce. McDonald's fare will continue to be offered in Disney's theme parks. Disney is also leaving open the possibility of McDonald's promotions geared toward adults." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/08/06)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Florida OK's Sales Tax Break
"So, for the last nine days of July, Florida shoppers won't have to pay sales tax on books, clothes, wallets and most bags selling for up to $50 and school supplies such as pens, pencils and binders selling for up to $10.
NOTE: The Senate threw in an exception: You WILL pay tax on the above items if you buy them in a theme park, hotel or at the airport! (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/04/06)
--------------------------------
Click here for "A beginner's guide to Universal Orlando")
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
"Disneyland has been forced to recruit more creatively and aggressively. This year, for the first time, the resort is offering internships that allow students to earn college credit for working, and taking courses, at the park, according to guidelines by an accrediting organization." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/05/06)
--------------------------------
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
HONG KONG DISNEYLAND
"The launch of its new theme park got off to a rocky start, but Disney's still got an appetite for the China market... Disney executives insist the park is on track. " (Source: Time Asia Magazine, 05/08/06)
--------------------------------
"Mickey and Minnie Mouse are set to dazzle in glamorous gold costumes at Hong Kong Disneyland this Sunday as they extend a warm welcome to guests during the Golden Week holiday. Guests holding special day tickets can enjoy reserved admission to Hong Kong Disneyland while pre-purchased special day tickets are encouraged for those still planning their visit on the designated special days from April 30 through to May 6, 2006." (Source: Antara News, 05/02/06)
--------------------------------
"Hong Kong Disneyland has offered free entry to more than 40,000 taxi drivers in a bid to promote the theme park, a spokeswoman for the park said Wednesday." (Source: The China Post, 05/05/06)
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Jen writes about Beth, our travel agent:
"I just wanted to tell you what I have already told Beth. I told her that even if she hadn't saved me money on my upcoming trip, I would still have used her as I had been looking into this trip with other travel agents....one of which is my Uncle and even with a AAA discount his price still came in over $200 more than Beth's.
Plus I would always use her because every time I talked to her I did not feel rushed and she shared her experiences and went into so much detail without sounding scripted and listened to me and each of my questions and answered them thoroughly. She worked with me when I had many changes and was just awesome. Like I said, even if Beth had not saved me money, her personality would make me use her no matter what! You have found a gem with her and you really need to hold onto her."
Thanks again, Jen, for your rave review! I will hold onto Beth as long as she will have me.
=================================================
David writes about Epcot's fireworks show, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth:
"John,
Thanks for the site, really useful notes and updates that helped us during our visit over Easter.
Just a quick note to pass on. Taking up a good position, in good time to watch the Reflections display we found a table in La Cantina De San Angel - great. Fueling with Margaritas and nachos, ideal. Unfortunately not put off by propriety or just plain politeness did not stop a parade of people wandering in off 'the street' and standing between the tables, right in front of anyone seated!
Otherwise great time, great holiday."
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, sent us these comments on Barry's letter we published in issue #317 about his disappointing experience at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Barry was used to staying at the Swan and Dolphin Hotel:
"Reading Barry's note in your newsletter made me really sad. I never like to hear about someone having a bad trip to Disney - and fortunately it doesn't happen very often - but in this case nearly every item mentioned was so avoidable.
Barry mentioned his girlfriend going off to a conference, and the Contemporary does host plenty of them. This could well be a case of people who decided to take advantage of a convention rate on the rooms without doing much research on the resort itself first. No matter what the situation, though, it certainly emphasizes the importance of doing your homework first - or at least contacting someone that can fill you in before you go. Lest there may be readers out there that have suddenly decided they never want to set foot in the Contemporary based on Barry's report, I think it's only fair to point out a few things...
1) The Contemporary is one of the two original Disney hotels and was built back in the 70s so expecting it to look as updated as the name would suggest isn't realistic. To Disney's credit the entire resort is being extensively refurbished, so construction noise can be expected after 8AM (when most guests are out of their rooms, or at least up and getting dressed). The refurbished rooms are really lovely, and you can request one when you reserve (although they won't make any promises).
2) There are eight 'deluxe resorts' and the Contemporary can be a real bargain among them if you can get one of the standard view wing rooms because you're paying not much more than standard view rates at the Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom Lodge AND getting the added perk of a great monorail location. OK, so the view isn't wonderful - but in Disney terms "standard view" translates to "parking lot view" at ALL the resorts so that's what one should expect. Anything better is a bonus. If you want to be in the tower with a view of Cindy's castle you'll pay a lot more for it.
3) Rooms at ALL Disney resorts are officially ready at 3PM, so if you check in earlier count yourself lucky if you can get into the room before that.
4) Yes, it does get cold in Florida in the winter and it does occasionally rain. If you're unfortunate enough to be hit by them simultaneously then you'll be both cold and wet if not dressed appropriately - and that would go for nearly ALL the resorts, not just the Contemporary. Many require at least some amount of walking outside to get from the front desk to the rooms. Given that Barry lives only three hours away from Disney, I'm a little surprised that he and his girlfriend were caught off guard by the weather.
5) Chef Mickey's is a very highly sought after character breakfast so it's not unusual that they couldn't just walk up and be seated. The same holds true of ALL character meals. My guess is that they probably could have been accommodated at the Concourse Steakhouse next to Chef Mickey's where they serve a nice breakfast and usually have at least a little space for walk-ups.
6) Finally, you'd be surprised how often a Disney hotel is sold out even on dates that you wouldn't expect. They do a good job of selling to convention and meeting planners for off dates as well as holding special events like the marathon, cheerleading competition, etc. so it's very possible that there wouldn't be any place to move you to if you don't like your room.
In summary, I think this is a case where the guest had expectations based on incorrect and/or preconceived ideas of what the stay would be like. Had he known in advance that his room would be in a wing, that there was construction going on, etc. he could have done a different hotel - or at least been better mentally prepared for the Contemporary experience.
Barry DOES have some very valid points about soaked luggage (bellmen DO have to go outside, but the luggage should have been covered) and an unwillingness to provide robes in a more timely manner given that Disney was responsible for their clothes being all wet.
I, too, have found that the check-in wait time can seem unbearable at times (although that can be true of ANY hotel).
The Swan and Dolphin are fine resorts - among the best of the Sheraton and Westin chains - but I have always found them to be just that... a Sheraton and a Westin. They could be located in any city in the country. I find the service there to be at least as good as others in their chain - but generally no better than the typical service I get at a Disney resort. If you can stay in them on points or get a really great discounted rate that's one thing, but otherwise, if your budget can handle it, a Disney resort is the way to go in most cases.
I hope that Barry gives Disney another chance - but the next time, he needs to spend a few minutes reading up on his resort before booking (or at least consulting someone who can supply the details)."
=================================================
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 4:43 PM
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