Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation

THE DISNEY NEWS
July 19, 2006
Copyright © 1999 - 2006 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
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Hi Everyone!

In this blog...

* Deals and specials - WDW Resort Specials for Everyone, including Florida Residents, Annual Passholders, and the General Public!
* The latest news from around the "World" - Tickets to Universal's 16th annual Halloween Horror Nights are now on sale!
* Beth, our travel agent, concludes her Disney Cruise trip report.
* Shirley asks about an RV park near Busch Gardens, Tampa.
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We continuously update our information and you can find
these current specials in our Addenda:

SPECIAL FOR AFFORDABLE DISNEY MEMBERS FROM OUR TRAVEL AGENT BETH!

Book any Walt Disney Travel Company package of three nights or more between July 1 and July 31 and receive a FREE copy of Passporter's Disney 500: Fast Tips For WDW Trips. This 113-page e-book will be emailed to you when you make your deposit, and is full of handy hints and ideas for getting the most from your Disney vacation. (Package must be booked through Beth no later than July 31. Offer valid for new bookings only.)

Coming soon! An exclusive deal at the WDW resorts for Affordable Disney Members this November and December! Become a member today so you'll be ready to pounce on this deal as soon as it's announced.

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WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT DISCOUNTS!

* Value resorts - up to $20 off!
* Moderate resorts - up to $45 off!
* Deluxe/Home Away from Home resorts - $70 off!

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DISNEY CRUISE LINE

The latest Disney Cruise Line Specials starting at $589!This group receives a bonus when they book a Disney Cruise!

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INVESTING IN THEME PARK TICKETS YIELDS BIG DIVIDENDS

How to invest in theme park tickets and save BIG on future vacations! You could save $155 per ticket at Walt Disney World in 10 years!

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FLORIDA RESIDENTS

Florida residents save 20% at this popular attraction!

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SWEEPS

We now list over 30 Sweepstakes to win a Walt Disney World/Florida vacation!

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UNIVERSAL

Save over $200.00 per person on admission to both Universal theme parks!

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MORE CURRENT SPECIALS

* Kids go to SeaWorld FREE when you book this vacation
package!

* Receive a 5th Day FREE when you purchase a Walt Disney World 4-Day Magic Your Way Base or Hopper ticket with 14 day Expiration!

* More than 30 ways to win a FREE vacation to Walt
Disney World!

* Deals for the military, teachers, government workers,
nurses, Florida residents!

* Buy one, get one free tickets to Universal Studios and
Islands of Adventure!

* All you can eat at Universal Studios or Islands of
Adventure for less than $20!

* Save up to $40.00 per ticket to Disneyland California!

* Special discounted rates for vacation packages at
Disneyland Paris!

* Las Vegas Hotels & Casinos from $79 per night!

* Cruises to Europe and the Caribbean from $599 per person - even during the holidays!

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VEGAS

Casino & Resort Summer Splash!

From $89 per night! Promotion runs now through December 28, 2006. Offer expires August 1, 2006. Includes:

* $25.00 Entertainment Credit
* 2 Complimentary Poolside Cocktails
* One Complimentary Inner Tube Rental
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If you are not a member, you can join our Disney family here:
http://www.affordabledisney.com

Members can use the following URLs to log in:

Lifetime Deluxe Member: http://www.affordabledisney.com/lifetime/deluxe/welcome.html

Lifetime Basic Member:
http://www.affordabledisney.com/lifetime/basic/welcome.html

Deluxe Member:
http://www.affordabledisney.com/deluxe/welcome.html

Basic Member:
http://www.affordabledisney.com/basic/welcome.html
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NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"

WALT DISNEY WORLD

Kermit the Frog and the Muppets are now entertaining guests on 10- and 11-night Southern Caribbean cruises. Sailings in September include a Beach Party and wine seminars.

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“Epcot plant could be queen of cucumbers
Growers hope its 2,563 fruits are good enough for the Guinness record book.”
(Source: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/food/orl-cucumber1606jul16,0,7915079.story?coll=orl-home-lifestyle, 07/16/06)
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Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/calendar/parkhours/calendarHome?id=MKCalendarParkHoursMonthlyViewPage
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD

Tickets to Universal’s 16th annual Halloween Horror Nights are now on sale. Cost: $59.95 plus tax. Features haunted houses and Halloween-related parades and activities. Dates: September 29 through October 31. Halloween Horror Nights are returning to Universal Studios Hollywood October 13. to buy tickets, see:
http://www.halloweenhorrornights.com/orlando/index.html
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA

“The witching hour of midnight on Sept. 29, 2006, will mark the beginning of Disney’s HalloweenTime, an all-new seasonal event at the Disneyland Resort with whimsical décor, costumed Disney Characters, and interactive Halloween activities the whole family will find frightfully fun. Continuing through Oct. 31, the first-ever event will allow guests to enter a family-friendly world of Halloween delights.” (Source: Disneyland Press Release, 07/13/06)
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Disneyland Resort Calendar http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/calendar/daily/daily?name=CalendarDailyPage&date=20050913&span=1&parkDCA=true&parkDLP=true&parkDTD=true
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DISNEYLAND HONG KONG

Disneyland unveiled on Wednesday three new attractions which will officially open to visitors Thursday. The attractions include Stitch Encounter, Autopia and UFO Zone and are all located at Tomorrowland of the park.” (Source: People’s Daily Online, 07/13/06)
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TOKYO DISNEY

“Tokyo DisneySea will mark its 5th anniversary on September 4, 2006 with ten months of celebrations beginning July 14 and lasting through May 31, 2007. In honor of this milestone, the Park will be introducing a number of new entertainment programs to help create a truly festive atmosphere!” (Source: Tokyo Disney Resort, 07/13/06)

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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.

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Shirley writes:

“I am planning a short vacation in the Tampa Area and Busch Gardens. I own an RV, but I cannot seem to find a park nearby. Can you help?”Here’s one less than 15 minutes from Busch Gardens:Happy Traveler RV Park9401 E. Fowler Ave.Thonotosassa, FL, 33592813-986-3094Website: http://www.happytravelerrvpark.com/

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Beth, our travel agent, concludes her Disney Cruise trip report:

“Now, many people wonder why on earth everyone is so crazy about Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. I mean, nearly every major cruise line has a private island. Some are better than others, and for those that don't live near water a day at the beach is a thing to look forward to, but Disney cruisers like Castaway Cay so much that Disney now has some itineraries that stop there TWICE on the same cruise!

What makes it so special? Well, first of all, the ship ties up right there. No tenders needed to reach the island and that's a big plus. Second, Disney has paid as much attention to detail with the island as they do everything else. The landscaping is meant to look lush and natural, although there's nothing very natural about it... it's all perfectly trimmed, and every bush and tree is placed to achieve the desired effect. The gorgeous colors of bright tropical flowers are everywhere, and the breeze blows softly through palm trees. The facilities are extensive and well thought out.

Excuse me for saying so, but it is, well, a very magical place. There are dedicated areas for both children and teens, and there are enough beach chairs in the family area to accommodate everyone who wants one. They rent bicycles and snorkel equipment and boats and flotation mats and about anything you could want. They even offer special shore excursions here. Everything from fishing to feeding rays. When it's time for lunch, there are numerous lines to speed up the BBQ buffet process - and it's all (of course) very yummy. Plenty of picnic tables (under cover) to accommodate all. Don't feel like taking the 7-8 minute walk from the ship? Not a problem. A tram runs back and forth. Towels are readily available, as are Disney characters in swim attire for photo ops.

If you really want to splurge, though, you'll do it the way I did. I dropped my daughter off at the children's beach site at 10AM and took the tram over to the adults-only area known as Serenity Bay. The water is perfectly calm and crystal clear. You can plop down in a hammock for two, lie on a chaise under an umbrella, or do as I did and drag one of the numerous small chairs into about a foot of water to create the perfect way to read that book you've been trying to get through. There's a bar and a place to eat as well, but no need to go get those drinks... Every few minutes a server wanders past to see if you need anything.

About 10:45 I dragged my chair back to the sand and grabbed my gear, heading just around the corner to the massage cabanas. There are outdoor body and foot showers there to rinse off the sand, and chairs where you can wait for your name to be called. At 11:00, several young women appeared with small pieces of paper, each calling out the names of who they were looking for. My designated massage artist led me to the first cabana, and after closing the door she had me hop up on the table and talk to me about the pressures of my daily life. (I had to complete a questionnaire and bring it with me, so she at least had a place to start.) Then she left the room and instructed me to undress ‘as far as I felt comfortable’ and then lie face down on the massage table covered with a large scarf-like sheet.

Now, I'd heard that this undressing part could be a bit, well, unnerving to those who might be a bit bashful, but nothing could be further from the truth. I suppose if someone had been out there on the beach with binoculars and had looked at exactly the right time and place they may have gotten an eyeful, but it really was surprisingly private. My masseuse reentered and quickly kicked off her shoes and removed her socks so she could really get into the job at hand, and what a job she did. Boy, you haven't had a massage until you've had one at Serenity Bay. They do try to sell you products at the end, but it's easy to say no. Plan on spending about $150 for the hour-long treatment and gratuity.

I tracked down my daughter in a different play area, and because it looked like rain we headed back to the ship. She'd already eaten, so she was happy to lounge in the cabin and watch TV while I ran off to Parrot Cay for a quick bite at the buffet there. Then we cleaned up and took naps before getting dressed in our ‘formal wear’ for the last show and dinner. Here's a warning to all of you that have ever done a non-Disney cruise... People do NOT dress up for the most formal dinner. Well, a few do, but for the most part the clothing looks a lot like what you'd see on a regular night on other ships: everything from fairly casual to suits and dresses. My daughter wore a skirt and blouse with sandals and looked as ‘in place’ as I did with my little black dress and heels.

We stopped by the Castaway Club repeat cruisers reception first where we were offered a nice selection of hot and cold hors d'ouvres and a variety of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. The cruise director and the captain both stopped in for a few words, and senior officers wandered around making small talk. Then we headed back to the theater for the final show of the cruise, Disney Dreams. It's an oldie, but a goodie. Emily got in a few more minutes in the Lab afterwards, and I got another chance to work my emails before dinner. This last night was in Triton's, and I found the food that evening to be exceptionally good as did my adult table mate. The service was still slow, but I mentioned that my daughter needed to be in the Lab by 9:30 for her shot at making flubber, and they managed to time it perfectly. (I ran her up there after ordering dessert and made it back before the dessert was delivered.)

The last evening was spent, as on most cruises, packing up and sticking the luggage outside the door. Our carry-on bag came in handy in the morning for hauling away our nighttime essentials, although it was again a bit awkward to have to take it to breakfast. One advantage of being on late dining is that you also get to eat a late breakfast (about 8:15 if I remember right), and then you can leave right from there. Luggage is staged inside in a very organized manner and it's easy to locate your bags and drag them over to customs and immigration. The majority of passengers are waived through quickly and after going down the escalator (or elevator) you're set to head home. Unfortunately, it was raining torrentially when we left so the walk over to the car, although covered much of the way, still left us pretty soaked.

I didn't cover everything, but I'd be more than happy to give Affordable Disney Members more details if you're interested. I've also done the 7-night Eastern itinerary, so I have plenty of information to share. If YOU want to take a Disney cruise, remember these things:

1) The prices only go up, so BOOK EARLY. Reservations are now being taken through 2007, and 2008 should be coming out this fall (maybe October). You can email me your needs if you want me to get you in on day one when you'll get the absolute lowest prices.

2) Agents aren't allowed to discount Disney cruises, so you won't find huge price variations.

3) I can hold space for you for a few days without payment, but even after you deposit the money is fully refundable (except for suites) until your final payment date. You can, however, move deposits - even for the suites - to a different sailing date.

4) When you do your final payment I will send you a copy of the Passporter Guide to Disney Cruise Line, sure to answer every possible question you might have - although I'm always here for you if they miss something.

5) If you love the experience, be sure to book your next cruise onboard. You'll get both an onboard credit AND a discount. Then email me the details when you get back so I can follow-up.”

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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, see:
http://www.ncsreporting.com/LinkTrack/Redirect.asp?LinkID=CHU10862
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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, see:
http://www.bookcloseouts.com/default.asp?rid=disney

July Specials:

Coupon Code: Summer5
Coupon Password: Bookcloseouts.com
Value: Get $5 off an order of $25 or more


Coupon Code: Summer10
Coupon Password: Bookcloseouts.com
Value: Get $10 off an order of $50 or more


Coupon Code: Summer20
Coupon Password: Bookcloseouts.com
Value: Get $20 off an order of $100 or more

(Note: Above minimum order amount is before shipping/handling) Promotion expires 07/31/06.
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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, see: http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2034967-10385898
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Affordable Disney Movies and CD's

Save 40-70% on your favorite Disney Movie or CD! Cheap shipping, too! See:
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=PSEiizziCy8&offerid=57189.10001204&type=4&subid=0
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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, see: http://www.180096hotel.com/cgi-bin/pickcity?SID=ADI&LKF=ADI
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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! See:
http://partner.onetravel.com/go/go.cfm?GoID=1786

Cheryl writes: "I saved over $200.00 on my mini van rental!!!"
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Affordable Airfare

This service delivers as many as 230 flight options in a single search - more options than any other travel site. It's possible to save as much as 80%! To compare prices, see:
http://partner.onetravel.com/go/go.cfm?GoID=15263
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Affordable Luggage

Save up to 60% on Luggage, Backpacks, and more! Donna and I bought a beautiful 5-piece set of Samsonite luggage for our daughter for Christmas for $144! See:
http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-1695629-10293934
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Own a piece of the Magic Kingdom

Disney framed stock certificates are works of art. They feature Walt Disney and the Disney characters. Unlike stock brokers that require you to purchase several shares of stock, OneShare sells one share of stock and mails you the certificate. You can frame the stock certificate yourself or OneShare will frame if for you at a nominal cost. See:
http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-1695629-5338946

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See You Real Soon!

John

http://www.affordabledisney.com/
johngross@affordabledisney.com
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Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the accuracy of information contained in THE DISNEY NEWS. Always check to be sure. The views and opinions expressed by others in THE DISNEY NEWS do not necessarily reflect the views of AffordableDisney.Com.
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