Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
July 26, 2006
Copyright © 1999 - 2006 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
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=================================================
Hi Everyone!
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - FREE movies at Downtown Disney!
* The latest news from around the "World" - Florida tax reprieve! Save 6% on clothes and school supplies!
* Cherry writes about "Extra Magic Hours" and booking connecting rooms at Disney resorts.
=================================================
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! (Source: Become a member today so you'll be ready to pounce on this deal as soon as it's announced.
--------------------------------
WALT DISNEY WORLD PHOTOS
* Save up to 30% on Disney's PhotoPass!
* Get the inside scoop on Disney's PhotoPass CD!
--------------------------------
FREE MOVIES!
Details on how you can enjoy FREE movies at Downtown Disney!
--------------------------------
NEW SWEEPS
* Win a 6-night trip for four to Walt Disney World!
We now list over 30 Sweepstakes to win a Walt Disney World/Florida vacation!
--------------------------------
WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT DISCOUNTS!
* Value resorts - up to $20 off!
* Moderate resorts - up to $45 off!
* Deluxe/Home Away from Home resorts - $75 off!
--------------------------------
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!
* 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!
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Luxury Vacation Package in Orlando
Luxury accommodations for four nights await you and your family along with breakfast each morning! For entertainment each family member receives $120 credit voucher to be used towards local theme parks and attractions! Plus! Unlimited use of their par 3, lighted golf course! Starting at $338 per night for a family of three! Valid now through 09/04/06.
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
The latest Magical Disney Cruise Rates have been posted.
Book early and save!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
* Disneyland Vacation Package! From $277 per person! Includes hotel accommodations, Theme Park tickets, and Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness!
* FREE MOVIES! Details on how you can enjoy FREE movies at Downtown Disney!
* How to gain admission to Disneyland one hour before official opening time!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
* Tips on choosing the right Disneyland Paris Hotel!
* Enjoy a FREE night at your hotel and a FREE day in the Disney parks with this promotion!
--------------------------------
VEGAS
Summer Special! Stay at this luxury Resort & Casino from $89! Valid for travel now through September 7. Includes:
* Free upgrades
* Free cocktails
* Food and beverage credits
* and more!
--------------------------------
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
The Chicago Tribune recently profiled MGM Studios. Topics included their picks for the most popular rides and attractions, fun places to eat, and wheelchair accessibility. (Source: Chicago Tribune, 07/23/06)
--------------------------------
Mickey's Pin Trading Nights will end this August. Guests can still trade their pins with cast members. The last three Trading Nights will take place:
* July 27 7-10 PM at Disney's All-Star Sports Resort
* July 28 7-10 PM at Disney's Contemporary Resort
* August 5 4-7 PM at Disney's Pop Century Resort
(Source: Press Release, 7/24/06)
Click here for a related article.)
--------------------------------
"Starting Saturday, shoppers will get a nine-day tax reprieve on certain clothes, books and other school supplies. The so-called sales tax holiday will spare consumers the state's 6 percent tax and additional local sales taxes until midnight on July 30."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/21/06)
--------------------------------
Tickets to Disney’s Pirate and Princess Party are now on sale. Dates: Jan. 22, 26 & 29, Feb. 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 23 & 26, Mar. 2, 5 & 8. For details, click here.
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
Cherry writes:
"Hi John,
My husband and I decided on short notice to go to Disney World for the long Memorial Day Weekend. Expecting it would be very warm and crowded, I made notes of the parks with extra hours. And while making our resort reservations, I asked how the evening hours worked. I logically understood entering the parks early as a Disney resort guest via the Disney transportation system but specifically asked how we could be differentiated as Disney resort guests for evening extra hours once we were in the parks. I was told by the Disney reservation staff that we would just 'stay in the park,' that is, we just wouldn't leave when everyone else begins leaving.
I was disappointed at the time to think that the park would probably remain very crowded then; most people would want to stay - Disney resort guest or not. It turned out that EPCOT was the only park we remained in for actual evening 'extra hours.'
That night after Illuminations ended we approached the Norwegian ride and encountered a cast member who was standing at the entrance checking for wrist bands. Of course, we didn't have them when everyone else did. We were admitted to the ride by showing our Animal Kingdom Lodge room keys but were told we needed to go back to the front of the park to get our wrist bands after the ride. However, by the time we reached the front of the park, we decided we were tired and caught the bus back to our resort. Thus, I didn't have an opportunity to find out why we suddenly needed wrist bands for extra hours when I had been told we wouldn't need anything like this. For future reference, can you tell me what the appropriate procedure is for utilizing evening extra hours? Thanks"
>> During Evening Extra Magic Hours one of the parks will stay open three hours longer. You need to show your Key to the World Card at designated areas in the park two hours before park closing to get a wristband.
Another topic: Requested room views
"I have previously written about my frustration in rarely getting the room views I requested, despite my efforts to work with the system (i.e. arrive early). For this May trip, when I made our reservation at Animal Kingdom Lodge at the annual pass rate less than a week before our arrival date, I requested and paid for a standard view. We expected to get the parking lot or resort entrance view and agreed it was okay for this trip. However, when we checked in we found that Disney had upgraded us to a Savanna view (with giraffes and zebras) at the same rate without a request from me and with no explanation (hey, who’s complaining...) What a pleasant surprise!
However, back in early January I reserved two rooms at Port Orleans Riverside for February. I requested that the rooms be close together but not necessarily connecting as we were with younger relatives and would be helping with their children ages 1, 3, and 5! This was their first Disney trip and we were there to show them around and help with the younger kids.
When we checked in at 2:00 PM, we found Disney could not have put us any further apart within that one resort. Our assigned rooms were at opposite ends of the resort and Riverside is very spread out. I expected we might be on different floors or wings but at least in the same building. I explained the situation and was told they had no other availability. I offered to downgrade to a standard view from the requested water view and was still told they could do nothing.
I was caught by surprise with this and honestly didn't know what to do. But I didn't say okay and accept it. I just kept saying 'we have to find a solution. This won't work.' Finally, the lady helping me called her supervisor on the phone and explained to her. Two rooms in the same building precisely next to each other were suddenly available. She explained it to me as 'my supervisor has access to rooms I don't have access to.'
Hey, I LOVE Disney and cut them a lot of slack considering the crowds they handle daily. But this 20 minutes of stress on an old lady after a seven hour drive was unnecessary. I guess these were rooms they were holding for emergencies, but had I not quietly persisted, we would have been juggling toddlers across the resort!
I really appreciate the good info you and Beth send out to us Disney addicts! I enjoyed reading Susan’s lively recap of planning a Disney trip on short notice and am relieved to know my husband and I are not the only Disneyholics around... thanks!"
>> Readers can read Susan's report in issue #322.
Yes, Disney holds back a certain number of rooms that the supervisor can release. I would certainly insist on connecting rooms if young children are involved.
Beth and I are glad to be of service.
=================================================
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. 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.
--------------------------------
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 Disney Movies and CD's
Save 40-70% on your favorite Disney Movie or CD! Cheap shipping, too! 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.
=============================================
July 26, 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 - FREE movies at Downtown Disney!
* The latest news from around the "World" - Florida tax reprieve! Save 6% on clothes and school supplies!
* Cherry writes about "Extra Magic Hours" and booking connecting rooms at Disney resorts.
=================================================
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! (Source: Become a member today so you'll be ready to pounce on this deal as soon as it's announced.
--------------------------------
WALT DISNEY WORLD PHOTOS
* Save up to 30% on Disney's PhotoPass!
* Get the inside scoop on Disney's PhotoPass CD!
--------------------------------
FREE MOVIES!
Details on how you can enjoy FREE movies at Downtown Disney!
--------------------------------
NEW SWEEPS
* Win a 6-night trip for four to Walt Disney World!
We now list over 30 Sweepstakes to win a Walt Disney World/Florida vacation!
--------------------------------
WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT DISCOUNTS!
* Value resorts - up to $20 off!
* Moderate resorts - up to $45 off!
* Deluxe/Home Away from Home resorts - $75 off!
--------------------------------
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!
* 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!
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Luxury Vacation Package in Orlando
Luxury accommodations for four nights await you and your family along with breakfast each morning! For entertainment each family member receives $120 credit voucher to be used towards local theme parks and attractions! Plus! Unlimited use of their par 3, lighted golf course! Starting at $338 per night for a family of three! Valid now through 09/04/06.
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
The latest Magical Disney Cruise Rates have been posted.
Book early and save!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
* Disneyland Vacation Package! From $277 per person! Includes hotel accommodations, Theme Park tickets, and Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness!
* FREE MOVIES! Details on how you can enjoy FREE movies at Downtown Disney!
* How to gain admission to Disneyland one hour before official opening time!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
* Tips on choosing the right Disneyland Paris Hotel!
* Enjoy a FREE night at your hotel and a FREE day in the Disney parks with this promotion!
--------------------------------
VEGAS
Summer Special! Stay at this luxury Resort & Casino from $89! Valid for travel now through September 7. Includes:
* Free upgrades
* Free cocktails
* Food and beverage credits
* and more!
--------------------------------
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
The Chicago Tribune recently profiled MGM Studios. Topics included their picks for the most popular rides and attractions, fun places to eat, and wheelchair accessibility. (Source: Chicago Tribune, 07/23/06)
--------------------------------
Mickey's Pin Trading Nights will end this August. Guests can still trade their pins with cast members. The last three Trading Nights will take place:
* July 27 7-10 PM at Disney's All-Star Sports Resort
* July 28 7-10 PM at Disney's Contemporary Resort
* August 5 4-7 PM at Disney's Pop Century Resort
(Source: Press Release, 7/24/06)
Click here for a related article.)
--------------------------------
"Starting Saturday, shoppers will get a nine-day tax reprieve on certain clothes, books and other school supplies. The so-called sales tax holiday will spare consumers the state's 6 percent tax and additional local sales taxes until midnight on July 30."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/21/06)
--------------------------------
Tickets to Disney’s Pirate and Princess Party are now on sale. Dates: Jan. 22, 26 & 29, Feb. 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 23 & 26, Mar. 2, 5 & 8. For details, click here.
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
Cherry writes:
"Hi John,
My husband and I decided on short notice to go to Disney World for the long Memorial Day Weekend. Expecting it would be very warm and crowded, I made notes of the parks with extra hours. And while making our resort reservations, I asked how the evening hours worked. I logically understood entering the parks early as a Disney resort guest via the Disney transportation system but specifically asked how we could be differentiated as Disney resort guests for evening extra hours once we were in the parks. I was told by the Disney reservation staff that we would just 'stay in the park,' that is, we just wouldn't leave when everyone else begins leaving.
I was disappointed at the time to think that the park would probably remain very crowded then; most people would want to stay - Disney resort guest or not. It turned out that EPCOT was the only park we remained in for actual evening 'extra hours.'
That night after Illuminations ended we approached the Norwegian ride and encountered a cast member who was standing at the entrance checking for wrist bands. Of course, we didn't have them when everyone else did. We were admitted to the ride by showing our Animal Kingdom Lodge room keys but were told we needed to go back to the front of the park to get our wrist bands after the ride. However, by the time we reached the front of the park, we decided we were tired and caught the bus back to our resort. Thus, I didn't have an opportunity to find out why we suddenly needed wrist bands for extra hours when I had been told we wouldn't need anything like this. For future reference, can you tell me what the appropriate procedure is for utilizing evening extra hours? Thanks"
>> During Evening Extra Magic Hours one of the parks will stay open three hours longer. You need to show your Key to the World Card at designated areas in the park two hours before park closing to get a wristband.
Another topic: Requested room views
"I have previously written about my frustration in rarely getting the room views I requested, despite my efforts to work with the system (i.e. arrive early). For this May trip, when I made our reservation at Animal Kingdom Lodge at the annual pass rate less than a week before our arrival date, I requested and paid for a standard view. We expected to get the parking lot or resort entrance view and agreed it was okay for this trip. However, when we checked in we found that Disney had upgraded us to a Savanna view (with giraffes and zebras) at the same rate without a request from me and with no explanation (hey, who’s complaining...) What a pleasant surprise!
However, back in early January I reserved two rooms at Port Orleans Riverside for February. I requested that the rooms be close together but not necessarily connecting as we were with younger relatives and would be helping with their children ages 1, 3, and 5! This was their first Disney trip and we were there to show them around and help with the younger kids.
When we checked in at 2:00 PM, we found Disney could not have put us any further apart within that one resort. Our assigned rooms were at opposite ends of the resort and Riverside is very spread out. I expected we might be on different floors or wings but at least in the same building. I explained the situation and was told they had no other availability. I offered to downgrade to a standard view from the requested water view and was still told they could do nothing.
I was caught by surprise with this and honestly didn't know what to do. But I didn't say okay and accept it. I just kept saying 'we have to find a solution. This won't work.' Finally, the lady helping me called her supervisor on the phone and explained to her. Two rooms in the same building precisely next to each other were suddenly available. She explained it to me as 'my supervisor has access to rooms I don't have access to.'
Hey, I LOVE Disney and cut them a lot of slack considering the crowds they handle daily. But this 20 minutes of stress on an old lady after a seven hour drive was unnecessary. I guess these were rooms they were holding for emergencies, but had I not quietly persisted, we would have been juggling toddlers across the resort!
I really appreciate the good info you and Beth send out to us Disney addicts! I enjoyed reading Susan’s lively recap of planning a Disney trip on short notice and am relieved to know my husband and I are not the only Disneyholics around... thanks!"
>> Readers can read Susan's report in issue #322.
Yes, Disney holds back a certain number of rooms that the supervisor can release. I would certainly insist on connecting rooms if young children are involved.
Beth and I are glad to be of service.
=================================================
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. 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.
--------------------------------
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 Disney Movies and CD's
Save 40-70% on your favorite Disney Movie or CD! Cheap shipping, too! 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 5:12 AM
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