Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
August 9, 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 - get a connecting room at this deluxe resort on Disney property for only $89!
* The latest news from around the "World" - Disney ticket prices increased and 2007 vacation packages released
* Renea writes about her recent stay at the Grand Floridian
* Beth, our travel agent, comments on the 2007 vacation packages
=================================================
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!
Here are the Disney deals that Beth, our travel agent, got exclusively for our members in November and December.
NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER
Discounted Standard View Rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort!
Dates:
November 2, 2006 - November 14, 2006. Last day to book: September 30, 2006.
Dates: December 8, 2006 - December 20, 2006. Last day to book: November 1, 2006.
Plus no additional fee for having more than two adults in a room. (Disney charges $15 + tax per night for each "extra" adult!) Riverside rooms have two double beds and accommodate up to 4 plus an infant in a crib. (Trundle bed rooms that can sleep a 5th person under age 10 can be requested.)
DECEMBER
Discounted Standard View Garden Wing Rooms at Disney's Contemporary Resort! Dates: December 8, 2006 - December 20, 2006. Plus no additional fee for having more than two adults in a room. (Disney charges $25 + tax per night for each "extra" adult!) Contemporary rooms have two queen beds and a daybed and sleep up to 5. (We can request, but not guarantee, a refurbished room or a room that sleeps 3 with a King bed.)
This special is a phenomenal deal for anyone who already has tickets (or buys them from our ticket agent) or who has no desire to have the dining plan. We are also checking on special group-rate tickets.
These rooms go fast! Members should log in and book today before they're all gone! If you are not a member, but would like to take advantage of these deals, as well as all our Disney discounts and specials, see: http://www.affordabledisney.com .
--------------------------------
Stay at these luxury hotels on Disney property and enjoy a room from $159 per night while your kids share the connecting room from $89 per night!
--------------------------------
NEW SWEEPS
* Win a 2-night trip for four to Universal Studios!
* Win a 3-night trip to Hollywood and tour of Universal!
* Win a 3-night trip to WDW and a 4-night Disney Cruise!
* Win a trip to the set of the next Narnia movie!
We now list over 20 Sweepstakes to win a Walt Disney World/Florida vacation!
--------------------------------
Members of this group can save up to 20% on Walt Disney World resorts!
--------------------------------
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
Florida Residents Special: Stay at this beautiful resort that resembles a turn-of-the-century Florida mansion starting at only $129 per room per night, based on a 3-night stay! Valid September 1 through September 10, 2006.
Florida residents save up to $80.00 per admission to this popular park!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
The latest Magical Disney Cruise Rates have been posted.
Book early and save!
--------------------------------
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 Candlelight Processional will once again take place at the American Garden Theatre this November and December. Show times: 5 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:15 PM. Scheduled narrators:
November 24 - 26 David Robinson
November 27 - 29 John O'Hurley
November 30 - December 2 Rita Moreno
December 3 - 5 TBA
December 6 - 8 TBA
December 9 - 11 Steven Curtis Chapman
December 12 - 14 Maureen McGovern
December 15 - 17 Kirk Cameron
December 18 - 20 Lou Diamond Phillips
December 21 - 23 Cuba Gooding Jr.
December 24 - 26 Gary Sinese
December 27 - 30 Marlee Matlin
--------------------------------
"Traveling with toddlers and preschoolers takes lots of advance planning. Now the folks at Disney have made traveling with little ones easier than ever with their new Magical Beginnings... a new program devoted to families with toddlers or preschoolers. They even have their own designated season, Aug. 13 through Sept. 30, traditionally a less-busy time of the year." (Source: Beacon Journal, 08/06/06)
--------------------------------
Coming this fall to the Magic Kingdom
* Five new sidewalk shows:
- "High School Musical Pep Rally" (the audience is invited to sing, dance and cheer)
- "Royal Court Academy" (Your chance to meet royalty in Adventureland)
- "Woody's Cowboy Camp" (a hoedown in Frontierland)
- A new show to replace "Cinderellabration" in front of the castle has not been announced
* A new parade will take place on Main Street in the morning; the afternoon parade will continue
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/07/06)
--------------------------------
"Starting Sunday, the cost of a one-day ticket to any of Walt Disney World's four parks is going up to $67 -- a 6.3 percent increase, the largest since 1991... The new increases cover most but not all of Disney's ticket prices. Magic Your Way tickets will see prices go up at all levels, about 3 percent to 6 percent. Disney's Park Hopper feature, which allows people to attend any of its parks, goes up $5 to $45. Yet water-park tickets remain the same, as do Florida resident three-day theme-park tickets."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/05/06) For new prices, click here.
--------------------------------
"The American Chemical Society, working with the Disney Institute, is now offering 'Everyday Chemistry' - a three-hour, hands-on course for students in grades 4-9 - at Disney’s Epcot in Orlando, Fla." (Source: webwire.com, 08/01/06)
--------------------------------
"The daily parade at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom is losing its snow globes and getting a touch of Japan. The 'Disney Dreams Come True' parade starts rolling Aug. 10 with new music borrowed from the Tokyo Disneyland parade, new characters and revised floats that get rid of the giant globes that were signature features in the old 'Share a Dream Come True' parade." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/03/06)
--------------------------------
Disney Waives Fees During Tropical Storm Warnings
"During the 2006 hurricane season, in the event a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area or for the guest's place of residence within 7 days before the scheduled arrival date, the guest may call in advance to reschedule or cancel their Walt Disney Travel Co. Magic Your Way vacation package without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney.
This policy also applies to most Walt Disney World Resort room-only reservations booked directly with Disney, as well as reservations at Disney's Vero Beach Resort or Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort in the event a hurricane warning is issued for those destinations." (Source: WDW Press Release, 08/04/06)
"Universal is offering people a chance to cancel or reschedule anytime a named storm threatens, whether or not a specific hurricane warning is issued for Orlando or their hometowns. Universal calls it a 'no questions asked' policy... SeaWorld also has a general policy allowing people to cancel or reschedule because of hurricanes, but it's informal." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/04/06)
--------------------------------
Disney is targeting Blacks and Hispanics with a new marketing campaign and changes in the parks. "Some possibilities include offering theme-park shows in Spanish and ensuring that some of the princesses and other characters who roam the parks and interact with guests do so in Spanish. Now those characters only interact with tourists in English." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/03/06)
In a related story, the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau is going to focus on attracting Gay tourists. "And though Disney doesn't officially acknowledge Gay Days, its resort is the focal point of the event that drew 140,000 people this year." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/03/06)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
"The Back to the Future ride at Universal Studios is closing -- perhaps as soon as next month -- to make way for a new attraction... speculation on some unofficial Web sites indicates a new storyline and ride vehicles could be based on The Simpsons cartoon or The Fast and the Furious car-racing movies." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/09/06)
--------------------------------
"The Army is considering a proposal to allow a private developer to build a military theme park that would include '4D' rides and bars including a '1st Division Lounge.' Military officials said a massive entertainment and hotel complex built next to a national Army museum could draw more than 1 million people a year." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/08/06)
--------------------------------
"Universal Partner Hotel" Program
Nine hotels near Universal - less than 3 miles away - can now transport guests to Universal and offer food and merchandise discounts. These hotels will offer accommodations that are less expensive than Universal's onsite deluxe resorts:
* Comfort Inn Universal Studios Area
* Doubletree Hotel (Entrance to Universal Studios)
* Embassy Suites International Drive
* Fairfield Inn & Suites (Marriott Orlando Int'l Cove)
* Fairfield Inn & Suites (Marriott Orlando near Universal)
* Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites (Entrance to Universal)
* LaQuinta Inn & Suites Orlando Convention Center
* Sheraton Studio City Orlando (Marriott Convention Center)
* Residence Inn (Marriott Convention Center)
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/07/06)
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Renea writes:
"Hello John!
We just returned from our 6 day trip to Disneyworld on Sunday, July 16, 2006.
We stayed the first night at the La Quinta Inn & Suites on Polynesian Isle Blvd in Kissimmee.
This stay was on a 'free night certificate' because 2 years ago we stayed at the La Quinta on Jamaican Court, International Drive and it was awful! The place was dirty and a woman was getting beat up in the room behind us.
The La Quinta in Kissimmee was awesome. We payed $30 more and were upgraded to a kids suite. The property was clean and the employees were very nice. I would recommend this property to someone who didn't want to spend a lot of $ in Orlando. There is also a new Walmart within walking distance.
We checked in to the Grand Floridian (this was our 6th time there) on Wednesday. We had a lagoon view room but they upgraded us to the Main building. If anyone can afford to stay here I highly recommend it.
The hotel is a 5 star and is immaculate. The cleaning people were actually polishing the door jams on the floor at 1 a.m.!
The food in Concierge is non stop and the service is outstanding! Anything you need they give you.
FYI: the other concierge building (the Sugarloaf) will be closed in January for refurbishment.
We are hoping to go back in February of 2007, we will see.
That’s all for now."
=================================================
2007 Walt Disney World Magic Your Way Vacation Packages have been released.
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
"I'm very disappointed that they still didn't come up with longer tickets. 10 days is still the max, but now you can do up to 14 nigh stays so they WILL allow you to add on a second ticket to cover all your days - but no discount on the second ticket. (In other words, ticket days 5-10 are still costing you next to nothing, but then you'll pay big bucks again for days 11-14.)
In my opinion, aside from being able to do 14-night stays now, the best change is that they've adjusted the premium and platinum plans. These plans are very high-powered with all your meals included, unlimited backstage tours, Cirque tickets, recreation, and more. Previously, they only came with length-of-stay premium tickets (hopping and water parks), but for 2007 you can book them with ANY ticket meaning a 1-day base ticket is just fine.
This is huge for people that have been there many times and really want to focus on dining and many of the non-park things. After all, there's SO much included with these plans that you hardly have time for theme parks! These plans are perfect for adults just looking for an all-inclusive getaway without the kids, especially if one or both people like to golf. It's also nice for annual pass holders and people that already have existing tickets from previous stays."
See our book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation," for a breakdown of the 2007 vacation packages.
=================================================
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.
Get FREE shipping on the new 2007 book for a limited time!
--------------------------------
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.
Save 25% on all stock certificate frames, use code: frame25. Expires 8/15/2006.
=============================================
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.
=============================================
August 9, 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 - get a connecting room at this deluxe resort on Disney property for only $89!
* The latest news from around the "World" - Disney ticket prices increased and 2007 vacation packages released
* Renea writes about her recent stay at the Grand Floridian
* Beth, our travel agent, comments on the 2007 vacation packages
=================================================
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!
Here are the Disney deals that Beth, our travel agent, got exclusively for our members in November and December.
NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER
Discounted Standard View Rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort!
Dates:
November 2, 2006 - November 14, 2006. Last day to book: September 30, 2006.
Dates: December 8, 2006 - December 20, 2006. Last day to book: November 1, 2006.
Plus no additional fee for having more than two adults in a room. (Disney charges $15 + tax per night for each "extra" adult!) Riverside rooms have two double beds and accommodate up to 4 plus an infant in a crib. (Trundle bed rooms that can sleep a 5th person under age 10 can be requested.)
DECEMBER
Discounted Standard View Garden Wing Rooms at Disney's Contemporary Resort! Dates: December 8, 2006 - December 20, 2006. Plus no additional fee for having more than two adults in a room. (Disney charges $25 + tax per night for each "extra" adult!) Contemporary rooms have two queen beds and a daybed and sleep up to 5. (We can request, but not guarantee, a refurbished room or a room that sleeps 3 with a King bed.)
This special is a phenomenal deal for anyone who already has tickets (or buys them from our ticket agent) or who has no desire to have the dining plan. We are also checking on special group-rate tickets.
These rooms go fast! Members should log in and book today before they're all gone! If you are not a member, but would like to take advantage of these deals, as well as all our Disney discounts and specials, see: http://www.affordabledisney.com .
--------------------------------
Stay at these luxury hotels on Disney property and enjoy a room from $159 per night while your kids share the connecting room from $89 per night!
--------------------------------
NEW SWEEPS
* Win a 2-night trip for four to Universal Studios!
* Win a 3-night trip to Hollywood and tour of Universal!
* Win a 3-night trip to WDW and a 4-night Disney Cruise!
* Win a trip to the set of the next Narnia movie!
We now list over 20 Sweepstakes to win a Walt Disney World/Florida vacation!
--------------------------------
Members of this group can save up to 20% on Walt Disney World resorts!
--------------------------------
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
Florida Residents Special: Stay at this beautiful resort that resembles a turn-of-the-century Florida mansion starting at only $129 per room per night, based on a 3-night stay! Valid September 1 through September 10, 2006.
Florida residents save up to $80.00 per admission to this popular park!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
The latest Magical Disney Cruise Rates have been posted.
Book early and save!
--------------------------------
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 Candlelight Processional will once again take place at the American Garden Theatre this November and December. Show times: 5 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:15 PM. Scheduled narrators:
November 24 - 26 David Robinson
November 27 - 29 John O'Hurley
November 30 - December 2 Rita Moreno
December 3 - 5 TBA
December 6 - 8 TBA
December 9 - 11 Steven Curtis Chapman
December 12 - 14 Maureen McGovern
December 15 - 17 Kirk Cameron
December 18 - 20 Lou Diamond Phillips
December 21 - 23 Cuba Gooding Jr.
December 24 - 26 Gary Sinese
December 27 - 30 Marlee Matlin
--------------------------------
"Traveling with toddlers and preschoolers takes lots of advance planning. Now the folks at Disney have made traveling with little ones easier than ever with their new Magical Beginnings... a new program devoted to families with toddlers or preschoolers. They even have their own designated season, Aug. 13 through Sept. 30, traditionally a less-busy time of the year." (Source: Beacon Journal, 08/06/06)
--------------------------------
Coming this fall to the Magic Kingdom
* Five new sidewalk shows:
- "High School Musical Pep Rally" (the audience is invited to sing, dance and cheer)
- "Royal Court Academy" (Your chance to meet royalty in Adventureland)
- "Woody's Cowboy Camp" (a hoedown in Frontierland)
- A new show to replace "Cinderellabration" in front of the castle has not been announced
* A new parade will take place on Main Street in the morning; the afternoon parade will continue
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/07/06)
--------------------------------
"Starting Sunday, the cost of a one-day ticket to any of Walt Disney World's four parks is going up to $67 -- a 6.3 percent increase, the largest since 1991... The new increases cover most but not all of Disney's ticket prices. Magic Your Way tickets will see prices go up at all levels, about 3 percent to 6 percent. Disney's Park Hopper feature, which allows people to attend any of its parks, goes up $5 to $45. Yet water-park tickets remain the same, as do Florida resident three-day theme-park tickets."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/05/06) For new prices, click here.
--------------------------------
"The American Chemical Society, working with the Disney Institute, is now offering 'Everyday Chemistry' - a three-hour, hands-on course for students in grades 4-9 - at Disney’s Epcot in Orlando, Fla." (Source: webwire.com, 08/01/06)
--------------------------------
"The daily parade at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom is losing its snow globes and getting a touch of Japan. The 'Disney Dreams Come True' parade starts rolling Aug. 10 with new music borrowed from the Tokyo Disneyland parade, new characters and revised floats that get rid of the giant globes that were signature features in the old 'Share a Dream Come True' parade." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/03/06)
--------------------------------
Disney Waives Fees During Tropical Storm Warnings
"During the 2006 hurricane season, in the event a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area or for the guest's place of residence within 7 days before the scheduled arrival date, the guest may call in advance to reschedule or cancel their Walt Disney Travel Co. Magic Your Way vacation package without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney.
This policy also applies to most Walt Disney World Resort room-only reservations booked directly with Disney, as well as reservations at Disney's Vero Beach Resort or Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort in the event a hurricane warning is issued for those destinations." (Source: WDW Press Release, 08/04/06)
"Universal is offering people a chance to cancel or reschedule anytime a named storm threatens, whether or not a specific hurricane warning is issued for Orlando or their hometowns. Universal calls it a 'no questions asked' policy... SeaWorld also has a general policy allowing people to cancel or reschedule because of hurricanes, but it's informal." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/04/06)
--------------------------------
Disney is targeting Blacks and Hispanics with a new marketing campaign and changes in the parks. "Some possibilities include offering theme-park shows in Spanish and ensuring that some of the princesses and other characters who roam the parks and interact with guests do so in Spanish. Now those characters only interact with tourists in English." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/03/06)
In a related story, the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau is going to focus on attracting Gay tourists. "And though Disney doesn't officially acknowledge Gay Days, its resort is the focal point of the event that drew 140,000 people this year." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/03/06)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
"The Back to the Future ride at Universal Studios is closing -- perhaps as soon as next month -- to make way for a new attraction... speculation on some unofficial Web sites indicates a new storyline and ride vehicles could be based on The Simpsons cartoon or The Fast and the Furious car-racing movies." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/09/06)
--------------------------------
"The Army is considering a proposal to allow a private developer to build a military theme park that would include '4D' rides and bars including a '1st Division Lounge.' Military officials said a massive entertainment and hotel complex built next to a national Army museum could draw more than 1 million people a year." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/08/06)
--------------------------------
"Universal Partner Hotel" Program
Nine hotels near Universal - less than 3 miles away - can now transport guests to Universal and offer food and merchandise discounts. These hotels will offer accommodations that are less expensive than Universal's onsite deluxe resorts:
* Comfort Inn Universal Studios Area
* Doubletree Hotel (Entrance to Universal Studios)
* Embassy Suites International Drive
* Fairfield Inn & Suites (Marriott Orlando Int'l Cove)
* Fairfield Inn & Suites (Marriott Orlando near Universal)
* Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites (Entrance to Universal)
* LaQuinta Inn & Suites Orlando Convention Center
* Sheraton Studio City Orlando (Marriott Convention Center)
* Residence Inn (Marriott Convention Center)
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/07/06)
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Renea writes:
"Hello John!
We just returned from our 6 day trip to Disneyworld on Sunday, July 16, 2006.
We stayed the first night at the La Quinta Inn & Suites on Polynesian Isle Blvd in Kissimmee.
This stay was on a 'free night certificate' because 2 years ago we stayed at the La Quinta on Jamaican Court, International Drive and it was awful! The place was dirty and a woman was getting beat up in the room behind us.
The La Quinta in Kissimmee was awesome. We payed $30 more and were upgraded to a kids suite. The property was clean and the employees were very nice. I would recommend this property to someone who didn't want to spend a lot of $ in Orlando. There is also a new Walmart within walking distance.
We checked in to the Grand Floridian (this was our 6th time there) on Wednesday. We had a lagoon view room but they upgraded us to the Main building. If anyone can afford to stay here I highly recommend it.
The hotel is a 5 star and is immaculate. The cleaning people were actually polishing the door jams on the floor at 1 a.m.!
The food in Concierge is non stop and the service is outstanding! Anything you need they give you.
FYI: the other concierge building (the Sugarloaf) will be closed in January for refurbishment.
We are hoping to go back in February of 2007, we will see.
That’s all for now."
=================================================
2007 Walt Disney World Magic Your Way Vacation Packages have been released.
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
"I'm very disappointed that they still didn't come up with longer tickets. 10 days is still the max, but now you can do up to 14 nigh stays so they WILL allow you to add on a second ticket to cover all your days - but no discount on the second ticket. (In other words, ticket days 5-10 are still costing you next to nothing, but then you'll pay big bucks again for days 11-14.)
In my opinion, aside from being able to do 14-night stays now, the best change is that they've adjusted the premium and platinum plans. These plans are very high-powered with all your meals included, unlimited backstage tours, Cirque tickets, recreation, and more. Previously, they only came with length-of-stay premium tickets (hopping and water parks), but for 2007 you can book them with ANY ticket meaning a 1-day base ticket is just fine.
This is huge for people that have been there many times and really want to focus on dining and many of the non-park things. After all, there's SO much included with these plans that you hardly have time for theme parks! These plans are perfect for adults just looking for an all-inclusive getaway without the kids, especially if one or both people like to golf. It's also nice for annual pass holders and people that already have existing tickets from previous stays."
See our book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation," for a breakdown of the 2007 vacation packages.
=================================================
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.
Get FREE shipping on the new 2007 book for a limited time!
--------------------------------
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.
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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! Click here.
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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. Click here.
Save 25% on all stock certificate frames, use code: frame25. Expires 8/15/2006.
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See You Real Soon!
John
AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
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posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 6:33 AM
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