Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
September 27, 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 - Last call for Affordable Disney Members who plan to book our special at Port Orleans Riverside in November! Plus! Free accommodations for the military at this luxury resort in Branson Missouri!
* The latest news from around the "World" - The Living Seas Pavilion at Epcot has a new name!
* Disney makes changes to the Disney Wonder
* This week's money saving tip
=================================================
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. DISCOUNT RATE JUST REDUCED EVEN MORE! 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, click here.
--------------------------------
Disney's last deal to the general public before the holiday season kicks in must be booked by September 30!
This group receives a FREE souvenir photo with the Disney characters!
--------------------------------
SWEEPS
We now list 36 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!
* A 7-day ticket to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure for only $12 per day!
* 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!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
The latest Magical Disney Cruise Rates have been posted.
Book early and save!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
* Effective 09/21/06 Disney raised the price of single-day tickets from $59 to $63 (adults); $49 to $53 (3-9).
* New ticket discount announced for these residents!
--------------------------------
VEGAS
A Grand Reopening Special at this Cancun Resort & Spa!
From $239 per night. Features luxury rooms, breathtaking beaches, invigorating spa treatments, and championship golf. Includes:
* Accommodations
* $100 food and breakfast credit per room
* One free night with a four-night stay
Promotion is valid through December 16, 2006.
--------------------------------
BRANSON, MISSOURI
Free Accommodations for the military!
This luxury Branson golf resort community is offering two FREE nights - no strings attached - to active-duty U.S. military personnel on leave from the Middle East. Located just off the Branson Strip, it is conveniently situated between international award-winning theme park, Silver Dollar City and Branson’s 49 live music theaters. The resort features:
* one of the Top 10-ranked 18-hole courses in the state
* the area’s largest, private man-made lake
* miles of nature and biking trails
* tennis courts
* swimming pools
* children’s playgrounds
* Lounge and Fine Dining
Reservations will be accepted until January 1, 2008 for stays occurring before February 1, 2008. Priority will be given to active-duty personnel on leave from the Middle East, on a first-come, first-served basis and is based on availability.
--------------------------------
OTHER VACATION IDEAS
Inexpensive Shore Excursions/Tours!
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
"When you visit an island or Mexico - whether by plane or by cruise ship - you usually do a tour or two to see a little more of the place. Most hotels and cruise ships offer these tours, but I've found a source that not only does them for less (in most cases), but also offers many *very cool* tours that the ships and hotels don't. I've used this company for several years and they are great to work with. If and when anyone books a trip I will be notified so that I can answer any questions that they have and be sure they print out their vouchers."
--------------------------------
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 United States said on Monday it was partly easing its ban on liquids and gels in carry-on bags on airline flights... Travelers will be allowed to carry travel-size toiletries of 3 ounces (90 ml) or less in a small clear-plastic bag... They also may carry on drinks and other items purchased in the secure areas of the airport. Lip gloss and hand lotion will no longer be confiscated by airport screeners. Those items will be checked over and placed in bags for passengers to carry aboard."
(Source: Reuters, 09/25/06)
--------------------------------
The Annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival opens
Friday and continues through November 12. The park will extend its hours. "More than 100 wineries and 250 Disney and guest chefs will be serving up food and sprits from 25 international marketplaces." Admission includes concerts at the America Gardens Theatre.
The National Fantasy Fan Club will hold its Disneyana convention Thursday through Sunday at Disney's Swan and Dolphin Resort, which has just undergone a major rehab.
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/25/06)
--------------------------------
To speed up service to its resorts, Disney's Magical Express bus service will switch from Orlando's International Airport "A" terminal to the "B" terminal October 3.
To increase traffic flow, Lynx buses are being moved from the "B" terminal to the "A" terminal on the same date.
(Source: Orlando Business Journal, 09/18/06)
--------------------------------
The Living Seas Pavilion at Epcot has been renamed The Seas With Nemo & Friends Pavilion.
"Three years after the release of Pixar's animated blockbuster film Finding Nemo, the little cartoon fish and his friends are getting new rides at Epcot and Disneyland, a whole Epcot pavilion renamed for them, plus a new show at Disney's Animal Kingdom."
Epcot's The Seas With Nemo & Friends Pavilion will house Turtle Talk With Crush and a new ride, The Seas With Nemo & Friends (yes, that's where Disney got the new name for the pavilion). Opens October.
"Finding Nemo -- The Musical" stage show will have a soft opening in November and an official opening in January at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Disney has remade the submarine ride in Disneyland California into the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage ride, which opens summer, 2007. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/27/06)
--------------------------------
Click here for a review of a trip to London and Paris through the Disney Adventures Program.
Click here to see a video of Bryant Gumbel on the Today Show interviewing Dreamfinder & Figment on October 1, 1982!
--------------------------------
Click here to visit Disney's official Fairies site.
--------------------------------
This Day in Disney History
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
"The second, and largest, of Florida's annual theme park Halloween festivals begins Friday night as Universal Studios resurrects old characters such as The Storyteller and old haunted houses for Halloween Horror Nights Sweet 16... Walt Disney World's Halloween event, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, began last week and continues at Magic Kingdom. Howl-O-Scream 2006 begins Oct. 5 at Busch Gardens in Tampa, and SeaWorld Orlando's Halloween Spooktacular begins Oct. 7." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/25/06)
--------------------------------
We mentioned last week that a baby killer whale had been born at SeaWorld. She is now part of the "Baby Believe" show.
"The unnamed calf and its mother live in the same multimillion-gallon pool that SeaWorld Orlando uses for its signature Believe show at Shamu Stadium. Officials figured the show would be canceled for a few days but by 1 p.m. Tuesday -- less than 24 hours after the calf was born -- a modified show reopened with them." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/20/06)
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
"HalloweenTime" at Disneyland
"The event, which starts Sept. 29 and runs through Oct. 31, is part of Disneyland's attempt to bolster attendance in the period between its peak summer and Christmas seasons. It aims to attract Southern California families with children ages 3 to 11 who are looking for a not-too-scary outing during the month leading up to Halloween."
(Source: ocregister.com, 09/22/06)
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
Dry Dock Brings More Magic to the Disney Wonder
Something New For Every Member of the Family -
Toddler Splash Zone, Jumbo LED Screen, Spa Enhancements and Luxurious Upgrades to Adult Pool
One of the most magical ships afloat is getting an extra dose of pixie dust. Following two weeks in dry dock this October, the Disney Wonder will offer more options for adults, children and families, and further enhance the personalized vacation experience Disney Cruise Line is known for providing its guests.
The changes will be hard to miss, especially on the pool decks: whimsical additions are planned for the Mickey Pool, major entertainment offerings will be unveiled at the Goofy Pool, and a splash of upscale elegance is being added to the adult-only Quiet Cove pool. Other modifications will be made to the onboard conference rooms, the Vista Spa and Salon and youth activity spaces.
New For Kids of All Ages
After dry dock, there will be something new on the ship for children of all ages - including the youngest set of cruisers - toddlers. An extension to the Mickey Pool on deck 9 is designed specifically for children not yet toilet trained and in swim diapers. Reminiscent of Mickey’s sorcerer hat, the 385-square-foot toddler water-play pool features star- and moon-shaped interactive fountains and splash zones.
At Oceaneer Lab (ages 8-12), a new computer simulator allows children to see what it’s like to steer the Disney Wonder in and out of various ports of call. The simulator is built into a replica of the ship’s bridge, complete with giant video screens that provide a panoramic view of the ports - similar to the view from the actual ship’s bridge.
Oceaneer Club (ages 3-7) will expand on its Neverland theme and revamp the Captain’s Closet dress-up area, creating more space for hands-on, interactive activities for the children along with additional PlayStation and computer stations for individual play.
New Family Fun
Disney Wonder guests will enjoy poolside movies on a brand-new, state-of-the-art jumbo LED screen affixed to the forward funnel on deck 9. At the Goofy Pool (family pool area), families can gather and watch classic Disney animated or live-action movies on the giant 24-by-14-foot screen. Other programming will also be available - such as popular TV shows and major sporting and broadcast events - and the 336-square-foot screen will greatly enhance outdoor entertainment and deck parties in and around the Goofy Pool area.
New Adult Activities
At the Vista Spa and Salon, guests will find three specifically designed spa villas - complete with an indoor spa treatment suite connected to a private outdoor verandah with personal hot tub, open-air shower and luxurious chaise lounge. With incredible ocean vistas and warm tropical breezes, the new treatment suites provide guests with a romantic getaway into a tranquil oasis without ever leaving the ship.
As part of the Vista Spa expansion, the fitness center will double in size, providing space for more exercise equipment, an area for spinning classes and private salons for Pilates instruction and one-on-one beauty and fitness consultations. The Vista Spa and Salon is an area reserved exclusively for adults aboard the Disney Wonder. The expansion adds an additional 1,700 square feet to the fitness center, bringing the total size of the Vista Spa to 10,700 square feet.
Adjacent to the Vista Spa, the Quiet Cove adult pool is undergoing a makeover with waterfalls cascading from the two hot tubs, and teak deck and lounge chairs with plush cushions lining the pool. Guests visiting the Quiet Cove pool will find a peaceful respite that looks and feels like an outdoor extension of the Vista Spa.
New for Business Travelers
The Peter Pan, Fantasia and Steamboat Willie conference rooms on deck 2 are being transformed to rival any meeting space on land. A combination of warm wood tones mixed with Disney nostalgia, each conference room will contain state-of-the-art business presentation tools, complete with LED flat-screen TVs. The meeting space will also host a business center, individual computer stations and a refreshment bar. In addition, business travelers will find more Wi-Fi Internet stations inside the popular adult coffee bar, Cove Café, located on deck 9. (Source: Disney Cruise Line Press Release, 09/21/06)
=================================================
MONEY SAVING TIP
The Melting Pot Fondue Restaurant
7549 W Sand Lake Rd
ORLANDO, FL 32819
Phone: 407-903-1100
Fax: 407-248-9916
Present this coupon and save 50% on specialty drinks or house wine or 10% on a bottle of wine with the purchase of a four course combination or package menu selection.
=================================================
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.
=============================================
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.
=============================================
September 27, 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 - Last call for Affordable Disney Members who plan to book our special at Port Orleans Riverside in November! Plus! Free accommodations for the military at this luxury resort in Branson Missouri!
* The latest news from around the "World" - The Living Seas Pavilion at Epcot has a new name!
* Disney makes changes to the Disney Wonder
* This week's money saving tip
=================================================
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. DISCOUNT RATE JUST REDUCED EVEN MORE! 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, click here.
--------------------------------
Disney's last deal to the general public before the holiday season kicks in must be booked by September 30!
This group receives a FREE souvenir photo with the Disney characters!
--------------------------------
SWEEPS
We now list 36 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!
* A 7-day ticket to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure for only $12 per day!
* 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!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
The latest Magical Disney Cruise Rates have been posted.
Book early and save!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
* Effective 09/21/06 Disney raised the price of single-day tickets from $59 to $63 (adults); $49 to $53 (3-9).
* New ticket discount announced for these residents!
--------------------------------
VEGAS
A Grand Reopening Special at this Cancun Resort & Spa!
From $239 per night. Features luxury rooms, breathtaking beaches, invigorating spa treatments, and championship golf. Includes:
* Accommodations
* $100 food and breakfast credit per room
* One free night with a four-night stay
Promotion is valid through December 16, 2006.
--------------------------------
BRANSON, MISSOURI
Free Accommodations for the military!
This luxury Branson golf resort community is offering two FREE nights - no strings attached - to active-duty U.S. military personnel on leave from the Middle East. Located just off the Branson Strip, it is conveniently situated between international award-winning theme park, Silver Dollar City and Branson’s 49 live music theaters. The resort features:
* one of the Top 10-ranked 18-hole courses in the state
* the area’s largest, private man-made lake
* miles of nature and biking trails
* tennis courts
* swimming pools
* children’s playgrounds
* Lounge and Fine Dining
Reservations will be accepted until January 1, 2008 for stays occurring before February 1, 2008. Priority will be given to active-duty personnel on leave from the Middle East, on a first-come, first-served basis and is based on availability.
--------------------------------
OTHER VACATION IDEAS
Inexpensive Shore Excursions/Tours!
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
"When you visit an island or Mexico - whether by plane or by cruise ship - you usually do a tour or two to see a little more of the place. Most hotels and cruise ships offer these tours, but I've found a source that not only does them for less (in most cases), but also offers many *very cool* tours that the ships and hotels don't. I've used this company for several years and they are great to work with. If and when anyone books a trip I will be notified so that I can answer any questions that they have and be sure they print out their vouchers."
--------------------------------
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 United States said on Monday it was partly easing its ban on liquids and gels in carry-on bags on airline flights... Travelers will be allowed to carry travel-size toiletries of 3 ounces (90 ml) or less in a small clear-plastic bag... They also may carry on drinks and other items purchased in the secure areas of the airport. Lip gloss and hand lotion will no longer be confiscated by airport screeners. Those items will be checked over and placed in bags for passengers to carry aboard."
(Source: Reuters, 09/25/06)
--------------------------------
The Annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival opens
Friday and continues through November 12. The park will extend its hours. "More than 100 wineries and 250 Disney and guest chefs will be serving up food and sprits from 25 international marketplaces." Admission includes concerts at the America Gardens Theatre.
The National Fantasy Fan Club will hold its Disneyana convention Thursday through Sunday at Disney's Swan and Dolphin Resort, which has just undergone a major rehab.
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/25/06)
--------------------------------
To speed up service to its resorts, Disney's Magical Express bus service will switch from Orlando's International Airport "A" terminal to the "B" terminal October 3.
To increase traffic flow, Lynx buses are being moved from the "B" terminal to the "A" terminal on the same date.
(Source: Orlando Business Journal, 09/18/06)
--------------------------------
The Living Seas Pavilion at Epcot has been renamed The Seas With Nemo & Friends Pavilion.
"Three years after the release of Pixar's animated blockbuster film Finding Nemo, the little cartoon fish and his friends are getting new rides at Epcot and Disneyland, a whole Epcot pavilion renamed for them, plus a new show at Disney's Animal Kingdom."
Epcot's The Seas With Nemo & Friends Pavilion will house Turtle Talk With Crush and a new ride, The Seas With Nemo & Friends (yes, that's where Disney got the new name for the pavilion). Opens October.
"Finding Nemo -- The Musical" stage show will have a soft opening in November and an official opening in January at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Disney has remade the submarine ride in Disneyland California into the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage ride, which opens summer, 2007. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/27/06)
--------------------------------
Click here for a review of a trip to London and Paris through the Disney Adventures Program.
Click here to see a video of Bryant Gumbel on the Today Show interviewing Dreamfinder & Figment on October 1, 1982!
--------------------------------
Click here to visit Disney's official Fairies site.
--------------------------------
This Day in Disney History
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
"The second, and largest, of Florida's annual theme park Halloween festivals begins Friday night as Universal Studios resurrects old characters such as The Storyteller and old haunted houses for Halloween Horror Nights Sweet 16... Walt Disney World's Halloween event, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, began last week and continues at Magic Kingdom. Howl-O-Scream 2006 begins Oct. 5 at Busch Gardens in Tampa, and SeaWorld Orlando's Halloween Spooktacular begins Oct. 7." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/25/06)
--------------------------------
We mentioned last week that a baby killer whale had been born at SeaWorld. She is now part of the "Baby Believe" show.
"The unnamed calf and its mother live in the same multimillion-gallon pool that SeaWorld Orlando uses for its signature Believe show at Shamu Stadium. Officials figured the show would be canceled for a few days but by 1 p.m. Tuesday -- less than 24 hours after the calf was born -- a modified show reopened with them." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/20/06)
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
"HalloweenTime" at Disneyland
"The event, which starts Sept. 29 and runs through Oct. 31, is part of Disneyland's attempt to bolster attendance in the period between its peak summer and Christmas seasons. It aims to attract Southern California families with children ages 3 to 11 who are looking for a not-too-scary outing during the month leading up to Halloween."
(Source: ocregister.com, 09/22/06)
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
Dry Dock Brings More Magic to the Disney Wonder
Something New For Every Member of the Family -
Toddler Splash Zone, Jumbo LED Screen, Spa Enhancements and Luxurious Upgrades to Adult Pool
One of the most magical ships afloat is getting an extra dose of pixie dust. Following two weeks in dry dock this October, the Disney Wonder will offer more options for adults, children and families, and further enhance the personalized vacation experience Disney Cruise Line is known for providing its guests.
The changes will be hard to miss, especially on the pool decks: whimsical additions are planned for the Mickey Pool, major entertainment offerings will be unveiled at the Goofy Pool, and a splash of upscale elegance is being added to the adult-only Quiet Cove pool. Other modifications will be made to the onboard conference rooms, the Vista Spa and Salon and youth activity spaces.
New For Kids of All Ages
After dry dock, there will be something new on the ship for children of all ages - including the youngest set of cruisers - toddlers. An extension to the Mickey Pool on deck 9 is designed specifically for children not yet toilet trained and in swim diapers. Reminiscent of Mickey’s sorcerer hat, the 385-square-foot toddler water-play pool features star- and moon-shaped interactive fountains and splash zones.
At Oceaneer Lab (ages 8-12), a new computer simulator allows children to see what it’s like to steer the Disney Wonder in and out of various ports of call. The simulator is built into a replica of the ship’s bridge, complete with giant video screens that provide a panoramic view of the ports - similar to the view from the actual ship’s bridge.
Oceaneer Club (ages 3-7) will expand on its Neverland theme and revamp the Captain’s Closet dress-up area, creating more space for hands-on, interactive activities for the children along with additional PlayStation and computer stations for individual play.
New Family Fun
Disney Wonder guests will enjoy poolside movies on a brand-new, state-of-the-art jumbo LED screen affixed to the forward funnel on deck 9. At the Goofy Pool (family pool area), families can gather and watch classic Disney animated or live-action movies on the giant 24-by-14-foot screen. Other programming will also be available - such as popular TV shows and major sporting and broadcast events - and the 336-square-foot screen will greatly enhance outdoor entertainment and deck parties in and around the Goofy Pool area.
New Adult Activities
At the Vista Spa and Salon, guests will find three specifically designed spa villas - complete with an indoor spa treatment suite connected to a private outdoor verandah with personal hot tub, open-air shower and luxurious chaise lounge. With incredible ocean vistas and warm tropical breezes, the new treatment suites provide guests with a romantic getaway into a tranquil oasis without ever leaving the ship.
As part of the Vista Spa expansion, the fitness center will double in size, providing space for more exercise equipment, an area for spinning classes and private salons for Pilates instruction and one-on-one beauty and fitness consultations. The Vista Spa and Salon is an area reserved exclusively for adults aboard the Disney Wonder. The expansion adds an additional 1,700 square feet to the fitness center, bringing the total size of the Vista Spa to 10,700 square feet.
Adjacent to the Vista Spa, the Quiet Cove adult pool is undergoing a makeover with waterfalls cascading from the two hot tubs, and teak deck and lounge chairs with plush cushions lining the pool. Guests visiting the Quiet Cove pool will find a peaceful respite that looks and feels like an outdoor extension of the Vista Spa.
New for Business Travelers
The Peter Pan, Fantasia and Steamboat Willie conference rooms on deck 2 are being transformed to rival any meeting space on land. A combination of warm wood tones mixed with Disney nostalgia, each conference room will contain state-of-the-art business presentation tools, complete with LED flat-screen TVs. The meeting space will also host a business center, individual computer stations and a refreshment bar. In addition, business travelers will find more Wi-Fi Internet stations inside the popular adult coffee bar, Cove Café, located on deck 9. (Source: Disney Cruise Line Press Release, 09/21/06)
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MONEY SAVING TIP
The Melting Pot Fondue Restaurant
7549 W Sand Lake Rd
ORLANDO, FL 32819
Phone: 407-903-1100
Fax: 407-248-9916
Present this coupon and save 50% on specialty drinks or house wine or 10% on a bottle of wine with the purchase of a four course combination or package menu selection.
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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, click here.
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Save 40-70% on your favorite Disney Movie or CD! Cheap shipping, too! 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.
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See You Real Soon!
John
AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
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posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 7:47 AM
