Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation

THE DISNEY NEWS
October 25, 2006
Copyright © 1999 - 2006 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
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Hi Everyone!

In this blog...

* Deals and specials - Last Call! The deadline for booking the December Specials for Affordable Disney Members is November 1!

* The latest news from around the "World" - Auditions for Disney characters making a 18-city tour

* Disney adds more nutritious foods to their menu

* Holiday magic with the Disney Cruise Line begins Thanksgiving

* Mickey Mouse Penthouse at the Disneyland Hotel debuts in December

* This week's money saving tip - Save up to $10.00 per ticket to Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede!
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NEW THIS WEEK

WALT DISNEY WORLD

We now list 35 Sweepstakes to win a Walt Disney World/Florida vacation!

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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD

Universal Special!

Save up to 25% per night when you stay at one of Universal Orlando hotels, Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel or Royal Pacific Resort. Plus! Receive Two Free Theme Park Tickets for unlimited admission to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks! Also includes:

* All club access to the CityWalk clubs
* Universal Express ride access which allows you to bypass the regular lines!

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Below are just some of the deals drawn from 53 pages of current specials posted at our password-protected members-only site:

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 December.

Discounted Standard View Rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort!

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.)

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.

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WALT DISNEY WORLD

>> 5-night/6-day packages from $369 per adult, double occupancy!

>> Inventory Reduction Sale at WDW Deluxe resorts!

>> This group gets a special rate:

* Value resorts - up to $20 off!
* Moderate resorts - up to $45 off!
* Deluxe/Home Away from Home resorts - $75 off!

>> Save up to $900.00 on Disney's New 2007 Adventures!
These are trips organized and guided by Disney to Spain, Hawaii, Wyoming, Costa Rica, Paris/London, Italy, the Canadian Rockies, and more!

* 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!

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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD

>> FREE Night Offer at this Orlando Resort! Reserve a room at the special rate of $87 and you will be entitled to ONE FREE NIGHT IN 2007 and additional nights on that reservation at $79.

>> Save up to 40% on Your Fall Getaway! $143 includes a Premium Room Upgrade!

The choices of how to spend time relaxing and reconnecting in sensible luxury are endless with these special fall rates. A round of golf on one of two Greg Norman-designed golf courses. An afternoon of pampered indulgence at The Spa. Scheduled activities for children and teens. And 15 acres of leisure recreation with two pools, a waterslide, an 850-foot lazy river, and a lighted 9-hole, par 3 golf course. Guests enjoy fun-filled days and a location that makes local attractions both easy to get to, and easy to escape - located only 6 miles from Walt Disney World. Valid 10/18/06 through 12/26/06.

>> New Discounts available on tickets to SeaWorld and Busch Gardens! Good for 6 consecutive days, too!

>> This group saves 40% at Universal!

>> Universal vacation package from $364 per adult, double occupancy!

>> 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!

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

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DISNEY CRUISE LINE

* Three nights from $469!
* Four nights from $539!
* Seven nights Land & Sea from $899!

>> Disney Cruise Line Specials for this group! Too low to publish!

>> This group receives a $50 onboard credit good for buying merchandise, shore excursions, etc. on their 2007 Disney cruise!

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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA

* New ticket discount announced for this group!
* 4th night FREE with this vacation package!
* Adults get in at kids prices with this vacation package!
* Ticket upgrade, tour discounts, FREE photo souvenir for these groups!
* Save up to $40.00 per ticket to Disneyland California!

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DISNEYLAND PARIS

>> Christmas Special! 2 nights/3 days from $274 per adult!
>> Halloween Special!
>> Vacation Package for UK residents!
>> Get an EXTRA NIGHT including breakfast, plus an EXTRA DAY to explore both Disney Parks for free!

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VEGAS

>> Enjoy the luxury of this Hotel & Casino from $64 per night! Includes Room Upgrade, FREE Drinks, 2-for-1 Breakfast, 2-for-1 Lunch, and admission to the Spa!

>> Grand Reopening Special at this Cancun Resort & Spa! Includes $100 food and breakfast credit per room and one free night with a four-night stay!

>> Enjoy luxury accommodations at this Resort & Casino from $79 per night! Includes $25 Bar And Restaurant Credit, VIP Line Pass, and Two Complimentary Cocktails!

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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.
Reservations will be accepted until January 1, 2008 for stays occurring before February 1, 2008.

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CRUISES

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

>> Inexpensive Shore Excursions and Tours!

>> Luxurious accommodations in the Virgin Islands for only $199 per room per night!

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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
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NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"

WALT DISNEY WORLD

"The Oct. 27 broadcast of ABC-TV's "20/20" will feature a segment devoted to the new Broadway musical Mary Poppins."
(Source: playbill.com, 10/24/06) Click here to see Mary Poppins on "20/20".
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"The Travel Industry Association of America issued an advisory last week encouraging all travelers planning a trip to or from Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean islands to apply for a passport. Airline passengers will be affected the soonest by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which will require passports to enter the United States from those destinations beginning Jan. 7... All adults and children must have valid passports for land and sea travel by 2009." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 10/23/06)
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Auditioning for Disney Characters

"The audition is part of an 18-city tour that started in three cities Thursday. It will cross the country through Nov. 8 and include a stop in Puerto Rico. The audition here was the only one in the state and came to the smallest U.S. city on the tour, Casting Director Saroya Zadeh said. Other cities included Boston, Atlanta, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Chicago and Philadelphia." (Source: mlive.com, 10/20/06)
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"Preview performances of 'Finding Nemo-The Musical' are set to begin in November and the premiere is set for January 2007 in the 1,500-seat Theater in the Wild at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando." (Source: usatoday.com, 10/18/06)
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"A terminally ill 6-year-old boy from Israel visiting Walt Disney World as a last wish died in August after riding Magic Kingdom's Space Mountain, state records show.
The boy, Rame Masarwa, suffered from terminal cancer of the lungs, abdomen and spine, according to the Medical Examiner's Office for Orange and Osceola counties. He fainted after riding Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom the afternoon of Aug. 1, was transported to Florida Hospital Celebration and died that night, according to records."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 10/18/06)
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This Day in Disney History
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Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD

8th Annual Universal Beer Festival: Schedule: 2 PM to 7 PM on November 11; 1 PM to 7 PM on November 12. (Affordable Disney Members should log in to learn how to save $7 per ticket!)

Universal For the Holidays: Dec. 26 - Jan. 1. Enjoy the Macy's Holiday Parade, Universal's 360 - A Cinesphere Spectacular, and Meet The Grinch. Included in regular admission.

New Year's Eve at Universal's CityWalk: Enjoy live music and unlimited admission to all CityWalk's clubs. Separate admission charge required. (Source: Universal Email Blast, 10/20/06)
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"Bad behavior and bad dress are now out at Magic Mountain and the other 29 amusement and water parks operated by Six Flags Inc. Hoping to attract more visitors to its parks, Six Flags said Wednesday that it had adopted rules requiring shirts, 'appropriate footwear' and considerate conduct, among other things." (Source: latimes.com, 10/19/06)
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA

Disneyland Resort Calendar
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NOTE: Links to newspaper articles change quickly and without notice. If you receive a "File Not Found" error message, search the newspaper's archives for the story. Certain newspapers require a free registration to view their articles online. If web addresses are broken into more than one line, copy and paste all lines.
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WALT DISNEY COMPANY

New Policy to Associate Disney Brands and Characters with a More Nutritionally Balanced Range of Foods

BURBANK, Calif., October 16, 2006 -- The Walt Disney Company today introduced new food guidelines aimed at giving parents and children healthier eating options. The guidelines for licensed foods and promotions aimed at children will govern Disney's business partnerships and activities in the U.S. on a going-forward basis and will be adapted internationally over the next several years.

The new policies call for Disney to use its name and characters only on kid-focused products that meet specific guidelines, including limits on calories, fat, saturated fat and sugar. Disney also announced nutritionally-beneficial changes in the meals served to children at all Disney-operated restaurants in its Parks and Resorts and unveiled a company-wide plan to eliminate added trans fats from food served at its Parks by the end of 2007 and from its licensed and promotional products by the end of 2008.

"Disney will be providing healthier options for families that seek them, whether at our Parks or through our broad array of licensed foods," said Disney President and CEO Robert Iger. "The Disney brand and characters are in a unique position to market food that kids will want and parents will feel good about giving them."

The guidelines are based on The Dietary Guidelines for Americans and have been developed in cooperation with two top child health and wellness experts, Dr. James O. Hill, Director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and Dr. Keith Thomas Ayoob, Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Specifically, the guidelines governing kid-focused licensed foods call for limits such as the following:

A cap on calories that results in appropriate kid-sized portions. Total fat will not exceed 30 percent of calories for main and side dishes and 35 percent for snacks.
Saturated fat will not exceed 10 percent of calories for main dishes, side dishes and snacks.
Added sugar will not exceed 10 percent of calories for main dishes and side dishes and 25 percent of calories for snacks.

Disney will continue to license special-occasion sweets such as birthday cakes and seasonal candy as part of its product range but will limit the number of indulgence items in its licensed portfolio to 15 percent by 2010. In addition, most special-occasion sweets will be available in single-serving packets.

"By developing nutrition guidelines for children, Disney is demonstrating a long-term commitment to the health of kids," said Dr. Hill. "The guidelines are comprehensive and consistent with The Dietary Guidelines for Americans," that are issued by the USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services.

"This is some of the best news I have heard in over twenty years of working with families and children as a pediatric nutritionist," added Dr. Ayoob. "Disney is synonymous with fun and can play an important role in getting kids to consume a more balanced diet."

Disney's timetable for implementing its new policies is dictated by existing contractual arrangements, the majority of which will lapse in their current form within two years. Disney expects most of its licensed products and promotional tie-ins to meet the new guidelines by the end of 2008.

Disney Consumer Products has already begun to offer many licensed products which comply with the guidelines. They include breakfast items such as instant oatmeal featuring characters like "The Incredibles" and "Kim Possible," and Disney Garden fresh produce such as kid-sized apples and bananas. Lunch and dinner foods such as Mickey-shaped organic ravioli and other pastas are also now available.

"Families are shopping together more often and we see an opportunity to give parents food choices they can approve of while at the same time satisfying their kids," said Andy Mooney, chairman of Disney Consumer Products.

Beginning this month in U.S. Disney Parks and Resorts, kids' meals are automatically being served with low fat milk, 100 percent fruit juice or water along with side dishes like apple sauce or carrots in place of the traditional soft drinks and French fries. Parents will still be able to substitute French fries and soda at no additional cost. Initial tests involving 20,000 kids' meals show that as many as 90 percent of parents and kids stayed with the more nutritious option.

"This is a terrific initiative because it makes it easier for parents, even while on vacation, to offer their children well balanced meals with kid appeal," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

Added trans fats are in the process of being removed from all Disney food offerings. Food served at the U.S. Disney Parks and Resorts will be free of added trans fats by the end of 2007. Disney's U.S. licensing and promotional groups are aiming to meet an end-2008 deadline.

"These are just first steps in an initiative that will evolve over time," said Iger. "But we understand the challenges faced by parents and recognize Disney can contribute to the solution." (Disney Press Release)
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DISNEY CRUISE LINE

All That Glitters is Holiday Magic Aboard Disney Cruise Line

CELEBRATION, Fla. -- Holiday magic will deck the halls and add sparkle to the decks for guests who sail with Disney Cruise Line beginning this Thanksgiving and continuing through to the New Year. Both Disney Magic and Disney Wonder will spread an abundance of holiday cheer, from traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts to "snowflake" sightings and seasonal caroling.

A special 10-Night Holiday Caribbean Cruise is planned for Disney Magic from Dec. 16 through Dec. 26. The Eastern/Southern Caribbean cruise will call at ports not typically on the Disney Magic cruise itinerary, including St. Lucia and Antigua.

The spirit of the season will surround cruise guests from the moment they arrive at Port Canaveral, Fla. Disney characters decked out in their finest holiday attire will welcome guests to the lavishly decorated private cruise terminal. During holiday sailings, guests will discover:

Thanksgiving festivities complete with Thanksgiving Day meal with all the trimmings, craft activities with a focus on pilgrim hats and turkeys, and visits by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse dressed in Thanksgiving costumes.

A nearly three-deck-tall tree festooned with decorations in the atrium lobby, where "snow" flurries fall and a tree-lighting ceremony occurs.

A Christmas Day visit from Santa Goofy, with surprises for all the kids.

International holiday caroling by crew members from around the globe (exclusively on the Christmas cruise).

Special family time for designing and decorating gingerbread houses.

A reading of "The Night Before Christmas" by Mrs. Claus.

Traditional holiday feasts in Disney's three themed dining rooms (Christmas cruise only).

Multiple faith and interdenominational holiday services (Christmas and Hanukkah cruise only).

A ship-wide party to ring in 2007 and a New Year's Day tailgate party.

During the Thanksgiving holiday, Disney Magic embarks on a special Western Caribbean journey, during which the ship sails twice to Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. The seven-night voyage departs Nov. 18, arriving first at Castaway Cay for the usual Disney Cruise Line visit. When the ship returns the day after Thanksgiving, the island will be transformed into a Magical Wonderland, where the sandy Bahamian isle becomes a "snowy" holiday hideaway. "Snow" flurries will fall like magic, Christmas trees will glow and carolers will croon. Mr. and Mrs. Snowman, wearing shell noses and tropical attire, will greet guests with a sleigh full of presents. The tram that transports guests across the 1,000-acre island will be reindeer themed, complete with antlers and tail. A four-night Disney Wonder cruise stops at Castaway Cay on Thanksgiving Day.

At the beach, families can learn the art of sand sculpting, and kids can dive into holiday-themed activities that include making candy cane reindeer, paper plate angels and snowflake-mobiles.

The Disney Magic 10-Night Holiday Caribbean Cruise departs Dec. 16, with visits to Key West, St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Thomas/St. John and Castaway Cay. The Disney Wonder four-night Christmas cruise departs Dec. 24, with visits to Nassau and Castaway Cay.

To celebrate the New Year, Disney Magic departs on its seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary Dec. 30; Disney Wonder departs Dec. 31 for its four-night cruise. (Source: Disney Cruise Line Press Release, 10/19/06)
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Mickey Mouse Penthouse Debuts For "Big Cheeses" of All Ages Beginning in December 2006

ANAHEIM, Ca. -- Beginning Dec. 1, 2006, Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Resort in Southern California will boast one of the most unique, and certainly one of the most "Disney," VIP lodging experiences in the world -- the all-new Mickey Mouse Penthouse. Designed for "big cheeses" of all ages, the penthouse offers spectacular views of the 500-acre resort (including Disneyland park, Disney's California Adventure park and the Downtown Disney District) via floor-to-ceiling windows in addition to a happy mixture of luxury, technology and whimsy featuring one-of-a-kind décor, artwork and magical touches that bring to life all the fun that Mickey represents.

Eligible guests and mail-in participants will be selected randomly as part of the unique Disney Dreams Giveaway promotion during "The Year of a Million Dreams" celebration at Disneyland Resort. An overnight stay in the over-the-top penthouse is one of the dream surprises awarded most days beginning Dec. 1 to a Disneyland guest at a park or at the Downtown Disney District randomly selected by early in the afternoon (visit disneyparks.com/rules for more information). The eligible guest and members of his or her party -- up to a total of five people plus the lucky guest -- will continue all the magic of their Disneyland Resort visit by receiving an overnight stay that night in Mickey's new digs. Mail-in winners will receive a prize of comparable value.

The swanky penthouse, featuring an interior design of bold "Mickey" colors of black, white, red and yellow, occupies an expansive 1,600 square feet and includes an open living room, dining and kitchen area, 2.5 baths and two bedrooms. Classic Mickey Mouse imagery and three-dimensional artwork dominate the design scheme throughout the penthouse.

Following dinner at the famed Blue Bayou Restaurant inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disneyland park (and other special activities such as being grand marshals of a Disneyland parade), and as The Happiest Place on Earth slowly winds down to slumber, it will be a night of immersion in fantasy and fun when the special guests walk into the Mickey Mouse Penthouse.

As guests enter, Mickey will magically appear inside a foyer Magic Mirror, personally welcoming them to his one-of-a-kind penthouse. Upon entering the living room, guests will encounter very stylized contemporary décor featuring eclectic furnishings and motifs of Mickey with a primary color palette of red, black and yellow. Hardwood floors and colorful area rugs accent the living room while the formal dining area seats eight guests. A built-in media wall is the focal point of the living room and features multiple flat screen TVs and a state-of-the-art home theater system worthy of Mickey's status as one of Hollywood's brightest stars.

The master bedroom features a number of luxury amenities including a king-size bed, lounge chairs, a 37" flat panel TV and a DVD player, and is decorated with animation maquettes of Mickey Mouse in many of his most famous film roles. (Maquettes are three-dimensional models used by Disney animators to effectively render a character in two dimensions and are highly sought-after collectibles.) The master bath includes a steam shower, Jacuzzi tub and a double vanity with a built-in TV in the mirror.

The second bedroom has a more playful feel and is the perfect setting for little ones who wish to have the locale double as a playroom. The main "conversation piece" in the room is a vintage animator's desk that will add to the Mickey Mouse- and animation-inspired storyline for the penthouse. The bedroom also features a stylized built-in armoire with a flat panel TV, DVD player and video games.

"These special guests will feel extremely pampered in this unique, magical interior environment," said Wing Chao, executive vice president, Master Planning, Architecture and Design, Walt Disney Imagineering. "We want guests to walk away saying, 'This was a dream come true.'" (Source: Disneyland Press Release)
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MONEY SAVING TIP

Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show
8251 Vineland Ave.
Orlando, FL 32821
Phone: 407-238-2777
Fax: 407-238-4494

"Magnificent horses; American buffalo; comedy; singing; dancing; a spectacular patriotic finale; fabulous four-course feast including beer and wine."

Get $10 off regular adult price; $4 off regular child price with this coupon.
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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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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.
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Got Coupons?

With the Orlando Entertainment Book, you can save big on travel, groceries, shopping, movie tickets, and more! Save at hotels and restaurants near Walt Disney World, on car rental, airfare, admission to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa! For details, click here.

Get FREE shipping on the new 2007 book for a limited time!
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Affordable Disney Movies and CD's

Save 40-70% on your favorite Disney Movie or CD! Cheap shipping, too! Click here.
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Affordable Accommodations

Get the guaranteed lowest prices at the Downtown Disney Resorts as well as at hotels, condos and vacation rentals outside Disney property. Plus! Receive up to a $100.00 rebate! For hotels, click here.
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Affordable Car Rental

Just enter in your travel dates, select the kind of car you want, and receive a list of car rental prices at over 12 companies starting with the cheapest price! Click here.

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

This service delivers as many as 230 flight options in a single search - more options than any other travel site. It's possible to save as much as 80%! To compare prices, 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.
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See You Real Soon!

John

AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
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Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the accuracy of information contained in THE DISNEY NEWS. Always check to be sure. The views and opinions expressed by others in THE DISNEY NEWS do not necessarily reflect the views of AffordableDisney.Com.
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Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation

THE DISNEY NEWS
October 18, 2006
Copyright © 1999 - 2006 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
To subscribe to Affordable Disney's blog, click the following
icon: Subscribe with Bloglines

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 - Admission to Universal Studios AND Islands of Adventure for less than $1 per day!

* The latest news from around the "World" - The Walt Disney Co. will begin serving more nutritionally balanced meals at its domestic theme parks

* Magical Makeover will transform Cinderella Castle for "Suite Dreams" beginning in late January 2007

* A sampling of the immersive entertainment experiences to be found every day at Disneyland Resort throughout "The Year of a Million Dreams"

* This week's money saving tip - watch 'em feed chickens (store bought) to the alligators and save on admission with this coupon!
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK

WALT DISNEY WORLD

We now list 32 Sweepstakes to win a Walt Disney World/Florida vacation!

Discounted 2007 Walt Disney World packages for Canadians are now available!

New Disney Seasonal Activities have been added to our Disney Goodies section!

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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD

Enjoy unlimited admission for 3 months to both Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme parks
for only $84.99!

FREE Night Offer at this Orlando Resort! Reserve a room to arrive anytime before December 22, 2006 at the special rate of $87 and you will be entitled to ONE FREE NIGHT IN 2007 and additional nights on that reservation at $79. A 2-night minimum stay is required. There are no restrictions on the number of additional nights you reserve. Bookings must be made prior to November 5, 2006. BLACK OUT DATES include 02/07/06 - 02/10/06; 02/15/06 - 02/18/06; 03/29/06 - 04/15/06; 12/24/06 - 12/31/06.

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DISNEYLAND PARIS

Christmas Special: 2 nights/3 days from $274 per adult!
Don't speak French? No problem. Beth, our agent, will make the reservation for you.

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VEGAS

Enjoy the luxury of this Hotel & Casino from $64 per night! Includes:

* Room Upgrade
* 2 FREE Drinks
* 2-for-1 Breakfast
* 2-for-1 Lunch
* Admission for 2 to the Spa
* and more!

Offer available on select nights October 17 - December 31, 2006. Must book by November 1st, 2006.

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CARRIBEAN EARLY WINTER SALE

Over 100 resorts in Jamaica, Barbados, Curacao and St. Lucia are participating in this package. Save up to $1,550 on air and accommodations! Valid January 1 - April 7, 2007. Must book by October 20!

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Below are just some of the deals drawn from 53 pages of current specials posted at our password-protected members-only site:

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 December.

Discounted Standard View Rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort!

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.)

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.

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WALT DISNEY WORLD

>> 5-night/6-day packages from $369 per adult, double occupancy!

>> Inventory Reduction Sale at WDW Deluxe resorts!

>> This group gets a special rate:

* Value resorts - up to $20 off!
* Moderate resorts - up to $45 off!
* Deluxe/Home Away from Home resorts - $75 off!

>> Save up to $900.00 on Disney's New 2007 Adventures!
These are trips organized and guided by Disney to Spain, Hawaii, Wyoming, Costa Rica, Paris/London, Italy, the Canadian Rockies, and more!

* 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!

--------------------------------

OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD

>> Save up to 40% on Your Fall Getaway! $143 includes a Premium Room Upgrade!

The choices of how to spend time relaxing and reconnecting in sensible luxury are endless with these special fall rates. A round of golf on one of two Greg Norman-designed golf courses. An afternoon of pampered indulgence at The Spa. Scheduled activities for children and teens. And 15 acres of leisure recreation with two pools, a waterslide, an 850-foot lazy river, and a lighted 9-hole, par 3 golf course. Guests enjoy fun-filled days and a location that makes local attractions both easy to get to, and easy to escape - located only 6 miles from Walt Disney World. Valid 10/18/06 through 12/26/06.

>> New Discounts available on tickets to SeaWorld and Busch Gardens! Good for 6 consecutive days, too!

>> This group saves 40% at Universal!

>> Universal vacation package from $364 per adult, double occupancy!

>> 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!

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

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DISNEY CRUISE LINE

* Three nights from $469!
* Four nights from $539!
* Seven nights Land & Sea from $899!

>> Disney Cruise Line Specials for this group! Too low to publish!

>> This group receives a $50 onboard credit good for buying merchandise, shore excursions, etc. on their 2007 Disney cruise!

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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA

* New ticket discount announced for this group!
* 4th night FREE with this vacation package!
* Adults get in at kids prices with this vacation package!
* Ticket upgrade, tour discounts, FREE photo souvenir for these groups!
* Save up to $40.00 per ticket to Disneyland California!

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DISNEYLAND PARIS

>> Halloween Special!
>> Vacation Package for UK residents!
>> Get an EXTRA NIGHT including breakfast, plus an EXTRA DAY to explore both Disney Parks for free!

--------------------------------

VEGAS

>> Grand Reopening Special at this Cancun Resort & Spa! Includes $100 food and breakfast credit per room and one free night with a four-night stay!

>> Enjoy luxury accommodations at this Resort & Casino from $79 per night! Includes $25 Bar And Restaurant Credit, VIP Line Pass, and Two Complimentary Cocktails!

--------------------------------

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.
Reservations will be accepted until January 1, 2008 for stays occurring before February 1, 2008.

--------------------------------
CRUISES

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

--------------------------------

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

Florida.com reviews the Disney stage shows at MGM in this article:

Playhouse Disney -- Live on Stage!
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Beauty and the Beast
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
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"The Walt Disney Co. will begin serving more nutritionally balanced meals at its domestic theme parks and will sign movie and other endorsement deals only with restaurants that limit fat and sugar in menu items, the company said Monday... Starting this month, kid's meals at Disney's domestic parks are being served with low-fat milk, 100 percent fruit juice, or water, along with side dishes such as apple sauce or carrots in place of french fries and soft drinks. Parents can still request soda or fries at no additional cost."

Disney plans to limit sugar, calories, fat, including saturated fat, and reduce portions. (Source: Orlando Sentinel
, 10/16/06)
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"Walt Disney World has closed a small, obscure, yet unique attraction: two consumer CD-burners loaded with old Disney music. The 'Wonderland' machines were set in back corners of the Once Upon a Toy store in Downtown Disney and the Virtual Magic Kingdom store in the Magic Kingdom... But the machines simply weren't very popular, a Disney spokesman said. In their place are shelves of Disney CDs, including a few, such as Mickey's Top 40 Tunes, that feature repackaged, select oldies. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 10/14/06)
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Animal Kingdom Villas

"Disney time shares are coming to the Animal Kingdom, with a plan for 458 units... Development of the Animal Kingdom Villas is scheduled in phases, with units to begin opening in fall 2007. The project is scheduled to be completed by spring 2009. The first phase will include 134 remodeled accommodations on the fifth and sixth floors of the Animal Kingdom Lodge, and additional phases will include the building of 324 vacation properties in a new building at the resort." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 10/12/06)

"The new units will feature African-inspired details and views of the area where Disney keeps some of its African animals, an area which will be expanded to accommodate the new rooms. Also to be added are a sit-down restaurant, a themed water feature, a fitness center, a merchandise shop and recreation facilities." (Source: orlando.bizjournals.com, 10/12/06)
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This Day in Disney History
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Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD

"Veggie fajitas, seared tofu and sugar-free ice cream are all part of the healthy fare SeaWorld Orlando is serving up as part of a new nutritional dining program, the company said Monday, A new quick-service restaurant, Mama's Kitchen Healthy Alternatives, has also been added to the Orlando theme park, where guests can enjoy whole wheat bread and pasta and foods prepared without trans fats and preservatives, said David White, vice president of SeaWorld's culinary operations." (Source: philly.com, 10/16/06)
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"Orlando officials moved Monday to allow dogs to join their owners on restaurants' outdoor patios... Dogs can eat only outside; employees can't touch dogs; hand sanitizer must be available; and dogs must be leashed. And it's the floor for Fido. Dogs aren't allowed up on chairs." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 10/17/06)
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The Holy Land Experience

"[They are now] marketing Holy Land as a half-day attraction [to] lure tourists with extra time at the end of a vacation.
In another move to increase traffic, Holy Land recently began allowing visitors to use admission tickets for eight days, giving them the ability to make several short stops or to come back if the weather turns foul."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 10/16/06)
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA

Disney Goes Upscale In New Downtown Store

"Vault 28, an outlet for women opening today, sells $60 T-shirts and high-end jeans... Disney is opening the boutique to meet demand from customers asking for more high-end merchandise... About half of the items at the 1,185-square-foot shop come from high-end brands, such as a $150 Chip & Pepper pair of denims and $188 Betsey Johnson pink sunglasses." (Source: ocregister.com, 10/11/06)
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Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
DISNEYLAND PARIS

"Disneyland Park is divided into five themed lands - Main Street USA, Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland and Discoveryland - each with their own unique architecture, decoration, costumes, music and landscaped scenery." Features:

* Big Thunder Mountain
* Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril
* Space Mountain: Mission 2
* Star Tours
* Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast
* Phantom Manor
* Pirates Of The Caribbean

"Walt Disney Studios Park is made up of Front Lot, Animation Courtyard, Production Courtyard and Back Lot - each with rides, shows and attractions." Features:

* Art of Disney Animation
* Studio Tram Tour of Catastrophe Canyon
* Armageddon Special Effects
* Rock 'n' Roller Coaster

"Just outside the parks, Disney Village has eight restaurants offering everything from sandwiches to steaks and burgers to Bavarian cuisine. Restaurants include Planet Hollywood, Rainforest Cafe, McDonald's, Annette's Diner and King Ludwig's Castle." Features:

* Two bars
* Nightclub
* Billy Bob's Country and Western Saloon
* 15-screen cinema
* Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show

Nearby is PanoraMagique, a tethered hot-air balloon that floats above Disneyland Paris. (Source: mirror.co.uk, 10/14/06)
=================================================
NOTE: Links to newspaper articles change quickly and without notice. If you receive a "File Not Found" error message, search the newspaper's archives for the story. Certain newspapers require a free registration to view their articles online. If web addresses are broken into more than one line, copy and paste all lines.
=================================================
WALT DISNEY WORLD

Magical Makeover Transforming Cinderella Castle For ‘Suite Dreams’ Beginning in Late January 2007

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- For decades, Walt Disney World guests have dreamed of spending the night in Cinderella Castle -- a night when, as the clock strikes 12, the magic doesn't end. And during "The Year of a Million Dreams," a 15-month celebration, the dream will finally come true for lucky guests following a magical transformation within the Magic Kingdom landmark.

Unused space originally envisioned as in-park accommodations for the Disney family is being transformed into Cinderella Castle Suite -- a place where lucky Walt Disney World guests will spend a dream-come-true night beginning in late January 2007.

Eligible guests will be selected as part of the unique Disney Dreams Giveaway, which began Oct. 1, 2006. For the castle stay, a Walt Disney World guest at a park or Downtown Disney will be selected randomly by early in the afternoon most days beginning in late January. The guest and up to five members of their party will begin their dream-come-true night that evening at Cinderella's Royal Table, the popular restaurant located in Cinderella Castle. (Because the Castle stay requires same-day use, mail-in winners will be awarded a prize of equal value.)

After the rest of the Magic Kingdom guests have headed home, these lucky guests can keep the castle lights burning brightly well into the night, wrapping themselves in the cozy comforts of their dream suite -- a salon, bedchamber and bathroom off of a private marble-floored lobby some four stories above the surrounding Magic Kingdom, replete with rich details befitting the 17th century fairytale and the French chateaus that inspired the design of Cinderella Castle:

Fluffy feather comforters beneath the regal canopy draping of two queen beds ... A cut-stone bedchamber floor inspired by the mosaic art masterpiece that adorns the castle's breezeway entrance to Fantasyland ... A bedchamber ceiling that twinkles with stars and fills wondering eyes with illusions of pixie dust ... A sofa that invites kicking off the shoes and curling up to read a chapter beneath a vaulted ceiling of the salon ... Rich, wood-paneled walls, stained-glass windows, and glimpses of the familiar gray castle stone.

While the idea of having living quarters inside Cinderella Castle dates to the time when Walt Disney World Resort was being planned, until now the space has been a backstage area -- essentially a blank canvas for a creative team from Walt Disney Imagineering. In the fashion of a Disney attraction, Cinderella Castle Suite is emerging regally from their meticulous research and design skills.

"The architecture of the castle, the Cinderella story and the suite are all interwoven," said Stephen Silvestri, the Walt Disney Imagineering show producer/director who is leading a team of designers and craftsmen in the dream makeover. "We want our guests to feel as though they are inside our castle but also immersed within the fantasy realm of the Cinderella story."

In the lobby of the suite, guests will discover a design of the fairytale pumpkin coach in the marble floor inlay. A memorable artifact from the story -- perhaps the famous glass slipper -- will adorn a cove. And through the doorway, the bedchamber and salon are appointed with furnishings in the style of the era of "the Louies," as Silvestri refers to the French rulers of the period inspiring the castle and Cinderella story. Nooks showcase sculpted pieces, clocks and porcelain all befitting the period. Doors are richly detailed; the walls are covered with wood panels and wall coverings. In the bathroom, hand-decorated copper basins sit atop the vanity, recalling a time when fresh water was carried to the bedchamber.

Despite all the careful attention to centuries-old details, the amenities of the Cinderella Castle Suite are definitely 21st century. There's a lavish garden tub plus a shower. The elevator, the bathroom and everything in between are wheelchair accessible. As for a 17th-century-style painting above a regal fireplace: it frames a modern 21st-century flat-screen television.

"We want to balance the practical realities within the fantasy place to make the experience truly a dream-come-true for our guests," Silvestri said. (Source: WDW Press Release)
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA

All-New Immersive Entertainment Experiences Create Magical Transformations for Guests During ‘The Year of a Million Dreams’

ANAHEIM, Ca. -- Disney parks have always been where dreams come true, but during "The Year of a Million Dreams" both Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida are more magical than ever. The 15-month-long celebration is characterized by all-new interactive, immersive entertainment experiences where guests can fulfill their Disney dreams like never before.

"These experiences will transport our guests deep into the magical realms of what Disney parks are all about," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "Rather than imagine being a Disney princess or what it's like to meet Captain Jack Sparrow, these transformational experiences will put our guests right in the heart of their dreams."

Disney cast members, who are on special assignment as dream makers during "The Year of a Million Dreams" celebration, will tap guests to participate in these fun and engaging experiences. So any guest with a longing to immerse themselves in the storytelling and fantasy to be found within the Disney parks might actually have their Disney dreams become realities.

Here is a sampling of the immersive entertainment experiences to be found every day at Disneyland Resort throughout "The Year of a Million Dreams":

Disney Princess Fantasy Faire (Fantasyland). Guests of all ages can join their favorite princesses for a royal gathering as Fantasyland Theatre is transformed into the enchanted world of Disney Princess Fantasy Faire. Within its magical world, young "lords and ladies" will be invited to create their own sparkling crowns, purchase and decorate their very own "castle cupcake," enjoy meeting the Disney princesses, and participate in princess and knighthood training.

Jedi Training Academy (Tomorrowland). Skilled Jedi Masters will select young Padawans to train in the ways of the Force. During this exciting and fast-paced live Star Wars experience, children will be taught how to handle special "training" lightsabers . . . and then face the Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Vader -- every day at the Tomorrowland Terrace stage. These training sessions take place six times a day during "The Year of a Million Dreams."

The Pirates Have Landed! (New Orleans Square). The Paris of the western frontier comes alive with pirates! Jack Sparrow and a band of buccaneers escape the Pirates of the Caribbean adventure and entertain and amuse guests, creating mayhem throughout New Orleans Square. Guests with sea salt in their veins are recruited to take the Pirate Oath and learn the secret "high" sign, becoming an honorary pirate. Along the way, guests may encounter Captain Jack Sparrow himself, a roving band of rogues called The Bilge Rats or learn a chantey or two from the musical trio -- The Bootstrappers.

High School Musical Pep Rally (Disney's California Adventure park). Nobody will be able to sit still when the High School Musical Pep Rally rocks Disney's California Adventure park! Guests will catch Wildcat fever as the students of East High School crank up school spirit with their high-energy sing-along pep rally. Guests will learn fun cheers and cool dance moves from the hit Disney Channel movie musical and participate in a rocking finale of "We're All in This Together." (Source: Disneyland Press Release, 10/11/06)
=================================================
MONEY SAVING TIP

Gatorland
14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, FL 32837
Phone: 407-855-5496
Fax: 407-240-9389

Yes, you can watch 'em feed chickens (store bought) to the alligators!

Save $3.00 off each adult admission or 50% after 3 PM with this coupon! Offer valid for up to 6 people in the party. Valid through 12/31/06.
=================================================
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.
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Got Coupons?

With the Orlando Entertainment Book, you can save big on travel, groceries, shopping, movie tickets, and more! Save at hotels and restaurants near Walt Disney World, on car rental, airfare, admission to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa! For details, click here.

Get FREE shipping on the new 2007 book for a limited time!
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Affordable Disney Movies and CD's

Save 40-70% on your favorite Disney Movie or CD! Cheap shipping, too! Click here.
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Affordable Accommodations

Get the guaranteed lowest prices at the Downtown Disney Resorts as well as at hotels, condos and vacation rentals outside Disney property. Plus! Receive up to a $100.00 rebate! For hotels, 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!!!"
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Affordable Airfare

This service delivers as many as 230 flight options in a single search - more options than any other travel site. It's possible to save as much as 80%! To compare prices, 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.
=============================================
See You Real Soon!

John

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

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation

THE DISNEY NEWS
October 11, 2006
Copyright © 1999 - 2006 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
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Hi Everyone!

In this blog...

* Deals and specials - Save up to 40% on your Fall Getaway at this Luxury Resort just 6 miles from Walt Disney World!

* The latest news from around the "World" - rider falls ill on Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at MGM; autopsy results are in for 12-year-old boy who died on this same ride last June.

* The stories and stars of "Finding Nemo" and "Monsters, Inc." are the inspiration for four new attractions and shows coming to Disney parks!

* Experience Halloween at the Disney Village at Disneyland Paris!

* This week's money saving tip - Promotions from the Mall at Millenia, The Florida Mall, and Orlando Premium Outlet!
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK

WALT DISNEY WORLD

Sweeps

We now list 32 Sweepstakes to win a Walt Disney World/Florida vacation!

--------------------------------

OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD

>> Save up to 40% on Your Fall Getaway! $143 includes a Premium Room Upgrade!

The choices of how to spend time relaxing and reconnecting in sensible luxury are endless with these special fall rates. A round of golf on one of two Greg Norman-designed golf courses. An afternoon of pampered indulgence at The Spa. Scheduled activities for children and teens. And 15 acres of leisure recreation with two pools, a waterslide, an 850-foot lazy river, and a lighted 9-hole, par 3 golf course. Guests enjoy fun-filled days and a location that makes local attractions both easy to get to, and easy to escape - located only 6 miles from Walt Disney World. Valid 10/18/06 through 12/26/06.

--------------------------------

VEGAS

>> Enjoy luxury accommodations at this Resort & Casino from $79 per night! Valid now through March 29, 2007. Book by October 24, 2006. Includes:

* $25 Bar And Restaurant Credit
* VIP Line Pass
* Two Complimentary Cocktails

--------------------------------

Below are just some of the deals drawn from 53 pages of current specials posted at our password-protected members-only site:

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 December.

Discounted Standard View Rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort!

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.)

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.

--------------------------------

WALT DISNEY WORLD

>> 5-night/6-day packages from $369 per adult, double occupancy!

>> Inventory Reduction Sale at WDW Deluxe resorts!

>> This group gets a special rate:

* Value resorts - up to $20 off!
* Moderate resorts - up to $45 off!
* Deluxe/Home Away from Home resorts - $75 off!

>> Save up to $900.00 on Disney's New 2007 Adventures!
These are trips organized and guided by Disney to Spain, Hawaii, Wyoming, Costa Rica, Paris/London, Italy, the Canadian Rockies, and more!

* 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!

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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD

>> New Discounts available on tickets to SeaWorld and Busch Gardens! Good for 6 consecutive days, too!

>> This group saves 40% at Universal!

>> Universal vacation package from $364 per adult, double occupancy!

>> 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!

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

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DISNEY CRUISE LINE

* Three nights from $469!
* Four nights from $539!
* Seven nights Land & Sea from $899!

>> Disney Cruise Line Specials for this group! Too low to publish!

>> This group receives a $50 onboard credit good for buying merchandise, shore excursions, etc. on their 2007 Disney cruise!

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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA

* New ticket discount announced for this group!
* 4th night FREE with this vacation package!
* Adults get in at kids prices with this vacation package!
* Ticket upgrade, tour discounts, FREE photo souvenir for these groups!
* Save up to $40.00 per ticket to Disneyland California!

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DISNEYLAND PARIS

>> Halloween Special!
>> Vacation Package for UK residents!
>> Get an EXTRA NIGHT including breakfast, plus an EXTRA DAY to explore both Disney Parks for free!

--------------------------------

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.

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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.
Reservations will be accepted until January 1, 2008 for stays occurring before February 1, 2008.

--------------------------------
CRUISES

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

--------------------------------

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 12-year-old boy who died after riding a Walt Disney World roller coaster in June had a genetic heart defect that often goes undetected until it causes the person's sudden death." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 10/07/06)
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"Disney officials closed the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Disney-MGM Studios on Wednesday after a rider fell ill...
A Disney spokeswoman said a 59-year-old man got sick about three hours after riding the roller coaster with family members." (Source: wesh.com, 10/05/06)
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"The Spanglers, of Randolph, Ohio, were the first to win a marquee prize in Disney's 'Year of a Million Dreams' celebration... they were rewarded with a morning of the Magic Kingdom all to themselves -- and a VIP tour."
(Source: Associated Press, 10/04/06)

Here's a related article.
--------------------------------
This Day in Disney History
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Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD

Universal's senior vice president for entertainment talks about ideas for new events in this interview.
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA

"The Burbank bigwigs have Tom Sawyer Island in their sights... What Burbank has proposed is an ambitious plan to restructure and retheme the island into a pirate playground, where Captain Barbossa and Davy Jones would displace the less than blockbuster Huck Finn and Becky Thatcher...

[There may also be an announcement that] the third ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet is being built and will be home ported in Southern California... it's a commitment that should be announced by next summer with a first year sailing itinerary slated for the end of this decade. You can expect summertime trips up to British Columbia and the Alaskan glaciers, and wintertime trips down the Mexican Riviera, all tied in to a few additional days at Disneyland."
(Source: miceage.com, 10/04/06)

Click here for a related article.
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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.
=================================================
"Finding Nemo," "Monsters, Inc." Inspire Coming Attractions At Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resorts

BURBANK, Calif. -- The stories and stars of the blockbuster Disney(Pixar motion pictures "Finding Nemo" and "Monsters, Inc." are the inspiration for four new attractions and shows coming to Disney parks at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort during "The Year of a Million Dreams."

In addition, Mickey Mouse and some of his Disney character pals are starring in a new Magic Kingdom stage show at Walt Disney World Resort, and two popular Disneyland Resort attractions are undergoing rockin' transformations.

The debuts began October 2006 and continue into summer 2007 as part of a first-of-its-kind event celebrating the dreams of Disney guests and the role that Disney cast members play in making Disney parks places where dreams come true. Here's a closer look at what's in store.

At Walt Disney World Resort in Florida:

"The Seas with Nemo & Friends," a whimsical and visually stunning attraction for guests of all ages, bows at Walt Disney World Resort in fall 2006, anchoring the newly renamed and re-launched The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion in Epcot. Picking up where the motion picture "Finding Nemo" left off, the ride-through attraction in a colorful coral reef setting features technology that causes the stars of the motion picture to magically appear swimming amid the live marine life of a 5.7-million-gallon saltwater environment -- one of the largest such aquariums in the world.

Guests aboard "clam-mobiles" first meet Mr. Ray and his class on a field trip and soon learn that Nemo has wandered off. The journey in search of Nemo includes familiar characters such as Dory, Bruce, Marlin, Squirt and Crush. These deep-sea friends inhabit a variety of vibrant vignettes, including the actual aquarium containing more than 65 species of marine life. In the musical finale, Nemo is happily reunited with his class and friends.

The Future World pavilion The Seas with Nemo & Friends is an imaginative mix of fantasy with real sea life and interactive experiences such as the breakthrough "Turtle Talk With Crush."

"Finding Nemo-The Musical," premiering at Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in late 2006, brings the undersea world of the film "Finding Nemo" to life in a whole new way: as an all-new Broadway-caliber musical stage show featuring original songs by Tony Award-winning "Avenue Q" co-composer-creator Robert Lopez and a cappella musical "Along the Way" composer Kristen Anderson-Lopez.

The show will immerse guests of all ages in the story of Marlin and Nemo, an overprotective clownfish father and his curious son, through a dazzling production that combines puppets, dancers, aerialists and animated backdrops.

The theme park's newly enclosed Theater in the Wild will become a magical undersea environment through innovative lighting, sound, special effects and the theatrical puppetry of Michael Curry, who co-designed the richly detailed character puppets seen in the Broadway version of Disney's "The Lion King." Principal characters such as Marlin, Nemo and Dory will be represented by live performers operating larger-than-life puppets. Peripheral characters will be realized by a diverse array of puppetry styles, including rod, Bunraku and shadow.

Produced by Disney Creative Entertainment, the 30-minute show represents the first time Disney has taken a non-musical animated feature and transformed it into an original musical production. "Finding Nemo-The Musical" will be staged several times daily.

"Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor Comedy Club," opening in mid to late January in Magic Kingdom, is an immersive and interactive attraction in which guests can laugh, joke, match wits and laugh some more with comedian wannabes recruited by Mike Wazowski, the one-eyed hero from Disney/Pixar's "Monsters, Inc." Guests can even text-message jokes on their cell phones for possible use in the show.

Mike, realizing laughter is many times more powerful than screams as a power source, has opened the comedy club to collect laughs that will generate electricity for the monster world of Monstropolis. The fun reigns at a 400-seat theater in Tomorrowland.

"Dream Along with Mickey," premiering Oct. 1 in Magic Kingdom, is a live stage show about a dream-inspired party to which Mickey Mouse and the gang have invited almost everyone. Theme park guests are invited to gather near the Cinderella Castle stage and join in the fun that takes place several times daily. And many favorite Disney character friends join the party as the dreams of "happily ever after" and "adventurous exploits" come alive on stage amid music and dancing.

But there's a party-crasher -- Maleficent, the evil fairy from Sleeping Beauty. She drops by with the intention of turning all the dreams into nightmares. Collectively, however, all the party guests prove that believing in your dreams is stronger than Maleficent's sorcery ... and the 20-minute show has a dream-fulfilling, happy ending.

At Disneyland in California:

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is a new E-ticket underwater adventure coming to Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park in summer 2007. As a member of a submarine crew, guests embark on an expedition to observe an active undersea volcano. Soon after "submerging," they discover the familiar faces of Nemo and his friends swimming right alongside their craft -- thanks to amazing new projection technology developed by Walt Disney Imagineering that depicts them just as they appeared in the film "Finding Nemo" ... except that now they are in a three-dimensional underwater setting.

In this eye-filling computer-animated environment, guests will hear (through sonar hydrophones) Dory, Marlin, Crush, Bruce and the rest of the Disney/Pixar stars -- and join in an ever-changing adventure of finding Nemo throughout the voyage.

Rockin' Both Parks summarizes the fun that will be rollin' out at Disneyland Resort when Space Mountain at Disneyland and California Screamin' at Disney's California Adventure get exciting new twists for early 2007. Thanks to new soundtracks and technology, both attractions will be transformed into unique rock 'n' roll experiences. Space Mountain will launch its guests through the greatest rock concert in the universe, while California Screamin' will rock to the beat of a whole new sound. The rockin' rocks on for 16 weeks (Jan. 3-April 26, 2007). (Source: WDW Press release, 10/02/06)
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DISNEYLAND PARIS

Halloween At Disney Village

Mischief All The Way To Disney Village
From 20 October To 5 November 2006

Halloween surprises will shake up Disney Village from 20 October to 5 November 2006 starting at 6 PM every evening.

On the theme of "Funny Monsters," rather strange creatures and funny looking monsters will invade the street of Disney Village and its restaurants every evening from 6 to 10 PM.
Magicians and wizards, aliens, groups like the "Green globules," or the "Arpenteurs de rêves", giant "Laser Insects" and a team of little imps offering "Trick or Treat" will surprise the young and grown-ups alike!

As of 23 October Billy Bob’s Country Western Saloon will welcome the Halloween show from Disney Village every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 8:30 and 10:15 PM. The show presents a large array of scary surprises with a great number of artists.

On 31 October, guests will be invited to a great Halloween evening. On this «monster night» one and all shall party till dawn. Monsters of all sorts, fortune-tellers, Halloween face painting workshops in certain restaurants and the famous "Trick or Treat" will set the festive pace. Billy Bob’s organises the election of the best costume and will offer a diabolic rock concert by the group "Powerage." Six talented musicians perform the great "Hard Rock" hits of 80’s and 90’s from AC/DC not to mention Deep Purple. The Sports Bar will beat to the rhythm of the "Devils Girls" followed by a "DJ party" and Hurricanes disco will compete with a great Halloween evening. A night not to be missed!

Free access to Disney Village and paying access to Hurricanes (20 euros). (Source: Disneyland Paris Press Release)
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MONEY SAVING TIP

Mall at Millenia
4200 Conroy Road
Orlando, FL 32839
Phone: 407/363-3555
Fax: 407/363-6877

The Mall at Millenia, Orlando’s premier shopping and dining destination, offers visitors a world-class experience that is unmatched in the market place.

Receive a signature Mall at Millenia shopping bag with this coupon. Expires 12/31/06.

Orlando Premium Outlet
8200 Vineland Ave
Orlando, FL 32821
Phone: 407/238-7787
Fax: 407/238-7649

Area’s largest collection of designer and name brand outlets offering 25%-65% savings. 110 stores, one mile from Walt Disney World.

Receive a Complimentary VIP Coupon Book worth hundreds of dollars in additional savings with this coupon.

The Florida Mall
8001 S Orange Blossom Trl
Orlando, FL 32809
Phone: 407/851-6255
Fax: 407/855-1827

Fabulous fashion. Exceptional eateries. Delightful diversions. That's what shoppers find at Orlando's fabulous fashion destination.

Receive a VIP Discount Coupon Book worth hundreds of dollars in savings at participating stores with this coupon. Expires 12/31/06.
=================================================
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.
=============================================

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Updates From Affordable WDW Vacation

THE DISNEY NEWS
October 4, 2006
Copyright © 1999 - 2006 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
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Hi Everyone!

In this blog...

* Deals and specials - including a second chance to book a WDW vacation package special for November and December!

* The latest news from around the "World" - a national registered-traveler system to speed up security checks at OIA and other airports will be ready in November

* What's happening at Disney's 11th International Food and Wine Festival now in full swing at Epcot

* This week's money saving tip - FREE ice cream at Ben & Jerry's!
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We continuously update our information and you can find
these current specials in our Addenda:

SPECIAL FOR AFFORDABLE DISNEY MEMBERS FROM OUR TRAVEL AGENT BETH!

Here are the Disney deals that Beth, our travel agent, got exclusively for our members in December.

Discounted Standard View Rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort!

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.)

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.

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WALT DISNEY WORLD VACATION PACKAGE

Valid 11/01/06-12/23/06. Blackout dates apply, especially during Thanksgiving week and the first week in December. Not all hotels are available. 5-night/6-day packages from $369 per adult, double occupancy! Beth, our travel agent, can book this one for our members today at no charge!

INVENTORY REDUCTION SALE

WDW Deluxe resorts have been discounted for select nights in November and December!

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SWEEPS

We now list 29 Sweepstakes to win a Walt Disney World/Florida vacation!

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WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT DISCOUNTS!

* Value resorts - up to $20 off!
* Moderate resorts - up to $45 off!
* Deluxe/Home Away from Home resorts - $75 off!

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MORE CURRENT SPECIALS

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

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

* 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!

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DISNEY CRUISE LINE

Disney Cruise Line Winter Special!

* Three nights from $469!
* Four nights from $539!
* Seven nights Land & Sea from $899!


New dates for Disney Cruise Line Specials for Florida Residents in October - December!

--------------------------------

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

On Safari in Animal Kingdom

Here's an article providing an overview of Animal Kingdom regarding FASTPASS attractions and rides, eateries, habitats, tours, and services.
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Dining Changes at WDW

"Jens Dahlmann has taken over the kitchen at California Grill... John Clark is back at Disney... Now he's chef de cuisine for all first-floor food outlets at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa...

Also down Disney way, the Swan and Dolphin folks have taken down the flags at Palio, an upscale Italian on the Swan side. Word is that the owners thought it was time for a change. So guess what's going in that space: another Italian restaurant. Il Molino is the name I'm hearing bandied about. But the space will be retooled -- walls knocked out and such -- with bar seating and an open kitchen. Everyone there is hoping for a February christening."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/29/06)
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"Walt Disney World is planning to cut 125 cleaning positions and turn those jobs over to contractors, but the current workers might not give up without a fight. The jobs include kitchen cleaning, carpet cleaning, roadway cleaning and deep cleaning work. Many are in Walt Disney World theme parks, though some are in other public areas, such as Downtown Disney. The company is promising all the affected workers that they'll be offered other jobs at comparable pay and hours." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/29/06)
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"A national registered-traveler system that allows frequent fliers to avoid long airport-security lines in exchange for a fee and personal data will likely be operating before the holiday rush in November -- though at a new, higher price...
The new total price will be $99.95, which will consist of a $69.95 membership fee and a new, $30 Transportation Security Administration fee to conduct a threat assessment on the person." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/28/06)
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Looking Back at Disney's Night of Joy

"Disney recently celebrated their 24th annual Christian music festival, Night of Joy, in Orlando, Florida, at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The festival has drawn more than 900,000 attendees during its history. This year, the two-night event, held 8-9 Sept., sold out both evenings. Performing artists included MercyMe, BarlowGirl..."
(Source: christiantoday.com, 09/27/06)
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Disney's Keys to the Kingdom Backstage Tour

"How would you like to walk down Main Street and gaze at Cinderella's Castle without so much as a hat obstructing your vision? It can be done, and you won't even be arrested for trespassing in the process. I am talking about Disney's Keys to the Kingdom backstage tour. It costs a few dollars extra, but they throw in a free meal. Why not?"
(Source: floridatoday.com, 09/27/06)
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"The deadline for tough new border identification requirements at Canada-U.S. border crossings will be extended for 17 months, U.S. lawmakers agreed Tuesday."
Congress has agreed to delay implementation until June 1, 2009. "Canadians entering the U.S. by air or sea will still require passports starting Jan. 8, 2007." (Source: CTVNews, 09/26/06)
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This Day in Disney History
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD

RIP Tours at Universal Orlando

"The focus of these private and semi-private tours is on the haunted houses and 'Bill and Ted's Excellent Halloween Adventure' show. There are breaks built into the tours, which may or may not get you onto the rides, depending on the package. Each carries a hefty premium price (beyond your admission) that varies depending on the tour you choose, and the date." Click here for a description of the haunted houses, shows, and other tours being offered to visitors at Universal's Horror Nights this year.
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA

Halloween in Southern California

"Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa Bay, Fla., will present Zoo Boo, complete with a Halloween animal show featuring creatures that 'creep, crawl, swoop and slither.' Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach turns into a 'Scarium,' where children can trick or treat and learn about the monsters of the deep. And at Santa Ana's Discovery Science Center, kids can learn about the Mexican legend of the chupacabra, a blood-sucking beast, as part of a spooky science exhibit.

Disneyland's HalloweenTime, which runs through Oct. 31, will feature scares and spooks suitable for youngsters. That includes crafts and shows at Big Thunder Ranch, which will be turned into Woody's Halloween Roundup; characters and activities on Main Street; and a new show at California Adventure called 'Golden Screams,' an interactive movie attraction featuring film clips of Disney villains."
(Source: LATimes, 09/29/06)
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Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farms target Trick or Treaters

"HalloweenTime, which starts Friday and runs through Oct. 31, involves redecorating the resort's two parks with jack-o-lanterns and orange-and-black bunting, putting costumes on the Disney characters and offering festive food items in restaurants and special merchandise in stores.

Highlights at Knott's this year include 12 mazes, six shows and four 'scare zones.' Halloween Treasure Hunt at Camp Spooky, a weekend daytime event for children ages 3 to 11, is also back at Knott's."
(Source: ocregister.com, 09/27/06)
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Disneyland Resort Calendar
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NOTE: Links to newspaper articles change quickly and without notice. If you receive a "File Not Found" error message, search the newspaper's archives for the story. Certain newspapers require a free registration to view their articles online. If web addresses are broken into more than one line, copy and paste all lines.
=================================================
11th Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
September 29 - November 12, 2006

A world of discovery is on the menu when the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival celebrates its 11th year of great tastes Sept. 29 through Nov. 12 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Walt Disney World guests can explore the nuances of wine made from the Cabernet varietal in several countries or compare flavors of cheddar originating in the pastures of Vermont or the mountains of France. Each day during the six-week-long festival, the park's Future World and World Showcase overflow with first-rate food, wine and beer that spotlight regional experiences from New Zealand to Mexico.

More than 25 international marketplaces serve tapas-sized portions of regional specialties -- new marketplaces this year include Argentina, India, Thailand and Turkey. Daily seminars offer tastes of wine and beer from around the world. In addition, a series of special culinary programs features a lineup of renowned winemakers and guest chefs participating in elegant dinners, wine schools, cooking schools and pairings.

The Epcot festival has grown dramatically, attracting a diverse audience of more than one million each fall -- from wine connoisseurs and epicures to droves of wine neophytes eager to boost their wine IQs. Beer aficionados can raise their steins to the Biergarten in the Germany showcase and other festival venues that specialize in brews from light to dark. And tea drinkers can celebrate the leaves of their own favorite "cuppa" as Twinings Tea marks its 300th anniversary with daily festival tastings.

Top musical entertainment pairs well with culinary fun during the nightly Eat to the Beat! concert series featuring a varied lineup of classic rock, oldies, jazz and funk hitmakers.

"No other festival of this scope and caliber exists in the world," said Nora Carey, festival manager. "This is where we showcase the exceptional culinary and wine-related talent of Walt Disney World Resort along with the great celebrity chefs and wine connoisseurs in the industry."

More than 100 wineries offer complimentary tastings, and guests can sample the marketplace cuisine in tasting portions ranging from $1.50 to $4.50. Other highlights include:

* The Festival Welcome Center, with a Champagne and Sparkling Wine Bar, commemorative posters and other festival keepsakes.

* Some 250 Disney chefs and guest chefs conducting culinary demonstrations and hosting elegant dinners and tasting events (past guest chefs have included John Ash, Allen Susser, Paula Deen, Dominique Macquet, Melissa Kelly and many others).

* Up to 1,200 wine and beer seminars providing complimentary samplings.

* The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting, featuring live entertainment.

Along with the music, dance, acrobatics and entertainment showcased at Epcot pavilions, festival guests can enjoy Eat to the Beat! concerts performed three times each evening at America Gardens Theatre. This year s scheduled lineup includes appearances by Survivor, Little Richard, Three Dog Night, Jon Seceda, David Sanborn, Chubby Checker & the Wildcats, and nine additional top-name acts.

Included with Epcot Admission
Wine and beer seminars, cooking demonstrations, Eat to the Beat! concerts, culinary exhibits and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.

Special Programming by Reservation
The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting, Food and Wine Pairings at Epcot restaurants, Exquisite Evenings at Epcot dinners, The Odyssey Cooking School, half-day Wine Schools, Lunch and Learn series, and other specialty events require reservations and separate admission. Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) for information or reservations. Starting at 7 a.m. July 31, they can make reservations for special events and programs. (Press Release, 09/30/06)

For more details, click here.
=================================================
MONEY SAVING TIP

Ben & Jerry's
Inside the Hawaiian Rumble Golf Course
8969 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 407-903-9333
Fax: 407-532-3667

Serving hand dipped ice cream, milkshakes, sundae, smoothies and more. Buy one get one free. Any regular or large cup or cone with this coupon.
=================================================
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.
=============================================