Updates From Affordable WDW Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
October 4, 2006
Copyright © 1999 - 2006 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
To subscribe to Affordable Disney's blog, click the following
icon:
Or copy and paste the following URL into your RSS Reader:
http://affordabledisney.blogspot.com/atom.xml
: My Yahoo! users can instantly add our blog
content to My Yahoo! Add My Yahoo!
: You can also subscribe to our blog at MSN!
Add to My MSN!
=================================================
Hi Everyone!
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - 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!
=================================================
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.
--------------------------------
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!
--------------------------------
SWEEPS
We now list 29 Sweepstakes to win a Walt Disney World/Florida vacation!
--------------------------------
WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT DISCOUNTS!
* Value resorts - up to $20 off!
* Moderate resorts - up to $45 off!
* Deluxe/Home Away from Home resorts - $75 off!
--------------------------------
MORE CURRENT SPECIALS
* Kids go to SeaWorld FREE when you book this vacation
package!
* Receive a 5th Day FREE when you purchase a Walt Disney
World 4-Day Magic Your Way Base or Hopper ticket with 14 day
Expiration!
* Deals for the military, teachers, government workers,
nurses, Florida residents!
* A 7-day ticket to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure for only $12 per day!
* All you can eat at Universal Studios or Islands of
Adventure for less than $20!
* Save up to $40.00 per ticket to Disneyland California!
* Special discounted rates for vacation packages at
Disneyland Paris!
* Las Vegas Hotels & Casinos from $79 per night!
* Cruises to Europe and the Caribbean from $599 per person -
even during the holidays!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
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.
--------------------------------
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)
--------------------------------
"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)
--------------------------------
"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)
--------------------------------
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)
--------------------------------
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)
--------------------------------
"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)
--------------------------------
This Day in Disney History
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
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)
--------------------------------
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)
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
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.
=============================================
October 4, 2006
Copyright © 1999 - 2006 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
To subscribe to Affordable Disney's blog, click the following
icon:
Or copy and paste the following URL into your RSS Reader:
http://affordabledisney.blogspot.com/atom.xml
: My Yahoo! users can instantly add our blogcontent to My Yahoo! Add My Yahoo!
: You can also subscribe to our blog at MSN! Add to My MSN!
=================================================
Hi Everyone!
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - 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!
=================================================
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.
--------------------------------
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!
--------------------------------
SWEEPS
We now list 29 Sweepstakes to win a Walt Disney World/Florida vacation!
--------------------------------
WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT DISCOUNTS!
* Value resorts - up to $20 off!
* Moderate resorts - up to $45 off!
* Deluxe/Home Away from Home resorts - $75 off!
--------------------------------
MORE CURRENT SPECIALS
* Kids go to SeaWorld FREE when you book this vacation
package!
* Receive a 5th Day FREE when you purchase a Walt Disney
World 4-Day Magic Your Way Base or Hopper ticket with 14 day
Expiration!
* Deals for the military, teachers, government workers,
nurses, Florida residents!
* A 7-day ticket to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure for only $12 per day!
* All you can eat at Universal Studios or Islands of
Adventure for less than $20!
* Save up to $40.00 per ticket to Disneyland California!
* Special discounted rates for vacation packages at
Disneyland Paris!
* Las Vegas Hotels & Casinos from $79 per night!
* Cruises to Europe and the Caribbean from $599 per person -
even during the holidays!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
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.
--------------------------------
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)
--------------------------------
"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)
--------------------------------
"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)
--------------------------------
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)
--------------------------------
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)
--------------------------------
"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)
--------------------------------
This Day in Disney History
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
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)
--------------------------------
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)
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
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.
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Own a piece of the Magic Kingdom
Disney framed stock certificates are works of art. They feature Walt Disney and the Disney characters. Unlike stock brokers that require you to purchase several shares of stock, OneShare sells one share of stock and mails you the certificate. You can frame the stock certificate yourself or OneShare will frame if for you at a nominal cost. Click here.
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See You Real Soon!
John
AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
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posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 8:52 AM
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