Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
January 17, 2007
Copyright © 1999 - 2007 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
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Hi Everyone!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Disney typically raises its ticket prices in January. Members should contact our ticket agent before the increase! Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - Save hundreds on this spring vacation package at Walt Disney World! Can add the dining plan!
* The latest news from around the "World" - A new sponsor for Epcot's Test Track
* New itineraries and enhancements on the Disney Cruise Line in 2007
* Casting call for new show at Universal
* Disney changes its trip insurance policy
* Beth, our travel agent, explains some confusing terms for travelers
* This week's coupon - See the Orlando Magic and save!
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
We now list 22 Sweepstakes to win a Walt Disney World/Florida/Disneyland/Southern California vacation!
Save hundreds on this spring vacation package at Walt Disney World! Can add the dining plan!
New promotion for Canadians that includes passport assistance and discounts for Walt Disney World, Disneyland California and Disney Cruise Line.
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Traveling with Pets? Beth, our travel agent, can recommend a good off property hotel that is pet friendly, with a fridge and microwave in the room, located in a decent, clean and good location, for $59 or less a night!
UK residents save 45% on tickets to this theme park!
--------------------------------
Below are just some of the deals drawn from over 50 pages of current specials posted at our password-protected members-only site:
WALT DISNEY WORLD
>> FREE meals for Kids at these resorts on Disney property!
>> FREE Customized Park Maps for Walt Disney World!
>> This group can save up to $80.00 per night on Disney accommodations!
>> Deals for the military, teachers, government workers, nurses, Florida residents!
>> 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!
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
>> This group saves $80.00 on day visits to SeaWorld's Discovery Cove!
>> Save 10% on SeaWorld's Discovery Cove packages!
>> Buy one ticket and get one FREE at this popular theme park!
>> Book your Tee Times at this site where rates start at $69!
>> Save up to 25% per night at Universal's Royal Pacific Resort!
>> FREE admission for kids to Tarzan, Lion King and Beauty and the Beast on Broadway!FREE admission for kids to Tarzan, Lion King and Beauty and the Beast on Broadway!
>> These teachers receive a FREE ticket to both Universal Orlando theme parks!
>> Save up to 40% at this Luxury Resort just 6 miles from Walt Disney World!
>> New Discounts available on tickets to SeaWorld and Busch Gardens! Good for 6 consecutive days, too!
>> All you can eat at Universal Studios or Islands of
Adventure for less than $20!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
* Three nights from $429!
* Four nights from $539!
* Seven nights Land & Sea from $899!
>> This group receives a $50 onboard credit good for buying merchandise, shore excursions, etc. on their 2007 Disney cruise!
>> New discount rates just posted for Florida residents and the military - rates too low to publish!
>> New discount rate for Canadians - includes stateroom credit, too!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
>> This group gets a 2-Day Park Hopper for the Price of One!
>> This group can gain admission to Disneyland Park one day and Disney's California Adventure Park the next day with the purchase of one ticket!
>> 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!
>> Save $10.00 on admission to Universal Studios Hollywood and get a second visit for FREE!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
>> Bring the kids for FREE with this vacation package! They'll enjoy free accommodations, park tickets and more!
>> Stay one night and get one night FREE + breakfast!
>> This group saves 19 Euros per ticket to the Disneyland theme parks!
--------------------------------
VEGAS
>> Stay at this luxury resort & casino from $79 per night! Includes Room Upgrade, 2 FREE Drinks, 2-for-1 Breakfast, 2-for-1 Lunch, Admission for 2 to the Spa, and more!
>>Stay at this Resort & Casino from $69! Upgrade to a Suite from $89!
--------------------------------
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!
>> Inexpensive Shore Excursions and Tours!
--------------------------------
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC VACATION
4-Night vacation package to Dominican Republic includes round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations FROMM $777!
--------------------------------
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
This Day in Disney History
--------------------------------
Click here for a review of breakfast at Boatwright's Dining Hall at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort.
--------------------------------
"'Fuel for Thought' is a new exhibit at Epcot sponsored by GM. The exhibit features "fuel cell technology, hybrid vehicles and ethanol-powered cars and trucks." The exhibit is located outside the exit from Test Track. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/10/07)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
"Theme-park operator Six Flags Inc., which has been struggling with falling attendance and a large debt load, said Thursday it will sell seven of its 30 North American parks for $312 million... The seven parks include Six Flags Darien Lake near Buffalo, N.Y.; Six Flags Elitch Gardens in Denver; both Frontier City and the White Water Bay water park in Oklahoma City; SplashTown in Houston; Waterworld USA in Concord, Calif.; and Wild Waves and Enchanted Village in Seattle." (Source: nypost.com, 01/11/07)
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
BRANSON MISSOURI
Click here to see what's happening in 2007.
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Disney Changes Trip Insurance Policy
Disney's travel insurance, Travel Guard, now covers airfare, booked through Disney, a travel agent, or on your own. There is no charge for children 17 and under when all the adults buy the policy. Disney is applying the new coverage to all existing reservations. Claims will be processed as usual. For more information, call Travel Guard at 1-800-826-3899. Disney's trip insurance is pricey: $59.95 per adult. See InsureMyTrip.com to do some comparison shopping.
=================================================
New Itineraries and Pixie-Dusted Enhancements Await Disney Cruise Line Guests in 2007
CELEBRATION, Fla. -- With the elegant style of classic ocean liners and upgraded amenities worthy of a palace, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are setting sail in style during 2007. The Disney Magic will for the first time call on ports in Spain, Italy and France throughout the summer. The Disney Wonder was recently refurbished to include a spa makeover, jumbo poolside LED screen and a new toddler splash-zone for non-potty trained children.
Itineraries -- Throughout the entire year, Disney Wonder offers fun and excitement as it voyages to the popular port of Nassau, the Bahamian capital teeming with tropical and historic sights. Guests then sail on to Castaway Cay, where the livin' is easy and the fun is non-stop. A tropical paradise fringed with palms and framed by sparkling seas, the island offers special amenities for kids, teens and adults.
Disney Magic voyages promise plenty of adventure in 2007. The tropics envelop guests who embark on Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings to white-sand beaches and colorful island towns and villages. Beginning May 26 and continuing through August, Disney Magic ventures "across the pond" for 10- and- 11-night itineraries that include Barcelona, Spain; Palermo, Sicily; Naples, Italy; Olbia, Sardinia; Rome; Florence, Italy; and Marseille, France.
Entertainment -- Princesses and other popular Disney characters rule the stage while pirates take over the deck to keep guests entertained nightly aboard Disney Cruise Line. An accomplished cast, elaborate costumes, lavish sets, surprising special effects and classic Disney tunes as well as original compositions enrich the shows shown in the 977-seat Walt Disney Theatre, which include:
* "The Golden Mickeys," a salute to Walt Disney and his legacy of animation magic with theatrical song and dance, animated film, video and some of the most technologically advanced special effects at sea.
* "Disney Dreams," a bedtime story featuring Peter Pan, Belle and the Beast, Aladdin, Cinderella, Ariel and many other popular Disney characters who help a young girl realize the power of her dreams.
* "Hercules -- The Muse-ical," a musical comedy in which the title hero teams up with a motley villain, a Greek goddess, two wacky sidekicks and, of course, the muses to deliver romance, laughs and sensational songs from the Disney animated hit film, "Hercules." (Disney Wonder only)
* "Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story," which begins where the original ended and features Cinderella, Prince Charming and other favorites from the classic fairy tale, plus a zany new character. (Disney Magic only)
During each cruise, guests also can join in the fun of the "Pirates IN the Caribbean" dinner and deck party, an evening of adventure beginning with a feast fit for a pirate and continuing with a duel between Captain Hook and Captain Mickey. Guests don bandanas, stunt performers rappel from atop the ship's funnel and the night sky illuminates in a blaze of fireworks.
First-run films and classic Disney features play daily in the state-of-the-art Buena Vista Theatre. And now guests can chill out on lounge chairs and enjoy movies and major sporting events on a jumbo LED screen located poolside on Deck 9.
Dining -- The novel dining experience aboard Disney Cruise Line rotates guests through three imaginatively themed restaurants during the cruise -- the casually elegant Lumiere's (Disney Magic) or Triton's (Disney Wonder), the whimsical, island-inspired Parrot Cay and Animator's Palate, where Disney animation paints the evening with living color. For adults, Palo offers an elegant dining alternative with sweeping ocean views and northern Italian cuisine. On longer cruises, champagne brunch and afternoon high tea draw adults back to Palo during the day, and the entire family can enjoy the Disney character breakfast or tea with Wendy. The casual Topsider Buffet (Disney Magic) or Beach Blanket Buffet (Disney Wonder) serves up a bounty of great tastes for a laid-back breakfast or lunch.
Youth Activities -- Peter Pan might never grow up given the choices of activities in the Oceaneer Club (ages 3-7), Oceaneer Lab (8-12) and The Stack or Aloft (teens only). In fact, Oceaneer Club is themed to Peter Pan's Neverland and Captain Hook's pirate ship, offering a storybook escape where kids can scramble around a rope bridge and slide, watch movies and participate in activities that sometimes include Disney's popular cast of characters. Activities are broken down further by specific age groups -- children ages 3 and 4 can dance with Snow White, engage in craft activities or join Sebastian's Musical Sea Search; kids 5-7 can dig into some funny science by creating a sticky-green goo like Flubber or learn how to draw Mickey Mouse in an animation workshop.
Oceaneer Lab offers older kids a chance to check themselves in and out of activities at parents' discretion. This virtual world of fun includes a video wall with wireless controllers, flat-screen computers with "family-rated" software, plus loads of other age-related toys and activities. Fun stuff for kids 8-9 includes building your own volcano, baking cookies and producing wacky radio commercials with sound effects. Ten- to 12-year-olds can participate in a trivia game show, search for clues in a Mystery Challenge and join friends at a nighttime pool party.
At The Stack (Disney Magic) and Aloft (Disney Wonder), teens have their own dance floor, Internet café and lounge with big-screen plasma TVs -- even the counselors are cool. Teens who want to get involved can join in poolside games, learn the latest hip-hop dance moves and tap into some karaoke to find their inner rock star.
And the brand-new Ocean Quest hangout, found only on the Disney Magic, offers a fourth onboard location just for youth activities. The nautical-themed space is filled with computer and video games and arts and crafts activities. Plasma screens show movies, and a simulator game, complete with kid-size replica of the ship's bridge and LCD screen "windows" with views from the actual bridge, lets kids steer the Disney Magic in and out of ports around the world.
The youngest sailors (12 weeks to 3 years old) get special care at Flounder's Reef Nursery so that parents get some down time to explore the ship on their own.
Adult Activities -- First-rate pampering is in store for guests who seize the opportunity to enjoy the newly expanded Vista Spa and Salon complete with indoor spa treatment suites attached to breezy, private outdoor verandas. The 10,700-square-foot Vista Spa includes a spacious fitness area -- recently doubled in size -- with cardio and weight-training equipment, spinning classes, and even private salons designed for Pilates instruction and one-on-one beauty and fitness consultations.
Nighttime is for burning up the dance floor at WaveBands (Disney Wonder) or Rockin' Bar D (Disney Magic). And there's room for romance at the Cadillac Lounge (Disney Wonder) or Sessions (Disney Magic), where live piano music pairs perfectly with drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Game devotees can play board games or watch sporting events at Diversions, a classy sports pub with every amenity.
Enrichment programs for adults include a wine tasting and a behind-the-scenes peek at onboard entertainment. The Quiet Cove Pool with adjoining whirlpool spas is a haven for adults, and on the private island Castaway Cay, Serenity Bay is just for adults with a private beach, open-air bar, couples' hammocks and private massage cabanas. (Source: Disney Cruise Line Press release)
=================================================
BLUE MAN GROUP SEEKS BLUE MEN & BAND MEMBERS FOR NEW UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT SHOW - OPENING SUMMER 2007 -
New York, NY - Blue Man Group, the wildly popular entertainment phenomenon, will be opening its newest production at Universal Orlando Resort in June 2007, and the casting department is launching a search in Florida to discover potential Blue Men. All open casting calls will take place at Universal CityWalk, with the open casting call for potential Blue Men on Wednesday, January 24 from 11am-4pm, and the open calls for local musicians on Thursday, January 25 from 11am-4pm.
Previous Florida casting calls have proven very successful for Blue Man, with Scott Kinworthy and Anthony Parulli having been chosen as Blue Men. Blue Man Anthony Parulli, a Tampa native, currently performing in the Blue Man Las Vegas show but relocating next spring to his home state of Florida for the upcoming production, will be in attendance at the open casting call and available for interviews.
As part of a national search for performers with the unique combination of qualities to be a Blue Man, the Orlando open casting call is the first in a series to complete the cast of the new Blue Man production at Universal Orlando Resort, as well as make additions to existing casts in New York, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, London, Berlin and Amsterdam. Blue Man Group Orlando will permanently occupy a newly created live performance venue accessible from both Universal CityWalk and Universal Studios and will add an entirely new dimension in live entertainment for Universal Orlando theme park guests and Florida residents.
The critically acclaimed Blue Man Group creates experiences that defy categorization. Known for multimedia performances featuring three bald and blue characters who take the audience on a journey that is funny, intelligent and visually stunning, Blue Man Group is accompanied by a live band whose haunting tribal rhythms drive the show to its unforgettable climax. Florida residents will get a taste of Blue Man Group when they travel through the state in February 2007 with their "How to Be a Megastar Tour 2.0." Completely unique from the Blue Man theatrical show, this one night only, not-to-be-missed rock concert will visit 6 Florida markets.
Do you have what it takes to be a Blue Man? Blue Man is an egoless, genderless being. Male and female performers are encouraged to audition. All necessary equipment will be provided. The basic criteria for Blue Man performers are:
· Height between 5’10" and 6’1" tall (athletic build)
· Solid drumming skills
· Excellent acting skills
· Willingness to relocate
How to be a Blue Man Musician? Blue Man Group is seeking guitarists, bassists, and drummers. Multi-instruments are a plus. For information about ongoing Blue Man Group casting efforts, performers may visit bluemancasting.com and blueman.com.
Blue Man Group Orlando Open Casting Calls at Universal CityWalk
Blue Man Performer Open Casting Call
Wednesday, January 24 - 11-4pm
Blue Man Musician Open Casting Call
Thursday, January 25 - 11-4pm
(Source: Press Release, 01/12/07)
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, explains some confusing terms for travelers:
"I was just reading a Disney-themed newsletter and came across a comment from another reader about the difference between connecting and adjoining rooms. Assuming that most of you don't read as many Disney-themed newsletters as I do, I thought it was worth repeating here.
'Connecting' rooms are side-by-side rooms with a door that opens in between. 'Adjoining' rooms are simply two rooms that share a common wall. They do NOT have a connecting door. This terminology also applies to cruise ships, not just hotels.
Another pair of terms that confuse some travelers are 'direct' and 'nonstop' (with reference to air flights). Direct flights go from point A to point B without requiring a change of planes; however, they land one or more times before reaching point B. You can usually stay on the plane if you want to (and during short layovers they request that you do), but other times they may ask you to get off. Direct flights can be surprisingly lengthy given that sometimes the intermediate stop is rather out of the way. Nonstop flights, in contrast, go directly from point A to point B with no intermediate stops. These flights are the fastest way to get to your destination, but they also fill up the fastest and, as such, go up in price faster than direct and connecting flights."
=================================================
MONEY SAVING COUPON
Orlando Magic NBA
600 West Amelia Street
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: 407-916-2255 / 888-622-6444
Fax: 407-916-2830
Present this coupon and get $5.00 off Food and Beverage with every Magic Ticket purchase! Can be used at all TD Waterhouse concession stands. Expires 12/31/07.
Plus! Conventioneers get preferred seating!
=================================================
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. Save even more with the following coupons:
Coupon #1:
Deal: Get $5 off an order of $25 or more
Coupon code: 5off25
Coupon password: bookcloseouts
Expires: Jan 31, 2007
Coupon #2:
Deal: Get $10 off an order of $50 or more
Coupon code: 10off50
Coupon password: bookcloseouts
Expires: Jan 31, 2007
Coupon #3:
Deal: Get $20 off an order of $100 or more
Coupon code: 20off100
Coupon password: bookcloseouts
Expires: Jan 31, 2007
--------------------------------
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
Enjoy Special Rates at select hotels, condos and vacation rentals near Disney. 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.
=============================================
January 17, 2007
Copyright © 1999 - 2007 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!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Disney typically raises its ticket prices in January. Members should contact our ticket agent before the increase! Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - Save hundreds on this spring vacation package at Walt Disney World! Can add the dining plan!
* The latest news from around the "World" - A new sponsor for Epcot's Test Track
* New itineraries and enhancements on the Disney Cruise Line in 2007
* Casting call for new show at Universal
* Disney changes its trip insurance policy
* Beth, our travel agent, explains some confusing terms for travelers
* This week's coupon - See the Orlando Magic and save!
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
We now list 22 Sweepstakes to win a Walt Disney World/Florida/Disneyland/Southern California vacation!
Save hundreds on this spring vacation package at Walt Disney World! Can add the dining plan!
New promotion for Canadians that includes passport assistance and discounts for Walt Disney World, Disneyland California and Disney Cruise Line.
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Traveling with Pets? Beth, our travel agent, can recommend a good off property hotel that is pet friendly, with a fridge and microwave in the room, located in a decent, clean and good location, for $59 or less a night!
UK residents save 45% on tickets to this theme park!
--------------------------------
Below are just some of the deals drawn from over 50 pages of current specials posted at our password-protected members-only site:
WALT DISNEY WORLD
>> FREE meals for Kids at these resorts on Disney property!
>> FREE Customized Park Maps for Walt Disney World!
>> This group can save up to $80.00 per night on Disney accommodations!
>> Deals for the military, teachers, government workers, nurses, Florida residents!
>> 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!
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
>> This group saves $80.00 on day visits to SeaWorld's Discovery Cove!
>> Save 10% on SeaWorld's Discovery Cove packages!
>> Buy one ticket and get one FREE at this popular theme park!
>> Book your Tee Times at this site where rates start at $69!
>> Save up to 25% per night at Universal's Royal Pacific Resort!
>> FREE admission for kids to Tarzan, Lion King and Beauty and the Beast on Broadway!FREE admission for kids to Tarzan, Lion King and Beauty and the Beast on Broadway!
>> These teachers receive a FREE ticket to both Universal Orlando theme parks!
>> Save up to 40% at this Luxury Resort just 6 miles from Walt Disney World!
>> New Discounts available on tickets to SeaWorld and Busch Gardens! Good for 6 consecutive days, too!
>> All you can eat at Universal Studios or Islands of
Adventure for less than $20!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
* Three nights from $429!
* Four nights from $539!
* Seven nights Land & Sea from $899!
>> This group receives a $50 onboard credit good for buying merchandise, shore excursions, etc. on their 2007 Disney cruise!
>> New discount rates just posted for Florida residents and the military - rates too low to publish!
>> New discount rate for Canadians - includes stateroom credit, too!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
>> This group gets a 2-Day Park Hopper for the Price of One!
>> This group can gain admission to Disneyland Park one day and Disney's California Adventure Park the next day with the purchase of one ticket!
>> 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!
>> Save $10.00 on admission to Universal Studios Hollywood and get a second visit for FREE!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
>> Bring the kids for FREE with this vacation package! They'll enjoy free accommodations, park tickets and more!
>> Stay one night and get one night FREE + breakfast!
>> This group saves 19 Euros per ticket to the Disneyland theme parks!
--------------------------------
VEGAS
>> Stay at this luxury resort & casino from $79 per night! Includes Room Upgrade, 2 FREE Drinks, 2-for-1 Breakfast, 2-for-1 Lunch, Admission for 2 to the Spa, and more!
>>Stay at this Resort & Casino from $69! Upgrade to a Suite from $89!
--------------------------------
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!
>> Inexpensive Shore Excursions and Tours!
--------------------------------
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC VACATION
4-Night vacation package to Dominican Republic includes round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations FROMM $777!
--------------------------------
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
This Day in Disney History
--------------------------------
Click here for a review of breakfast at Boatwright's Dining Hall at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort.
--------------------------------
"'Fuel for Thought' is a new exhibit at Epcot sponsored by GM. The exhibit features "fuel cell technology, hybrid vehicles and ethanol-powered cars and trucks." The exhibit is located outside the exit from Test Track. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/10/07)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
"Theme-park operator Six Flags Inc., which has been struggling with falling attendance and a large debt load, said Thursday it will sell seven of its 30 North American parks for $312 million... The seven parks include Six Flags Darien Lake near Buffalo, N.Y.; Six Flags Elitch Gardens in Denver; both Frontier City and the White Water Bay water park in Oklahoma City; SplashTown in Houston; Waterworld USA in Concord, Calif.; and Wild Waves and Enchanted Village in Seattle." (Source: nypost.com, 01/11/07)
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
BRANSON MISSOURI
Click here to see what's happening in 2007.
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Disney Changes Trip Insurance Policy
Disney's travel insurance, Travel Guard, now covers airfare, booked through Disney, a travel agent, or on your own. There is no charge for children 17 and under when all the adults buy the policy. Disney is applying the new coverage to all existing reservations. Claims will be processed as usual. For more information, call Travel Guard at 1-800-826-3899. Disney's trip insurance is pricey: $59.95 per adult. See InsureMyTrip.com to do some comparison shopping.
=================================================
New Itineraries and Pixie-Dusted Enhancements Await Disney Cruise Line Guests in 2007
CELEBRATION, Fla. -- With the elegant style of classic ocean liners and upgraded amenities worthy of a palace, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are setting sail in style during 2007. The Disney Magic will for the first time call on ports in Spain, Italy and France throughout the summer. The Disney Wonder was recently refurbished to include a spa makeover, jumbo poolside LED screen and a new toddler splash-zone for non-potty trained children.
Itineraries -- Throughout the entire year, Disney Wonder offers fun and excitement as it voyages to the popular port of Nassau, the Bahamian capital teeming with tropical and historic sights. Guests then sail on to Castaway Cay, where the livin' is easy and the fun is non-stop. A tropical paradise fringed with palms and framed by sparkling seas, the island offers special amenities for kids, teens and adults.
Disney Magic voyages promise plenty of adventure in 2007. The tropics envelop guests who embark on Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings to white-sand beaches and colorful island towns and villages. Beginning May 26 and continuing through August, Disney Magic ventures "across the pond" for 10- and- 11-night itineraries that include Barcelona, Spain; Palermo, Sicily; Naples, Italy; Olbia, Sardinia; Rome; Florence, Italy; and Marseille, France.
Entertainment -- Princesses and other popular Disney characters rule the stage while pirates take over the deck to keep guests entertained nightly aboard Disney Cruise Line. An accomplished cast, elaborate costumes, lavish sets, surprising special effects and classic Disney tunes as well as original compositions enrich the shows shown in the 977-seat Walt Disney Theatre, which include:
* "The Golden Mickeys," a salute to Walt Disney and his legacy of animation magic with theatrical song and dance, animated film, video and some of the most technologically advanced special effects at sea.
* "Disney Dreams," a bedtime story featuring Peter Pan, Belle and the Beast, Aladdin, Cinderella, Ariel and many other popular Disney characters who help a young girl realize the power of her dreams.
* "Hercules -- The Muse-ical," a musical comedy in which the title hero teams up with a motley villain, a Greek goddess, two wacky sidekicks and, of course, the muses to deliver romance, laughs and sensational songs from the Disney animated hit film, "Hercules." (Disney Wonder only)
* "Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story," which begins where the original ended and features Cinderella, Prince Charming and other favorites from the classic fairy tale, plus a zany new character. (Disney Magic only)
During each cruise, guests also can join in the fun of the "Pirates IN the Caribbean" dinner and deck party, an evening of adventure beginning with a feast fit for a pirate and continuing with a duel between Captain Hook and Captain Mickey. Guests don bandanas, stunt performers rappel from atop the ship's funnel and the night sky illuminates in a blaze of fireworks.
First-run films and classic Disney features play daily in the state-of-the-art Buena Vista Theatre. And now guests can chill out on lounge chairs and enjoy movies and major sporting events on a jumbo LED screen located poolside on Deck 9.
Dining -- The novel dining experience aboard Disney Cruise Line rotates guests through three imaginatively themed restaurants during the cruise -- the casually elegant Lumiere's (Disney Magic) or Triton's (Disney Wonder), the whimsical, island-inspired Parrot Cay and Animator's Palate, where Disney animation paints the evening with living color. For adults, Palo offers an elegant dining alternative with sweeping ocean views and northern Italian cuisine. On longer cruises, champagne brunch and afternoon high tea draw adults back to Palo during the day, and the entire family can enjoy the Disney character breakfast or tea with Wendy. The casual Topsider Buffet (Disney Magic) or Beach Blanket Buffet (Disney Wonder) serves up a bounty of great tastes for a laid-back breakfast or lunch.
Youth Activities -- Peter Pan might never grow up given the choices of activities in the Oceaneer Club (ages 3-7), Oceaneer Lab (8-12) and The Stack or Aloft (teens only). In fact, Oceaneer Club is themed to Peter Pan's Neverland and Captain Hook's pirate ship, offering a storybook escape where kids can scramble around a rope bridge and slide, watch movies and participate in activities that sometimes include Disney's popular cast of characters. Activities are broken down further by specific age groups -- children ages 3 and 4 can dance with Snow White, engage in craft activities or join Sebastian's Musical Sea Search; kids 5-7 can dig into some funny science by creating a sticky-green goo like Flubber or learn how to draw Mickey Mouse in an animation workshop.
Oceaneer Lab offers older kids a chance to check themselves in and out of activities at parents' discretion. This virtual world of fun includes a video wall with wireless controllers, flat-screen computers with "family-rated" software, plus loads of other age-related toys and activities. Fun stuff for kids 8-9 includes building your own volcano, baking cookies and producing wacky radio commercials with sound effects. Ten- to 12-year-olds can participate in a trivia game show, search for clues in a Mystery Challenge and join friends at a nighttime pool party.
At The Stack (Disney Magic) and Aloft (Disney Wonder), teens have their own dance floor, Internet café and lounge with big-screen plasma TVs -- even the counselors are cool. Teens who want to get involved can join in poolside games, learn the latest hip-hop dance moves and tap into some karaoke to find their inner rock star.
And the brand-new Ocean Quest hangout, found only on the Disney Magic, offers a fourth onboard location just for youth activities. The nautical-themed space is filled with computer and video games and arts and crafts activities. Plasma screens show movies, and a simulator game, complete with kid-size replica of the ship's bridge and LCD screen "windows" with views from the actual bridge, lets kids steer the Disney Magic in and out of ports around the world.
The youngest sailors (12 weeks to 3 years old) get special care at Flounder's Reef Nursery so that parents get some down time to explore the ship on their own.
Adult Activities -- First-rate pampering is in store for guests who seize the opportunity to enjoy the newly expanded Vista Spa and Salon complete with indoor spa treatment suites attached to breezy, private outdoor verandas. The 10,700-square-foot Vista Spa includes a spacious fitness area -- recently doubled in size -- with cardio and weight-training equipment, spinning classes, and even private salons designed for Pilates instruction and one-on-one beauty and fitness consultations.
Nighttime is for burning up the dance floor at WaveBands (Disney Wonder) or Rockin' Bar D (Disney Magic). And there's room for romance at the Cadillac Lounge (Disney Wonder) or Sessions (Disney Magic), where live piano music pairs perfectly with drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Game devotees can play board games or watch sporting events at Diversions, a classy sports pub with every amenity.
Enrichment programs for adults include a wine tasting and a behind-the-scenes peek at onboard entertainment. The Quiet Cove Pool with adjoining whirlpool spas is a haven for adults, and on the private island Castaway Cay, Serenity Bay is just for adults with a private beach, open-air bar, couples' hammocks and private massage cabanas. (Source: Disney Cruise Line Press release)
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BLUE MAN GROUP SEEKS BLUE MEN & BAND MEMBERS FOR NEW UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT SHOW - OPENING SUMMER 2007 -
New York, NY - Blue Man Group, the wildly popular entertainment phenomenon, will be opening its newest production at Universal Orlando Resort in June 2007, and the casting department is launching a search in Florida to discover potential Blue Men. All open casting calls will take place at Universal CityWalk, with the open casting call for potential Blue Men on Wednesday, January 24 from 11am-4pm, and the open calls for local musicians on Thursday, January 25 from 11am-4pm.
Previous Florida casting calls have proven very successful for Blue Man, with Scott Kinworthy and Anthony Parulli having been chosen as Blue Men. Blue Man Anthony Parulli, a Tampa native, currently performing in the Blue Man Las Vegas show but relocating next spring to his home state of Florida for the upcoming production, will be in attendance at the open casting call and available for interviews.
As part of a national search for performers with the unique combination of qualities to be a Blue Man, the Orlando open casting call is the first in a series to complete the cast of the new Blue Man production at Universal Orlando Resort, as well as make additions to existing casts in New York, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, London, Berlin and Amsterdam. Blue Man Group Orlando will permanently occupy a newly created live performance venue accessible from both Universal CityWalk and Universal Studios and will add an entirely new dimension in live entertainment for Universal Orlando theme park guests and Florida residents.
The critically acclaimed Blue Man Group creates experiences that defy categorization. Known for multimedia performances featuring three bald and blue characters who take the audience on a journey that is funny, intelligent and visually stunning, Blue Man Group is accompanied by a live band whose haunting tribal rhythms drive the show to its unforgettable climax. Florida residents will get a taste of Blue Man Group when they travel through the state in February 2007 with their "How to Be a Megastar Tour 2.0." Completely unique from the Blue Man theatrical show, this one night only, not-to-be-missed rock concert will visit 6 Florida markets.
Do you have what it takes to be a Blue Man? Blue Man is an egoless, genderless being. Male and female performers are encouraged to audition. All necessary equipment will be provided. The basic criteria for Blue Man performers are:
· Height between 5’10" and 6’1" tall (athletic build)
· Solid drumming skills
· Excellent acting skills
· Willingness to relocate
How to be a Blue Man Musician? Blue Man Group is seeking guitarists, bassists, and drummers. Multi-instruments are a plus. For information about ongoing Blue Man Group casting efforts, performers may visit bluemancasting.com and blueman.com.
Blue Man Group Orlando Open Casting Calls at Universal CityWalk
Blue Man Performer Open Casting Call
Wednesday, January 24 - 11-4pm
Blue Man Musician Open Casting Call
Thursday, January 25 - 11-4pm
(Source: Press Release, 01/12/07)
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Beth, our travel agent, explains some confusing terms for travelers:
"I was just reading a Disney-themed newsletter and came across a comment from another reader about the difference between connecting and adjoining rooms. Assuming that most of you don't read as many Disney-themed newsletters as I do, I thought it was worth repeating here.
'Connecting' rooms are side-by-side rooms with a door that opens in between. 'Adjoining' rooms are simply two rooms that share a common wall. They do NOT have a connecting door. This terminology also applies to cruise ships, not just hotels.
Another pair of terms that confuse some travelers are 'direct' and 'nonstop' (with reference to air flights). Direct flights go from point A to point B without requiring a change of planes; however, they land one or more times before reaching point B. You can usually stay on the plane if you want to (and during short layovers they request that you do), but other times they may ask you to get off. Direct flights can be surprisingly lengthy given that sometimes the intermediate stop is rather out of the way. Nonstop flights, in contrast, go directly from point A to point B with no intermediate stops. These flights are the fastest way to get to your destination, but they also fill up the fastest and, as such, go up in price faster than direct and connecting flights."
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Present this coupon and get $5.00 off Food and Beverage with every Magic Ticket purchase! Can be used at all TD Waterhouse concession stands. Expires 12/31/07.
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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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posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 6:46 AM
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