Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
February 7, 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 early in the year. Members should contact our ticket agent before the increase! Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - senior discounts, Valentine special, and dining certificates for restaurants near Disney
* The latest news from around the "World" - effects of recent tornadoes on the theme parks
* Toy Story Mania coming to Florida and California in 2008
* Branson Missouri is hot this winter
* Celebrities to appear in Disney photos
* This week's coupon - save on Florida casino cruises
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
We now list 22 Sweepstakes to win a Walt Disney World/Florida/Disneyland/Southern California vacation!
NOTE: Walt Disney World's Vacation Package for Spring
Adventures by Disney Valentine Special. Save 10%! Hurry! Expires February 14.
Details on a new shuttle service to Walt Disney World from other Florida cities. Rates start at $35.
Discounts at Restaurants near Disney! Right now you can purchase $25 Gift Certificates for as low as $5 each. Plus, you'll get a FREE $10 Gift Certificate with every purchase you make! These certificates are acceptable as cash at thousands of restaurants nationwide, including those in Florida. Hurry! This special expires 02/08/07.
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Over 20 businesses that offer senior discounts!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
Rent a compact to intermediate car at any of this company's participating locations in Europe and receive a free one-class upgrade. The offer is valid in more than 45 European countries, including the U.K., Germany, France, Spain, Ireland, Luxembourg, Macedonia and Belgium.
--------------------------------
OTHER VACATION SPECIALS
One Penny Mondays
For one penny, you can get one night's accommodation at this Resort & Spa in British Columbia, Canada. Stay three nights on either side of Monday and get Monday night for just one penny. The offer is valid for stays until April 30, 2007. The area is receiving record snow. There are a 1000 acres of new terrain to explore and non-ski activities such as sno-limo, ziptrek and sleigh rides. Suites offer real wood burning fireplaces and access to spa, the Bar & Grille, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and free "ski valet."
Gulf Coast Savings
Package #1 Gulf-front accommodations, breakfast for two and a basket with champagne, souvenir flutes, seashell rose and scented sea salts for the bath starts at $79 per couple, per night.
Package #2 Families can hunt and identify seashells together. Includes "Peterson First Guide to Shells of North America," a local guide to the best beachcombing spots, five magnifying lenses, a souvenir pail, and, just in case shells are scarce, a shell assortment. Packages start at $74 per night based on double occupancy.
Package #3 Includes golf villa accommodations, 18 holes of golf, breakfast, shoe and club cleaning and customized bag tag at rates from $116 per person, per night. You have access to a half-mile of private beach, a nine-hole executive course, four hot tubs, 11 Plexicushion tennis courts, spa and fitness center and 12 pools.
=================================================
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
>> Save hundreds on this spring vacation package at Walt Disney World! Can add the dining plan!
>> 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
>> Book 4 nights and get the 5th Night FREE at any Universal Orlando onsite hotel! Plus, receive a FREE room upgrade!
>> UK residents save 45% on tickets to this theme park!
>> 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!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
>> Book 2 nights at Universal Studios Hollywood and receive the 3rd night FREE! Plus! Enjoy a 2nd day admission to Universal Studios Hollywood for FREE!
>> This group saves $60.00 per night this winter at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel!
>> 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!
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DISNEYLAND PARIS
>> Receive a FREE rental car upgrade in more than 45 European countries through March 31!
>> 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!
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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!
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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
>> 14 cruise specials to Alaska, Canada, South Pacific, Southeast Asia, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, South America, Africa and the Indian Ocean!
>> 7-night Caribbean Cruises starting at $649 for Thanksgiving 2007!
>> Cruises to Europe and the Caribbean from $599 per person!
>> Inexpensive Shore Excursions and Tours!
--------------------------------
OTHER VACATION SPECIALS
>> Kids Sail FREE to Bermuda! Adult rates from $299 per person!
>> Save almost 50% on packages at Catalina Island, off the coast of California!
>> Beau Rivage Hotel and Casino - Biloxi, MS from $99 per night!
>> 5-night vacation in Helsinki, Finland from $599!
>> Travel to this Tropical Island and get a FREE passport!
>> 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 photos of the Cinderella Castle Suite where lucky guests will be able to spend the night.
--------------------------------
Closed for refurbishing until nest week:
Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway at Magic Kingdom.
The Wonders of Life Pavilion and the El Rio del Tiempo attraction at Epcot closed last month. "El Rio del Tiempo is being refurbished and reworked to add the three main characters from the Three Caballeros films of the 1940s, Donald Duck, Jose Carioca the parrot and Panchito the Mexican charro rooster, Disney officials said." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/05/07)
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Theme Parks Suffer No Damage
"Officials at Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Orlando all reported this morning that their parks opened on time and are in full, normal operation today. There were no reports of damage in any of the theme parks." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/02/07)
Thinking of retiring to The Villages? The tornadoes damaged 1200 homes and totaled 164! (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/05/07)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
"When Gatorland, one of Orlando's longest-standing attractions, went up in flames last fall, many in Central Florida were saddened at the thought of the park's massive gator jaws succumbing to the bulldozer... [Well] an engineer has signed off on the now-scorched jaws' structural stability and they'll stay put." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/01/07)
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Pirates 40th Anniversary Product Release & Signing will take place March 18 at The Disney Gallery in Disneyland's New Orleans Square. (Source: register123.com, 02/06/07) Click here to see merchandise.
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What's new...
* Disney is going to build a new hotel themed after the world famous Hotel Del Coronado
* Toy Story Mania is already under construction at DCA
* Carland - based on the movie "Cars" and similar to Test Track at Epcot - is in the planning stages for DCA
* Disney is going to remake the entrance to DCA to resemble the California of the 1920’s
* Tomorrowland’s Submarine Voyage opens this summer at Disneyland park
* The People Mover ride in Tomorrowland will be transformed into The Incredibles People Pod Mover
(Source: o-meon.com, 02/05/07)
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Disneyland Resort Calendar
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HONG KONG DISNEYLAND
"They'll huff, they'll puff -- and Hong Kong Disney hopes The Three Little Pigs will bring the house down this Chinese New Year. The pigs, who outwitted the Big Bad Wolf in Disney's 1933 hit cartoon, will prance around the park in a bid to lure visitors during the lunar new year holiday, which this year falls on Feb 18. This year has been dubbed the 'Year of the Pig.' Festivities take place February 2 to March 4." (Source: news.yahoo.com, 02/02/07)
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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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Toy Story Animated Characters Create Fun and Mania In Disney Parks - New Attraction Comes to Florida and California in 2008
It's the wondrous world of Woody the Cowboy, Buzz Lightyear and Green Army Men. And coming in 2008, guests of Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts get to ride and play inside an energy-filled toybox of fun with the debut on both coasts of "Toy Story Mania."
Celebrating the Disney-Pixar classics "Toy Story" and "Toy Story II," "Toy Story Mania" will take the interactive ride-game experience to exciting new heights. High-tech yet rooted in classic midway games of skill, "Toy Story Mania" will match the delightful characters of the films with games that best suit their very animated personalities.
Fun for the whole family, "Toy Story Mania" will immerse guests of Disney-MGM Studios and Disney's California Adventure into the "Toy Story" world as never before. Donning 3-D glasses, guests shrink to the size of a toy, and hop into fanciful ride vehicles that travel and twist along a colorful midway-themed route. Upon arriving at each game booth, they will aim for animated targets using their own special on-board "toy cannon."
As guests score points, they will be cheered on by favorite "Toy Story" friends like Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Hamm, Bo Peep and the Little Green Men. Hidden targets garner players extra points and lead to different levels of play. The energy of the characters, the competition with other riders and the hilarious, unpredictable game action make this a unique experience that families will want to try again and again.
The attraction features games that audiences of all ages and skills -- from beginner to serious gamer -- can enjoy. No matter how many times guests return to ride and play, they can be sure every ride-through will be different. Players pair up and sit side-by-side for a friendly competition that delivers an ever-changing variety of targets and surprises.
(Source: Press Release, 01/25/07)
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Branson, Missouri is Hot This Winter!
Travelers looking for a memorable winter vacation need look no further than Branson, Missouri as the town celebrates Hot Winter Fun December 26, 2006 through April 9th, 2007.
Hot Winter Fun is an annual tradition in Branson offering festivals, live music shows, theaters, shopping and world-class lodging such as Thousand Hills Resort. Many local attractions offer special discounts for the winter visitor as well.
Branson, MO is ideally located as a winter vacation destination because its' Ozark location results in warm daytime temperatures; the average winter months daytime temperature is in the 50's. Heavy snowfall is rare in Branson and the snow is short-lived. With mild winter weather like this travelers can spend a day trout fishing in Lake TaneyCoMo or playing a round of golf at one of Branson's year-round golf courses, the highly acclaimed Thousand Hills Golf Course.
Hot Winter Fun in Branson is home to a number of special events and festivals travelers won't want to miss. Highlights include: February, 07 - Sweetheart Month at the Titanic Museum - Guests celebrate their love stories with the on-screen romance from the hit movie Titanic. March 9 - April 12, 2007 -- IMAX Film Festival at the IMAX Entertainment Complex. Enjoy a variety of large scale IMAX films on the area's largest screen March 2007 - The NAIA Division II Men's Basketball Championship tournament at College of the Ozarks.
Visitors also won't want to miss the dozens of live shows and attractions that continue playing in Branson throughout the winter months. Some of these shows include the classic Baldknobbers Theatre, the brand new Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theatre and car museum, the Jim Stafford Theatre, The Imaginary Theatre featuring the magic of Justin Flom, Legends in Concert and many more. Other attractions open throughout the Hot Winter Fun season include The World's Largest Titanic Museum, Veteran's Memorial Museum, Stone Hill Winery, and more.
Guests to Branson should not overlook the world-class shopping available in Branson... Great deals can be found at Tanger Outlet Mall, The Branson IMAX complex and especially at the new Branson Landing shopping area which includes stores such as Bass Pro Shops, Belk and hundreds more. (Source: Press Release)
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Stars Play Out Disney Park Fantasies In New Images Unveiled by Annie Leibovitz - Photography Featuring Scarlett Johansson, Beyoncé and David Beckham Kicks Off Disney’s ‘Year of a Million Dreams’
To launch Disney Parks "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration, spectacular new images were unveiled today featuring the work of acclaimed photographer Annie Leibovitz, and starring Scarlett Johansson as Cinderella, Beyoncé taking a spin in a giant teacup and David Beckham slaying a dragon.
Leibovitz’s images also fulfill one of Beckham’s "dreams," as the Disney Parks project is his first endorsement since signing a contract to play professional soccer in the United States.
In addition to the three debut images, Disney Parks has commissioned more images by Leibovitz that will feature other celebrities in classic, Disney fairy tale settings.
Asked by Disney Parks to lend her vision to the campaign, Leibovitz has created inspired images of storybook fantasy come to life. Her photographs for the campaign embody the captivating, narrative style indicative of her world-renowned work.
"I’m really delighted to be part of the ‘Where Dreams Come True’ campaign," said Leibovitz. "We live in difficult times and I feel, especially as a parent, that keeping dreams alive is one of the most important things we can do."
Each image features a scene with the featured celebrities transformed into the role of a fabled Disney character, expressing their own dreams and imagination.
* As Cinderella, Scarlett Johansson is seen running down a flight of stairs as the clock strikes midnight with her glass slipper unknowingly left behind.
Befitting a true princess, Johansson wears a stunning, one-of-a-kind Harry Winston tiara - a dazzling piece in platinum with more than 62 carats of sparkling diamonds and valued at $325,000. The dress worn by Johansson is a custom-made, Cinderella-inspired gown designed by Nicoletta Santoro.
* David Beckham plays the part of the gallant Prince Phillip from "Sleeping Beauty," atop his trusted steed fighting the evil dragon. The tagline reads, "Where imagination saves the day."
"There were many Disney characters I liked as a kid," said Beckham. "Now my sons love the Disney characters and it’s a big part of their lives, a big part of many children’s lives around the world. So to be part of that is an honor and very exciting.
"I love going to Disney, I’m like a big kid," he added.
* Beyoncé appears as "Alice in Wonderland," twirling in a teacup, accompanied by Oliver Platt as the Mad Hatter and Lyle Lovett as the March Hare. The tagline reads, "Where Wonderland is your destiny."
"It’s two great imaginations coming together - Disney and Annie Leibovitz," said Lovett. "To be along for the ride really is quite something, just knowing that you’re going to be part of a great Disney character. And then when you step into the imagination of Annie Leibovitz, you know you’re in another world."
"The ‘Where Dreams Come True’ campaign is about the imaginations and dreams that are inside us all," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "By capturing these transformational experiences, these emotional images communicate a powerful concept. Working with Annie Leibovitz was a natural fit - Disney is known for immersive storytelling and Annie is a masterful artist whose photos speak volumes."
The campaign premieres as a special insert in the March issues of Vanity Fair, GQ, Vogue, W, The New Yorker, Conde Nast Traveler and Cookie. (Source: Press Release, 01/27/07)
=================================================
MONEY SAVING COUPON
Florida Gaming Cruise
SunCruz Casinos
610 Glen Cheek Dr
Cape Canarveral, FL 32920
Phone: 800-474-DICE(3423)
Fax: 321-783-7520
"Vegas Style Casino Cruise. Slots, table games, sports book, live entertainment. Shuttle bus from select locations. Choice of two ports, sailing twice daily." Enjoy Complimentary Cruise, Free Drinks while Gaming, and $5 Casino Cash with this coupon. Expires 12/31/07.
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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.
--------------------------------
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.
Order Today and Get $10 Off and a Free $25 Restaurant Certificate!
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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
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!!!"
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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.
=============================================
February 7, 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 early in the year. Members should contact our ticket agent before the increase! Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - senior discounts, Valentine special, and dining certificates for restaurants near Disney
* The latest news from around the "World" - effects of recent tornadoes on the theme parks
* Toy Story Mania coming to Florida and California in 2008
* Branson Missouri is hot this winter
* Celebrities to appear in Disney photos
* This week's coupon - save on Florida casino cruises
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
We now list 22 Sweepstakes to win a Walt Disney World/Florida/Disneyland/Southern California vacation!
NOTE: Walt Disney World's Vacation Package for Spring
Adventures by Disney Valentine Special. Save 10%! Hurry! Expires February 14.
Details on a new shuttle service to Walt Disney World from other Florida cities. Rates start at $35.
Discounts at Restaurants near Disney! Right now you can purchase $25 Gift Certificates for as low as $5 each. Plus, you'll get a FREE $10 Gift Certificate with every purchase you make! These certificates are acceptable as cash at thousands of restaurants nationwide, including those in Florida. Hurry! This special expires 02/08/07.
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Over 20 businesses that offer senior discounts!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
Rent a compact to intermediate car at any of this company's participating locations in Europe and receive a free one-class upgrade. The offer is valid in more than 45 European countries, including the U.K., Germany, France, Spain, Ireland, Luxembourg, Macedonia and Belgium.
--------------------------------
OTHER VACATION SPECIALS
One Penny Mondays
For one penny, you can get one night's accommodation at this Resort & Spa in British Columbia, Canada. Stay three nights on either side of Monday and get Monday night for just one penny. The offer is valid for stays until April 30, 2007. The area is receiving record snow. There are a 1000 acres of new terrain to explore and non-ski activities such as sno-limo, ziptrek and sleigh rides. Suites offer real wood burning fireplaces and access to spa, the Bar & Grille, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and free "ski valet."
Gulf Coast Savings
Package #1 Gulf-front accommodations, breakfast for two and a basket with champagne, souvenir flutes, seashell rose and scented sea salts for the bath starts at $79 per couple, per night.
Package #2 Families can hunt and identify seashells together. Includes "Peterson First Guide to Shells of North America," a local guide to the best beachcombing spots, five magnifying lenses, a souvenir pail, and, just in case shells are scarce, a shell assortment. Packages start at $74 per night based on double occupancy.
Package #3 Includes golf villa accommodations, 18 holes of golf, breakfast, shoe and club cleaning and customized bag tag at rates from $116 per person, per night. You have access to a half-mile of private beach, a nine-hole executive course, four hot tubs, 11 Plexicushion tennis courts, spa and fitness center and 12 pools.
=================================================
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
>> Save hundreds on this spring vacation package at Walt Disney World! Can add the dining plan!
>> 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
>> Book 4 nights and get the 5th Night FREE at any Universal Orlando onsite hotel! Plus, receive a FREE room upgrade!
>> UK residents save 45% on tickets to this theme park!
>> 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!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
>> Book 2 nights at Universal Studios Hollywood and receive the 3rd night FREE! Plus! Enjoy a 2nd day admission to Universal Studios Hollywood for FREE!
>> This group saves $60.00 per night this winter at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel!
>> 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
>> Receive a FREE rental car upgrade in more than 45 European countries through March 31!
>> 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
>> 14 cruise specials to Alaska, Canada, South Pacific, Southeast Asia, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, South America, Africa and the Indian Ocean!
>> 7-night Caribbean Cruises starting at $649 for Thanksgiving 2007!
>> Cruises to Europe and the Caribbean from $599 per person!
>> Inexpensive Shore Excursions and Tours!
--------------------------------
OTHER VACATION SPECIALS
>> Kids Sail FREE to Bermuda! Adult rates from $299 per person!
>> Save almost 50% on packages at Catalina Island, off the coast of California!
>> Beau Rivage Hotel and Casino - Biloxi, MS from $99 per night!
>> 5-night vacation in Helsinki, Finland from $599!
>> Travel to this Tropical Island and get a FREE passport!
>> 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 photos of the Cinderella Castle Suite where lucky guests will be able to spend the night.
--------------------------------
Closed for refurbishing until nest week:
Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway at Magic Kingdom.
The Wonders of Life Pavilion and the El Rio del Tiempo attraction at Epcot closed last month. "El Rio del Tiempo is being refurbished and reworked to add the three main characters from the Three Caballeros films of the 1940s, Donald Duck, Jose Carioca the parrot and Panchito the Mexican charro rooster, Disney officials said." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/05/07)
--------------------------------
Theme Parks Suffer No Damage
"Officials at Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Orlando all reported this morning that their parks opened on time and are in full, normal operation today. There were no reports of damage in any of the theme parks." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/02/07)
Thinking of retiring to The Villages? The tornadoes damaged 1200 homes and totaled 164! (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/05/07)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
"When Gatorland, one of Orlando's longest-standing attractions, went up in flames last fall, many in Central Florida were saddened at the thought of the park's massive gator jaws succumbing to the bulldozer... [Well] an engineer has signed off on the now-scorched jaws' structural stability and they'll stay put." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/01/07)
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Pirates 40th Anniversary Product Release & Signing will take place March 18 at The Disney Gallery in Disneyland's New Orleans Square. (Source: register123.com, 02/06/07) Click here to see merchandise.
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What's new...
* Disney is going to build a new hotel themed after the world famous Hotel Del Coronado
* Toy Story Mania is already under construction at DCA
* Carland - based on the movie "Cars" and similar to Test Track at Epcot - is in the planning stages for DCA
* Disney is going to remake the entrance to DCA to resemble the California of the 1920’s
* Tomorrowland’s Submarine Voyage opens this summer at Disneyland park
* The People Mover ride in Tomorrowland will be transformed into The Incredibles People Pod Mover
(Source: o-meon.com, 02/05/07)
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Disneyland Resort Calendar
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HONG KONG DISNEYLAND
"They'll huff, they'll puff -- and Hong Kong Disney hopes The Three Little Pigs will bring the house down this Chinese New Year. The pigs, who outwitted the Big Bad Wolf in Disney's 1933 hit cartoon, will prance around the park in a bid to lure visitors during the lunar new year holiday, which this year falls on Feb 18. This year has been dubbed the 'Year of the Pig.' Festivities take place February 2 to March 4." (Source: news.yahoo.com, 02/02/07)
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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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Toy Story Animated Characters Create Fun and Mania In Disney Parks - New Attraction Comes to Florida and California in 2008
It's the wondrous world of Woody the Cowboy, Buzz Lightyear and Green Army Men. And coming in 2008, guests of Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts get to ride and play inside an energy-filled toybox of fun with the debut on both coasts of "Toy Story Mania."
Celebrating the Disney-Pixar classics "Toy Story" and "Toy Story II," "Toy Story Mania" will take the interactive ride-game experience to exciting new heights. High-tech yet rooted in classic midway games of skill, "Toy Story Mania" will match the delightful characters of the films with games that best suit their very animated personalities.
Fun for the whole family, "Toy Story Mania" will immerse guests of Disney-MGM Studios and Disney's California Adventure into the "Toy Story" world as never before. Donning 3-D glasses, guests shrink to the size of a toy, and hop into fanciful ride vehicles that travel and twist along a colorful midway-themed route. Upon arriving at each game booth, they will aim for animated targets using their own special on-board "toy cannon."
As guests score points, they will be cheered on by favorite "Toy Story" friends like Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Hamm, Bo Peep and the Little Green Men. Hidden targets garner players extra points and lead to different levels of play. The energy of the characters, the competition with other riders and the hilarious, unpredictable game action make this a unique experience that families will want to try again and again.
The attraction features games that audiences of all ages and skills -- from beginner to serious gamer -- can enjoy. No matter how many times guests return to ride and play, they can be sure every ride-through will be different. Players pair up and sit side-by-side for a friendly competition that delivers an ever-changing variety of targets and surprises.
(Source: Press Release, 01/25/07)
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Branson, Missouri is Hot This Winter!
Travelers looking for a memorable winter vacation need look no further than Branson, Missouri as the town celebrates Hot Winter Fun December 26, 2006 through April 9th, 2007.
Hot Winter Fun is an annual tradition in Branson offering festivals, live music shows, theaters, shopping and world-class lodging such as Thousand Hills Resort. Many local attractions offer special discounts for the winter visitor as well.
Branson, MO is ideally located as a winter vacation destination because its' Ozark location results in warm daytime temperatures; the average winter months daytime temperature is in the 50's. Heavy snowfall is rare in Branson and the snow is short-lived. With mild winter weather like this travelers can spend a day trout fishing in Lake TaneyCoMo or playing a round of golf at one of Branson's year-round golf courses, the highly acclaimed Thousand Hills Golf Course.
Hot Winter Fun in Branson is home to a number of special events and festivals travelers won't want to miss. Highlights include: February, 07 - Sweetheart Month at the Titanic Museum - Guests celebrate their love stories with the on-screen romance from the hit movie Titanic. March 9 - April 12, 2007 -- IMAX Film Festival at the IMAX Entertainment Complex. Enjoy a variety of large scale IMAX films on the area's largest screen March 2007 - The NAIA Division II Men's Basketball Championship tournament at College of the Ozarks.
Visitors also won't want to miss the dozens of live shows and attractions that continue playing in Branson throughout the winter months. Some of these shows include the classic Baldknobbers Theatre, the brand new Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theatre and car museum, the Jim Stafford Theatre, The Imaginary Theatre featuring the magic of Justin Flom, Legends in Concert and many more. Other attractions open throughout the Hot Winter Fun season include The World's Largest Titanic Museum, Veteran's Memorial Museum, Stone Hill Winery, and more.
Guests to Branson should not overlook the world-class shopping available in Branson... Great deals can be found at Tanger Outlet Mall, The Branson IMAX complex and especially at the new Branson Landing shopping area which includes stores such as Bass Pro Shops, Belk and hundreds more. (Source: Press Release)
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Stars Play Out Disney Park Fantasies In New Images Unveiled by Annie Leibovitz - Photography Featuring Scarlett Johansson, Beyoncé and David Beckham Kicks Off Disney’s ‘Year of a Million Dreams’
To launch Disney Parks "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration, spectacular new images were unveiled today featuring the work of acclaimed photographer Annie Leibovitz, and starring Scarlett Johansson as Cinderella, Beyoncé taking a spin in a giant teacup and David Beckham slaying a dragon.
Leibovitz’s images also fulfill one of Beckham’s "dreams," as the Disney Parks project is his first endorsement since signing a contract to play professional soccer in the United States.
In addition to the three debut images, Disney Parks has commissioned more images by Leibovitz that will feature other celebrities in classic, Disney fairy tale settings.
Asked by Disney Parks to lend her vision to the campaign, Leibovitz has created inspired images of storybook fantasy come to life. Her photographs for the campaign embody the captivating, narrative style indicative of her world-renowned work.
"I’m really delighted to be part of the ‘Where Dreams Come True’ campaign," said Leibovitz. "We live in difficult times and I feel, especially as a parent, that keeping dreams alive is one of the most important things we can do."
Each image features a scene with the featured celebrities transformed into the role of a fabled Disney character, expressing their own dreams and imagination.
* As Cinderella, Scarlett Johansson is seen running down a flight of stairs as the clock strikes midnight with her glass slipper unknowingly left behind.
Befitting a true princess, Johansson wears a stunning, one-of-a-kind Harry Winston tiara - a dazzling piece in platinum with more than 62 carats of sparkling diamonds and valued at $325,000. The dress worn by Johansson is a custom-made, Cinderella-inspired gown designed by Nicoletta Santoro.
* David Beckham plays the part of the gallant Prince Phillip from "Sleeping Beauty," atop his trusted steed fighting the evil dragon. The tagline reads, "Where imagination saves the day."
"There were many Disney characters I liked as a kid," said Beckham. "Now my sons love the Disney characters and it’s a big part of their lives, a big part of many children’s lives around the world. So to be part of that is an honor and very exciting.
"I love going to Disney, I’m like a big kid," he added.
* Beyoncé appears as "Alice in Wonderland," twirling in a teacup, accompanied by Oliver Platt as the Mad Hatter and Lyle Lovett as the March Hare. The tagline reads, "Where Wonderland is your destiny."
"It’s two great imaginations coming together - Disney and Annie Leibovitz," said Lovett. "To be along for the ride really is quite something, just knowing that you’re going to be part of a great Disney character. And then when you step into the imagination of Annie Leibovitz, you know you’re in another world."
"The ‘Where Dreams Come True’ campaign is about the imaginations and dreams that are inside us all," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "By capturing these transformational experiences, these emotional images communicate a powerful concept. Working with Annie Leibovitz was a natural fit - Disney is known for immersive storytelling and Annie is a masterful artist whose photos speak volumes."
The campaign premieres as a special insert in the March issues of Vanity Fair, GQ, Vogue, W, The New Yorker, Conde Nast Traveler and Cookie. (Source: Press Release, 01/27/07)
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See You Real Soon!
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AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
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posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 5:30 AM
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