Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation

THE DISNEY NEWS
March 14, 2007
Copyright © 1999 - 2007 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
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Hi Everyone!

Disney rarely offers deals to the general public during its busiest seasons: Spring Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's and Easter. If you want to visit Walt Disney World when there is no deal for the general public, you will need to follow the discount strategies that are revealed in our online book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation," to make your vacation affordable. Now on with the show...

In this blog...

* Deals and specials - 25 vacation sweepstakes, roundtrip airfare sale, Disney Ireland Adventure discount, and 2 Vegas specials

* The latest news from around the "World" - Disney to add new princess

* Bransonfest 2007 - one of the top 100 events in North America

* Melissa asks about finger scanning at Universal

* Robyn asks about Disney cruise deals for this June and July

* This week's coupon - FREE drinks at Universal CityWalk
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NEW THIS WEEK

WALT DISNEY WORLD

We now list 25 Sweepstakes to win a Walt Disney World/Florida/Disneyland/Southern California vacation!

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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD

One of our providers is offering a 15% discount on airfare to several destinations. Example: Roundtrip Baltimore - Orlando: $129!

Save $300 per person on a Disney Adventure to Ireland in 2007! Hurry! You must book by March 17, 2007.

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VEGAS

Luxury Resort & Casino Spring Special!

Deluxe Rooms $179/night
Suites - $249/night
One Bedroom Penthouse Suites - $559/night
Upgrade any suite to lake view for only $50/night!

Valid March 18, March 27 - 28, April 1 - 5, April 8 - 10, April 25.

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Last Minute March Special at this Resort & Casino!

Lose yourself in high-stakes elegance where classic opulence, state-of-the-art technology, and pulsing energy blend seamlessly inside Las Vegas' most exciting casino.

Suites from $159! Includes $50 in promotional slots and table match play. Valid for select dates in March.

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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

>> 3 new deals for spring! A package without dining, a package with dining, and a room-only discount! Valid 04/15/07 - 05/23/07.

>> Exclusively from one of our providers: UK visitors get their 6th Night FREE when they stay at the Walt Disney World Resorts! Valid all 2007 and, the last time I checked, includes Christmas and New Year's Eve!

>> FREE meals for Kids at these resorts on Disney property!

>> FREE Customized Park Maps for Walt Disney World!

>> This group can save up to $100.00 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!

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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD

>> These groups get a FREE year's admission to the Kennedy Space Center!

>> 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!

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DISNEY CRUISE LINE

>> Early Bird Special for Disney's Repositioning Cruise to the West Coast! Children as low as $99!

* 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!

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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA

Kids fly FREE to Disneyland! A family of four can save $700.00 on airfare!

>> 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 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

>> Repositioning Cruises in April at Amazing Prices! Florida to England: 12 nights from $549! Texas to Spain: 13 nights from $499! Louisiana to Puerto Rico: 7 nights from $399! (per person, double occupancy)

>> 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!

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OTHER VACATION SPECIALS

>> Super-Inclusive Holiday Packages! All food, beverages and activities are included in one price! From $38 per person!

>> 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!

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If you are not a member, you can join our Disney family here. Members can use the following URLs to log in:

Lifetime Deluxe Member
Lifetime Basic Member
Deluxe Member
Basic Member
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NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"

WALT DISNEY WORLD

This Day in Disney History
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Click here to cast your vote for Disney dream job winners. Vote before 03/31/07.
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Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD

"The Walt Disney Co. is launching a new Web site aimed at moms who are increasingly turning to the Internet for answers to everything from problems with teething babies to financing college... [Disney Family] will go live later this week at family.com and remain in beta, or testing, stages until the summer." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 03/13/07)
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"Walt Disney Co., owner of Pixar animation studio, will release The Frog Princess in 2009 in a return to the hand-drawn movie format the company had stopped producing. The film, set in New Orleans, will feature Maddy, Disney's first black princess." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 03/09/07)
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA

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

Bransonfest 2007 Boasts Hundreds Of Entertainers

One of the top 100 events in North America, BransonFest 2007 kicks off the spring season April 10-14 at the Welk Resort Theatre with world-class performers, genuine Ozarks cuisine, and a host of local artisans and craftsmen. This 15th annual event will truly give visitors a taste of what Branson is all about.

The Welk Resort Theatre hosts daily concerts, featuring some of the best entertainment in Branson, including Yakov Smirnoff, The Gatlin Brothers, Jim Stafford, Mickey Gilley, The Lennon Sisters, Darren Romeo, The Baldknobbers, Acrobats of China, Best of Motown and many more. Each showcase concert will feature 10 Branson shows and the lineup of stars is added to daily.

The talent overflows into the outside tents where the stage at the Real American Entertainment tent offers a variety of free performances by local and regional entertainers. For kids of all ages, there’s lots of fun with costumed characters and an array of street performers.

The Expo Area displays 50 booths featuring show information, contests and giveaways, and autograph sessions with Branson’s most popular stars and performers. The Taste of Branson food tent gives guests a sample of traditional Ozarks’ cuisine and food from Branson’s finest restaurants. The Arts, Culture and Heritage tent provides visitors the opportunity to observe the work of nationally recognized Branson personalities, and features artists, authors and musicians.

BransonFest 2007 runs daily, April 10-14. Free outdoor tent activities are noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday - Friday, April 11-13 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 14. Daily concerts in the Welk Resort Theatre are at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 10; and at 2 p.m. Wednesday - Saturday, April 11-14. The Welk Resort Theatre is located on State Hwy 165 in Branson. For tickets and schedule information call 417-337-7469 or 800-734-5515 or log on at www.sullivanshows.com. Tickets are $34 each, or a five-show package is available for $150 per person.

BransonFest 2007 is sponsored by the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB. As one of the country’s leading tourism destinations, Branson offers visitors of all ages a wide variety of entertainment throughout the year. Someone you love is always playing in Branson. For more information about the Branson/Lakes area, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 800-214-3661 or visit the website, www.explorebranson.com. (Source: Press Release, 03/01/07)
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Melissa (Lifetime Member of Affordable Disney) writes:

"Can you tell me if Universal does the finger scanning at the time of admission to their parks or requires ID after the first day? My husband, myself, and our son will purchase 7 day passes, but will only be able to go for 4 days. We have friends who will be arriving the day we are leaving. Could they use our tickets for the remaining 3 days? Thanks for your help."

According to Universal:

* Photo ID must be presented at front gate turnstile and Citywalk.

* Signature may be required on ticket.

If your friends are caught without proper ID, Universal will confiscate their tickets and they will have to buy new ones. I wouldn't take the chance.
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Robyn writes:

"Mr. Gross:

I am particularly interested in your discounts for the Disney cruise. We want to go in June (July, too) and I wanted to see if you anticipate having discounts available for June? We have to get passports which takes about 8 weeks and I wanted to see if joining your club would provide June discounts. Thanks."

Yes, we expect deals for June and July. Last year we had:

3-night cruise:

06/15/06 $589
06/22/06 $589
06/29/06 $589

4-night cruise:
07/02/06 $819
07/09/06 $819
07/16/06 $819
07/23/06 $819

So we expect similar savings this summer.
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MONEY SAVING COUPON

Universal CityWalk®
6000 Universal Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 407-224-FOOD(3663)

Present this coupon at Red Coconut Club, Pat O’Brien’s, Latin Quarter, CityJazz, PastaMore, Bob Marley's A Tribute to Freedom, and the groove and enjoy 2 for 1 sodas, domestic drafts, house wine, and well brands. Valid through 12/31/07. Tip: Print out a coupon for each venue and enjoy 8 FREE drinks!
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Don't Leave Home Without It!

Universal offers special deals to Universal Entertainment MasterCard cardholders. Apply now and receive a movie ticket with your first purchase! For more details, click here.
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Affordable Disney Books

Disney and other new books 50-90% off the list price. Hundreds of books under $1.00! Plus! Over 700 videos have been marked down to $1.99! To check out the bargains, click here.
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Got Coupons?

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

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

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

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

Save up to 60% on Luggage, Backpacks, and more! Donna and I bought a beautiful 5-piece set of Samsonite luggage for our daughter for Christmas for $144! Click here.
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Own a piece of the Magic Kingdom

Disney framed stock certificates are works of art. They feature Walt Disney and the Disney characters. Unlike stock brokers that require you to purchase several shares of stock, OneShare sells one share of stock and mails you the certificate. You can frame the stock certificate yourself or OneShare will frame if for you at a nominal cost. Click here.
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See You Real Soon!

John

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