Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
May 23, 2007
Copyright © 1999 - 2007 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
To subscribe to Affordable Disney's blog, click the following
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Or copy and paste the following URL into your RSS Reader:
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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.
A REMINDER: Disney's Smoking Policy: Effective June 1, 2007, Walt Disney World and Disney Vacation Club resorts will become smoke-free environments. No smoking will be allowed in rooms, balconies, patios, lobbies, restaurants, convention areas and common areas. Disney has established outdoor smoking areas for resort guests. Violators will be charged $250 - $500 for deep cleaning and the replacement of bedding and curtains. Any reservations already made through Beth, our travel agent, or other agencies, including Disney itself, that had "smoking" requested will be affected.
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - group discounts at the Walt Disney World resorts, 60% off dining certificates
* The latest news from around the "World" - pirates-themed adventure cruises debut at the Walt Disney World resorts
* Cindy helps make things right for another family's disappointed child
* LPGA Star Morgan Pressel partners with Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks
* This week's coupon - FREE souvenir at Universal's Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
>> Group discounts for the Deluxe and Disney Vacation Club Resorts - save up to $145 per night!
>> Group discounts for the Moderate Resorts - save up to $46 per night!
>> Get $25 dining certificates for restaurants near Disney and all across the US for only $4! Expires 05/31/07.
=================================================
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
>> Several ways to win a Walt Disney World/Florida vacation!
>> Late Summer Special! FREE dining at Walt Disney World! Save $38.00 per adult and $11.00 per child per day!
>> 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!
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
>> Save up to 30% at Universal's Portofino, Hard Rock and These teachers receive a FREE ticket to both Universal Orlando theme parks
>> Book your Tee Times at this site where rates start at $69
>> This group saves $80.00 on day visits to SeaWorld's Discovery Cove
>> All you can eat at Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure for less than $20
>> 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 $499!
>> Four nights from $539!
>> Seven nights Land & Sea from $899!
>> This group receives a $50 onboard credit!
>> Discounts for Florida residents and the military - rates too low to publish!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
>> Win a Disneyland/Southern California vacation!
>> Fourth Night Free at Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels!
>> Kids fly FREE to Disneyland! A family of four can save $700.00 on airfare!
>> Save up to $40.00 per ticket to Disneyland California!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
>> Discover the secret to getting FREE admission!
>> Stay one night get one night FREE!
>> Kids under 7 stay FREE!
--------------------------------
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!
--------------------------------
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 the Caribbean, Alaska, South America, Mediterranean, South Africa, and Europe up to 50% off!
>> Inexpensive Shore Excursions and Tours!
--------------------------------
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
--------------------------------
"In its latest move to connect its myriad businesses with consumers, Walt Disney Co. is launching a virtual "treasure hunt" that lets kids with Nintendo DS portable video-game sets and Disney's newest "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" game roam the park and wirelessly download electronic "booty." (Source: chicagotribune.com, 05/22/07)
--------------------------------
"Three teens and two adults were arrested at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom after deputies said they spat on guests, cursed and brawled with an Orange County deputy, according to a report released Monday." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/22/07)
--------------------------------
"Getting ready for the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie due out this week, four Walt Disney World resort hotels have created pirates-themed adventure cruises around Disney waters, open to children who do not need to be guests in any of the hotels." Kids can participate in the following pirate adventures:
* "Pirate Adventure" - (Grand Floridian Resort Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 9:30-11:30 AM)
* "Caribbean Pirate Adventure" (Caribbean Beach Resort Sundays and Tuesdays 9:30-11:30 AM)
* Albatross Treasure Cruise" (Yacht & Beach Resorts Wednesdays and Fridays 9:30-11:30 AM)
* "Sassagoula River Adventure Cruise" (Port Orleans Resort Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30-11:30 AM)
Tickets: $28.17 + tax per child 4-10. Includes lunch and treat bag. Call 407-939-3463 (407-WDW-DINE) to make reservations. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/21/07)
--------------------------------
"Members of Walt Disney World's largest labor group narrowly rejected a tentative labor contract early today. More than 52 percent of Service Trades Council voters rejected the proposed three-year agreement, which would have included pay raises of 4 percent for many workers and health-care options for the group's roughly 21,000 members." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/19/07)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
"Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure is launching a watersports show next month. The HydroAction Ski Show, featuring wakeboarders and 'sky skiers,' will be performed up to five times a day in the central lagoon at Islands of Adventure. The 20-minute show debuts June 15." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/19/07)
--------------------------------
"Universal Parks & Resorts has taken a step toward establishing a theme park in South Korea... It's not a done deal, but if all goes well, a Universal Studios Korea park and resort could open by 2012." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/22/07)
--------------------------------
"As Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens its new Shuttle Launch Experience simulator ride Friday, it also is introducing a new Internet ticketing program that allows visitors to buy tickets online and print them on their home computer printers... The space center's new 'E-Ticketing' for admission is now available at KennedySpaceCenter.com for visitors to buy and print tickets at home." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/21/07)
--------------------------------
"The relocation of the Starliner roller coaster, an all-white wooden ride that ripples up and down with a peak of 60 feet, from the once-famed Miracle Strip to Cypress Gardens Adventure Park should be completed by mid- to late June, officials said last week." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/17/07)
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Click here for a review of the recently remodeled Yamabuki restaurant at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel.
--------------------------------
"VIP tour pioneer Disney, for example, was the only company not to offer a tour with front-of-line access to rides. At Disneyland, our four-hour private excursion ($300 for a group of seven, plus park admission) got us preferred seating for a parade and an evening fireworks display... But the best the guide could offer when it came to riding 'Small World' or any other attraction was to help arrange for FASTPASS... or to hold our place in line while we hit another ride." (Source: wsj.com, 05/17/07)
Others tours covered in the article include:
* VIP tour at the Six Flags Over Georgia in Atlanta
* SeaWorld's "Adventure Express" tour
* Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure tour
--------------------------------
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CHINA
"Walt Disney Co. China said Wednesday that it will release a Chinese-language movie, The Magic Gourd, this summer -- its first co-production with the state-run China Film Group. The movie, based on a novel by the late Chinese children's writer Zhang Tianyi, is about a boy who discovers a gourd -- a vegetable often used in Asian dishes -- that grants him wishes." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/17/07)
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Angela wrote in issue #369:
"We had quite an adventure. We were in Magic Kingdom late on our first night at WDW and my 3 year old fell and broke his arm in the Winnie the Pooh Play Area. It was his first trip to WDW. So our week was not starting off very good. Then every member of our family, including the 3 year old with a broke arm, caught the stomach virus on different days. We did not have a single day on our vacation when our whole family felt 100%... I am writing to see if you think that WDW would do a little something special for my 3 year old. I just hate that his first trip to see Mickey Mouse was not very 'magical' at all. I thought maybe Mickey could send him a little note or something. What do you think? Thanks for your time."
Cindy, one of our subscribers, wrote in response:
"I am an avid reader of your newsletter. I am writing in respond to the mother who wrote in about her latest Disney trip and her child's broken arm and stomach flu. My husband, daughter and I are headed to Disney a week from tomorrow. I would be more than happy to send her child something from 'Mickey' to help brighten his day. Please feel free to forward my email address (and/or this email to this writer). If we can help spread 'the magic,' we'd be happy to."
>> I forwarded Cindy's message to Angela and Cindy sent us this note:
"I did get in touch with Angela and got her mailing address. We sent her son a package of goodies from Mickey and friends apologizing for his broken arm and asking him to come to Disney World again to have some fun. We were able to find a nice padded Mickey Mouse envelope at the post office, so it really looked like it was from Mickey. Angela said his face was priceless when he got it. We also sent a postcard from Mickey, but she has yet to receive that.
My husband and I had a great time spreading the Disney magic and it was wonderful to hear that it made Grayson's day. I had also shared with Angela that we received some bad news while in Disney and she offered to add us to her prayer list. It just goes to show that Disney fanatics are just very warm, giving people. Thanks for making the connection."
>> Thanks again, Cindy, for sharing the love!
=================================================
Lpga Star Morgan Pressel Partners With Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks
Youngest major champion in LPGA history to make appearances at SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove
Morgan Pressel, one of the LPGA’s fastest rising stars, will make appearances in several Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks over the next year. Pressel will serve as spokeswoman for the parks’ "Champions" program, a campaign intended to inspire young women to excel in academics and athletics.
Pressel, 18, was born in Tampa, Fla., not far from Busch Gardens Africa. She spent much of her childhood in South Florida, where she regularly visited parks operated by Busch Entertainment Corp. BEC parks in Florida include Busch Gardens, SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove and Adventure Island. Aquatica, SeaWorld’s water park, is scheduled to open next spring.
"I visited Busch Gardens many times growing up and I am delighted to now be in a position to bring some of the lessons I’ve learned in my golf career to visitors to the Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks," Pressel said. "The ‘SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Champions’ program is a wonderful way to help inspire and guide young people."
Pressel will make appearances in BEC parks across the nation. Her appearances will include presentations to participants in the company’s "Champions" program, a campaign intended to inspire and honor young women who have committed to excellence in academic achievement and athletics. Pressel also has donated a golf clinic and dinner with SeaWorld’s Shamu the killer whale for a silent auction as part of the annual WildNIGHT fundraiser for the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.
"Any success that I have experienced in my career has its foundation in focus, hard work and discipline. That is what I hope to impart to young women in my appearances in the Anheuser-Busch parks. You can do anything in the world if you are dedicated enough and committed to excellence in everything you do," Pressel said.
After a successful amateur career in which the then 12-year-old Pressel was the youngest player ever to qualify for the U.S. Women’s Open, she turned professional in 2006. She won her first tournament, the Kraft Nabisco, a major championship, just 15 months later. She is currently third on the LPGA money list with nearly $500,000 in earnings this year alone.
"Morgan Pressel is a wonderful role model for young people in this country and an athlete that we are honored to partner with," said Keith M. Kasen, BEC President and Chairman of the Board. "We hope our parks do more than simply entertain people. We want our guests to experience something enriching and inspiring. That is what our ‘SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Champions’ program is about." (Source: Press Release, 05/14/07)
=================================================
MONEY SAVING COUPON
Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville: Present this coupon for a FREE souvenir at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville at Universal's CityWalk.
=================================================
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Don't Leave Home Without It!
Universal offers special deals to Universal Entertainment MasterCard cardholders. Apply now and receive a movie ticket with your first purchase! For more details, click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Disney Books
Disney and other new books 50-90% off the list price. Hundreds of books under $1.00! Plus! Over 700 videos have been marked down to $1.99! To check out the bargains, click here.
--------------------------------
Got Coupons?
With the Orlando Entertainment Book, you can save big on travel, groceries, shopping, movie tickets, and more! Save at hotels and restaurants near Walt Disney World, on car rental, airfare, admission to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa! For details, click here.
--------------------------------
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.
=============================================
May 23, 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!
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.
A REMINDER: Disney's Smoking Policy: Effective June 1, 2007, Walt Disney World and Disney Vacation Club resorts will become smoke-free environments. No smoking will be allowed in rooms, balconies, patios, lobbies, restaurants, convention areas and common areas. Disney has established outdoor smoking areas for resort guests. Violators will be charged $250 - $500 for deep cleaning and the replacement of bedding and curtains. Any reservations already made through Beth, our travel agent, or other agencies, including Disney itself, that had "smoking" requested will be affected.
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - group discounts at the Walt Disney World resorts, 60% off dining certificates
* The latest news from around the "World" - pirates-themed adventure cruises debut at the Walt Disney World resorts
* Cindy helps make things right for another family's disappointed child
* LPGA Star Morgan Pressel partners with Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks
* This week's coupon - FREE souvenir at Universal's Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
>> Group discounts for the Deluxe and Disney Vacation Club Resorts - save up to $145 per night!
>> Group discounts for the Moderate Resorts - save up to $46 per night!
>> Get $25 dining certificates for restaurants near Disney and all across the US for only $4! Expires 05/31/07.
=================================================
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
>> Several ways to win a Walt Disney World/Florida vacation!
>> Late Summer Special! FREE dining at Walt Disney World! Save $38.00 per adult and $11.00 per child per day!
>> 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!
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
>> Save up to 30% at Universal's Portofino, Hard Rock and These teachers receive a FREE ticket to both Universal Orlando theme parks
>> Book your Tee Times at this site where rates start at $69
>> This group saves $80.00 on day visits to SeaWorld's Discovery Cove
>> All you can eat at Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure for less than $20
>> 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 $499!
>> Four nights from $539!
>> Seven nights Land & Sea from $899!
>> This group receives a $50 onboard credit!
>> Discounts for Florida residents and the military - rates too low to publish!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
>> Win a Disneyland/Southern California vacation!
>> Fourth Night Free at Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels!
>> Kids fly FREE to Disneyland! A family of four can save $700.00 on airfare!
>> Save up to $40.00 per ticket to Disneyland California!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
>> Discover the secret to getting FREE admission!
>> Stay one night get one night FREE!
>> Kids under 7 stay FREE!
--------------------------------
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!
--------------------------------
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 the Caribbean, Alaska, South America, Mediterranean, South Africa, and Europe up to 50% off!
>> Inexpensive Shore Excursions and Tours!
--------------------------------
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
--------------------------------
"In its latest move to connect its myriad businesses with consumers, Walt Disney Co. is launching a virtual "treasure hunt" that lets kids with Nintendo DS portable video-game sets and Disney's newest "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" game roam the park and wirelessly download electronic "booty." (Source: chicagotribune.com, 05/22/07)
--------------------------------
"Three teens and two adults were arrested at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom after deputies said they spat on guests, cursed and brawled with an Orange County deputy, according to a report released Monday." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/22/07)
--------------------------------
"Getting ready for the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie due out this week, four Walt Disney World resort hotels have created pirates-themed adventure cruises around Disney waters, open to children who do not need to be guests in any of the hotels." Kids can participate in the following pirate adventures:
* "Pirate Adventure" - (Grand Floridian Resort Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 9:30-11:30 AM)
* "Caribbean Pirate Adventure" (Caribbean Beach Resort Sundays and Tuesdays 9:30-11:30 AM)
* Albatross Treasure Cruise" (Yacht & Beach Resorts Wednesdays and Fridays 9:30-11:30 AM)
* "Sassagoula River Adventure Cruise" (Port Orleans Resort Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30-11:30 AM)
Tickets: $28.17 + tax per child 4-10. Includes lunch and treat bag. Call 407-939-3463 (407-WDW-DINE) to make reservations. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/21/07)
--------------------------------
"Members of Walt Disney World's largest labor group narrowly rejected a tentative labor contract early today. More than 52 percent of Service Trades Council voters rejected the proposed three-year agreement, which would have included pay raises of 4 percent for many workers and health-care options for the group's roughly 21,000 members." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/19/07)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
"Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure is launching a watersports show next month. The HydroAction Ski Show, featuring wakeboarders and 'sky skiers,' will be performed up to five times a day in the central lagoon at Islands of Adventure. The 20-minute show debuts June 15." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/19/07)
--------------------------------
"Universal Parks & Resorts has taken a step toward establishing a theme park in South Korea... It's not a done deal, but if all goes well, a Universal Studios Korea park and resort could open by 2012." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/22/07)
--------------------------------
"As Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens its new Shuttle Launch Experience simulator ride Friday, it also is introducing a new Internet ticketing program that allows visitors to buy tickets online and print them on their home computer printers... The space center's new 'E-Ticketing' for admission is now available at KennedySpaceCenter.com for visitors to buy and print tickets at home." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/21/07)
--------------------------------
"The relocation of the Starliner roller coaster, an all-white wooden ride that ripples up and down with a peak of 60 feet, from the once-famed Miracle Strip to Cypress Gardens Adventure Park should be completed by mid- to late June, officials said last week." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/17/07)
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Click here for a review of the recently remodeled Yamabuki restaurant at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel.
--------------------------------
"VIP tour pioneer Disney, for example, was the only company not to offer a tour with front-of-line access to rides. At Disneyland, our four-hour private excursion ($300 for a group of seven, plus park admission) got us preferred seating for a parade and an evening fireworks display... But the best the guide could offer when it came to riding 'Small World' or any other attraction was to help arrange for FASTPASS... or to hold our place in line while we hit another ride." (Source: wsj.com, 05/17/07)
Others tours covered in the article include:
* VIP tour at the Six Flags Over Georgia in Atlanta
* SeaWorld's "Adventure Express" tour
* Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure tour
--------------------------------
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CHINA
"Walt Disney Co. China said Wednesday that it will release a Chinese-language movie, The Magic Gourd, this summer -- its first co-production with the state-run China Film Group. The movie, based on a novel by the late Chinese children's writer Zhang Tianyi, is about a boy who discovers a gourd -- a vegetable often used in Asian dishes -- that grants him wishes." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/17/07)
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Angela wrote in issue #369:
"We had quite an adventure. We were in Magic Kingdom late on our first night at WDW and my 3 year old fell and broke his arm in the Winnie the Pooh Play Area. It was his first trip to WDW. So our week was not starting off very good. Then every member of our family, including the 3 year old with a broke arm, caught the stomach virus on different days. We did not have a single day on our vacation when our whole family felt 100%... I am writing to see if you think that WDW would do a little something special for my 3 year old. I just hate that his first trip to see Mickey Mouse was not very 'magical' at all. I thought maybe Mickey could send him a little note or something. What do you think? Thanks for your time."
Cindy, one of our subscribers, wrote in response:
"I am an avid reader of your newsletter. I am writing in respond to the mother who wrote in about her latest Disney trip and her child's broken arm and stomach flu. My husband, daughter and I are headed to Disney a week from tomorrow. I would be more than happy to send her child something from 'Mickey' to help brighten his day. Please feel free to forward my email address (and/or this email to this writer). If we can help spread 'the magic,' we'd be happy to."
>> I forwarded Cindy's message to Angela and Cindy sent us this note:
"I did get in touch with Angela and got her mailing address. We sent her son a package of goodies from Mickey and friends apologizing for his broken arm and asking him to come to Disney World again to have some fun. We were able to find a nice padded Mickey Mouse envelope at the post office, so it really looked like it was from Mickey. Angela said his face was priceless when he got it. We also sent a postcard from Mickey, but she has yet to receive that.
My husband and I had a great time spreading the Disney magic and it was wonderful to hear that it made Grayson's day. I had also shared with Angela that we received some bad news while in Disney and she offered to add us to her prayer list. It just goes to show that Disney fanatics are just very warm, giving people. Thanks for making the connection."
>> Thanks again, Cindy, for sharing the love!
=================================================
Lpga Star Morgan Pressel Partners With Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks
Youngest major champion in LPGA history to make appearances at SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove
Morgan Pressel, one of the LPGA’s fastest rising stars, will make appearances in several Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks over the next year. Pressel will serve as spokeswoman for the parks’ "Champions" program, a campaign intended to inspire young women to excel in academics and athletics.
Pressel, 18, was born in Tampa, Fla., not far from Busch Gardens Africa. She spent much of her childhood in South Florida, where she regularly visited parks operated by Busch Entertainment Corp. BEC parks in Florida include Busch Gardens, SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove and Adventure Island. Aquatica, SeaWorld’s water park, is scheduled to open next spring.
"I visited Busch Gardens many times growing up and I am delighted to now be in a position to bring some of the lessons I’ve learned in my golf career to visitors to the Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks," Pressel said. "The ‘SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Champions’ program is a wonderful way to help inspire and guide young people."
Pressel will make appearances in BEC parks across the nation. Her appearances will include presentations to participants in the company’s "Champions" program, a campaign intended to inspire and honor young women who have committed to excellence in academic achievement and athletics. Pressel also has donated a golf clinic and dinner with SeaWorld’s Shamu the killer whale for a silent auction as part of the annual WildNIGHT fundraiser for the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.
"Any success that I have experienced in my career has its foundation in focus, hard work and discipline. That is what I hope to impart to young women in my appearances in the Anheuser-Busch parks. You can do anything in the world if you are dedicated enough and committed to excellence in everything you do," Pressel said.
After a successful amateur career in which the then 12-year-old Pressel was the youngest player ever to qualify for the U.S. Women’s Open, she turned professional in 2006. She won her first tournament, the Kraft Nabisco, a major championship, just 15 months later. She is currently third on the LPGA money list with nearly $500,000 in earnings this year alone.
"Morgan Pressel is a wonderful role model for young people in this country and an athlete that we are honored to partner with," said Keith M. Kasen, BEC President and Chairman of the Board. "We hope our parks do more than simply entertain people. We want our guests to experience something enriching and inspiring. That is what our ‘SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Champions’ program is about." (Source: Press Release, 05/14/07)
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AffordableDisney.Com.
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