Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation

THE DISNEY NEWS
June 6, 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 - A 14-night Disney transatlantic cruise from Barcelona, Spain to Port Canaveral, Florida for $1099 per person!

* The latest news from around the "World" - woman attacked on the Magic Kingdom Tea Cups

* Stephanie writes about the problems she had because of overbooking at Disney's All Star Sports Resort

* How you can help the Cox family win a trip to Walt Disney World

* This week's coupon - save 20% at Downtown Disney's Portobello Yacht Club!
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NEW THIS WEEK

DISNEY CRUISE LINE

This group can enjoy a 14-night transatlantic cruise from Barcelona, Spain to Port Canaveral, Florida for $1099 per person! Plus! Receive a $100 stateroom credit!

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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA

New coupons for restaurants near Disneyland.

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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

>> 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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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DISNEYLAND PARIS

>> Discover the secret to getting FREE admission!

>> Stay one night get one night FREE!

>> Kids under 7 stay FREE!

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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!

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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

>> Cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, South America, Mediterranean, South Africa, and Europe up to 50% off!

>> Inexpensive Shore Excursions and Tours!

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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 for a brief discussion of these new attractions:

WDW:

* Finding Nemo, the Musical
* Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
* The Seas with Nemo and Friends

SeaWorld:

* Ocean Commotion
* Flying Fiddler
* Sea Carousel
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"Head to Disney-MGM Studios, where the High School Musical pep rally convenes six times a day. A float blaring the hit 'Bop To The Top' makes its way through the park and stops in front of the hugh sorcerer hat for a 25-minute show." (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 06/04/07)
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Three new Disney Dollars, all themed to the wildly popular "Pirates of the Caribbean" motion pictures, have arrived at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. to celebrate the third chapter in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" film series. The bills, available in $1 denominations, feature designs based on the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films - a stylized skull and cross bones on the front and a different flagship vessel (The Black Pearl, The Flying Dutchman and a new ship that will be unveiled in the third film) on the back.

Disney Channel musical favorites The Doodlebops -- Moe, Rooney and Deedee -- will star in the "Playhouse Disney in Concert" series Thursdays-Sundays, Aug. 26-Oct. 28, 2007 during "Little Ones Travel Season" at Walt Disney World Resort. The whimsical trio is part of a nine-week preschool entertainment lineup featuring Dan Zanes, Johnny and the Sprites, Choo Choo Soul and more.

Captain Jack Sparrow trains youngsters in the art of sword fighting just outside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Several times daily the feisty pirate and mate Mack entertain Disney guests with a fun-filled pirate tutorial. (Source: Press Release)
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"Most of the food I had during my two visits to the Swan's newest signature restaurant (Il Mulino) was well-prepared and served by a staff that showed training, if not consummate professionalism, in an atmosphere that is large and bustling -- yes, noisy -- without being frantic, and stylishly modern but decidedly not cozy." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/03/07)
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"The Consumer Product Safety Commission on Thursday issued a voluntary recall of Tween Brands Inc.'s children's metal jewelry due to high levels of lead... The recall covers 103,000 items including metallic, multicolored necklaces, bracelets, earrings and charms that have 'High School Musical' or pictures of 'High School Musical' actors printed on them." (Source: biz.yahoo.com, 05/31/07)
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"A study of seven decades of Disney classics has concluded the persistent portrayal of the elderly as villains and old hags could lead to children forming the wrong impression of pensioners." (Source: dailymail.co.uk, 05/31/07)
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Click here to view video highlights and backstage interviews with those involved with staging "Finding Nemo - The Musical" now playing at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
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"Until June 15 people in the Missouri and Illinois bi-state area can bring clothing and household item donations to any Goodwill store for a chance to win one of three trips for two adults and two children to Walt Disney World, courtesy of Radio Disney and AAA Travel." (Source: southcountyjournal, 05/30/07)
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Disney Visa cardholders can now purchase advance tickets for Disney's Broadway production of "The Little Mermaid." Click here for details.
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"Sony has complained of irregularities' in Walt Disney's boast that its latest Pirates of the Caribbean movie has smashed box office records." (Source: business.guardian.co.uk, 05/30/07)
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"A Lake County woman says she was attacked while waiting for the Mad Tea Party ride at Disney World and Disney's delay in calling sheriff's deputies could keep her alleged attacker from ever facing charges." (Source: cfnews13.com, 05/30/07)
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Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD

Click here for some tips for surviving amusement parks.
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"Universal Orlando has secured rights to the phenomenally successful Harry Potter stories and will build a themed area of rides, shops and restaurants called 'The Wizarding World of Harry Potter' at Islands of Adventure." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/31/07)

Click here for another report.

Click here to visit the official Harry Potter website.
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA

Disneyland Resort Calendar
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OUTSIDE DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA

Knott's Berry Farm debut's the Sierra Sidewinder

"Sierra Sidewinder is the first roller-coaster train of its kind in the United States - each car spins independently while in motion... Instead of purchasing just still photos of themselves on the ride, visitors will be able to buy DVDs of themselves in motion." (Source: ocregister.com, 05/31/07)
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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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Stephanie writes:

"Would you happen to have a mailing or email address for Mr. Jay Rasulo, Chairman Disney Parks and Resorts office? We have recently returned from our second trip to Disney and had a rather stressful vacation that I would like to bring to his attention (I would like to go to the top to ensure that it is not just shoved to the side and ignored).

Long story short, we had booked at All Star Sports and when we arrived we were told that they had overbooked us and asked if we would we like to stay at the Polynesian instead. Of course we were happy and thought it would be wonderful, but it led to all sorts of problems for us with Magical Express Reservations, dining, room location etc.

I would like to make Disney aware of our experience so that they can make improvements for the next family that gets an 'upgrade.' Any information you could provide would be helpful."

For Disney contact information, click here.

Disney's principal executive offices are located at the following address:

The Walt Disney Company
500 South Buena Vista Street
Burbank, California 91521

Their telephone number is 818/560-1000.
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Let's all help the Cox family win a trip to Walt Disney World!

Beth, our travel agent, writes:

"Hi, John. This is a cool story. Several years ago I was contacted by a woman in Oklahoma City who was trying to help a friend plan a Disney vacation. A few weeks or months later she contacted me again and at that point admitted that she often helped friends plan their Disney vacations. She was so good at it that I started sending her people when I occasionally needed help. Although we've never met in person I consider her a good friend now.

Several weeks ago she called to tell me that she'd entered an online contest, and then I heard a few weeks afterwards that her family was chosen as a 'finalist' family. She called me from her car just hours before a whole camera crew was due to show up at her house! The prize, if they win this contest, is a trip to Disney for a group of people... 15, I think she said.

Well, obviously her angels are out in full force because as it happens, her sister and brother-in-law are missionaries in Thailand and are home with their kids for a short break. They can't afford to take their children to Disney on the small income that they get, though, and my friend (who also has a large family) can't afford to send them, either. And then, as if an answer to a prayer, along comes this contest and they seem to be flying right through it! They need help now, though. As you'll read below, there's a website that we can go to in order to vote for her video, ORDERLY CHAOS. The family with the most votes wins! So if you can figure out a way to condense this little story for the next newsletter or two so that readers can help send this clan to see Mickey that would be great, and I know they'd appreciate it! Thanks, Beth"

Here's a note from the Cox family:

"Hello Friends and Family.

We are so excited about an event going on in our lives. We wanted to share it with you and ask for your help.

Several months ago, we entered a Video Contest w/ABC Family Channel and Stouffers foods. Amazingly, we came up in the top 3 semifinalists. Now it is up to a 2 week public vote on their website links!

If we win, we will be able to use the prize to take my sister Sarah and her family of 7 to Disney World. Most of you know that they have been serving in Thailand for 4 yrs. They are home until October and then they will head back to Thailand for another 4 yr term! We love them so much and want to bless them since they are giving their lives to bless others around the world.

If you would like to help us by voting for the COX family's video, 'Orderly Chaos,' as your favorite, click here.

(In order to vote, you will have to get a user ID from ABC.. the information is on the same link. This does not mean you have to receive mail from them unless you want to, it just keeps the voting legal and limited to one vote per email address per day.)

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

Tony, Beth, Carter, Joel, Brittton, Talbot, Emily, Garrett, Macey, and Claire Cox."

I already cast my vote. It only takes a minute to register. Besides, Disney may use this database to send out WDW offers in the future! What are you waiting for? Go vote!
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MONEY SAVING COUPON

Portobello Yacht Club
Downtown Disney
1650 Buena Vista Dr
Orlando, FL 32830
Phone: 407-934-8888
Fax: 407-827-8896

"An authentic Italian menu coupled with sincere, attentive service creates a warm, bustling atmosphere where families and friends gather to enjoy a meal and each other’s company.

Get 20% off your lunch from with this coupon.
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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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