Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
July 4, 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:
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: My Yahoo! users can instantly add our blog
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=================================================
Happy Fourth of July!
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 new Disney Promotion for everybody for August and September, 2007, new Disney cruise specials, fourth night free at Disneyland California
* The latest news from around the "World" - a look at the new security procedures at Downtown Disney
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about guests being moved out of Animal Kingdom Lodge
* SeaWorld and Discovery Cove celebrate spring with new bundles of joy
* This week's coupon - enjoy a free appetizer or drink at this restaurant with an award-winning chef
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
New Disney Promotion for everybody for August and September, 2007! Save on packages and room only rates. Value resorts: $69; moderates: $104. Other resorts are available as well. You must act quickly as inventory is very limited. Members should log in and contact Beth, our travel agent, today.
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Fourth Night FREE at Disneyland Resort Hotels!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
22 Disney cruise specials from $389!
=================================================
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
>> Specials at the Bellagio, MGM Grand, New York-New York, Mirage, Treasure Island and Venetian. Low rates - sometimes as low as $79 per night - dining discounts, show tickets, FREE room upgrades, FREE spa admission, and FREE play money are not uncommon.
--------------------------------
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
--------------------------------
Click here to meet the cast of the Disney theatrical production of The Little Mermaid.
--------------------------------
"A 'bang' and a ball of white smoke in an empty Walt Disney World parking lot early Monday briefly became international news... 'Our investigators found end caps, which usually indicate a pipe-bomblike device... not designed to cause significant property damage or injuries.'" (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/03/07)
--------------------------------
Wolfgang Puck "plans to switch to only organic and humanely raised meats and fish by the end of the year -- a change that will include the Central Florida locations (at Downtown Disney), now owned by Levy Restaurants." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/02/07)
--------------------------------
"Epcot's American Adventure has entered the 21st century, adding Michelle Kwan, Tiger Woods and the firefighters who raised the flag at the World Trade Center's ground zero to Walt Disney World's show of American history and inspiration." (Source: Orlando Sentinel
, 07/02/07)
--------------------------------
Click here fora review of the California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort.
"Reservations (at the CG) can be made only with a credit card -- no exceptions -- and no-shows will be charged $20 a head. Guests must check in on the hotel's second level, then be escorted to the top in a dedicated elevator." In other words, no one gets in who just wants to watch the fireworks! (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/01/07)
--------------------------------
Viewing Epcot's Illuminations by Boat
"Walt Disney World offers boating excursions that bring folks to the edge of the lagoon for this nightly fireworks-set-to-music show. The trip is a bit rock star crossed with double-secret executive privilege, but it's available to average Joe Tourist and us Floridians." (Source: Orlando Sentinel
, 06/29/07)
Cost: $200-$250 per boat. To make a reservation, call 407/939-7529.
--------------------------------
Click here for the recipe for Fettucine Alfredo from L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante at Epcot.
--------------------------------
Disney has initiated security procedures at Downtown Disney to control teens who loiter or are suspected of being gang members:
* Disney will ask them why they are on their property
* teens will have to leave if they are just hanging out
* if they refuse to leave, officers will take them into custody and photograph them
* they will also receive a written citation warning them that Disney can arrest them should they return
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/28/07)
Note: You can appeal. If you feel that you have not been treated fairly, call the Disney switchboard at 407-824-2222 and they will connect you to the party who can discuss your case.
"The four Florida State University football prospects who were kicked out of Downtown Disney for loitering last week and banned for life from Walt Disney World can now come back." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/29/07)
"'Gangsta rappers' took over the House of Blues, but Friday night across the rest of Downtown Disney unfolded without a repeat of the security crackdown on young males that had prompted accusations of racial profiling." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/01/07)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Summer gets a whole lot sweeter as SeaWorld teams up with Cold Stone Creamery for a statewide tour to serve everyone’s favorite summer treat - ice cream. While on the road, the SeaWorld representatives will be spreading the word about SeaWorld’s newest additions -- five new family-friendly rides and shows -- while dishing out kiddie-sized helpings of Cold Stone’s coolest new SeaWorld-themed flavor, Shamu Swirl. The partnership also features SeaWorld-themed ice cream flavors to be served at nearly 80 Cold Stone locations across the state of Florida during the months of June and July. (Source, Press Release)
--------------------------------
Hotel Refunds
"Have you stayed in a Florida Wyndham property between May 29, 1998, and July 28, 2006? In a deal with the Attorney General's Office, the company is refunding a total of $560,000 to hotel guests." (Source: Orlando Sentinel
, 07/21/07)
Click here for the list of hotels offering refunds.
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
DISNEYLAND PARIS
"French police are investigating the death of a 14-year-old Spanish girl who lost consciousness while riding a roller coaster at Disneyland Paris, park officials said Tuesday." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/26/07)
--------------------------------
"Ford has become the official vehicle sponsor of Euro Disney, in a partnership that should mean legions of little French kids will aspire to own a Ford C-Max when they grow up... Ford said it will 'evaluate specific sponsorship opportunities for an established Disneyland Park attraction,' which presumably will be some kind of ride." (Source: edmunds.com, 07/03/07)
=================================================
DISNEYLAND HONG KONG
Click here for photos of the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel.
=================================================
VEGAS
The city of Las Vegas Splash team invites you and your family to join them for a tropical adventure on Saturday, July 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Pavilion Center Pool. The Desert Mermaids synchronized swimming team will perform at 6 p.m. Hot Lava Polynesian dancers and Samoan fire-eaters will entertain from 7 to 8:30 p.m., inviting pool partygoers to join them and learn the dance moves during this annual "Another Hot Tropical Night" event. (Source: freevegasguide.com, 06/27/07)
=================================================
BRANSON
"A fishing vacation to Branson has everything fishermen and women want. There are secluded places to fish, but you are close to all the other things you like when you are away from home: a comfortable place to stay, good food, fun, shopping and entertainment." (Source: smartbrief.com, 06/27/07)
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Animal Kingdom Lodge Guests Being Moved
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
"I got a call from a client today who said she saw on a web board that some people staying at AKL about the same time they're scheduled to go in July had been contacted by Disney to say that they'd been moved to another resort because of construction noise. For those that don't, Disney is building new villas at AKL as part of the Disney Vacation Club (Disney's version of a timeshare program). I had not heard that the noise was all that bad, and no one has contacted me following a recent trip to complain.
Yet not 20 minutes after I got off the phone with the client, Disney called me regarding her reservations. The castmember I spoke to said that they'd just been taken on a tour of the resort so that they'd be able to speak with first-hand knowledge. He reports that the noise is so loud you can't hear the castmember at the desk checking you in! The noise level was completely unanticipated. They've tried everything they can think of, but to no avail. The animals that aren't terrified completely are acting very strange. This castmember says he saw a giraffe just resting its head on a fence - obviously very uncharacteristic of a giraffe!
Anyway, they've decided that they need to move guests elsewhere for the time being. I have no idea if they will be able to move everyone, but they're trying - and they are not accepting reservations at the resort for July and August. (The problem is to be resolved by September 1.) They are taking reservations by arrival date and then by date booked, and they are calling the travel agent or the guest directly, depending on how you booked. My clients had a choice of going from two savanna view rooms to two 1-bedroom villas at Saratoga Springs (same price), two studio villas (small refund), or two standard view rooms at the Yacht or Beach Club (same price). What everyone else is offered - and the price differential - depends on what's available at the time. Of course, guests may also cancel for a full refund.
Obviously, this development is really going to mess with the availability of the discounted space under the promotion that started yesterday, particularly for deluxe resorts and villas given that they will be trying to move AKL guests to those places. My advice to anyone that has tried to get the new promotion at these resort types and not been able to keep trying. In fact, that's pretty much always my advice, but particularly in this case."
=================================================
SeaWorld And Discovery Cove Celebrate Spring With New Bundles Of Joy
The warming weather welcomed bundles of joy little and big to SeaWorld Orlando and Discovery Cove. From an addition to the Shamu family to the arrival of penguin chicks, SeaWorld’s animal inhabitants welcomed spring with the newest additions to their family.
SeaWorld welcomed a new baby killer whale to the Shamu family this past March, bringing the killer whale pod at SeaWorld Orlando to nine whales, ranging in size from a 350-pound calf to a 12,000-pound male. SeaWorld's killer whale breeding program is the most successful in the world.
SeaWorld’s feathered friends also welcomed new arrivals in the form of six endangered Nene geese and 16 penguin chicks. The penguins represent a variety of species, including the first Adelie chicks in SeaWorld Orlando history. As they continue to grow into full maturity, the chicks will cuddle up in the Penguin Encounter which is kept at a chilly 30 degrees with six thousand pounds of snow falling daily.
Three new harbor seal pups join more than 80 animals living at SeaWorld’s Pacific Point Preserve, including California sea lions and harbor seals. As the weather gets warmer, SeaWorld anticipates the arrival of sea lion pups this summer.
Discovery Cove celebrated the arrival of two baby Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. The flippered additions marked the 10th dolphin calf to be born and successfully raised at Discovery Cove since its opening in 2000. The little newcomers - whose gender have yet to be determined - are nursing well and bonding with their mothers. The park also welcomed 18 southern stingray pups this spring. (Source: Press Release)
=================================================
MONEY SAVING COUPON
Jeffery’s Restaurant & Piano Bar
7533 W Sand Lake Road
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 407-996-9292
Fax: 407-996-9293
"Offering Artisan - Inspired Cuisine of signature dishes; from all natural 400 days, grain fed designer prime beef to fresh ocean meats; from unique game specialties to tantalizing desserts - all prepared by our award-winning Chef Corey Fair. Valet offered seven days a week."
Receive a Complimentary Chef’s Appetizer or Complimentary select Martini, Wine or Beer with this coupon.
=================================================
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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.
=============================================
July 4, 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!
=================================================
Happy Fourth of July!
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 new Disney Promotion for everybody for August and September, 2007, new Disney cruise specials, fourth night free at Disneyland California
* The latest news from around the "World" - a look at the new security procedures at Downtown Disney
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about guests being moved out of Animal Kingdom Lodge
* SeaWorld and Discovery Cove celebrate spring with new bundles of joy
* This week's coupon - enjoy a free appetizer or drink at this restaurant with an award-winning chef
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
New Disney Promotion for everybody for August and September, 2007! Save on packages and room only rates. Value resorts: $69; moderates: $104. Other resorts are available as well. You must act quickly as inventory is very limited. Members should log in and contact Beth, our travel agent, today.
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Fourth Night FREE at Disneyland Resort Hotels!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
22 Disney cruise specials from $389!
=================================================
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
>> Specials at the Bellagio, MGM Grand, New York-New York, Mirage, Treasure Island and Venetian. Low rates - sometimes as low as $79 per night - dining discounts, show tickets, FREE room upgrades, FREE spa admission, and FREE play money are not uncommon.
--------------------------------
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
--------------------------------
Click here to meet the cast of the Disney theatrical production of The Little Mermaid.
--------------------------------
"A 'bang' and a ball of white smoke in an empty Walt Disney World parking lot early Monday briefly became international news... 'Our investigators found end caps, which usually indicate a pipe-bomblike device... not designed to cause significant property damage or injuries.'" (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/03/07)
--------------------------------
Wolfgang Puck "plans to switch to only organic and humanely raised meats and fish by the end of the year -- a change that will include the Central Florida locations (at Downtown Disney), now owned by Levy Restaurants." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/02/07)
--------------------------------
"Epcot's American Adventure has entered the 21st century, adding Michelle Kwan, Tiger Woods and the firefighters who raised the flag at the World Trade Center's ground zero to Walt Disney World's show of American history and inspiration." (Source: Orlando Sentinel
, 07/02/07)
--------------------------------
Click here fora review of the California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort.
"Reservations (at the CG) can be made only with a credit card -- no exceptions -- and no-shows will be charged $20 a head. Guests must check in on the hotel's second level, then be escorted to the top in a dedicated elevator." In other words, no one gets in who just wants to watch the fireworks! (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/01/07)
--------------------------------
Viewing Epcot's Illuminations by Boat
"Walt Disney World offers boating excursions that bring folks to the edge of the lagoon for this nightly fireworks-set-to-music show. The trip is a bit rock star crossed with double-secret executive privilege, but it's available to average Joe Tourist and us Floridians." (Source: Orlando Sentinel
, 06/29/07)
Cost: $200-$250 per boat. To make a reservation, call 407/939-7529.
--------------------------------
Click here for the recipe for Fettucine Alfredo from L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante at Epcot.
--------------------------------
Disney has initiated security procedures at Downtown Disney to control teens who loiter or are suspected of being gang members:
* Disney will ask them why they are on their property
* teens will have to leave if they are just hanging out
* if they refuse to leave, officers will take them into custody and photograph them
* they will also receive a written citation warning them that Disney can arrest them should they return
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/28/07)
Note: You can appeal. If you feel that you have not been treated fairly, call the Disney switchboard at 407-824-2222 and they will connect you to the party who can discuss your case.
"The four Florida State University football prospects who were kicked out of Downtown Disney for loitering last week and banned for life from Walt Disney World can now come back." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/29/07)
"'Gangsta rappers' took over the House of Blues, but Friday night across the rest of Downtown Disney unfolded without a repeat of the security crackdown on young males that had prompted accusations of racial profiling." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/01/07)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Summer gets a whole lot sweeter as SeaWorld teams up with Cold Stone Creamery for a statewide tour to serve everyone’s favorite summer treat - ice cream. While on the road, the SeaWorld representatives will be spreading the word about SeaWorld’s newest additions -- five new family-friendly rides and shows -- while dishing out kiddie-sized helpings of Cold Stone’s coolest new SeaWorld-themed flavor, Shamu Swirl. The partnership also features SeaWorld-themed ice cream flavors to be served at nearly 80 Cold Stone locations across the state of Florida during the months of June and July. (Source, Press Release)
--------------------------------
Hotel Refunds
"Have you stayed in a Florida Wyndham property between May 29, 1998, and July 28, 2006? In a deal with the Attorney General's Office, the company is refunding a total of $560,000 to hotel guests." (Source: Orlando Sentinel
, 07/21/07)
Click here for the list of hotels offering refunds.
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
DISNEYLAND PARIS
"French police are investigating the death of a 14-year-old Spanish girl who lost consciousness while riding a roller coaster at Disneyland Paris, park officials said Tuesday." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/26/07)
--------------------------------
"Ford has become the official vehicle sponsor of Euro Disney, in a partnership that should mean legions of little French kids will aspire to own a Ford C-Max when they grow up... Ford said it will 'evaluate specific sponsorship opportunities for an established Disneyland Park attraction,' which presumably will be some kind of ride." (Source: edmunds.com, 07/03/07)
=================================================
DISNEYLAND HONG KONG
Click here for photos of the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel.
=================================================
VEGAS
The city of Las Vegas Splash team invites you and your family to join them for a tropical adventure on Saturday, July 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Pavilion Center Pool. The Desert Mermaids synchronized swimming team will perform at 6 p.m. Hot Lava Polynesian dancers and Samoan fire-eaters will entertain from 7 to 8:30 p.m., inviting pool partygoers to join them and learn the dance moves during this annual "Another Hot Tropical Night" event. (Source: freevegasguide.com, 06/27/07)
=================================================
BRANSON
"A fishing vacation to Branson has everything fishermen and women want. There are secluded places to fish, but you are close to all the other things you like when you are away from home: a comfortable place to stay, good food, fun, shopping and entertainment." (Source: smartbrief.com, 06/27/07)
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Animal Kingdom Lodge Guests Being Moved
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
"I got a call from a client today who said she saw on a web board that some people staying at AKL about the same time they're scheduled to go in July had been contacted by Disney to say that they'd been moved to another resort because of construction noise. For those that don't, Disney is building new villas at AKL as part of the Disney Vacation Club (Disney's version of a timeshare program). I had not heard that the noise was all that bad, and no one has contacted me following a recent trip to complain.
Yet not 20 minutes after I got off the phone with the client, Disney called me regarding her reservations. The castmember I spoke to said that they'd just been taken on a tour of the resort so that they'd be able to speak with first-hand knowledge. He reports that the noise is so loud you can't hear the castmember at the desk checking you in! The noise level was completely unanticipated. They've tried everything they can think of, but to no avail. The animals that aren't terrified completely are acting very strange. This castmember says he saw a giraffe just resting its head on a fence - obviously very uncharacteristic of a giraffe!
Anyway, they've decided that they need to move guests elsewhere for the time being. I have no idea if they will be able to move everyone, but they're trying - and they are not accepting reservations at the resort for July and August. (The problem is to be resolved by September 1.) They are taking reservations by arrival date and then by date booked, and they are calling the travel agent or the guest directly, depending on how you booked. My clients had a choice of going from two savanna view rooms to two 1-bedroom villas at Saratoga Springs (same price), two studio villas (small refund), or two standard view rooms at the Yacht or Beach Club (same price). What everyone else is offered - and the price differential - depends on what's available at the time. Of course, guests may also cancel for a full refund.
Obviously, this development is really going to mess with the availability of the discounted space under the promotion that started yesterday, particularly for deluxe resorts and villas given that they will be trying to move AKL guests to those places. My advice to anyone that has tried to get the new promotion at these resort types and not been able to keep trying. In fact, that's pretty much always my advice, but particularly in this case."
=================================================
SeaWorld And Discovery Cove Celebrate Spring With New Bundles Of Joy
The warming weather welcomed bundles of joy little and big to SeaWorld Orlando and Discovery Cove. From an addition to the Shamu family to the arrival of penguin chicks, SeaWorld’s animal inhabitants welcomed spring with the newest additions to their family.
SeaWorld welcomed a new baby killer whale to the Shamu family this past March, bringing the killer whale pod at SeaWorld Orlando to nine whales, ranging in size from a 350-pound calf to a 12,000-pound male. SeaWorld's killer whale breeding program is the most successful in the world.
SeaWorld’s feathered friends also welcomed new arrivals in the form of six endangered Nene geese and 16 penguin chicks. The penguins represent a variety of species, including the first Adelie chicks in SeaWorld Orlando history. As they continue to grow into full maturity, the chicks will cuddle up in the Penguin Encounter which is kept at a chilly 30 degrees with six thousand pounds of snow falling daily.
Three new harbor seal pups join more than 80 animals living at SeaWorld’s Pacific Point Preserve, including California sea lions and harbor seals. As the weather gets warmer, SeaWorld anticipates the arrival of sea lion pups this summer.
Discovery Cove celebrated the arrival of two baby Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. The flippered additions marked the 10th dolphin calf to be born and successfully raised at Discovery Cove since its opening in 2000. The little newcomers - whose gender have yet to be determined - are nursing well and bonding with their mothers. The park also welcomed 18 southern stingray pups this spring. (Source: Press Release)
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AffordableDisney.Com.
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posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 7:07 AM
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