Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
July 11, 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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=================================================
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 - new Disney World sweepstakes, new Disney online cell phone photo albums, free dining certificates, Disney cruise line discounts
* The latest news from around the "World" - time has come to remove the Mickey Mouse arm, glove and wand at Epcot
* Disney guests can take a cooling plunge at two of America’s most popular water parks
* ‘Preschool Palooza’ featuring Dan Zanes, Doodlebops, Johnny and the Sprites returns during Little Ones Travel Time Aug. 26-Oct. 28
* Free dinner from Disney/Super Suppers
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
* We now list 26 sweepstakes to win a Disney/Florida vacation!
* Save 50% on dining certificates at restaurants in Orlando and across the USA. Plus! Receive a FREE $10 dining certificate!
* Save 20% on Disney's new service that allows you to create your own personal photo album online filled with Disney vacation photos from your cell phone!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
20 Disney cruises starting at $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
--------------------------------
"Topiary mystery solved: It's 'Mickey Forest'... The planting was designed to be part of a much larger project to reforest areas where citrus groves had met their demise following the bitter cold snaps of the 1980s." (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 07/09/07)
--------------------------------
"I got a chance late last week to try out one of the Soarin' queue games -- the bird game -- and was impressed by how much fun people were having while waiting in line for the ride." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/09/07)
--------------------------------
"The dress code for Disney theme parks and resorts is among the most explicit and conservative: no visible tattoos, and the only permissible piercings are one per earlobe. Earrings must be 'a simple matched pair in gold, silver or a color that blends with the costume,' company spokesman Donn Walker said. Hoops can't be bigger than a dime." (Source: latimes.com, 07/05/07)
--------------------------------
"Epcot Vice President Jim MacPhee said Thursday that the time has come to remove the Mickey Mouse arm, glove and wand that have served as a colorful, lighted Epcot sign -- and as a lightning rod for criticism from many longtime Epcot fans... Also coming down are the colored stars splashed across Spaceship Earth's roof." Spaceship Earth closed July 9 for refurbishing and will reopen in five months. "Leave a Legacy" is no longer selling space on its 30 stone monoliths where guests to the park left their images. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/06/07)
--------------------------------
Epcot Vice President Jim MacPhee has announced that Disney is going to do something special to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Epcot October 1. No details have been released yet. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/07/07)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
"Gatorland's newest crocodiles are born patriots, hatched on the Fourth of July. The 12 members of the brood, unveiled for photos Friday, are the first Nile crocodiles -- or alligators, for that matter -- to hatch during the national holiday at the long-running Central Florida attraction." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/07/07)
--------------------------------
"Jason, Freddy Krueger and Leatherface -- are bringing their knives, claws and chainsaws to Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights this fall... It's the first time New Line Cinema has given any theme park the rights to use the characters from the popular Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street and Texas Chainsaw Massacre series of movies." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/28/07)
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
DISNEYLAND TOKYO
Click here to see a photo of a castmember carrying helium-filled balloons of Disney cartoon characters at Tokyo Disneyland in Tokyo.
=================================================
DISNEYLAND HONG KONG
"A Hong Kong version of Downtown Disney should be the first thing that gets started next year. Expanding the things guest can do is the first priority of the company." (Source: blueskydisney, 07/02/07)
=================================================
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
"Plummer was eager to book a spot on an upcoming Disney cruise, along with many of his fellow participants on the unofficial Disney-related message board Three Circles. But when he went to make his final payment and complete his reservation, he was shocked by what he found - a link that enabled him to access personal information about his fellow passengers... [like] home address, date of birth, and even how much each passenger had paid for their rooms and their outstanding balances." (Source: petergreenberg.com, 07/02/07)
--------------------------------
Click here for a Disney Caribbean cruise trip report.
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Disney Guests Can Take a Cooling Plunge at Two of America’s Most Popular Water Parks
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- It's summer in Florida. Daytime temperatures are regularly pushing into the 90s. What's a vacationer to do to cool off?
At Walt Disney World Resort, guests can choose between a mountain ski retreat and a tropical getaway to take the proverbial plunge into water fun at two of the most popular water parks in North America:
# Like a surfside playground left behind by a "great storm" for modern-day Swiss Family Robinsons, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon features breaking waves, saltwater snorkeling pool and gushing water surges; and
# Disney's Blizzard Beach offers all the spine-chilling thrills of a northern ski resort, whether it's bobsledding down the "snowy" slopes of Mt. Gushmore or plunging straight down Summit Plummet at up to 55 mph.
During the spring, summer and fall vacation periods, both parks are open daily, offering a cool break from theme park fun. Admission tickets can be purchased at each park or folded into Disney's Magic Your Way ticket with the Water Park Fun & More add-on option.
Located near Downtown Disney West Side, the 61-acre Typhoon Lagoon includes several major features, including Crush 'n' Gusher, the first-ever water coaster thrill ride attraction in Central Florida; a man-made watershed mountain with eight twisting-and-turning water slides and roaring streams; a two-and-one-half-acre wave-making lagoon with surfing-size waves, and a 362,000-gallon saltwater pool, Shark Reef, where snorkelers swim fin-to-fin with exotic marine life including butterfly fish, French angels, tangs, groupers and even nurse sharks.
The park also features a water playground for children, sunny beaches and lazy streams surrounding a 95-foot mountain, a shop that provides necessary underwater equipment for Shark Reef (including wet suits, masks and snorkels), changing areas, lockers, showers, a picnic area and two restaurants which serve up everything from specialty sandwiches and salads to cookies and ice cream in waffle cones.
Meantime, while the 66-acre Blizzard Beach has all the look of a northern ski resort, it is in fact strictly tropical -- and the ice is limited to the soft drinks. The most eye-catching attractions can be found on the slopes of Mt. Gushmore, the 90-foot snow-capped mountain that is home to Downhill Double Dipper, the only side-by-side racing water slides that stand 50 feet high and 200 feet long. Guests will travel up to 25 mph, twisting and turning before shooting out through a curtain of water.
Mt. Gushmore also features slalom courses, toboggan and water sled runs and the awesome, 120-foot-high Summit Plummet -- the nation's tallest, fastest free-fall speed slide, visible from almost anywhere in the park. From Summit Plummet's "ski jump" tower, it's a breathtaking high-speed 55 mph plunge straight down to a splash landing at the base of the mountain.
Next to Summit Plummet is the tall but less steep Slush Gusher, a speed slide that drops guests through a snow-banked mountain gully. Mt. Gushmore's other attractions include Teamboat Springs, the world's longest family white-water raft ride takes six-passenger rafts down a twisting 1,200-foot series of rushing water falls; Toboggan Racer, an 8-lane water slide that sends guests racing over exhilarating dips as they descend the "snowy" slope, and more.
The sandy beach below Mt. Gushmore offers a large wave pool, a lazy river, two snack bars, a polar pub lodge, and a pre-teen and children's play area.
The Village at the Blizzard Beach entrance houses guest services such as a tube pick-up area, towel rentals, lockers, first aid, merchandise and a restaurant.
For more information about Disney's Blizzard Beach and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon water parks, guests may call 407/824-4321 or visit disneyworld.com. (Source: Press Release, 07/02/07)
=================================================
‘Preschool Palooza’ Featuring Dan Zanes, Doodlebops, Johnny and the Sprites Returns During Little Ones Travel Time Aug. 26-Oct. 28
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Beloved children's musician and Grammy Award winner Dan Zanes and Friends will be part of the lineup that gets kids bopping and singing when Playhouse Disney in Concert returns during Little Ones Travel Time beginning in late August -- after the busy summer vacation season -- at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Doodlebops and Johnny and the Sprites are also part of the concert series featuring a total of eight acts during Little Ones Travel Time Aug. 26-Oct. 28, 2007. The concerts will be presented each Thursday through Sunday during the expanded nine-week travel season.
Created for young families traveling to Disney with preschoolers and toddlers, Little Ones Travel Time also offers targeted on-line planning tools and other services.
During Little Ones Travel Time, Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom opens an hour early on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays for Disney resort guests and their youngsters to explore softer attractions such as "it's a small world," Mad Tea Party, Peter Pan's Flight and Pooh's Playful Spot playground. During this bonus hour, wee ones can play ball with Goofy, enjoy "Peter Says" with Peter Pan, participate in other games and activities and even experience classic Fantasyland attractions with characters.
Some new Magic Kingdom fun is coming in September with the opening of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique inside Cinderella Castle. Little girls can step into their favorite fairytale and become a princess with fancy hairstyles, glittery makeup, sparkly nails and regal costume makeovers. Reservations for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique can be made by calling 407/WDW-STYLE.
Playhouse Disney in Concert will showcase zany performances with entertainment for the preschool set, presented by Huggies and Pull-Ups brands. Youngsters can dance and sing along with Disney Channel favorites The Doodlebops; Johnny and the Sprites, featuring Johnny Tartaglia; Imagination Movers; and Dan Zanes and friends -- all scheduled to appear during the nine-week travel time.
Performers scheduled to appear:
Aug. 30-Sept. 2 - Imagination Movers
Sept. 6-9 - The Doodlebops
Sept. 13-16 -Playhouse Disney Live on Tour
Sept. 20-23 - Imagination Movers
Sept. 27-30 - Choo Choo Soul
Oct. 4-7 - Choo Choo Soul
Oct. 11-14 - TBD
Oct. 18-21 - Johnny and the Sprites
Oct. 25-28 - Dan Zanes and friends
Performance times and venues will follow. For more information, contact 407/W-DISNEY. (Source: Press Release, 07/02/07)
=================================================
FREE DINNER FROM DISNEY/SUPER SUPPERS
"Movie-goers can bring a "Ratatouille" ticket stub to any participating Super Suppers location across the country and receive a free regular-size Baked Chicken and Bowties entrée. The offer will end on July 31 and will be limited to one entrée per family." Click here for details.
=================================================
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 11, 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.
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
*Deals and specials - new Disney World sweepstakes, new Disney online cell phone photo albums, free dining certificates, Disney cruise line discounts
* The latest news from around the "World" - time has come to remove the Mickey Mouse arm, glove and wand at Epcot
* Disney guests can take a cooling plunge at two of America’s most popular water parks
* ‘Preschool Palooza’ featuring Dan Zanes, Doodlebops, Johnny and the Sprites returns during Little Ones Travel Time Aug. 26-Oct. 28
* Free dinner from Disney/Super Suppers
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
* We now list 26 sweepstakes to win a Disney/Florida vacation!
* Save 50% on dining certificates at restaurants in Orlando and across the USA. Plus! Receive a FREE $10 dining certificate!
* Save 20% on Disney's new service that allows you to create your own personal photo album online filled with Disney vacation photos from your cell phone!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
20 Disney cruises starting at $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
--------------------------------
"Topiary mystery solved: It's 'Mickey Forest'... The planting was designed to be part of a much larger project to reforest areas where citrus groves had met their demise following the bitter cold snaps of the 1980s." (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 07/09/07)
--------------------------------
"I got a chance late last week to try out one of the Soarin' queue games -- the bird game -- and was impressed by how much fun people were having while waiting in line for the ride." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/09/07)
--------------------------------
"The dress code for Disney theme parks and resorts is among the most explicit and conservative: no visible tattoos, and the only permissible piercings are one per earlobe. Earrings must be 'a simple matched pair in gold, silver or a color that blends with the costume,' company spokesman Donn Walker said. Hoops can't be bigger than a dime." (Source: latimes.com, 07/05/07)
--------------------------------
"Epcot Vice President Jim MacPhee said Thursday that the time has come to remove the Mickey Mouse arm, glove and wand that have served as a colorful, lighted Epcot sign -- and as a lightning rod for criticism from many longtime Epcot fans... Also coming down are the colored stars splashed across Spaceship Earth's roof." Spaceship Earth closed July 9 for refurbishing and will reopen in five months. "Leave a Legacy" is no longer selling space on its 30 stone monoliths where guests to the park left their images. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/06/07)
--------------------------------
Epcot Vice President Jim MacPhee has announced that Disney is going to do something special to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Epcot October 1. No details have been released yet. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/07/07)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
"Gatorland's newest crocodiles are born patriots, hatched on the Fourth of July. The 12 members of the brood, unveiled for photos Friday, are the first Nile crocodiles -- or alligators, for that matter -- to hatch during the national holiday at the long-running Central Florida attraction." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/07/07)
--------------------------------
"Jason, Freddy Krueger and Leatherface -- are bringing their knives, claws and chainsaws to Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights this fall... It's the first time New Line Cinema has given any theme park the rights to use the characters from the popular Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street and Texas Chainsaw Massacre series of movies." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/28/07)
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
DISNEYLAND TOKYO
Click here to see a photo of a castmember carrying helium-filled balloons of Disney cartoon characters at Tokyo Disneyland in Tokyo.
=================================================
DISNEYLAND HONG KONG
"A Hong Kong version of Downtown Disney should be the first thing that gets started next year. Expanding the things guest can do is the first priority of the company." (Source: blueskydisney, 07/02/07)
=================================================
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
"Plummer was eager to book a spot on an upcoming Disney cruise, along with many of his fellow participants on the unofficial Disney-related message board Three Circles. But when he went to make his final payment and complete his reservation, he was shocked by what he found - a link that enabled him to access personal information about his fellow passengers... [like] home address, date of birth, and even how much each passenger had paid for their rooms and their outstanding balances." (Source: petergreenberg.com, 07/02/07)
--------------------------------
Click here for a Disney Caribbean cruise trip report.
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Disney Guests Can Take a Cooling Plunge at Two of America’s Most Popular Water Parks
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- It's summer in Florida. Daytime temperatures are regularly pushing into the 90s. What's a vacationer to do to cool off?
At Walt Disney World Resort, guests can choose between a mountain ski retreat and a tropical getaway to take the proverbial plunge into water fun at two of the most popular water parks in North America:
# Like a surfside playground left behind by a "great storm" for modern-day Swiss Family Robinsons, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon features breaking waves, saltwater snorkeling pool and gushing water surges; and
# Disney's Blizzard Beach offers all the spine-chilling thrills of a northern ski resort, whether it's bobsledding down the "snowy" slopes of Mt. Gushmore or plunging straight down Summit Plummet at up to 55 mph.
During the spring, summer and fall vacation periods, both parks are open daily, offering a cool break from theme park fun. Admission tickets can be purchased at each park or folded into Disney's Magic Your Way ticket with the Water Park Fun & More add-on option.
Located near Downtown Disney West Side, the 61-acre Typhoon Lagoon includes several major features, including Crush 'n' Gusher, the first-ever water coaster thrill ride attraction in Central Florida; a man-made watershed mountain with eight twisting-and-turning water slides and roaring streams; a two-and-one-half-acre wave-making lagoon with surfing-size waves, and a 362,000-gallon saltwater pool, Shark Reef, where snorkelers swim fin-to-fin with exotic marine life including butterfly fish, French angels, tangs, groupers and even nurse sharks.
The park also features a water playground for children, sunny beaches and lazy streams surrounding a 95-foot mountain, a shop that provides necessary underwater equipment for Shark Reef (including wet suits, masks and snorkels), changing areas, lockers, showers, a picnic area and two restaurants which serve up everything from specialty sandwiches and salads to cookies and ice cream in waffle cones.
Meantime, while the 66-acre Blizzard Beach has all the look of a northern ski resort, it is in fact strictly tropical -- and the ice is limited to the soft drinks. The most eye-catching attractions can be found on the slopes of Mt. Gushmore, the 90-foot snow-capped mountain that is home to Downhill Double Dipper, the only side-by-side racing water slides that stand 50 feet high and 200 feet long. Guests will travel up to 25 mph, twisting and turning before shooting out through a curtain of water.
Mt. Gushmore also features slalom courses, toboggan and water sled runs and the awesome, 120-foot-high Summit Plummet -- the nation's tallest, fastest free-fall speed slide, visible from almost anywhere in the park. From Summit Plummet's "ski jump" tower, it's a breathtaking high-speed 55 mph plunge straight down to a splash landing at the base of the mountain.
Next to Summit Plummet is the tall but less steep Slush Gusher, a speed slide that drops guests through a snow-banked mountain gully. Mt. Gushmore's other attractions include Teamboat Springs, the world's longest family white-water raft ride takes six-passenger rafts down a twisting 1,200-foot series of rushing water falls; Toboggan Racer, an 8-lane water slide that sends guests racing over exhilarating dips as they descend the "snowy" slope, and more.
The sandy beach below Mt. Gushmore offers a large wave pool, a lazy river, two snack bars, a polar pub lodge, and a pre-teen and children's play area.
The Village at the Blizzard Beach entrance houses guest services such as a tube pick-up area, towel rentals, lockers, first aid, merchandise and a restaurant.
For more information about Disney's Blizzard Beach and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon water parks, guests may call 407/824-4321 or visit disneyworld.com. (Source: Press Release, 07/02/07)
=================================================
‘Preschool Palooza’ Featuring Dan Zanes, Doodlebops, Johnny and the Sprites Returns During Little Ones Travel Time Aug. 26-Oct. 28
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Beloved children's musician and Grammy Award winner Dan Zanes and Friends will be part of the lineup that gets kids bopping and singing when Playhouse Disney in Concert returns during Little Ones Travel Time beginning in late August -- after the busy summer vacation season -- at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Doodlebops and Johnny and the Sprites are also part of the concert series featuring a total of eight acts during Little Ones Travel Time Aug. 26-Oct. 28, 2007. The concerts will be presented each Thursday through Sunday during the expanded nine-week travel season.
Created for young families traveling to Disney with preschoolers and toddlers, Little Ones Travel Time also offers targeted on-line planning tools and other services.
During Little Ones Travel Time, Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom opens an hour early on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays for Disney resort guests and their youngsters to explore softer attractions such as "it's a small world," Mad Tea Party, Peter Pan's Flight and Pooh's Playful Spot playground. During this bonus hour, wee ones can play ball with Goofy, enjoy "Peter Says" with Peter Pan, participate in other games and activities and even experience classic Fantasyland attractions with characters.
Some new Magic Kingdom fun is coming in September with the opening of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique inside Cinderella Castle. Little girls can step into their favorite fairytale and become a princess with fancy hairstyles, glittery makeup, sparkly nails and regal costume makeovers. Reservations for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique can be made by calling 407/WDW-STYLE.
Playhouse Disney in Concert will showcase zany performances with entertainment for the preschool set, presented by Huggies and Pull-Ups brands. Youngsters can dance and sing along with Disney Channel favorites The Doodlebops; Johnny and the Sprites, featuring Johnny Tartaglia; Imagination Movers; and Dan Zanes and friends -- all scheduled to appear during the nine-week travel time.
Performers scheduled to appear:
Aug. 30-Sept. 2 - Imagination Movers
Sept. 6-9 - The Doodlebops
Sept. 13-16 -Playhouse Disney Live on Tour
Sept. 20-23 - Imagination Movers
Sept. 27-30 - Choo Choo Soul
Oct. 4-7 - Choo Choo Soul
Oct. 11-14 - TBD
Oct. 18-21 - Johnny and the Sprites
Oct. 25-28 - Dan Zanes and friends
Performance times and venues will follow. For more information, contact 407/W-DISNEY. (Source: Press Release, 07/02/07)
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FREE DINNER FROM DISNEY/SUPER SUPPERS
"Movie-goers can bring a "Ratatouille" ticket stub to any participating Super Suppers location across the country and receive a free regular-size Baked Chicken and Bowties entrée. The offer will end on July 31 and will be limited to one entrée per family." Click here for details.
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See You Real Soon!
John
AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
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posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 8:26 AM
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