Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
July 18, 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 - Disney PhotoPass discount, Cirque du Soleil discount, dining certificate discount, group discount at Disneyland hotels, European cruise special, Florida resident theme park discount, exclusive offer at the Venetian in Vegas, Vegas vacation sweepstakes
* The latest news from around the "World" - Disney Movie Club credit card information compromised
* Disney’s HalloweenTime returns to the Disneyland Resort
* Starliner roller coaster debuts at Cypress Gardens
* This week's coupon - save at this All You Can Eat Lobster and Steak Buffet
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Save up to 40% on Disney's PhotoPass! View your Disney vacation photos online and share them with others!
This group saves up to $16 per ticket to Cirque du Soleil's la Nouba at Downtown Disney!
Save 60% on money saving dining certificates at restaurants in Orlando and across the USA! Get $25 dining certificates for only $4!
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Florida residents save up to 40% on tickets to this theme park!
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
New Group Discount for Disneyland Hotels! Valid mid-August through mid-December. From $129 per night!
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OTHER VACATION SPECIALS
European Cruise Special: September is an ideal time for you to take a family vacation to Europe, with lower airfare, fewer crowds and mild temperatures. And your kids can sail for as little as $199 on select September sailings with this luxury cruise line!
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VEGAS
We've got the discount codes for this one!
Experience the best of Las Vegas with this exclusive offer from The Venetian and dazzle your senses at their critically acclaimed, "visually stunning", and "wildly inventive" show - BLUE MAN GROUP. Book your Luxury Suite today and when you also purchase an orchestra-level seat to Blue Man Group's 10 p.m. Blue Man Group Show through The Venetian Box Office, they'll treat you to a complimentary gondola ride down the quarter-mile Grand Canal and free admission to the extraordinary Madame Tussauds Las Vegas! Plus! Luxury Suites start at $159 per night! Valid now through September 30, 2007.
Plus! Molto Mario is in the house!
Molto Mario has landed at The Venetian, and Las Vegas dining will never be the same - Chef Batali, along with his winemaking partner, Joe Bastianich, are pleased to bring you Enoteca San Marco, the perfect venue for those who enjoy light, lively, Italian fare.
Plus! Enter this Sweepstakes to win a fabulous Las Vegas vacation and be among the first to experience the height of hospitality at The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino!
=================================================
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
>> 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.
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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!
--------------------------------
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
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"We're in Monaco people watching and gambling... This fantasy-come-true (or at least this very pleasant evening out in a world-famous locale) has been brought to us courtesy of Disney Cruise Line, though Mickey isn't anywhere in the vicinity." (Source: smartertravel.com, , 07/16/07)
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"Five people reportedly suffered significant injuries and illnesses at area theme-park attractions during the three months that ended June 30, including a heart attack on Walt Disney World's Rock 'n' Roller Coaster." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/17/07)
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Chelsea FC joins Disney
"The agreement, which is for four years, makes Chelsea the 'Official Professional Soccer Club of Disney’s Wide World of Sports and presenting sponsor of the Disney Soccer Showcase Series.'" (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 07/15/07)
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Rev It Up 2007 - July 27 - Epcot parking lot
"$25 competitor fee gets you started on the best driving day of the summer! Pro instruction, plenty of practice laps, timed competition for bragging rights and prizes!" (Source: revitup.com, 07/13/07)
--------------------------------
Fuego by Sosa Cigars opens at Pleasure Island
"Walt Disney World now has its very own cigar bar... Sosa Cigars is part of the Arturo Fuente Cigar Family, and the Sosas have run a cigar shop in Disney for the past decade called Sosa Family Cigars, which stocks 80 cigar brands, humidors and cigarettes." (Source: cigaraficionado.com, 07/13/07)
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Click here for photos taken from outside the Tower of Terror.
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"An undisclosed number of Disney Movie Club members have received letters informing them that their credit-card information was sold by an employee of a Disney contractor to a federal agent as part of an undercover sting operation." (Source: networkworld.com, 07/11/07)
"Disney sent letters last week... [stating] there was no indication that the credit-card information was offered to anyone other than to undercover federal agents, nor was there any indication it was used to buy anything." Although the thief did not have security-code numbers, many businesses don't require the code at point of sale. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/14/07)
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"The little-used Disney-MGM Studios street called Mickey Avenue is now closed to give Walt Disney World more room to construct the new 'Toy Story Mania'... [that] is going into the Millionaire building." (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 07/12/07)
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Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Simpsons have arrived at Universal
"Costumed characters of Homer, Marge, Bart and Lisa began making appearances in the park recently, usually near the entrance, a couple weeks ago." (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 07/16/07)
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The Starliner opens at Cypress Gardens
"The riveting racket of Florida's oldest surviving wooden roller coaster returned Friday despite two glitches that had delayed its opening at Cypress Gardens Adventure Park in Winter Haven for nearly two weeks." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/14/07)
For more details, see the press release below.
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Resort Calendar
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DISNEY CHINA
"The Magic Gourd, The Walt Disney Company's first locally produced full length motion picture in China has recorded a stellar performance at the Chinese box office taking in excess of US $2million [RMB16M] as it enters its third week, making it the second highest grossing Chinese language picture for the year thus far." (Source: smartbrief.com, 07/13/07)
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BRANSON MISSOURI
"Sometime in the next few months, one lucky family will receive a free vacation to Branson... the customer who purchases the millionth ticket will win a refund of his or her entire vacation arranged through Branson Tourism Center." (Source: smartbrief.com, 07/05/07)
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LAS VEGAS
"Five time NBA Champion and successful businessman Earvin 'Magic' Johnson is set to host back-to-back red carpet events on Friday and Saturday, July 20-21 at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. Magic will be joined by a plethora of celebrities and all-star athletes such as confirmed guests Jamie Foxx, Elise Neal, Sugar Shane Mosley, Morris Chestnut and Jermaine Dupree." (Source: smartbrief.com, 07/16/07)
"A new Star Trek-themed animated feature-length film, entitled BORG WAR, will have its theatrical debut at the Official STAR TREK Convention 2007, at the Las Vegas Hilton on Friday August 10th at 6:20 P.M." (Source: smartbrief.com/news, 07/16/07)
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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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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Halloween Dreams Come True Beginning Sept. 21
When Parks and Characters Are Transformed
For the Autumn Holiday Season
Following up on the success of its inaugural season last year, Disney’s HalloweenTime will return to the Disneyland Resort this fall with a lively mix of Disney characters in seasonal costumes, whimsical décor, decked-out attractions, themed shows and tasty treats designed with the whole family in mind. This inviting interactive Halloween experience at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure will begin a week earlier this year starting Friday, Sept. 21, and continuing through Wednesday, Oct. 31. HalloweenTime at the Resort is part of the Year of a Million Dreams celebration at Disney Parks.
All new this Halloween season, the Sunshine Plaza in California Adventure will become the site of "Candy Corn Acres," where Mickey Mouse’s pal Goofy will set out to grow the West’s biggest and most unusual candy corn: candy corn coconuts, candy corn carrots and candy corn pumpkins, among other delicious produce offerings. The Plaza will be overgrown with the "fruits" of Goofy’s labor.
Also expanded will be Mickey’s HalloweenTreat, a separate-ticket nighttime event which gives kids and their families the opportunity to dress in their Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat throughout Disney’s California Adventure after it has closed to day guests. This year’s HalloweenTreat will offer tricksters of all ages more treat locations along with fun character encounters (including an all-new nightly cavalcade), interactive games, and spirited music with DJ Mickey. Older kids and parents will want to experience the heart-dropping Twilight Zone Tower of Terror® and meet the hotel’s ghostly staff members who materialize only during the Halloween season.
This year, additional nights have been scheduled for Mickey’s HalloweenTreat: Thursdays and Fridays beginning October 4 plus Monday-Wednesday, October 29-31. Tickets go on sale August 1.
During regular park hours at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure, Disney’s HalloweenTime will offer parents and children lots of not-so-scary fun in addition to the parks’ many popular Year of a Million Dreams adventures. HalloweenTime experiences will include special Halloween shows, meet-and-greets with Disneyland characters in their Halloween costumes and spooky-silly holiday themed decorations which guests begin to spot as soon as they reach the entrances to the parks.
Jack-o’-lantern creations resembling Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto and Goofy will adorn the top of the Main Entrance to Disneyland park. Across the Esplanade, at the entrance to Disney’s California Adventure park, guests will see the iconic 11-foot-tall CALIFORNIA letters transformed into giant pieces of candy corn.
Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland will once again be decked out for the Main Street Pumpkin Festival. Guests will be greeted there by Miss Cobbler, Queen of the Pumpkin Festival, and Constable Jackie O’Leary. More than 300 jack-o’-lanterns will peek out of shop windows, while festive orange and yellow bunting will grace the quaint Victorian buildings. The whimsical 12-foot tall Mickey Mouse jack-o’-lantern, complete with pumpkin ears, will return to highlight Town Square, smiling at guests as they enter Main Street and giving them a playful wink when they depart.
The Central Plaza of Disneyland, near Sleeping Beauty Castle, will also be specially decorated with Disney character-inspired jack-o’-lanterns surrounding the famous "Partners" statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse. Additionally, the Disney characters themselves will get into the "spirit" of the occasion, wearing their favorite Halloween costumes, while meeting and greeting guests.
"Woody’s Halloween Roundup" once again will take over Big Thunder Ranch in Frontierland. The Roundup fun will include a visit with the animals in the "Petting Boo," crafts and musical activities including a Halloween Hoedown and a spooky interactive sing-along version of "Old McDonald Had a Farm" featuring black cats, ghosts and werewolves. Woody, Jessie and Bullseye from the Disney*Pixar Toy Story movies will appear throughout the day on stage in comic adventure tales hosted by a guitar playing, storytelling cowboy. The Roundup will also feature an array of tasty treats to satisfy the most monstrous of appetites, including cotton candy in Halloween colors and Creepy Cookie Critters that guests create themselves.
Returning to Disney’s California Adventure will be the spooky Hollywood Tower Hotel staff members who haunt the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror during the Halloween season, and "Golden Screams," where Disney villains roll out the black carpet for an awards ceremony - "Best Scream," "Best Act of Villainy" - held daily inside the Golden Dreams Theatre.
Favorite Disney villains, including Cruella De Vil from 101 Dalmatians, the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, Captain Hook from Peter Pan and others, will roam both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure for HalloweenTime meet-and-greets with park guests.
Throughout the Disneyland Resort during Disney’s HalloweenTime, families can enjoy unique Halloween-themed food items including Zero’s Ghostly Ghoulash, a favorite of Jack Skellington’s pet in "Haunted Mansion Holiday," and merchandise including Disney costumes, collectible pins and coins, and a special set of Halloween-themed Mickey Mouse ears resembling a Mickey jack-o’-lantern.
And no Halloween celebration at Disneyland would be complete without the return of Jack Skellington and his friends to transform the Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square into the popular seasonal "Haunted Mansion Holiday." Inspired by the innovative animated film Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas, "Haunted Mansion Holiday" depicts the holiday mayhem that occurs when Halloween and Christmas traditions collide.
Disney’s HalloweenTime will be presented throughout the Disneyland Resort from Sept. 21 - Oct. 31, 2007 as part of the Year of a Million Dreams celebration at the Resort. For more information about new attractions, the Year of a Million Dreams, and vacations at Disneyland Resort visit www.disneyland.com, call (866) 60-DISNEY or visit local travel agents. The Official Disneyland Resort Audio and Video Podcasts can be found at www.disneyland.com/podcast. (Source: Press Release, 07/13/07
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CYPRESS GARDENS
Friday the 13th proves to be lucky for Starliner!
Screams of joy filled the air as Starliner sent passengers soaring once again, proving that Friday the 13th can be quite the lucky day for some folks. After several delays, the much-anticipated coaster crested the first hill this afternoon.
"While it has been a long time coming, the Starliner is well worth the wait," says CEO/President Kent Buescher with a grin. "I rode the coaster at its original home in Panama City Beach and really like the ride. But the rebuild at Cypress Gardens? Smoother, faster and much more thrilling. And everyone I’ve spoken with who has ridden the ride agrees it is a pure adrenaline rush."
At its height, the Starliner tops out at 70 feet on the first hill. After hurtling passengers 67 feet toward the ground at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, the coaster then skims a series of bunny hills and camel backs, providing plenty of negative-g’s and the much-coveted "air time." The park has stayed true to the original design with a few exciting profile modifications, one of which is the turn-around. It is now banked at a higher degree and has a sharper curve, creating a much more exciting diving, hair-pin turn.
"I have got to ride this again!" exclaimed Chris Craftchick, of Orlando, as he came off the ride for the first time. High praise indeed from one who knows roller coasters. Kraftchick serves as Florida’s regional representative for the American Coaster Enthusiasts. And so he went again...and again.
"Starliner is so incredibly fun; lots of air time and extremely smooth-just a phenomenal ride! It’s a coaster definitely worth repeating because each seat gives you a different ride," he goes on to explain. "Every bit of the track is exciting, especially the turn-around and I can’t wait to bring my family and friends back out to ride. It’s a perfect coaster for Cypress Gardens."
The Starliner, originally built in 1963 in Panama City Beach, delighted millions of coaster fans for more than 40 years before Miracle Strip Amusement Park closed in 2004. The historic coaster was created by master coaster designer John Allen of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and is one of only eleven Allen coasters still in operation throughout the world. At a cost of more than $4 million, the coaster is the park’s biggest ride investment to date. (Source: Press Release, 07/13/07)
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MONEY SAVING COUPON
Wild Flames Lobster Feast
13605 S. Apopka Vineland Rd
Orlando, FL, 32836
407-239-4949
All You Can Eat Lobster and Steak Buffet. Get $5.00 off any drink of your choice with this coupon.
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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.
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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.
=============================================
July 18, 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 - Disney PhotoPass discount, Cirque du Soleil discount, dining certificate discount, group discount at Disneyland hotels, European cruise special, Florida resident theme park discount, exclusive offer at the Venetian in Vegas, Vegas vacation sweepstakes
* The latest news from around the "World" - Disney Movie Club credit card information compromised
* Disney’s HalloweenTime returns to the Disneyland Resort
* Starliner roller coaster debuts at Cypress Gardens
* This week's coupon - save at this All You Can Eat Lobster and Steak Buffet
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Save up to 40% on Disney's PhotoPass! View your Disney vacation photos online and share them with others!
This group saves up to $16 per ticket to Cirque du Soleil's la Nouba at Downtown Disney!
Save 60% on money saving dining certificates at restaurants in Orlando and across the USA! Get $25 dining certificates for only $4!
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Florida residents save up to 40% on tickets to this theme park!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
New Group Discount for Disneyland Hotels! Valid mid-August through mid-December. From $129 per night!
--------------------------------
OTHER VACATION SPECIALS
European Cruise Special: September is an ideal time for you to take a family vacation to Europe, with lower airfare, fewer crowds and mild temperatures. And your kids can sail for as little as $199 on select September sailings with this luxury cruise line!
--------------------------------
VEGAS
We've got the discount codes for this one!
Experience the best of Las Vegas with this exclusive offer from The Venetian and dazzle your senses at their critically acclaimed, "visually stunning", and "wildly inventive" show - BLUE MAN GROUP. Book your Luxury Suite today and when you also purchase an orchestra-level seat to Blue Man Group's 10 p.m. Blue Man Group Show through The Venetian Box Office, they'll treat you to a complimentary gondola ride down the quarter-mile Grand Canal and free admission to the extraordinary Madame Tussauds Las Vegas! Plus! Luxury Suites start at $159 per night! Valid now through September 30, 2007.
Plus! Molto Mario is in the house!
Molto Mario has landed at The Venetian, and Las Vegas dining will never be the same - Chef Batali, along with his winemaking partner, Joe Bastianich, are pleased to bring you Enoteca San Marco, the perfect venue for those who enjoy light, lively, Italian fare.
Plus! Enter this Sweepstakes to win a fabulous Las Vegas vacation and be among the first to experience the height of hospitality at The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino!
=================================================
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
--------------------------------
"We're in Monaco people watching and gambling... This fantasy-come-true (or at least this very pleasant evening out in a world-famous locale) has been brought to us courtesy of Disney Cruise Line, though Mickey isn't anywhere in the vicinity." (Source: smartertravel.com, , 07/16/07)
--------------------------------
"Five people reportedly suffered significant injuries and illnesses at area theme-park attractions during the three months that ended June 30, including a heart attack on Walt Disney World's Rock 'n' Roller Coaster." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/17/07)
--------------------------------
Chelsea FC joins Disney
"The agreement, which is for four years, makes Chelsea the 'Official Professional Soccer Club of Disney’s Wide World of Sports and presenting sponsor of the Disney Soccer Showcase Series.'" (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 07/15/07)
--------------------------------
Rev It Up 2007 - July 27 - Epcot parking lot
"$25 competitor fee gets you started on the best driving day of the summer! Pro instruction, plenty of practice laps, timed competition for bragging rights and prizes!" (Source: revitup.com, 07/13/07)
--------------------------------
Fuego by Sosa Cigars opens at Pleasure Island
"Walt Disney World now has its very own cigar bar... Sosa Cigars is part of the Arturo Fuente Cigar Family, and the Sosas have run a cigar shop in Disney for the past decade called Sosa Family Cigars, which stocks 80 cigar brands, humidors and cigarettes." (Source: cigaraficionado.com, 07/13/07)
--------------------------------
Click here for photos taken from outside the Tower of Terror.
--------------------------------
"An undisclosed number of Disney Movie Club members have received letters informing them that their credit-card information was sold by an employee of a Disney contractor to a federal agent as part of an undercover sting operation." (Source: networkworld.com, 07/11/07)
"Disney sent letters last week... [stating] there was no indication that the credit-card information was offered to anyone other than to undercover federal agents, nor was there any indication it was used to buy anything." Although the thief did not have security-code numbers, many businesses don't require the code at point of sale. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/14/07)
--------------------------------
"The little-used Disney-MGM Studios street called Mickey Avenue is now closed to give Walt Disney World more room to construct the new 'Toy Story Mania'... [that] is going into the Millionaire building." (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 07/12/07)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Simpsons have arrived at Universal
"Costumed characters of Homer, Marge, Bart and Lisa began making appearances in the park recently, usually near the entrance, a couple weeks ago." (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 07/16/07)
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The Starliner opens at Cypress Gardens
"The riveting racket of Florida's oldest surviving wooden roller coaster returned Friday despite two glitches that had delayed its opening at Cypress Gardens Adventure Park in Winter Haven for nearly two weeks." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/14/07)
For more details, see the press release below.
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Resort Calendar
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DISNEY CHINA
"The Magic Gourd, The Walt Disney Company's first locally produced full length motion picture in China has recorded a stellar performance at the Chinese box office taking in excess of US $2million [RMB16M] as it enters its third week, making it the second highest grossing Chinese language picture for the year thus far." (Source: smartbrief.com, 07/13/07)
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BRANSON MISSOURI
"Sometime in the next few months, one lucky family will receive a free vacation to Branson... the customer who purchases the millionth ticket will win a refund of his or her entire vacation arranged through Branson Tourism Center." (Source: smartbrief.com, 07/05/07)
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LAS VEGAS
"Five time NBA Champion and successful businessman Earvin 'Magic' Johnson is set to host back-to-back red carpet events on Friday and Saturday, July 20-21 at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. Magic will be joined by a plethora of celebrities and all-star athletes such as confirmed guests Jamie Foxx, Elise Neal, Sugar Shane Mosley, Morris Chestnut and Jermaine Dupree." (Source: smartbrief.com, 07/16/07)
"A new Star Trek-themed animated feature-length film, entitled BORG WAR, will have its theatrical debut at the Official STAR TREK Convention 2007, at the Las Vegas Hilton on Friday August 10th at 6:20 P.M." (Source: smartbrief.com/news, 07/16/07)
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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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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Halloween Dreams Come True Beginning Sept. 21
When Parks and Characters Are Transformed
For the Autumn Holiday Season
Following up on the success of its inaugural season last year, Disney’s HalloweenTime will return to the Disneyland Resort this fall with a lively mix of Disney characters in seasonal costumes, whimsical décor, decked-out attractions, themed shows and tasty treats designed with the whole family in mind. This inviting interactive Halloween experience at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure will begin a week earlier this year starting Friday, Sept. 21, and continuing through Wednesday, Oct. 31. HalloweenTime at the Resort is part of the Year of a Million Dreams celebration at Disney Parks.
All new this Halloween season, the Sunshine Plaza in California Adventure will become the site of "Candy Corn Acres," where Mickey Mouse’s pal Goofy will set out to grow the West’s biggest and most unusual candy corn: candy corn coconuts, candy corn carrots and candy corn pumpkins, among other delicious produce offerings. The Plaza will be overgrown with the "fruits" of Goofy’s labor.
Also expanded will be Mickey’s HalloweenTreat, a separate-ticket nighttime event which gives kids and their families the opportunity to dress in their Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat throughout Disney’s California Adventure after it has closed to day guests. This year’s HalloweenTreat will offer tricksters of all ages more treat locations along with fun character encounters (including an all-new nightly cavalcade), interactive games, and spirited music with DJ Mickey. Older kids and parents will want to experience the heart-dropping Twilight Zone Tower of Terror® and meet the hotel’s ghostly staff members who materialize only during the Halloween season.
This year, additional nights have been scheduled for Mickey’s HalloweenTreat: Thursdays and Fridays beginning October 4 plus Monday-Wednesday, October 29-31. Tickets go on sale August 1.
During regular park hours at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure, Disney’s HalloweenTime will offer parents and children lots of not-so-scary fun in addition to the parks’ many popular Year of a Million Dreams adventures. HalloweenTime experiences will include special Halloween shows, meet-and-greets with Disneyland characters in their Halloween costumes and spooky-silly holiday themed decorations which guests begin to spot as soon as they reach the entrances to the parks.
Jack-o’-lantern creations resembling Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto and Goofy will adorn the top of the Main Entrance to Disneyland park. Across the Esplanade, at the entrance to Disney’s California Adventure park, guests will see the iconic 11-foot-tall CALIFORNIA letters transformed into giant pieces of candy corn.
Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland will once again be decked out for the Main Street Pumpkin Festival. Guests will be greeted there by Miss Cobbler, Queen of the Pumpkin Festival, and Constable Jackie O’Leary. More than 300 jack-o’-lanterns will peek out of shop windows, while festive orange and yellow bunting will grace the quaint Victorian buildings. The whimsical 12-foot tall Mickey Mouse jack-o’-lantern, complete with pumpkin ears, will return to highlight Town Square, smiling at guests as they enter Main Street and giving them a playful wink when they depart.
The Central Plaza of Disneyland, near Sleeping Beauty Castle, will also be specially decorated with Disney character-inspired jack-o’-lanterns surrounding the famous "Partners" statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse. Additionally, the Disney characters themselves will get into the "spirit" of the occasion, wearing their favorite Halloween costumes, while meeting and greeting guests.
"Woody’s Halloween Roundup" once again will take over Big Thunder Ranch in Frontierland. The Roundup fun will include a visit with the animals in the "Petting Boo," crafts and musical activities including a Halloween Hoedown and a spooky interactive sing-along version of "Old McDonald Had a Farm" featuring black cats, ghosts and werewolves. Woody, Jessie and Bullseye from the Disney*Pixar Toy Story movies will appear throughout the day on stage in comic adventure tales hosted by a guitar playing, storytelling cowboy. The Roundup will also feature an array of tasty treats to satisfy the most monstrous of appetites, including cotton candy in Halloween colors and Creepy Cookie Critters that guests create themselves.
Returning to Disney’s California Adventure will be the spooky Hollywood Tower Hotel staff members who haunt the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror during the Halloween season, and "Golden Screams," where Disney villains roll out the black carpet for an awards ceremony - "Best Scream," "Best Act of Villainy" - held daily inside the Golden Dreams Theatre.
Favorite Disney villains, including Cruella De Vil from 101 Dalmatians, the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, Captain Hook from Peter Pan and others, will roam both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure for HalloweenTime meet-and-greets with park guests.
Throughout the Disneyland Resort during Disney’s HalloweenTime, families can enjoy unique Halloween-themed food items including Zero’s Ghostly Ghoulash, a favorite of Jack Skellington’s pet in "Haunted Mansion Holiday," and merchandise including Disney costumes, collectible pins and coins, and a special set of Halloween-themed Mickey Mouse ears resembling a Mickey jack-o’-lantern.
And no Halloween celebration at Disneyland would be complete without the return of Jack Skellington and his friends to transform the Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square into the popular seasonal "Haunted Mansion Holiday." Inspired by the innovative animated film Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas, "Haunted Mansion Holiday" depicts the holiday mayhem that occurs when Halloween and Christmas traditions collide.
Disney’s HalloweenTime will be presented throughout the Disneyland Resort from Sept. 21 - Oct. 31, 2007 as part of the Year of a Million Dreams celebration at the Resort. For more information about new attractions, the Year of a Million Dreams, and vacations at Disneyland Resort visit www.disneyland.com, call (866) 60-DISNEY or visit local travel agents. The Official Disneyland Resort Audio and Video Podcasts can be found at www.disneyland.com/podcast. (Source: Press Release, 07/13/07
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CYPRESS GARDENS
Friday the 13th proves to be lucky for Starliner!
Screams of joy filled the air as Starliner sent passengers soaring once again, proving that Friday the 13th can be quite the lucky day for some folks. After several delays, the much-anticipated coaster crested the first hill this afternoon.
"While it has been a long time coming, the Starliner is well worth the wait," says CEO/President Kent Buescher with a grin. "I rode the coaster at its original home in Panama City Beach and really like the ride. But the rebuild at Cypress Gardens? Smoother, faster and much more thrilling. And everyone I’ve spoken with who has ridden the ride agrees it is a pure adrenaline rush."
At its height, the Starliner tops out at 70 feet on the first hill. After hurtling passengers 67 feet toward the ground at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, the coaster then skims a series of bunny hills and camel backs, providing plenty of negative-g’s and the much-coveted "air time." The park has stayed true to the original design with a few exciting profile modifications, one of which is the turn-around. It is now banked at a higher degree and has a sharper curve, creating a much more exciting diving, hair-pin turn.
"I have got to ride this again!" exclaimed Chris Craftchick, of Orlando, as he came off the ride for the first time. High praise indeed from one who knows roller coasters. Kraftchick serves as Florida’s regional representative for the American Coaster Enthusiasts. And so he went again...and again.
"Starliner is so incredibly fun; lots of air time and extremely smooth-just a phenomenal ride! It’s a coaster definitely worth repeating because each seat gives you a different ride," he goes on to explain. "Every bit of the track is exciting, especially the turn-around and I can’t wait to bring my family and friends back out to ride. It’s a perfect coaster for Cypress Gardens."
The Starliner, originally built in 1963 in Panama City Beach, delighted millions of coaster fans for more than 40 years before Miracle Strip Amusement Park closed in 2004. The historic coaster was created by master coaster designer John Allen of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and is one of only eleven Allen coasters still in operation throughout the world. At a cost of more than $4 million, the coaster is the park’s biggest ride investment to date. (Source: Press Release, 07/13/07)
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See You Real Soon!
John
AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
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posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 6:53 AM
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