Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
September 19, 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 blog
content to My Yahoo! Add My Yahoo!
: You can also subscribe to our blog at MSN!
Add to My MSN!
=================================================
Hi Everyone!
Note: The Disney Promotion for the General Public for check-ins October - December, 2007 must be booked by September 26.
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - Win a Disney vacation, "ICE" is back, Disney cruise discounts, Disneyland resort special, and Vegas hotel & resort winter special
* The latest news from around the "World" - list of narrators announced for Epcot's Candlelight Processional
* Disneyland Resort is expanding Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa to include the first West Coast Disney vacation villas
* This week's coupon - save with this coupon for Disney's childcare provider
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
We list 26 Sweepstakes to win a Walt Disney World/Florida/Disneyland/Southern California vacation!
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
"ICE" is back at the Gaylord Palms November 19 - January 2. The spectacle creates a winter wonderland out of 5,000 blocks of ice! Bring your winter clothes! Beth, our travel agent, can book a Family holiday package for you starting at $249 per night.
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
We now list 27 Disney cruises which offer an early booking discount! Prices start at $389 per person, double occupancy.
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Those living in these California zip codes can use our discount code and stay on Disney property from $149 per night in November an December!
--------------------------------
VEGAS
Hotel and Casino Elite Sensational Winter Offer
* $10 Credit at Starbucks or Ben & Jerry's
* $15 Food & Beverage Credit
* Up to $50 in Casino FREE PLAY
* Free entry to win an Elite Sensational Bed ensemble, featuring top-of-the-line Sealy Posturepedic pillow-top mattress
Available on select dates between November 18, 2007 and February 28, 2008.
=================================================
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!
>> Disney Promotion for the General Public! Valid for October - December, 2007. (Thanksgiving and Christmas week excluded.)
>> 4 vacation specials at the Downtown Disney Resort Hotels! From $79!
>> Disney Visa Card Special for October-December, 2007!
>> Annual Pass and Florida Resident Specials for October-December, 2007!
>> Exclusively from one of our providers: UK visitors get their 6th Night FREE when they stay at the Walt Disney World Resorts!
>> FREE meals for Kids at these resorts on Disney property!
>> FREE Customized Park Maps for Walt Disney World!
>> 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
>> Florida residents save $80.00 on day visits to this Orlando venue
>> 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 $389!
>> Four nights from $449!
>> Seven nights Land & Sea from $799!
>> 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 Hotels!
>> 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
>> Cruise discounts, FREE upgrades, kids travel FREE!
>> 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
--------------------------------
"Pressed by fans, Walt Disney World is expanding its observance of Epcot's 25th anniversary by providing company-sponsored public events to go along with private celebrations already set for Oct.1." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/18/07)
--------------------------------
"Epcot scientists want to create a new rootstock for pear trees that would stunt the growth of the trees, making them shorter and easier to grow and harvest... And they are doing so by genetically altering the cells of pear-tree rootstock specimens." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/15/07)
--------------------------------
"For the first time, Disney will move the Night of Joy experience from the Magic Kingdom to Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM), starting with the 2008 Christian music festival, which will be Sept. 5-6. Already confirmed: MercyMe, tobyMac, Chris Tomlin and Rush of Fools." (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 09/12/07)
--------------------------------
Scheduled to appear this year at Epcot's Candlelight Processional:
Nov. 23-25: David Robinson
Nov. 26-28: John O’Hurley
Nov. 29-Dec. 1: Neil Patrick Harris
Dec. 2-4: Dennis Franz
Dec. 5-7: Monique Coleman (from High School Musical)
Dec. 8-10: Steven Curtis Chapman
Dec. 11-13: Chita Rivera
Dec. 14-16: Isabella Rossellini
Dec. 17-19: Kirk Cameron
Dec. 20-22: Edward James Olmos
Dec. 23-25: Gary Sinise
Dec. 26-28: Rita Moreno
Dec. 29-30: Marlee Matlin
(Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 09/13/07)
--------------------------------
"Returning on a trip from Albuquerque to Burbank, I found a note inside my bag when I got home that said my suitcase had been inspected. The note also said that because my suitcase was locked, they had to break the lock..." The lock was TSA-approved, Now how do you get your money back for a defective lock? (Source: Orlando Sentinel
, 09/13/07)
--------------------------------
"Now, the Polynesian is a mega-super-very-very seriously family-friendly resort, but indeed, they do have bars, and we found one, with the help of an uber-friendly cast member, right upstairs in the main building..." (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 09/12/07)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
"Beginning September 21 through January 6, 2008, Ariel's Grotto, in Disney's California Adventure, will be available as a Character Breakfast dining experience. Breakfast will be served from 8:30 - 11 a.m. for $25.99 for adults and $13.99 for children and priority seating can be made, through Disney Dining (714-781-DINE)" (Source: laughingplace.com, 09/14/07)
--------------------------------
"Disney, owner of about 26,000 hotel rooms nationwide, also announced Tuesday that it will expand its Grand Californian Hotel & Spa in Anaheim to increase the accommodations there by more than 30 percent. The expansion, expected to be completed in late 2009, will add more than 200 hotel rooms and 50 vacation villas with kitchens, Disney said." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/19/07)
See Press Release below for more details.
--------------------------------
"Midway Games near California Screamin' roller coaster have shut down to clear space for the under-construction Toy Story Mania! ride - based on the animated movie "Toy Story" - which is scheduled to open in summer 2008. A firm date has yet to be announced." (Source: ocregister.com, 09/13/07)
--------------------------------
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
HONG KONG DISNEYLAND
"Hong Kong Disneyland, a major showcase of Disney entertainment for mainland China, celebrated its second anniversary Wednesday amid disappointing attendance and alleged labor problems. The park, which opened on Sept. 12, 2005, drew 5.2 million guests in its first year, 400,000 short of its target of 5.6 million." (Source: abcnews.go.com, 09/12/07)
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Disneyland Resort Expanding Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
First West Coast Disney vacation villas planned
Responding to a growing demand for guest accommodations in Anaheim, the Disneyland Resort today celebrated an expansion of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa that will increase accommodations by more than 30 percent and will include the first Disney Vacation Club villas in Anaheim.
This expansion, scheduled for completion in late 2009, will involve 300 union construction jobs and result in 100 new hotel jobs. It underscores Disney’s long-term commitment to growing and investing in Anaheim. The expansion also marks the latest in a series of major additions to the Resort that include the newly launched Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage at Disneyland and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s California Adventure.
"This expansion underscores our commitment to growing and investing in both the Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Resort Area," said Ed Grier, president of the Disneyland Resort. "These new hotel rooms and villas will give more people the opportunity to enjoy the immersive vacation experience Disney is known for. We know that our guests value being able to stay in the middle of the magic with our world-class theme parks, shopping and dining just steps away."
The 2.5-acre expansion on the hotel’s south side will add more than 200 new hotel rooms and 50 two-bedroom equivalent vacation villas. Those vacation villas, to include kitchens, living and dining areas and other home-like amenities, will mark the West Coast debut of Disney Vacation Club, Disney’s innovative vacation-ownership program.
"For more than 50 years, the Disneyland Resort has been investing in our community and they have helped us build a world class resort destination in which all of Anaheim can be proud," Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle said. "Thanks to Disneyland and the Anaheim Resort Area, Anaheim boasts one of the fastest growing markets in the country for hotel occupancy."
Other elements planned for the project include a rooftop deck for viewing fireworks, a new swimming pool and about 300 underground parking spaces. Peter Dominick of 4240, architect for Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa as well as Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is designing the ambitious expansion. It will reflect the same California Arts & Crafts architecture of the existing hotel, which immerses guests in a turn-of-the-20th-century California experience.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa currently features 745 guest rooms, including 44 suites. Upon completion of the expansion project, the hotel will feature 945 guest rooms, including 44 guest suites, and 50 Disney Vacation Club two-bedroom equivalent vacation villas.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is an architectural and artistic celebration of California’s renowned Arts & Crafts style of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
One of three hotels at the Disneyland Resort (others include Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and the Disneyland Hotel), Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is home to the nationally renowned and award-winning Napa Rose restaurant, where Wine Country cuisine tempts taste buds and expert sommeliers help guests make selections from one of the world’s finest collections of California wines. The nearby Storytellers Café lets kids and adults alike enjoy a dining experience that only Disney can do, complete with an array of popular Disney characters.
These dining experiences, coupled with a luxury spa, onsite shopping and other amenities, helped the hotel earn the No. 3 spot on Travel & Leisure Family magazine’s list of the top family-friendly resort destinations.
Disney Vacation Club
The development of 50 two-bedroom equivalent vacation villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa represents the first dedicated Disney Vacation Club accommodations on the West Coast. Disney Vacation Club is a vacation-ownership program that helps families enjoy flexibility and savings on vacations for decades to come. By purchasing a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club resort, families enjoy flexible vacations at Disney destinations worldwide as well as more than 500 other popular Member Getaways vacation locations around the globe.
Disney Vacation Club, currently celebrating its milestone 15th anniversary, has grown to serve more than 350,000 individual members from more than 100 countries and all 50 U.S. states.
"We are excited to bring our hugely popular Disney Vacation Club to the West Coast for the first time," said Jim Lewis, president of Disney Vacation Club. "Our member community has more than doubled since 2003, which illustrates families’ deep desires to enjoy quality vacations for years to come. Like most Disney fans, our members have great affection for the original Disney vacation destination, and we’re thrilled that this expansion project will allow our members to call the Disneyland Resort ‘home’ for the first time."
The expansion project marks the latest growth for Disney Vacation Club, which recently opened the first phases of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The new Disney Vacation Club resort, located at the popular Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, is scheduled to open in phases through early 2009.
Construction is already underway on the new Kidani Village building and amenities, with completion scheduled for late 2009. (Source: Press Release, 09/18/07)
=================================================
MONEY SAVING COUPON
Kids Nite Out is the childcare service that Disney recommends. They provide in-room baby sitting and will also accompany your child to the theme parks.
Receive $5.00 off their services 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 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.
=============================================
September 19, 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!
Note: The Disney Promotion for the General Public for check-ins October - December, 2007 must be booked by September 26.
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - Win a Disney vacation, "ICE" is back, Disney cruise discounts, Disneyland resort special, and Vegas hotel & resort winter special
* The latest news from around the "World" - list of narrators announced for Epcot's Candlelight Processional
* Disneyland Resort is expanding Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa to include the first West Coast Disney vacation villas
* This week's coupon - save with this coupon for Disney's childcare provider
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
We list 26 Sweepstakes to win a Walt Disney World/Florida/Disneyland/Southern California vacation!
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
"ICE" is back at the Gaylord Palms November 19 - January 2. The spectacle creates a winter wonderland out of 5,000 blocks of ice! Bring your winter clothes! Beth, our travel agent, can book a Family holiday package for you starting at $249 per night.
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
We now list 27 Disney cruises which offer an early booking discount! Prices start at $389 per person, double occupancy.
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Those living in these California zip codes can use our discount code and stay on Disney property from $149 per night in November an December!
--------------------------------
VEGAS
Hotel and Casino Elite Sensational Winter Offer
* $10 Credit at Starbucks or Ben & Jerry's
* $15 Food & Beverage Credit
* Up to $50 in Casino FREE PLAY
* Free entry to win an Elite Sensational Bed ensemble, featuring top-of-the-line Sealy Posturepedic pillow-top mattress
Available on select dates between November 18, 2007 and February 28, 2008.
=================================================
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!
>> Disney Promotion for the General Public! Valid for October - December, 2007. (Thanksgiving and Christmas week excluded.)
>> 4 vacation specials at the Downtown Disney Resort Hotels! From $79!
>> Disney Visa Card Special for October-December, 2007!
>> Annual Pass and Florida Resident Specials for October-December, 2007!
>> Exclusively from one of our providers: UK visitors get their 6th Night FREE when they stay at the Walt Disney World Resorts!
>> FREE meals for Kids at these resorts on Disney property!
>> FREE Customized Park Maps for Walt Disney World!
>> 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
>> Florida residents save $80.00 on day visits to this Orlando venue
>> 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 $389!
>> Four nights from $449!
>> Seven nights Land & Sea from $799!
>> 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 Hotels!
>> 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
>> Cruise discounts, FREE upgrades, kids travel FREE!
>> 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
--------------------------------
"Pressed by fans, Walt Disney World is expanding its observance of Epcot's 25th anniversary by providing company-sponsored public events to go along with private celebrations already set for Oct.1." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/18/07)
--------------------------------
"Epcot scientists want to create a new rootstock for pear trees that would stunt the growth of the trees, making them shorter and easier to grow and harvest... And they are doing so by genetically altering the cells of pear-tree rootstock specimens." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/15/07)
--------------------------------
"For the first time, Disney will move the Night of Joy experience from the Magic Kingdom to Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM), starting with the 2008 Christian music festival, which will be Sept. 5-6. Already confirmed: MercyMe, tobyMac, Chris Tomlin and Rush of Fools." (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 09/12/07)
--------------------------------
Scheduled to appear this year at Epcot's Candlelight Processional:
Nov. 23-25: David Robinson
Nov. 26-28: John O’Hurley
Nov. 29-Dec. 1: Neil Patrick Harris
Dec. 2-4: Dennis Franz
Dec. 5-7: Monique Coleman (from High School Musical)
Dec. 8-10: Steven Curtis Chapman
Dec. 11-13: Chita Rivera
Dec. 14-16: Isabella Rossellini
Dec. 17-19: Kirk Cameron
Dec. 20-22: Edward James Olmos
Dec. 23-25: Gary Sinise
Dec. 26-28: Rita Moreno
Dec. 29-30: Marlee Matlin
(Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 09/13/07)
--------------------------------
"Returning on a trip from Albuquerque to Burbank, I found a note inside my bag when I got home that said my suitcase had been inspected. The note also said that because my suitcase was locked, they had to break the lock..." The lock was TSA-approved, Now how do you get your money back for a defective lock? (Source: Orlando Sentinel
, 09/13/07)
--------------------------------
"Now, the Polynesian is a mega-super-very-very seriously family-friendly resort, but indeed, they do have bars, and we found one, with the help of an uber-friendly cast member, right upstairs in the main building..." (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 09/12/07)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
"Beginning September 21 through January 6, 2008, Ariel's Grotto, in Disney's California Adventure, will be available as a Character Breakfast dining experience. Breakfast will be served from 8:30 - 11 a.m. for $25.99 for adults and $13.99 for children and priority seating can be made, through Disney Dining (714-781-DINE)" (Source: laughingplace.com, 09/14/07)
--------------------------------
"Disney, owner of about 26,000 hotel rooms nationwide, also announced Tuesday that it will expand its Grand Californian Hotel & Spa in Anaheim to increase the accommodations there by more than 30 percent. The expansion, expected to be completed in late 2009, will add more than 200 hotel rooms and 50 vacation villas with kitchens, Disney said." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/19/07)
See Press Release below for more details.
--------------------------------
"Midway Games near California Screamin' roller coaster have shut down to clear space for the under-construction Toy Story Mania! ride - based on the animated movie "Toy Story" - which is scheduled to open in summer 2008. A firm date has yet to be announced." (Source: ocregister.com, 09/13/07)
--------------------------------
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
HONG KONG DISNEYLAND
"Hong Kong Disneyland, a major showcase of Disney entertainment for mainland China, celebrated its second anniversary Wednesday amid disappointing attendance and alleged labor problems. The park, which opened on Sept. 12, 2005, drew 5.2 million guests in its first year, 400,000 short of its target of 5.6 million." (Source: abcnews.go.com, 09/12/07)
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Disneyland Resort Expanding Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
First West Coast Disney vacation villas planned
Responding to a growing demand for guest accommodations in Anaheim, the Disneyland Resort today celebrated an expansion of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa that will increase accommodations by more than 30 percent and will include the first Disney Vacation Club villas in Anaheim.
This expansion, scheduled for completion in late 2009, will involve 300 union construction jobs and result in 100 new hotel jobs. It underscores Disney’s long-term commitment to growing and investing in Anaheim. The expansion also marks the latest in a series of major additions to the Resort that include the newly launched Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage at Disneyland and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s California Adventure.
"This expansion underscores our commitment to growing and investing in both the Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Resort Area," said Ed Grier, president of the Disneyland Resort. "These new hotel rooms and villas will give more people the opportunity to enjoy the immersive vacation experience Disney is known for. We know that our guests value being able to stay in the middle of the magic with our world-class theme parks, shopping and dining just steps away."
The 2.5-acre expansion on the hotel’s south side will add more than 200 new hotel rooms and 50 two-bedroom equivalent vacation villas. Those vacation villas, to include kitchens, living and dining areas and other home-like amenities, will mark the West Coast debut of Disney Vacation Club, Disney’s innovative vacation-ownership program.
"For more than 50 years, the Disneyland Resort has been investing in our community and they have helped us build a world class resort destination in which all of Anaheim can be proud," Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle said. "Thanks to Disneyland and the Anaheim Resort Area, Anaheim boasts one of the fastest growing markets in the country for hotel occupancy."
Other elements planned for the project include a rooftop deck for viewing fireworks, a new swimming pool and about 300 underground parking spaces. Peter Dominick of 4240, architect for Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa as well as Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is designing the ambitious expansion. It will reflect the same California Arts & Crafts architecture of the existing hotel, which immerses guests in a turn-of-the-20th-century California experience.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa currently features 745 guest rooms, including 44 suites. Upon completion of the expansion project, the hotel will feature 945 guest rooms, including 44 guest suites, and 50 Disney Vacation Club two-bedroom equivalent vacation villas.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is an architectural and artistic celebration of California’s renowned Arts & Crafts style of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
One of three hotels at the Disneyland Resort (others include Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and the Disneyland Hotel), Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is home to the nationally renowned and award-winning Napa Rose restaurant, where Wine Country cuisine tempts taste buds and expert sommeliers help guests make selections from one of the world’s finest collections of California wines. The nearby Storytellers Café lets kids and adults alike enjoy a dining experience that only Disney can do, complete with an array of popular Disney characters.
These dining experiences, coupled with a luxury spa, onsite shopping and other amenities, helped the hotel earn the No. 3 spot on Travel & Leisure Family magazine’s list of the top family-friendly resort destinations.
Disney Vacation Club
The development of 50 two-bedroom equivalent vacation villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa represents the first dedicated Disney Vacation Club accommodations on the West Coast. Disney Vacation Club is a vacation-ownership program that helps families enjoy flexibility and savings on vacations for decades to come. By purchasing a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club resort, families enjoy flexible vacations at Disney destinations worldwide as well as more than 500 other popular Member Getaways vacation locations around the globe.
Disney Vacation Club, currently celebrating its milestone 15th anniversary, has grown to serve more than 350,000 individual members from more than 100 countries and all 50 U.S. states.
"We are excited to bring our hugely popular Disney Vacation Club to the West Coast for the first time," said Jim Lewis, president of Disney Vacation Club. "Our member community has more than doubled since 2003, which illustrates families’ deep desires to enjoy quality vacations for years to come. Like most Disney fans, our members have great affection for the original Disney vacation destination, and we’re thrilled that this expansion project will allow our members to call the Disneyland Resort ‘home’ for the first time."
The expansion project marks the latest growth for Disney Vacation Club, which recently opened the first phases of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The new Disney Vacation Club resort, located at the popular Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, is scheduled to open in phases through early 2009.
Construction is already underway on the new Kidani Village building and amenities, with completion scheduled for late 2009. (Source: Press Release, 09/18/07)
=================================================
MONEY SAVING COUPON
Kids Nite Out is the childcare service that Disney recommends. They provide in-room baby sitting and will also accompany your child to the theme parks.
Receive $5.00 off their services 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 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.
=============================================
posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 6:27 AM
<< Home