Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
October 3, 2007
Copyright © 1999 - 2007 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
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Hi Everyone!
NOTE: 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 deal for Walt Disney World hotel rooms and vacation packages, FREE dining card for Disney Visa cardholders, three specials at Universal's Portofino Resort, ticket discount and group pricing for Universal Horror Nights, and special pricing on Eastern and Western Mediterranean cruises.
* The latest news from around the "World" - new prizes announced for 2008's "Year of a Million Dreams" promotion
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about the World's Largest Cruise Night
* Disney Characters create Magical Mealtime Memories
* Mickey’s 2007 Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
* Disney Parks extends "Year of a Million Dreams" through 2008
* This week's coupon - save on drag racing!
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NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Use our discount code and enjoy room discounts at Walt Disney World resorts for select nights October - December 23, 2007 starting at $59 per night! Space is VERY limited, especially over the holidays.
With our discount code you can enjoy discounted Walt Disney World vacation packages for select nights - with or without dining - October - December 23, 2007. Space is VERY limited, especially over the holidays.
Disney Rewards Visa Cardholders can receive a FREE $120 dining card with this discount code when they book select nights October - December 15, 2007! Space is VERY limited, especially over the holidays.
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
3 Specials at Universal's Portofino Resort:
* Bed & Breakfast Packages starting from $279 per night.
* Mandara Spa Package starting from $339 per night.
* Free Theme Park Tickets with a 4-night or longer stay. Starting from $269 per night.
Universal Horror Nights
* Save up to $28 per ticket to Universal Horror Nights!
* Special group pricing - $29.78, including tax!
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CRUISES
Enjoy a Mediterranean Cruise with this popular cruise line starting at seven nights from $799! Book today! Off expires October 5, 2007!
Eastern Mediterranean:
Italy/Greece/Turkey/Croatia. 7 Nights 2008 Sailing Dates: Jun. 1, 22 and 29. From Venice, Italy to: Bari, Italy; Katakolon, Greece; Izmir and Istanbul, Turkey; Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Italy/Greek Isles/Croatia: 7 Nights 2008 Sailing Dates: Jun. 23, 30 and Jul. 14. From Venice, Italy to: Bari, Italy; Katakolon, Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes, Greece; Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Western Mediterranean:
Italy/Spain/Tunisia/Malta. 7 Nights. 2008 Sailing Dates: Jun. 1, 22 and Jul. 13. From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy to: Savona, Italy; Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Tunis, Tunisia; Valletta, Malta; Palermo, Sicily.
Italy/Spain/France. 7 Nights. 2008 Sailing Dates: May 30 and Jun. 13 and 27. From Barcelona, Spain to: Marseille, France; Savona and Naples, Italy; Palermo, Sicily; Tunis, Tunisia; Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
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Below are just some of the deals drawn from over 50 pages of current specials posted at our password-protected members-only site:
WALT DISNEY WORLD
>> Several ways to win a Walt Disney World/Florida vacation!
>> Holiday specials at the Downtown Disney Resort Hotels!
>> 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!
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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
>> 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!
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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!
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
>> Win a Disneyland/Southern California vacation!
>> Fourth Night Free at Disneyland Hotels!
>> 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
>> Cruise discounts, FREE upgrades, kids travel FREE!
>> Inexpensive Shore Excursions and Tours!
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If you are not a member, you can join our Disney family here. Members can use the following URLs to log in:
Lifetime Deluxe Member
Lifetime Basic Member
Deluxe Member
Basic Member
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NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
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"Disney Cruise Line, which is nearing the end of its initial 10-year contract with Port Canaveral, is pressing the port to cut costs amid suggestions that it might move its cruise ships." Disney is considering ports in Tampa, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Seattle. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 10/02/07)
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Year of a Million Dreams 2008
Now that Disney has extended its 2007 promotion through 2008, they are offering new prizes to keep the concept fresh.
"Among the new prizes to be awarded as 'dreams' to Walt Disney World visitors in 2008: a private tropical-island visit; a hot-air balloon ride over Epcot; a VIP invitation to the world premiere of the High School Musical 3 theatrical movie; a chance to throw the first pitch in a Major League Baseball spring-training game; a behind-the-scenes tour of the Walt Disney Imagineering design studios; and breakfast with dozens of costumed Walt Disney characters." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 10/01/07)
See Press Release below for more information.
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"Epcot has always had a futurist bent, but today, the eve of its 25th birthday, we stroll through the past and present of the second theme park built at Walt Disney World. Here are 25 things to know about Epcot." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/30/07)
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"A new state law that prohibits expiration dates and late fees on gift certificates contains an exception quietly sought by Walt Disney World that exempts some of its gift cards from the restrictions." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/30/07)
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"Journalist and author David Koenig, in his new book, Realityland: True-Life Adventures at Walt Disney World, offers the first in-depth, unauthorized look at the sometimes-troubled making of the multibillion-dollar resort, which turns 36 on Monday. He offers USA TODAY a glimpse of life in the Mouse House." (Source: usatoday.com, 09/28/07)
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The 12th annual Epcot Food & Wine Festival is now in full swing. "The 12th annual fest will feature seminars, tastings, culinary demonstrations and food samples from such countries as China, Chile, Turkey and Peru." And Oklahoma!
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/28/07)
Click here for more information, including the link to download Disney's Food and Wine Festival Guide.
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Click here for the recipe for Lemon Crème Brûlée from the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts.
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Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
"This month, workers are busy converting three historic buildings in San Francisco's Presidio, a National Park, for the future Walt Disney Family Museum." (Source: nationaltrust.org, 09/25/07)
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Disneyland Resort Calendar
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HONG KONG DISNEYLAND
"Police arrested two protesters during a parade at Hong Kong Disneyland after they lifted banners accusing The Walt Disney Co. of labor abuses in China, police said Thursday." (Source: biz.yahoo.com, 09/27/07)
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"Celebrate Halloween with Hong Kong Disney Land this year and immerse yourself in the launch of its Haunted Halloween experience, which is guaranteed to knock your socks off. Guests can experience the park’s limited feature attraction from 25 September- 31, October, 2007." (Source: etravelblackboardasia.com, 09/27/07)
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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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Beth, our travel agent, writes about the World's Largest Cruise Night:
"A few years back the cruise industry came up with the idea of designating one evening as the 'World's Largest Cruise Night.' The idea was for travel agencies to hold an evening event during which clients could come by, talk with cruise line representatives, pick up brochures, and (most importantly) book cruises departing over the next 15 months at great rates. The cruise lines came up with all sorts of 1-day-only special pricing and produced complimentary flyers and window posters for the agents to hand out or mail with documents to let people know about the event. Of course, in having one huge promotional evening, cruise lines were also able to fill up lots of their remaining inventory for the traditionally slow 4th quarter as well as get the next year off to a big start.
The cruise night concept has worked well and has been expanded over time. It continues to be a wonderful opportunity for cruise lines to move space, for travel agents to bring in new clients, and for the general public to get terrific deals on cruise vacations. In fact, the entire month of October is now known as National Cruise Vacation Month. As agents, we're supposed to make an extra effort to spread the word about why cruise vacations are such a great value. Cruise lines run specials all month long to help drive that point home. This year's date for the World's Largest Cruise Night (WLCN) is Wednesday, October 17, and the specials on that day should be exceptionally good.
These days, though, many travel agents don't work in a storefront or brick-and-mortar location. Many of us, while 'hosted' by a traditional agency, work primarily from home. That makes it nice for us as well as for our clients since they can often get in touch with their home-based agent during non-traditional business hours. Unfortunately, it makes it a little challenging for us to hold cruise night events. More than 95% of my clients live outside the state of Florida, and nearly 10% don't even live in the United States!
I've, therefore, decided to try a virtual cruise night event. Actually, it will be more like two weeks, kicking off on October 17. Next week I'll give you some reasons why cruising is such a great deal and provides such a wonderful vacation for individuals, couples, and families. I'll also list some of the benefits of booking with a travel agent as opposed to trying to do it yourself, I'll give Affordable Disney members the address of a website where I'll have the specials being offered by each cruise line, and I'll give them a request form for submitting quote requests. Starting October 17, I'll be filling those requests AND offering special incentives to Affordable Disney members and their friends and family.
In the meantime, Affordable Disney members can feel free to email their questions about cruising and I'll try to address them directly and/or through Affordable Disney throughout the month of October."
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Favorite Disney Characters Create Magical Mealtime Memories
"Here comes Admiral Goofy!" squeals a delighted 6-year-old in Cape May Cafe at Disney's Beach Club Resort. Her Mickey-shaped waffle long forgotten, she leans across the table and offers a well-used autograph book to her floppy-eared idol.
Kids of all ages adore the Disney characters, and there's no better place to assure a first-person encounter than the myriad Disney character dining spots across Walt Disney World Resort. Meals generally are buffet style, and every character promises a stop at each table. For reservations at any of the restaurants, call 407/WDW-DINE.
In the Theme Parks
Magic Kingdom
# Once Upon a Time Breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table in Cinderella Castle, with Cinderella and friends, includes a photo imaging package and an entertainment magical moment; daily 8-10:20 a.m. Cost is $31.99, $21.99 ages 3-9, plus theme park admission.
# A Fairytale Lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table in Cinderella Castle, with Cinderella and friends, includes a photo imaging package and an entertainment magical moment; daily 12-3 p.m. Cost is $33.99, $22.99 ages 3-9, plus theme park admission.
# A Buffet With Character at The Crystal Palace, Winnie the Pooh and friends; breakfast 8-10:30 a.m., $18.99, $10.99 ages 3-9; lunch 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., $20.99, $11.99 ages 3-9; dinner from 4 p.m.-closing, $27.99, $12.99 ages 3-9. Theme park admission required.
# Goofy's Liberate Your Appetite Character Dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern in Liberty Square, with Goofy, Minnie, Pluto and friends, daily from 4 p.m. Cost is $27.99, $12.99 ages 3-9, plus theme park admission.
Epcot
# Chip 'n' Dale's Harvest Feast at Garden Grill in The Land, with Mickey and friends; serving lunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., $20.99, $11.99 ages 3-9; dinner from 4:30 p.m.-closing, $27.99, $12.99 ages 3-9, plus theme park admission.
# Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway pavilion, with Belle, Jasmine, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Mary Poppins, Pocahontas, Cinderella, Ariel, Alice and Mulan; breakfast from 8:30-10:10 a.m., $22.99, $12.99 ages 3-9; lunch from 11:40 a.m.-2:50 p.m., $24.99, $13.99 ages 3-9; dinner from 4:20-8:40 p.m., $28.99 and $13.99 ages 3-9. Theme park admission required.
Disney-MGM Studios
# Playhouse Disney's Play 'n Dine at Hollywood & Vine featuring JoJo and Goliath from "JoJo's Circus" and June and Leo from "Little Einsteins;" breakfast from 8-11:20 a.m., $22.99, $12.99 ages3-9; lunch from 11:40 a.m.-2:25 p.m., $24.99, $13.99 ages 3-9. Theme park admission required.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
# Donald's Breakfastosaurus at Restaurantosaurus in DinoLand U.S.A., buffet with Donald Duck and friends, from park opening until 10:30 a.m. daily. Cost is $18.99, $10.99 ages 3-9. Theme park admission required.
In the Resorts
# Beach Club Buffet at Disney's Beach Club Resort with Beach Club Goofy and friends, daily at Cape May Café, from 7:30-11 a.m. Cost is $18.99 (ages 10 and over) and $10.99 (ages 3-9).
# Chef Mickey's Fun Time Buffet daily at Disney's Contemporary Resort with Mickey and his gang; breakfast from 7-11:30 a.m., $18.99 (ages 10 and over) and $10.99 (ages 3-9); dinner from 5-9:30 p.m., $27.99 (ages 10 and over) and $12.99 (ages 3-9).
# Supercalifragilistic Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, with Mary Poppins and friends, daily from 8-11:10 a.m. Prices are $18.99 (ages 10 and over) and $10.99 (ages 3-9).
# Wonderland Tea Party at 1900 Park Fare at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, "tea party" for children with Alice and the Mad Hatter from 1:30-2:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Includes lunch. Prices are $28.17 per child (ages 4-10).
# Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner at 1900 Park Fare at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, dinner buffet with Cinderella and friends from 4:30-8:20 p.m. daily. Prices are $28.99 (ages 10 and over) and $13.99 (ages 3-9).
# `Ohana's Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo and Stitch at Disney's Polynesian Resort, family-style breakfast with Lilo, Stitch, Mickey and Pluto, 7-11 a.m., $18.99, $10.99 ages 3-9. (Source: Press Release, 09/21/07)
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'Spooktacular' Fun Awaits Magic Kingdom Guests During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in 2007
With 20 spooktacular party nights scheduled, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a one-of-a-kind Halloween bash that immerses guests in the fantasy of Magic Kingdom -- and it's bigger than ever in 2007.
The lightly frightful fun for the whole family begins at 7 p.m. (after regular park operating hours) and continues until midnight. Separate admission is required.
Each date features trick-or-treating throughout the park and the Halloween-themed fireworks spectacular "Happy HalloWishes." The event also showcases the newly expanded "Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade." Guests, who are welcome to attend wearing Halloween costumes, can also experience some of the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions.
Guests looking for ghostly tricks during the party are in for a very special treat -- a newly refurbished Haunted Mansion attraction has re-opened its gates just in time for the fall season. The supernatural classic has received an "Extreme Mansion Makeover" including: new show scenes, enhanced sound and visual effects and even a few ghoulish surprises.
Guests can save $7 per ticket for all event nights except Sept. 21, 28, Oct. 5, 12, 18, 25, 26 and 31 by purchasing tickets in advance, by calling 407/W-DISNEY or visiting disneyworld.com/halloween. Advance tickets are $38.95 plus tax for ages 10 and above, $32.95 plus tax for ages 3-9. Children under 3 are admitted at no charge. Day-of tickets and tickets for the Sept. 21, 28, Oct. 5, 12, 18, 25, 26 and 31 event nights are $45.95 plus tax for ages 10 and above, and $39.95 plus tax for ages 3-9. Entertainment is subject to change without notice. (Source: Press Release, 09/24/07)
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Disney Parks Extends ‘Year of a Million Dreams’ Through 2008 With New Attractions, Entertainment on Both Coasts
Private Island, In-Park Suites Add New Enchantment to 2008 Disney Dreams
Disney Parks announced today that its "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration will extend throughout 2008 at Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, highlighted by the debut of blockbuster attractions and entertainment - and the 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway in which Disney will award more than one million more dreams.
"Our guests tell us they see Disney theme parks as the place where their dreams come true," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "That has never been more true than during ‘The Year of a Million Dreams.’ The 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway is a chance for us to award even more over-the-top experiences that can only come true at Disney."
In a bi-coastal event that began in late 2006, guests have discovered that wishing upon a star isn’t the only way to make their dreams come true. By being in the right place at the right time at Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts, more than one million guests have been selected through a random process as winners in the Disney Dreams Giveaway. Dreams also were awarded to mail-in participants.
When it was time to decide what to do for an encore in 2008, Disney Parks heard resoundingly from guests. They asked for:
More dreams.
Even bigger dreams.
More dreams money can’t buy.
More dreams that only Disney can make come true.
Building on the incredible success of 2007, Disney’s magic-makers went back to their dream drawing board. They created over-the-top experiences for the 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway that will be awarded to eligible lucky guests and mail-in participants, including:
* A chance for guests to stay inside Disneyland Park;
* A private day at Disney’s tropical island paradise, Castaway Cay;
* A New Year’s Eve night stay inside Cinderella Castle Suite at Walt Disney World Resort;
* A star-studded trip to the "High School Musical 3" film premiere;
* A flight of fancy in a hot air balloon above a Disney theme park.
These magical, money-can’t-buy Disney dreams and more are featured in a first-ever online catalog known as the Disney Dreams Catalog. Disney fans can flip through and browse the catalog at www.DisneyParks.com/DreamCatalog.
But that’s not all.
In 2008, Disney will award hundreds of thousands of dreams in all shapes and sizes, including Dream FASTPASS badges, gourmet dining packages, special viewing for parades, Disney shopping sprees, an additional hour - known as Dream Time - for chosen guests to enjoy a Disney park, or special Dream Mouse Ears or Pin and Lanyard sets.
It all adds up to over one million more dreams that will be awarded in 2008.
While full prize descriptions and a peek into the Disney Dreams Catalog can be found at www.DisneyParks.com/DreamCatalog, highlights of the 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway include:
* Reign at Disney’s Private Island for the Day: One winner will be awarded Disney’s private Bahamian paradise for the day. Castaway Cay, the Disney Cruise Line private island, will allow the winner and up to three guests to lounge in the lap of tropical luxury - all by themselves - with Disney amenities at their fingertips, including gourmet dining, recreation, beachfront cabana massages, entertainment and overnight accommodations on a private yacht.
* Spend the Night Inside Disneyland in Walt’s Dream Suite: Using architectural renderings that Walt Disney himself commissioned for an in-park, family retreat that was never completed, Disneyland Resort is creating a lavish new guest suite in the park’s New Orleans Square. Beginning Jan. 31, 2008 - and continuing most nights throughout the year - a different winner will be chosen through a random process to bring up to five guests to live Walt’s dream and spend that night in the Disneyland Dream Suite inside Disneyland Park.
* Be the Guest of Honor at the Largest Character Breakfast in Magic Kingdom History: On Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort, one winner and up to three guests will be treated to an unprecedented ultimate Disney character breakfast, with at least 25 Disney characters in attendance, including Mickey and Minnie. Served in the shadow of Cinderella Castle, it will be the largest Magic Kingdom character breakfast ever presented - and it will all be in honor of one lucky winner.
* Celebrate New Year’s Eve Inside Cinderella Castle: One of the most magical nights of the year, New Year’s Eve, will be celebrated in royal style Dec. 31, 2008, by a winner and up to three guests inside the Cinderella Castle Suite, in the heart of Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.
* See the Stars at the "High School Musical 3" World Premiere: Two winners and up to three guests each will attend the star-studded film premiere of "High School Musical 3," the next installment of the record-setting Disney Channel movie series. One prize includes a VIP vacation to Disneyland Resort in California and the other features a VIP vacation to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida where the music and excitement of "High School Musical" comes to life in high-energy shows.
* Become a "Sorcerer’s Apprentice" to a Disney Imagineer: Taking on the honorary role of a "Sorcerer’s Apprentice," one winner and a guest will get to peek behind the magic for a day and enter the secret labs of Walt Disney Imagineering. The prize includes a tour of the Walt Disney Imagineering campus and an Imagineer-guided tour of Disneyland Park.
* Become Disney’s Grand Marshal Around the Globe: One winner and up to three guests will be sent on a 15-day whirlwind tour of four Disney destinations - Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland and Disneyland Resort Paris. At each stop on the magical journey, the winner will serve as Honorary Grand Marshal of Disney’s daily parade.
And, just as both vacation resorts did throughout 2007, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort also will introduce new attractions, shows and immersive entertainment as "The Year of a Million Dreams" continues through 2008.
The Toys are Back in Town in a New Disney/Pixar-inspired Attraction
Beginning in summer 2008, the toysare back in town at Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts with Toy Story Mania! an attraction that combines the popular characters from the smash hit Disney/Pixar "Toy Story" films with whiz-bang technology to create an interactive ride-through video game - in three dimensions. Guests board fanciful ride vehicles and zip into a world of exciting midway-style games. Using spring-action "shooters," they launch darts at balloons, toss rings at aliens and throw eggs at whimsical barnyard targets to see who can score the most points. And it’s all presented in stunning 3-D technology designed by Walt Disney Imagineering. In California, guests will try their luck inside Disney’s California Adventure, while at Walt Disney World Resort, the ‘toon fun will be found inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Interactive Entertainment Brings Dreams to Life for Guests of All Ages
Disney Parks’ unique brand of entertainment that makes guests the stars of the show - literally - will continue to share the spotlight at Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts during "The Year of a Million Dreams" 2008, with expanded offerings that feature be-bopping, lightsaber-wielding and pirate-plundering fun.
It’s this type of interactivity that allows guests to live the fanciful dreams of their imagination. Some of the highlights for 2008:
* Disney/Pixar Parades Debut on Both Coasts: The Disney/Pixar fun will continue to rock and roll throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in 2008, as characters from smash-hit animated films like "Toy Story," "The Incredibles," "Monster’s, Inc." and "A Bug’s Life" take to the street in "Block Party Bash." Disneyland Resort will be the home to the new "Pixar Play! Parade," an all-new Disney/Pixar-inspired parade that invites guests to play and dance along with favorite characters from hit films like "Toy Story," "A Bug’s Life," "Monsters, Inc.," "Finding Nemo," "The Incredibles," "Cars" and "Ratatouille."
* Wildcat Fever Pitch Spreads Across Disney Parks: "Wildcat fever" has guests dancing in the streets at Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts in the new "High School Musical 2: School’s Out!" interactive show. Inspired by the Disney Channel’s record-breaking, original film, "High School Musical 2," the high-energy cast invites guests to join the fun as they sing and dance along to the movie’s hit tunes. "High School Musical 2: School’s Out!" concludes with an all-out dance finale featuring one of the film’s soundtrack hits, "All for One," and a reprise of "We’re All in This Together," from the original "High School Musical" film. "High School Musical 2: School’s Out!" is presented multiple times daily at Disney’s California Adventure in California and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.
* ‘Obi-Wanna Bes’ Learn the Ways of the Force: Taking a cue from the popular Star WarsTM Saga, the power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine for "Jedi Training Academy," an original and intergalactic entertainment experience. Young Jedi hopefuls - known in ‘Star Wars-speak’ as "Padawans" - learn lightsaber moves from a Jedi Master before facing off in a final test against the evil Darth Vader. Created with Lucasfilm Ltd., "Jedi Training Academy" is presented multiple times daily, adjacent to the popular Star Tours attraction, at both the Disneyland Park in California and at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.
* Playhouse Disney Rocks the Mouse House: Debuting at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts in 2008 will be some of the most beloved characters from the Disney Channel lineup in "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" - a singing, clapping and be-bopping show. Designed for preschoolers, the show stars favorites from popular Disney Channel programs including "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," "Little Einsteins," "Handy Manny" and more.
* A Pirate’s Life for Me!: Building on the worldwide popularity of Disney’s "Pirates of the Caribbean" films and attractions, Captain Jack Sparrow and his band of merry mates invite guests to their world of adventure at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts. At Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort, Captain Jack himself leads a series of pirate "skill tests" to find honorary crew members, while at Disneyland Park, young buccaneers can enjoy the new Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, an island of interactive adventures and immersive entertainment for plundering pirates of all ages.
* Have Some Hootin’ & Hollerin’ Fun with Woody, Jessie & Bullseye: There’s a rootin’ tootin’ good time in store as Woody, Jessie and Bullseye from the hit Disney/Pixar film "Toy Story 2" invite everyone to "Woody’s Cowboy Camp!" in the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom. Designed for younger cowpokes, the rollicking hoedown features an Old West obstacle course - maneuvering around parents donning hats shaped like cacti, mountains and mine shafts. It’s kick-up-the-spurs, hootin’ and hollerin’ fun as the cowboy spirit comes to life on the dusty streets of Frontierland in Florida.
* A Magical Main Street, U.S.A. Parade: Guests are able to parade down Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom in Florida alongside favorite Disney characters in an interactive parade. For guests, it’s a pennant-waving, drum-beating rush as they join characters to march alongside parade floats, a marching band and an old-timey fire truck. To accommodate pint-size paraders and their parents, there’s even a "stroller drill team."
For more information about "The Year of a Million Dreams" celebration, visit disneyparks.com. For more specific information about the 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway, visit disneyparks.com/2008rules. To browse the new Disney Dreams Catalog, visit DisneyParks.com/DreamCatalog. (Source: Press Release, 10/01/07)
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MONEY SAVING COUPON
G-Force Drag Racing
2850 Florida Plaza Boulevard (near SkyCoaster)
Kissimmee, FL 34746
407-397-2509
Hit 110 miles per hour in less than 2 seconds! Save $3.00 on the ride of your life 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 Luggage
Save up to 60% on Luggage, Backpacks, and more! Donna and I bought a beautiful 5-piece set of Samsonite luggage for our daughter for Christmas for $144! Click here.
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Own a piece of the Magic Kingdom
Disney framed stock certificates are works of art. They feature Walt Disney and the Disney characters. Unlike stock brokers that require you to purchase several shares of stock, OneShare sells one share of stock and mails you the certificate. You can frame the stock certificate yourself or OneShare will frame if for you at a nominal cost. Click here.
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See You Real Soon!
John
AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
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Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the accuracy of information contained in THE DISNEY NEWS. Always check to be sure. The views and opinions expressed by others in THE DISNEY NEWS do not necessarily reflect the views of AffordableDisney.Com.
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October 3, 2007
Copyright © 1999 - 2007 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
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Hi Everyone!
NOTE: 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 deal for Walt Disney World hotel rooms and vacation packages, FREE dining card for Disney Visa cardholders, three specials at Universal's Portofino Resort, ticket discount and group pricing for Universal Horror Nights, and special pricing on Eastern and Western Mediterranean cruises.
* The latest news from around the "World" - new prizes announced for 2008's "Year of a Million Dreams" promotion
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about the World's Largest Cruise Night
* Disney Characters create Magical Mealtime Memories
* Mickey’s 2007 Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
* Disney Parks extends "Year of a Million Dreams" through 2008
* This week's coupon - save on drag racing!
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NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Use our discount code and enjoy room discounts at Walt Disney World resorts for select nights October - December 23, 2007 starting at $59 per night! Space is VERY limited, especially over the holidays.
With our discount code you can enjoy discounted Walt Disney World vacation packages for select nights - with or without dining - October - December 23, 2007. Space is VERY limited, especially over the holidays.
Disney Rewards Visa Cardholders can receive a FREE $120 dining card with this discount code when they book select nights October - December 15, 2007! Space is VERY limited, especially over the holidays.
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
3 Specials at Universal's Portofino Resort:
* Bed & Breakfast Packages starting from $279 per night.
* Mandara Spa Package starting from $339 per night.
* Free Theme Park Tickets with a 4-night or longer stay. Starting from $269 per night.
Universal Horror Nights
* Save up to $28 per ticket to Universal Horror Nights!
* Special group pricing - $29.78, including tax!
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CRUISES
Enjoy a Mediterranean Cruise with this popular cruise line starting at seven nights from $799! Book today! Off expires October 5, 2007!
Eastern Mediterranean:
Italy/Greece/Turkey/Croatia. 7 Nights 2008 Sailing Dates: Jun. 1, 22 and 29. From Venice, Italy to: Bari, Italy; Katakolon, Greece; Izmir and Istanbul, Turkey; Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Italy/Greek Isles/Croatia: 7 Nights 2008 Sailing Dates: Jun. 23, 30 and Jul. 14. From Venice, Italy to: Bari, Italy; Katakolon, Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes, Greece; Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Western Mediterranean:
Italy/Spain/Tunisia/Malta. 7 Nights. 2008 Sailing Dates: Jun. 1, 22 and Jul. 13. From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy to: Savona, Italy; Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Tunis, Tunisia; Valletta, Malta; Palermo, Sicily.
Italy/Spain/France. 7 Nights. 2008 Sailing Dates: May 30 and Jun. 13 and 27. From Barcelona, Spain to: Marseille, France; Savona and Naples, Italy; Palermo, Sicily; Tunis, Tunisia; Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
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Below are just some of the deals drawn from over 50 pages of current specials posted at our password-protected members-only site:
WALT DISNEY WORLD
>> Several ways to win a Walt Disney World/Florida vacation!
>> Holiday specials at the Downtown Disney Resort Hotels!
>> 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!
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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
>> 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!
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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!
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
>> Win a Disneyland/Southern California vacation!
>> Fourth Night Free at Disneyland Hotels!
>> 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
>> Cruise discounts, FREE upgrades, kids travel FREE!
>> Inexpensive Shore Excursions and Tours!
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If you are not a member, you can join our Disney family here. Members can use the following URLs to log in:
Lifetime Deluxe Member
Lifetime Basic Member
Deluxe Member
Basic Member
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NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
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"Disney Cruise Line, which is nearing the end of its initial 10-year contract with Port Canaveral, is pressing the port to cut costs amid suggestions that it might move its cruise ships." Disney is considering ports in Tampa, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Seattle. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 10/02/07)
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Year of a Million Dreams 2008
Now that Disney has extended its 2007 promotion through 2008, they are offering new prizes to keep the concept fresh.
"Among the new prizes to be awarded as 'dreams' to Walt Disney World visitors in 2008: a private tropical-island visit; a hot-air balloon ride over Epcot; a VIP invitation to the world premiere of the High School Musical 3 theatrical movie; a chance to throw the first pitch in a Major League Baseball spring-training game; a behind-the-scenes tour of the Walt Disney Imagineering design studios; and breakfast with dozens of costumed Walt Disney characters." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 10/01/07)
See Press Release below for more information.
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"Epcot has always had a futurist bent, but today, the eve of its 25th birthday, we stroll through the past and present of the second theme park built at Walt Disney World. Here are 25 things to know about Epcot." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/30/07)
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"A new state law that prohibits expiration dates and late fees on gift certificates contains an exception quietly sought by Walt Disney World that exempts some of its gift cards from the restrictions." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/30/07)
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"Journalist and author David Koenig, in his new book, Realityland: True-Life Adventures at Walt Disney World, offers the first in-depth, unauthorized look at the sometimes-troubled making of the multibillion-dollar resort, which turns 36 on Monday. He offers USA TODAY a glimpse of life in the Mouse House." (Source: usatoday.com, 09/28/07)
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The 12th annual Epcot Food & Wine Festival is now in full swing. "The 12th annual fest will feature seminars, tastings, culinary demonstrations and food samples from such countries as China, Chile, Turkey and Peru." And Oklahoma!
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/28/07)
Click here for more information, including the link to download Disney's Food and Wine Festival Guide.
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Click here for the recipe for Lemon Crème Brûlée from the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts.
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Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
"This month, workers are busy converting three historic buildings in San Francisco's Presidio, a National Park, for the future Walt Disney Family Museum." (Source: nationaltrust.org, 09/25/07)
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Disneyland Resort Calendar
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HONG KONG DISNEYLAND
"Police arrested two protesters during a parade at Hong Kong Disneyland after they lifted banners accusing The Walt Disney Co. of labor abuses in China, police said Thursday." (Source: biz.yahoo.com, 09/27/07)
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"Celebrate Halloween with Hong Kong Disney Land this year and immerse yourself in the launch of its Haunted Halloween experience, which is guaranteed to knock your socks off. Guests can experience the park’s limited feature attraction from 25 September- 31, October, 2007." (Source: etravelblackboardasia.com, 09/27/07)
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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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Beth, our travel agent, writes about the World's Largest Cruise Night:
"A few years back the cruise industry came up with the idea of designating one evening as the 'World's Largest Cruise Night.' The idea was for travel agencies to hold an evening event during which clients could come by, talk with cruise line representatives, pick up brochures, and (most importantly) book cruises departing over the next 15 months at great rates. The cruise lines came up with all sorts of 1-day-only special pricing and produced complimentary flyers and window posters for the agents to hand out or mail with documents to let people know about the event. Of course, in having one huge promotional evening, cruise lines were also able to fill up lots of their remaining inventory for the traditionally slow 4th quarter as well as get the next year off to a big start.
The cruise night concept has worked well and has been expanded over time. It continues to be a wonderful opportunity for cruise lines to move space, for travel agents to bring in new clients, and for the general public to get terrific deals on cruise vacations. In fact, the entire month of October is now known as National Cruise Vacation Month. As agents, we're supposed to make an extra effort to spread the word about why cruise vacations are such a great value. Cruise lines run specials all month long to help drive that point home. This year's date for the World's Largest Cruise Night (WLCN) is Wednesday, October 17, and the specials on that day should be exceptionally good.
These days, though, many travel agents don't work in a storefront or brick-and-mortar location. Many of us, while 'hosted' by a traditional agency, work primarily from home. That makes it nice for us as well as for our clients since they can often get in touch with their home-based agent during non-traditional business hours. Unfortunately, it makes it a little challenging for us to hold cruise night events. More than 95% of my clients live outside the state of Florida, and nearly 10% don't even live in the United States!
I've, therefore, decided to try a virtual cruise night event. Actually, it will be more like two weeks, kicking off on October 17. Next week I'll give you some reasons why cruising is such a great deal and provides such a wonderful vacation for individuals, couples, and families. I'll also list some of the benefits of booking with a travel agent as opposed to trying to do it yourself, I'll give Affordable Disney members the address of a website where I'll have the specials being offered by each cruise line, and I'll give them a request form for submitting quote requests. Starting October 17, I'll be filling those requests AND offering special incentives to Affordable Disney members and their friends and family.
In the meantime, Affordable Disney members can feel free to email their questions about cruising and I'll try to address them directly and/or through Affordable Disney throughout the month of October."
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Favorite Disney Characters Create Magical Mealtime Memories
"Here comes Admiral Goofy!" squeals a delighted 6-year-old in Cape May Cafe at Disney's Beach Club Resort. Her Mickey-shaped waffle long forgotten, she leans across the table and offers a well-used autograph book to her floppy-eared idol.
Kids of all ages adore the Disney characters, and there's no better place to assure a first-person encounter than the myriad Disney character dining spots across Walt Disney World Resort. Meals generally are buffet style, and every character promises a stop at each table. For reservations at any of the restaurants, call 407/WDW-DINE.
In the Theme Parks
Magic Kingdom
# Once Upon a Time Breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table in Cinderella Castle, with Cinderella and friends, includes a photo imaging package and an entertainment magical moment; daily 8-10:20 a.m. Cost is $31.99, $21.99 ages 3-9, plus theme park admission.
# A Fairytale Lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table in Cinderella Castle, with Cinderella and friends, includes a photo imaging package and an entertainment magical moment; daily 12-3 p.m. Cost is $33.99, $22.99 ages 3-9, plus theme park admission.
# A Buffet With Character at The Crystal Palace, Winnie the Pooh and friends; breakfast 8-10:30 a.m., $18.99, $10.99 ages 3-9; lunch 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., $20.99, $11.99 ages 3-9; dinner from 4 p.m.-closing, $27.99, $12.99 ages 3-9. Theme park admission required.
# Goofy's Liberate Your Appetite Character Dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern in Liberty Square, with Goofy, Minnie, Pluto and friends, daily from 4 p.m. Cost is $27.99, $12.99 ages 3-9, plus theme park admission.
Epcot
# Chip 'n' Dale's Harvest Feast at Garden Grill in The Land, with Mickey and friends; serving lunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., $20.99, $11.99 ages 3-9; dinner from 4:30 p.m.-closing, $27.99, $12.99 ages 3-9, plus theme park admission.
# Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway pavilion, with Belle, Jasmine, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Mary Poppins, Pocahontas, Cinderella, Ariel, Alice and Mulan; breakfast from 8:30-10:10 a.m., $22.99, $12.99 ages 3-9; lunch from 11:40 a.m.-2:50 p.m., $24.99, $13.99 ages 3-9; dinner from 4:20-8:40 p.m., $28.99 and $13.99 ages 3-9. Theme park admission required.
Disney-MGM Studios
# Playhouse Disney's Play 'n Dine at Hollywood & Vine featuring JoJo and Goliath from "JoJo's Circus" and June and Leo from "Little Einsteins;" breakfast from 8-11:20 a.m., $22.99, $12.99 ages3-9; lunch from 11:40 a.m.-2:25 p.m., $24.99, $13.99 ages 3-9. Theme park admission required.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
# Donald's Breakfastosaurus at Restaurantosaurus in DinoLand U.S.A., buffet with Donald Duck and friends, from park opening until 10:30 a.m. daily. Cost is $18.99, $10.99 ages 3-9. Theme park admission required.
In the Resorts
# Beach Club Buffet at Disney's Beach Club Resort with Beach Club Goofy and friends, daily at Cape May Café, from 7:30-11 a.m. Cost is $18.99 (ages 10 and over) and $10.99 (ages 3-9).
# Chef Mickey's Fun Time Buffet daily at Disney's Contemporary Resort with Mickey and his gang; breakfast from 7-11:30 a.m., $18.99 (ages 10 and over) and $10.99 (ages 3-9); dinner from 5-9:30 p.m., $27.99 (ages 10 and over) and $12.99 (ages 3-9).
# Supercalifragilistic Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, with Mary Poppins and friends, daily from 8-11:10 a.m. Prices are $18.99 (ages 10 and over) and $10.99 (ages 3-9).
# Wonderland Tea Party at 1900 Park Fare at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, "tea party" for children with Alice and the Mad Hatter from 1:30-2:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Includes lunch. Prices are $28.17 per child (ages 4-10).
# Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner at 1900 Park Fare at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, dinner buffet with Cinderella and friends from 4:30-8:20 p.m. daily. Prices are $28.99 (ages 10 and over) and $13.99 (ages 3-9).
# `Ohana's Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo and Stitch at Disney's Polynesian Resort, family-style breakfast with Lilo, Stitch, Mickey and Pluto, 7-11 a.m., $18.99, $10.99 ages 3-9. (Source: Press Release, 09/21/07)
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'Spooktacular' Fun Awaits Magic Kingdom Guests During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in 2007
With 20 spooktacular party nights scheduled, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a one-of-a-kind Halloween bash that immerses guests in the fantasy of Magic Kingdom -- and it's bigger than ever in 2007.
The lightly frightful fun for the whole family begins at 7 p.m. (after regular park operating hours) and continues until midnight. Separate admission is required.
Each date features trick-or-treating throughout the park and the Halloween-themed fireworks spectacular "Happy HalloWishes." The event also showcases the newly expanded "Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade." Guests, who are welcome to attend wearing Halloween costumes, can also experience some of the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions.
Guests looking for ghostly tricks during the party are in for a very special treat -- a newly refurbished Haunted Mansion attraction has re-opened its gates just in time for the fall season. The supernatural classic has received an "Extreme Mansion Makeover" including: new show scenes, enhanced sound and visual effects and even a few ghoulish surprises.
Guests can save $7 per ticket for all event nights except Sept. 21, 28, Oct. 5, 12, 18, 25, 26 and 31 by purchasing tickets in advance, by calling 407/W-DISNEY or visiting disneyworld.com/halloween. Advance tickets are $38.95 plus tax for ages 10 and above, $32.95 plus tax for ages 3-9. Children under 3 are admitted at no charge. Day-of tickets and tickets for the Sept. 21, 28, Oct. 5, 12, 18, 25, 26 and 31 event nights are $45.95 plus tax for ages 10 and above, and $39.95 plus tax for ages 3-9. Entertainment is subject to change without notice. (Source: Press Release, 09/24/07)
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Disney Parks Extends ‘Year of a Million Dreams’ Through 2008 With New Attractions, Entertainment on Both Coasts
Private Island, In-Park Suites Add New Enchantment to 2008 Disney Dreams
Disney Parks announced today that its "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration will extend throughout 2008 at Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, highlighted by the debut of blockbuster attractions and entertainment - and the 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway in which Disney will award more than one million more dreams.
"Our guests tell us they see Disney theme parks as the place where their dreams come true," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "That has never been more true than during ‘The Year of a Million Dreams.’ The 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway is a chance for us to award even more over-the-top experiences that can only come true at Disney."
In a bi-coastal event that began in late 2006, guests have discovered that wishing upon a star isn’t the only way to make their dreams come true. By being in the right place at the right time at Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts, more than one million guests have been selected through a random process as winners in the Disney Dreams Giveaway. Dreams also were awarded to mail-in participants.
When it was time to decide what to do for an encore in 2008, Disney Parks heard resoundingly from guests. They asked for:
More dreams.
Even bigger dreams.
More dreams money can’t buy.
More dreams that only Disney can make come true.
Building on the incredible success of 2007, Disney’s magic-makers went back to their dream drawing board. They created over-the-top experiences for the 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway that will be awarded to eligible lucky guests and mail-in participants, including:
* A chance for guests to stay inside Disneyland Park;
* A private day at Disney’s tropical island paradise, Castaway Cay;
* A New Year’s Eve night stay inside Cinderella Castle Suite at Walt Disney World Resort;
* A star-studded trip to the "High School Musical 3" film premiere;
* A flight of fancy in a hot air balloon above a Disney theme park.
These magical, money-can’t-buy Disney dreams and more are featured in a first-ever online catalog known as the Disney Dreams Catalog. Disney fans can flip through and browse the catalog at www.DisneyParks.com/DreamCatalog.
But that’s not all.
In 2008, Disney will award hundreds of thousands of dreams in all shapes and sizes, including Dream FASTPASS badges, gourmet dining packages, special viewing for parades, Disney shopping sprees, an additional hour - known as Dream Time - for chosen guests to enjoy a Disney park, or special Dream Mouse Ears or Pin and Lanyard sets.
It all adds up to over one million more dreams that will be awarded in 2008.
While full prize descriptions and a peek into the Disney Dreams Catalog can be found at www.DisneyParks.com/DreamCatalog, highlights of the 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway include:
* Reign at Disney’s Private Island for the Day: One winner will be awarded Disney’s private Bahamian paradise for the day. Castaway Cay, the Disney Cruise Line private island, will allow the winner and up to three guests to lounge in the lap of tropical luxury - all by themselves - with Disney amenities at their fingertips, including gourmet dining, recreation, beachfront cabana massages, entertainment and overnight accommodations on a private yacht.
* Spend the Night Inside Disneyland in Walt’s Dream Suite: Using architectural renderings that Walt Disney himself commissioned for an in-park, family retreat that was never completed, Disneyland Resort is creating a lavish new guest suite in the park’s New Orleans Square. Beginning Jan. 31, 2008 - and continuing most nights throughout the year - a different winner will be chosen through a random process to bring up to five guests to live Walt’s dream and spend that night in the Disneyland Dream Suite inside Disneyland Park.
* Be the Guest of Honor at the Largest Character Breakfast in Magic Kingdom History: On Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort, one winner and up to three guests will be treated to an unprecedented ultimate Disney character breakfast, with at least 25 Disney characters in attendance, including Mickey and Minnie. Served in the shadow of Cinderella Castle, it will be the largest Magic Kingdom character breakfast ever presented - and it will all be in honor of one lucky winner.
* Celebrate New Year’s Eve Inside Cinderella Castle: One of the most magical nights of the year, New Year’s Eve, will be celebrated in royal style Dec. 31, 2008, by a winner and up to three guests inside the Cinderella Castle Suite, in the heart of Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.
* See the Stars at the "High School Musical 3" World Premiere: Two winners and up to three guests each will attend the star-studded film premiere of "High School Musical 3," the next installment of the record-setting Disney Channel movie series. One prize includes a VIP vacation to Disneyland Resort in California and the other features a VIP vacation to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida where the music and excitement of "High School Musical" comes to life in high-energy shows.
* Become a "Sorcerer’s Apprentice" to a Disney Imagineer: Taking on the honorary role of a "Sorcerer’s Apprentice," one winner and a guest will get to peek behind the magic for a day and enter the secret labs of Walt Disney Imagineering. The prize includes a tour of the Walt Disney Imagineering campus and an Imagineer-guided tour of Disneyland Park.
* Become Disney’s Grand Marshal Around the Globe: One winner and up to three guests will be sent on a 15-day whirlwind tour of four Disney destinations - Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland and Disneyland Resort Paris. At each stop on the magical journey, the winner will serve as Honorary Grand Marshal of Disney’s daily parade.
And, just as both vacation resorts did throughout 2007, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort also will introduce new attractions, shows and immersive entertainment as "The Year of a Million Dreams" continues through 2008.
The Toys are Back in Town in a New Disney/Pixar-inspired Attraction
Beginning in summer 2008, the toysare back in town at Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts with Toy Story Mania! an attraction that combines the popular characters from the smash hit Disney/Pixar "Toy Story" films with whiz-bang technology to create an interactive ride-through video game - in three dimensions. Guests board fanciful ride vehicles and zip into a world of exciting midway-style games. Using spring-action "shooters," they launch darts at balloons, toss rings at aliens and throw eggs at whimsical barnyard targets to see who can score the most points. And it’s all presented in stunning 3-D technology designed by Walt Disney Imagineering. In California, guests will try their luck inside Disney’s California Adventure, while at Walt Disney World Resort, the ‘toon fun will be found inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Interactive Entertainment Brings Dreams to Life for Guests of All Ages
Disney Parks’ unique brand of entertainment that makes guests the stars of the show - literally - will continue to share the spotlight at Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts during "The Year of a Million Dreams" 2008, with expanded offerings that feature be-bopping, lightsaber-wielding and pirate-plundering fun.
It’s this type of interactivity that allows guests to live the fanciful dreams of their imagination. Some of the highlights for 2008:
* Disney/Pixar Parades Debut on Both Coasts: The Disney/Pixar fun will continue to rock and roll throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in 2008, as characters from smash-hit animated films like "Toy Story," "The Incredibles," "Monster’s, Inc." and "A Bug’s Life" take to the street in "Block Party Bash." Disneyland Resort will be the home to the new "Pixar Play! Parade," an all-new Disney/Pixar-inspired parade that invites guests to play and dance along with favorite characters from hit films like "Toy Story," "A Bug’s Life," "Monsters, Inc.," "Finding Nemo," "The Incredibles," "Cars" and "Ratatouille."
* Wildcat Fever Pitch Spreads Across Disney Parks: "Wildcat fever" has guests dancing in the streets at Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts in the new "High School Musical 2: School’s Out!" interactive show. Inspired by the Disney Channel’s record-breaking, original film, "High School Musical 2," the high-energy cast invites guests to join the fun as they sing and dance along to the movie’s hit tunes. "High School Musical 2: School’s Out!" concludes with an all-out dance finale featuring one of the film’s soundtrack hits, "All for One," and a reprise of "We’re All in This Together," from the original "High School Musical" film. "High School Musical 2: School’s Out!" is presented multiple times daily at Disney’s California Adventure in California and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.
* ‘Obi-Wanna Bes’ Learn the Ways of the Force: Taking a cue from the popular Star WarsTM Saga, the power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine for "Jedi Training Academy," an original and intergalactic entertainment experience. Young Jedi hopefuls - known in ‘Star Wars-speak’ as "Padawans" - learn lightsaber moves from a Jedi Master before facing off in a final test against the evil Darth Vader. Created with Lucasfilm Ltd., "Jedi Training Academy" is presented multiple times daily, adjacent to the popular Star Tours attraction, at both the Disneyland Park in California and at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.
* Playhouse Disney Rocks the Mouse House: Debuting at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts in 2008 will be some of the most beloved characters from the Disney Channel lineup in "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" - a singing, clapping and be-bopping show. Designed for preschoolers, the show stars favorites from popular Disney Channel programs including "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," "Little Einsteins," "Handy Manny" and more.
* A Pirate’s Life for Me!: Building on the worldwide popularity of Disney’s "Pirates of the Caribbean" films and attractions, Captain Jack Sparrow and his band of merry mates invite guests to their world of adventure at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts. At Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort, Captain Jack himself leads a series of pirate "skill tests" to find honorary crew members, while at Disneyland Park, young buccaneers can enjoy the new Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, an island of interactive adventures and immersive entertainment for plundering pirates of all ages.
* Have Some Hootin’ & Hollerin’ Fun with Woody, Jessie & Bullseye: There’s a rootin’ tootin’ good time in store as Woody, Jessie and Bullseye from the hit Disney/Pixar film "Toy Story 2" invite everyone to "Woody’s Cowboy Camp!" in the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom. Designed for younger cowpokes, the rollicking hoedown features an Old West obstacle course - maneuvering around parents donning hats shaped like cacti, mountains and mine shafts. It’s kick-up-the-spurs, hootin’ and hollerin’ fun as the cowboy spirit comes to life on the dusty streets of Frontierland in Florida.
* A Magical Main Street, U.S.A. Parade: Guests are able to parade down Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom in Florida alongside favorite Disney characters in an interactive parade. For guests, it’s a pennant-waving, drum-beating rush as they join characters to march alongside parade floats, a marching band and an old-timey fire truck. To accommodate pint-size paraders and their parents, there’s even a "stroller drill team."
For more information about "The Year of a Million Dreams" celebration, visit disneyparks.com. For more specific information about the 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway, visit disneyparks.com/2008rules. To browse the new Disney Dreams Catalog, visit DisneyParks.com/DreamCatalog. (Source: Press Release, 10/01/07)
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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See You Real Soon!
John
AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
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posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 7:52 AM
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