Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
November 28, 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.
We hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We have a lot to be thankful for, including Beth, our travel agent, and her team; Omar, our ticket agent; and all of our members and readers who have supported us over the years. Today's newsletter marks our 400th issue! It's been a labor of love and we hope that you all have enjoyed it as much as I have enjoyed writing it. May the Disney magic sustain you and us in the coming years as we aim for the 800th issue!
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Trip Report November, 2007
As you know from last week's issue, Donna and I were on vacation at Walt Disney World Thanksgiving week. See last week's issue for comments about our first three days on property.
WEDNESDAY
Today we spent the day shopping. Donna purchased some drastically reduced Disney merchandise at the outlets we mention in our book. For example, Donna found a WDW jacket with embroidered front and back for $17. I had to pay $54 at Downtown Disney for a comparable jacket in my size!
While we were shopping, we came across a harp player who was wonderful. We had to purchase his Christmas CD. You can learn more about him at his website:
http://www.mekomusic.com/
We returned to our room in the afternoon for a break. We then visited Pop Century and Port Orleans Riverside to check out the food court prices. Modest price increases are to be expected, but the quality of the food is no longer what it was. The same can be said for the food at the fast food eateries in the parks. On the other hand, food at the Pepper Mill food court at Coronado Springs, although more expensive than your average value or moderate resort food court, offers an above average menu and ample portions.
Speaking of Pepper Mill, we ate dinner there and then headed to Downtown Disney. I purchased the jacket mentioned above and we stopped by Ghirardelli to buy candy souvenirs for our children and sundaes again for us! We returned to our room about 11 PM and slept like babies. BTW, on the bus trip back to our room, we noticed that workers were erecting Christmas trees in the resort lobbies just in time for Thanksgiving!
THURSDAY
Donna and I went to the Magic Kingdom for breakfast. Couldn't resist having a bagel and cookie at the Main Street Bakery! We were disappointed to learn that the Christmas parade with Santa and the reindeer would not be running until December 1. The Christmas tree near the train station was not going to be erected until December 1 as well!
So we headed for Epcot, our favorite park. We sure missed visiting Spaceship Earth which was closed for rehab. However, Talk with Crush was a lot of fun. Amazing how that turtle interacts with the audience. Narley, dude!
Because it was Thanksgiving, we had to have a turkey leg! Delicious.
We loved the new Canada film. They re-recorded the show's title song and it is beautiful. After seeing this new film, Donna and I are thinking about taking a train trip through Canada.
Visiting the shops in England is always a treat and the Impressions de France film is as beautiful as ever.
To spare our sore feet, we took the launch at International Gateway and switched to the Coronado bus at MGM. A Mears charter bus had to fill in for the regular Disney bus. What a comfortable and pleasurable ride! It was about 8 PM when we got back to our room and we decided to get a good night's sleep in preparation for our last day to be spent at Epcot again.
FRIDAY
We spent our last day at Epcot. We parked our car at Boardwalk so we could take the launch to Epcot's International Gateway entrance and avoid walking all the way from Future World to the rest of the pavilions we wanted to explore.
The architecture, ceramic tiles, and beautiful clothes at Morocco are all worth considering. Not to mention the photo of me in a fez!
Donna always likes to take a photo of the lagoon from the entrance level to Japan's Yakitori House. A beautiful vista.
We love the show at the American Adventure and Christmas carols sung by the Voice of Liberty singers in the rotunda.
An acrobat managed to climb on a stack of chairs without falling and a storyteller entertained the crowd in Italy.
They were singing Christmas carols in the Biergarten in Germany. You know you need another stein!
China's new film was much improved over the former version.
A group of happy travelers was having fun posing in Viking horn helmets in Norway.
Donna made me put on one of those large sombreros again for a photo in Mexico! The Gran Fiesta Tour starring Donald Duck was a big hit with the kids.
After taking the launch back to Boardwalk and driving to our resort, we had some delicious pizza and chocolate cake at the Pepper Mill.
SATURDAY
We returned home the same way we came: in one of Amtrak's sleeper cars. It was a very pleasant and quiet trip. We slept soundly all night. The train arrived ahead of schedule and we got home in time to attend Sunday mass.
Donna took many photos which she'll place in her new 2007 photo album. This book of memories will take its rightful place alongside all the other Disney photo albums we've created over the years to remind us of the magical moments that await us on our next Walt Disney World vacation!
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Now on with the show!
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - Disney cruise discounts, Disneyland hotel discounts, AAA discount on Disneyland passes, Bellagio resort casino special, and a new perk for Affordable Disney members: Catalog of Vacation Specials
* The latest news from around the "World" - Disney PhotoPass deals in the parks
* In Memory Of Forrest Gibbs
* Receive a Call From Mickey Mouse on Christmas Day
* Podcasting is the New Wave of Vacation Planning for Disney Cruise Line
* Universal CityWalk Calendar and Venue Entertainment - December 2007
* All Aboard! The Polar Express Experience Rolls into Seaworld
* This week's coupon - Receive a Complimentary House Cocktail or Free Appetizer at this Steakhouse
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NEW THIS WEEK
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
New AAA discount on passes.
Annual Passholders stay at Disneyland resort hotels from $139 in early 2008 with this discount code!
Disneyland resort discounts for California residents in these zipcodes.
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DISNEY CRUISE LINE
30 early booking discounts on Disney cruises!
19 Disney cruise discounts for Florida residents!
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CATALOG OF VACATION SPECIALS
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "Travel agents are bombarded daily with faxes about new promotional offers from hotels, cruise lines, tour companies, and everyone else. Recognizing that it's hard to keep up with them all, a site was created to do just that: sift through them, organize them into a searchable database, and delete the ones no longer in effect. The site has been a HUGE help! And now they've added a new benefit which allows us to share that promotional database with our clients.
When you're ready to start planning a trip, Affordable Disney members should log in to access the Catalog on the Addendum. Use the simple search function to narrow down your choices. If you see something that interests you, just click on the contact email address and let me know what you're looking at. I'll email you back with the details and we can go from there! Although the site is fairly comprehensive, not every company is listed so I do have separate files of promotional emails that I can search through if you don't see anything you like. Hope you take a few minutes to check out this new benefit of being an Affordable Disney member!"
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VEGAS
Stay at the Bellagio Resort Casino now through February 12, 2008 in a Deluxe Room from $159/night or a Suite from $299/night with this discount code!
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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!
>> If you're staying at a Walt Disney World resort now through the end of 2007, you can save up to 40% on a 2008 vacation with this promotion not known by the general public!
>> Book a winter vacation at Walt Disney World with our discount codes and get a room discount and FREE ticket upgrade! Dining and wine options can be added. Beth always adjusts her current reservations to reflect the current deal. She writes about this deal's conversions: "The average family of 4 saved about $300-320 on conversions, but one family saved over $1000!"
>> Disney Rewards Visa cardholders save at Walt Disney World in early 2008 with this discount code!
>> Value resorts from $49 and moderates from $99 for Annual Passholders in early 2008 with this discount code!
>> FREE ticket upgrade for Canadians when they book a package for early 2008 with this discount code!
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
>> Universal Orlando Holiday Special: November - December, 2007 (Thanksgiving and Christmas excluded) starting from only $699 per family of four.
>> Orlando Resort Fall Special from $69 November 1 - December 31!
>> Marriott Special good through Thanksgiving and Christmas at this location only! Stay 4 nights and get the 5th night FREE! From $179 per night.
>> 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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EASTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE
Affordable Disney Special
Sunday March 30 sail with us aboard the beautiful Caribbean Princess for 7 relaxing days in the Eastern Caribbean. This gorgeous ship has amenities galore including a Broadway-caliber theater, amazing children’s facilities, a fabulous spa, oodles of dining options, Movies Under the Stars, and so much more. With pricing starting at just $699 per person, it’s a real spring break bargain and Affordable Disney members will get special surprises, too! Contact Beth right away for more details - but don’t wait because we only have 32 cabins!
>> Walt Disney World Annual and Seasonal Passholders receive a $75 shipboard credit and special rates starting at $429 per person when they book these cruises!
>> 14-night cruise from Barcelona to San Juan in December aboard this luxury cruise ship from $599 per person!
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
>> Win a Disneyland/Southern California vacation!
>> 5-day/4-night Disneyland California Resort vacation for the price of a 3-day package! Plus, a $150 Disney Gift Card!
>> FREE admission to Disneyland California for Southern California wildfire fighters!
>> 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!
>> Kids under 7 stay and play 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
Plus! Enjoy these Holiday Specials!
* We'll send an identical FREE Gift Membership - Basic or Lifetime (CD excluded in gift membership) - to a friend or loved one with your holiday wishes for a fun and affordable Disney World vacation!
* Active Duty, Reserve, Retired, Widowed, Disabled, National Guard and DOD employees receive a FREE membership upgrade from Basic to Lifetime Basic! Thank you for your service!
Merry Christmas from AffordableDisney.Com!
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NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
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"Your daughter has a royal crush. So do Barbie and Dora. If Disney has its way, women will become the next subjects kneeling before its $4 billion throne." (Source: newsweek.com, 11/27/07)
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"Private developers and merchants will be able to build, run and own small restaurants, a grocery store, service and retail shops, and several 'value'-oriented hotels and motels on the western edge of Walt Disney World later this decade as part of the giant resort's next development." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 11/28/07)
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Click here for the Gingerbread recipe from Walt Disney World's Swan and Dolphin Resort.
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Disney PhotoPass deals in the parks
"I learned that if you plan to purchase at least three 5x7s, the Family Package is the best deal at $29.99. If you were to purchase the same photos online, they would be $12.95 apiece, or $38.85 for three." You can also buy a 4x6 photo in the parks, but not online. (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 11/23/07)
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
"The Polar Express Experience, a new holiday attraction at SeaWorld Orlando, pulled out of the station for the first time Friday morning... The attraction is a temporary overlay of the park's Wild Arctic, which simulates a helicopter ride to a research station." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 11/27/07)
See official press release below.
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Click here to check out the "ICE" experience at the Gaylord Palms Resort.
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
The park is going to offer tours of Walt Disney's secret apartment during Disney's 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway. (Source: latimes.com, 11/21/07)
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Disneyland Resort Calendar
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HONG KONG
"Walt Disney Co. said it agreed to waive management fees to support its unprofitable Disneyland park in Hong Kong for two years, and will also defer charging royalties over the same period... Critics have said the Hong Kong park lacks an adequate number of attractions to draw in visitors." (Source: marketwatch.com, 11/22/07)
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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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In Memory Of Forrest Gibbs
We are affiliates of Restaurant.com. They sent us this email:
"Dear Mr. Gross,
As we spend time with friends and family members and remember all the things to be grateful for this Thanksgiving, we’d like to recognize a Restaurant.com family member who we lost unexpectedly. Forrest Gibbs, 36, was a devoted family man, loyal friend and valued employee whose passion for life and work was truly inspiring.
We were very lucky to work with Forrest over the last two and half years - he always had a big smile and a positive attitude. His selflessness and commitment to our company will be sorely missed.
In order to help Forrest’s wife and three young children Restaurant.com will be donating 50% of all net proceeds from gift center sales that utilize special code "FORREST" now through December 31, 2007."
Visit the Gift Center at Restaurant.com. Enter special donation code: FORREST at checkout and click recalculate total.
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CITYWALK CALENDAR AND VENUE ENTERTAINMENT - DECEMBER 2007
Venues subject to coverage charge of $7.00 or CityWalk Party Pass - 21 and up are welcome.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, GUESTS MAY CALL CITYWALK GUEST SERVICES AT (407) 224-2691
SPECIAL EVENTS
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION AT CITYWALK - This year’s event will bring the party to life, broadcasting live by Comcast Television, on CN8 channels. Featuring performances by B-52’s, Foreigner; and live entertainment at all CityWalk venues.
Tickets for the event can be purchased at www.citywalkorlando.com, www.ticketmaster.com, Universal CityWalk Guest Services, or by calling (407) 224-5500.
BLUE MAN GROUP, NOW PERFORMING LIVE AT CITYWALK - Guests can experience a special New Year’s Eve Show featuring Blue Man Group and their eclectic mix of live music, percussions instruments and unexpected humor. Please contact CityWalk Guest Services for more information or contact the Blue Man Group Box Office - 407-BLUE-MAN (407-258-3626).
VENUES
Red Coconut Club
*Nightly Happy Hour: Sunday - Thursday: 8:00p.m.-10:00p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 6:00p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
*Featuring half price martinis and complimentary valet
*Live entertainment in the venue: Shifty Eyed Dog: Thursday through Saturday
DJ Chris Petty: Nightly
DJ Dave Luchsinger: Nightly
"The In-Crowd" Hospitality Night - Sunday nights
*Complimentary admission for hospitality industry throughout the evening
*Drink specials throughout the evening
Ladies Night at Red Coconut Club - Thursday nights
*Ladies receive complimentary admission and valet throughout the evening and $3 Three Olive martinis and other drink specials.
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
*Thursday is Locals Night
*Daily - Happy Hour at the Porch of Indecision from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
*Live entertainment in the venue: Blue Stone Circle: Tuesday - Saturday, Fred Ramos Band: Sundays and Mondays
Lone Palm - Live DJ - Nightly
Bo Wilson: Thursday - Sunday
CityJazz
*DJ Nightly
*Live entertainment in the venue: Herb Williams Band: Tuesday through Saturday
Karaoke at CityJazz - Monday nights
*Guests can sing their hearts out and make their Universal CityWalk debut.
*Doors open at 7:00 p.m., show starts at 8:45 p.m.
CityJazz goes Bonkerz!
*Bonkerz Comedy Club presents live comedy at CityJazz every Thursday through Saturday night.
*Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 8p.m.
*Times vary on select nights.
*Food menu available.
*18 and up welcome.
COMEDIAN SCHEDULE:
*December 1: Artie Fletcher as seen on "Late Night with Conan O’Brien", "Law and Order" & HBO with James Yon as seen on FOX
*December 6-7: Mike Allen as seen on Comedy Central with Earl Vaughn and MC James Yon
*December 13: James Yon as seen on FOX with Joe Fico and MC Carmen Vallone
*December 20-22: Peter Hefty as seen on The Discovery Channel with John Charles and MC James Yon
*December 27-29: LA Hardy as seen on "Comic View" & Comedy Central with Bear and MC James Yon
Bonkerz presents Hypnosis Sundays at CityJazz
*Comic/Master Hypnotist Doug MacCraw offers a hilarious experience where subjects and audience members journey into a world of side-splitting hypnotic hi-jinks.
*Doors open at 7:00 p.m., show starts at 9:00 p.m.
*18 and up welcome.
Bob Marley’s - A Tribute To Freedom
*Live entertainment in venue: Mystik NRG: Monday through Friday
Chain Reaction: Saturday and Sundays
Marley Legendary Thursdays - 8 p.m.-2 a.m.
*Half price select appetizers.
*Red Stripe and Appleton drink specials.
the groove
*Dance Music Nightly
XL/Skyy Jet Set Fridays: 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
*Special appearance from WXXL 106.7FM
*Enjoy great Skyy drink and bottle specials.
Teen Nights at the groove
*Come listen to live DJ’s spin all of today’s hits and experience state-of-the-art sound, lighting and video. Teens ages 15-19 welcome with High School ID’ or driver’s license.
*Wednesday, December 19: 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m., $12.00 admission
*Friday, December 21: 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., $15 admission
*Wednesday, December 26: 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m., $12.00 admission
*Friday, December 28: 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., $15 admission
Latin Quarter
*Live entertainment in venue: Alejandro Kartal: Monday through Saturday; George Dimitrov: Sundays
Rumba Thursdays: 10:00 p.m.-2 a.m.
*Ladies’ Night hosted by 100.3FM. Ladies drink free 10:00 p.m. to midnight.
*Guests enjoy a Reggaeton/Freestyle dance party and drink specials.
*10:00 p.m. - 2 a.m
Pat O’Brien’s
*Dueling Piano Bar - Live Music Nightly.
2 for Tuesdays at Pat O’Brien’s
*Piano Bar - Live Music Nightly.
*2 for 1 Hurricanes and select beer specials, 4:00p.m. - 10:00p.m.
NBA City
*Skybox Happy Hour, 2 for 1 drink specials available Monday thru Friday, 4pm - 7pm
*Happy hour specials are only available in the SkyBox lounge located on the second floor.
NASCAR Sports Grille
*Guests experience a celebration of cuisine, sports and all things NASCAR. Watch live flag-to-flag coverage of all NASCAR races.
*Happy Hour specials include ½ price nachos, ½ off draft beers, video games and billiards in the Speed Zone Game Room, Monday thru Friday, 3pm - 6pm.
*Happy Hour specials are available only at the bars.
For more information on race day specials visit www.nascarsportsgrille.com. (Source: Press Release)
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The Mouse Makes House Calls: Vacationers that Purchase a 2008 Walt Disney World Vacation to Receive a Call From Mickey Mouse on Christmas Day
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Nov. 26, 2007) -- Walt Disney Parks and Resorts today announced that families in the U.S. and Canada that book between now and Dec. 23 will get a telephone call from Mickey Mouse personally announcing the good news on Christmas Day.
Parents can plan their trips start-to-finish online and choose to have Mickey Mouse call their house and give a magical surprise to their kids on Dec. 25. They can also select the greeting that Mickey gives their families -- either "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays." Starting on Cyber Monday, Disney launches the special "Mickey Call" holiday promotion Web site directing families to book their Disney vacation packages online, by calling Walt Disney World Resort at 407/939-7734 or through a travel agent.
"Many families purchase Walt Disney World vacations as Christmas gifts for their kids," said Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton. "The call from Mickey is a creative, personalized way to bring magic into homes on Christmas morning and to get kids excited about their incredible gift."
The "Mickey Call" holiday promotion is back by popular demand after its success last holiday season, when Mickey Mouse called thousands of homes on Christmas Day, making the holiday extra special for those families. This year the holiday gift promotion is expected to be even more popular, largely appealing to the savvy group of "online moms" who want gift-giving without the hassle and in just a few clicks.
"Research shows that the majority of moms (62%)* will do at least some of their holiday shopping online this year," Crofton said. "This is a chance to connect with parents online and help them add some special magic to the holidays. This holiday, parents get Disney vacation packages at an affordable price, and kids get a Christmas surprise from Mickey."
This Disney holiday offer will be available to families who book a non-discounted 2008 Walt Disney World vacation online at www.disneyworld.com/holidaycall or by calling Walt Disney World Resort at 407/939-7734 or through a travel agent. (Source: Press Release)
INSIDER TIP: Beth, our travel agent, can book this vacation for our members. Of course, she will also apply any discounts to your vacation if and when they become available. So it's possible to get the call from Mickey and still get the discount! See our book for the most affordable times to visit WDW. To help you plan for a potential deal, I've created a chart on the Addendum at our members site that summarizes the deals Disney released during the past year.
*Source: "Marketing to Moms Coalition Study Shows Key Holiday Shopping Plans" PR Newswire, Sept 25, 2007
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Podcasting is the New Wave of Vacation Planning for
Disney Cruise Line
CELEBRATION, Fla. -- In a cruise industry first, Disney Cruise Line is reaching out to perspective guests through podcasts that offer a new way to get customized information about family-friendly Disney cruise vacations.
Hosted by family travel expert Emily Kaufman, the podcast episodes showcase the unique experiences Disney offers on a cruise vacation, providing guests in-depth, portable information on specific areas of Disney Cruise Line. In each episode, Kaufman, also known as The Travel Mom, offers tips for parents looking to take a cruise vacation.
"The podcasts immerse guests in the Disney Cruise Line experience, bringing to life the way we cater to the specific needs of kids, adults, and the entire family," said Joe Rand, Director of Marketing for Disney Cruise Line. "Each episode is three to five minutes long, making it easy for on-the-go parents to learn more about specific areas of the Disney cruise vacation experience."
Emily Kaufman narrates the podcasts with expert advice for not only a Disney Cruise, but also for family vacations in general. Her expertise in family travel makes her a great fit for the official Disney Cruise Line podcast.
"I'm extremely pleased to partner with Disney Cruise Line on this podcast series and hope parents considering a cruise vacation find them to be a valuable resource," explained Kaufman. "As the mother of two, I truly believe that Disney Cruise Line is a great getaway for families. I have taken both my teenagers and my toddler nieces on a Disney Cruise, and have seen first hand that they offer something for every age."
Interested guests can find all of the videos on disneycruise.com. In addition to watching episodes on the website or downloading them directly to their computer or video iPod, guests also have the ability to share episodes with friends and family via email. (Source: Press Release)
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ALL ABOARD! THE POLAR EXPRESS EXPERIENCE ROLLS INTO SEAWORLD
Believe in the magic of the season aboard this one-of-a-kind journey to the North Pole
Orlando, Fl (Nov. 9, 2007) - This holiday season, jump aboard The Polar Express Experience at SeaWorld for a magical trip to the North Pole. Debuting Nov. 23 and continuing through Jan. 1, 2008, SeaWorld’s Wild Arctic transforms to a thrilling, never-before-experienced expedition to the fabled Santa Town.
The Polar Express Experience is based on the film from Warner Bros. Pictures and Shangri-La Entertainment, inspired by the beloved Caldecott Medal children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. "SeaWorld Orlando, Warner Bros. and Iwerks have created a one-of-a-kind motion simulation experience that combines one of the holiday’s most beloved movies with an actual winter wonderland," said Michael Fletcher, Vice President of Entertainment for SeaWorld. "The result will completely immerse guests into a thrilling combination of fantasy and reality."
This heartwarming adventure begins with a three-minute preshow telling the story of a young boy lying awake on Christmas Eve, just before midnight. Straining to listen for the elusive sound of ringing bells aboard Santa’s sleigh, the boy is jolted out of bed from the thunderous roar of The Polar Express arriving to take him on a fascinating adventure to the North Pole. Guests then embark upon that same adventure as they board The Polar Express Experience. Recreating classic scenes from the movie in a multi-sensory experience, The Polar Express Experience immerses guests with lighting, scent, sound, and motion to transport them to the North Pole - and into the spirit of the season.
When guests arrive at their destination, they step off the train and into the movie itself. Temperatures drop and holiday spirits soar as the travelers arrive at the frozen North Pole, complete with towering Christmas tree, gift-laden sleigh, village décor and Santa himself. The journey continues as guests also encounter other inhabitants of the North Pole - the animals themselves - including graceful beluga whales, powerful polar bears and giant walruses.
In addition to this stellar holiday attraction, SeaWorld also offers an array of festive shows and seasonal additions. Guests can join Shamu for the holidays during "Shamu Christmas...Miracles." This captivating show helps guests celebrate the holiday season as a time filled with hope and peace and just possibly, miracles. The 22-minute production comes to life daily through Dec. 25 at Shamu Stadium.
Guests may also witness a winter wonder as snow flurries descend from up above, and jewels of water and light adorn the night during the "Christmastide" holiday fountain show -- a seasonal spectacular where water seemingly dances to the beat of Christmas music through Dec. 25.
"Mistify," a nighttime finale Dec. 26 - 30, takes place on SeaWorld’s center lake and features larger-than-life marine creatures on 60-foot mist screens, 100-foot fountains, flames on water and dazzling fireworks.
Families will enjoy strolling through the Waterfront’s array of gift shops and restaurants all while listening to the joyful tunes of singers, musical quartets and the "Sizzlin’ Pianos" show that ignite the spirit of the season. Through Christmas, stores and restaurants will remain open until 7 p.m. during weekdays and 8 p.m. on weekends. The park will remain open until 10 p.m. Dec. 26 - 30.
Additional Festivities
The winter season warms up South Seas-style at "Makahiki Christmas Luau." This festive celebration includes succulent island cuisine served with the ancient holiday traditions of the Pacific Islands. The sounds of Christmas are reinterpreted with authentic Polynesian rhythms, music and dancers Nov. 23, 2007 through Jan. 1, 2008 (except Dec. 25). Park admission is not required.
Breakfast with Elmo and Friends, Dec. 26-31, offers a delicious buffet served up with the hottest characters in town including Elmo, Big Bird, Grover, Zoe, Ernie and Cookie Monster. Prices are $16.95 plus tax for adults and $14.95 for children (ages 3-9). Children under 3 are free. Reservations are required and breakfast times are 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Park admission is required.
New Year’s Eve at SeaWorld
SeaWorld rings in the holiday Dec. 31 with a musical celebration that includes the best in pop, Latin and swing music and dancing. The party begins with Michael Andrew and his 18-piece Atomic Big Band who will keep the crowd dancing. At the stroke of midnight, the night will shine even brighter with vibrant fireworks. (For those who rather end the year with a splash, the park’s attractions and thrill rides will remain open until midnight.)
For more information, guests may visit online www.seaworld.com or call (800) 327-2424. (Source: Press Release)
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MONEY SAVING COUPON
Cattleman's Steakhouse
8801 International Dr
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 407-354-9888
Fax: 407-354-9846
Steaks, chicken, chops, fresh seafood and extensive wine selection. Receive a Complimentary House Cocktail or Free Appetizer 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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November 28, 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.
We hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We have a lot to be thankful for, including Beth, our travel agent, and her team; Omar, our ticket agent; and all of our members and readers who have supported us over the years. Today's newsletter marks our 400th issue! It's been a labor of love and we hope that you all have enjoyed it as much as I have enjoyed writing it. May the Disney magic sustain you and us in the coming years as we aim for the 800th issue!
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Trip Report November, 2007
As you know from last week's issue, Donna and I were on vacation at Walt Disney World Thanksgiving week. See last week's issue for comments about our first three days on property.
WEDNESDAY
Today we spent the day shopping. Donna purchased some drastically reduced Disney merchandise at the outlets we mention in our book. For example, Donna found a WDW jacket with embroidered front and back for $17. I had to pay $54 at Downtown Disney for a comparable jacket in my size!
While we were shopping, we came across a harp player who was wonderful. We had to purchase his Christmas CD. You can learn more about him at his website:
http://www.mekomusic.com/
We returned to our room in the afternoon for a break. We then visited Pop Century and Port Orleans Riverside to check out the food court prices. Modest price increases are to be expected, but the quality of the food is no longer what it was. The same can be said for the food at the fast food eateries in the parks. On the other hand, food at the Pepper Mill food court at Coronado Springs, although more expensive than your average value or moderate resort food court, offers an above average menu and ample portions.
Speaking of Pepper Mill, we ate dinner there and then headed to Downtown Disney. I purchased the jacket mentioned above and we stopped by Ghirardelli to buy candy souvenirs for our children and sundaes again for us! We returned to our room about 11 PM and slept like babies. BTW, on the bus trip back to our room, we noticed that workers were erecting Christmas trees in the resort lobbies just in time for Thanksgiving!
THURSDAY
Donna and I went to the Magic Kingdom for breakfast. Couldn't resist having a bagel and cookie at the Main Street Bakery! We were disappointed to learn that the Christmas parade with Santa and the reindeer would not be running until December 1. The Christmas tree near the train station was not going to be erected until December 1 as well!
So we headed for Epcot, our favorite park. We sure missed visiting Spaceship Earth which was closed for rehab. However, Talk with Crush was a lot of fun. Amazing how that turtle interacts with the audience. Narley, dude!
Because it was Thanksgiving, we had to have a turkey leg! Delicious.
We loved the new Canada film. They re-recorded the show's title song and it is beautiful. After seeing this new film, Donna and I are thinking about taking a train trip through Canada.
Visiting the shops in England is always a treat and the Impressions de France film is as beautiful as ever.
To spare our sore feet, we took the launch at International Gateway and switched to the Coronado bus at MGM. A Mears charter bus had to fill in for the regular Disney bus. What a comfortable and pleasurable ride! It was about 8 PM when we got back to our room and we decided to get a good night's sleep in preparation for our last day to be spent at Epcot again.
FRIDAY
We spent our last day at Epcot. We parked our car at Boardwalk so we could take the launch to Epcot's International Gateway entrance and avoid walking all the way from Future World to the rest of the pavilions we wanted to explore.
The architecture, ceramic tiles, and beautiful clothes at Morocco are all worth considering. Not to mention the photo of me in a fez!
Donna always likes to take a photo of the lagoon from the entrance level to Japan's Yakitori House. A beautiful vista.
We love the show at the American Adventure and Christmas carols sung by the Voice of Liberty singers in the rotunda.
An acrobat managed to climb on a stack of chairs without falling and a storyteller entertained the crowd in Italy.
They were singing Christmas carols in the Biergarten in Germany. You know you need another stein!
China's new film was much improved over the former version.
A group of happy travelers was having fun posing in Viking horn helmets in Norway.
Donna made me put on one of those large sombreros again for a photo in Mexico! The Gran Fiesta Tour starring Donald Duck was a big hit with the kids.
After taking the launch back to Boardwalk and driving to our resort, we had some delicious pizza and chocolate cake at the Pepper Mill.
SATURDAY
We returned home the same way we came: in one of Amtrak's sleeper cars. It was a very pleasant and quiet trip. We slept soundly all night. The train arrived ahead of schedule and we got home in time to attend Sunday mass.
Donna took many photos which she'll place in her new 2007 photo album. This book of memories will take its rightful place alongside all the other Disney photo albums we've created over the years to remind us of the magical moments that await us on our next Walt Disney World vacation!
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Now on with the show!
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - Disney cruise discounts, Disneyland hotel discounts, AAA discount on Disneyland passes, Bellagio resort casino special, and a new perk for Affordable Disney members: Catalog of Vacation Specials
* The latest news from around the "World" - Disney PhotoPass deals in the parks
* In Memory Of Forrest Gibbs
* Receive a Call From Mickey Mouse on Christmas Day
* Podcasting is the New Wave of Vacation Planning for Disney Cruise Line
* Universal CityWalk Calendar and Venue Entertainment - December 2007
* All Aboard! The Polar Express Experience Rolls into Seaworld
* This week's coupon - Receive a Complimentary House Cocktail or Free Appetizer at this Steakhouse
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NEW THIS WEEK
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
New AAA discount on passes.
Annual Passholders stay at Disneyland resort hotels from $139 in early 2008 with this discount code!
Disneyland resort discounts for California residents in these zipcodes.
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DISNEY CRUISE LINE
30 early booking discounts on Disney cruises!
19 Disney cruise discounts for Florida residents!
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CATALOG OF VACATION SPECIALS
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "Travel agents are bombarded daily with faxes about new promotional offers from hotels, cruise lines, tour companies, and everyone else. Recognizing that it's hard to keep up with them all, a site was created to do just that: sift through them, organize them into a searchable database, and delete the ones no longer in effect. The site has been a HUGE help! And now they've added a new benefit which allows us to share that promotional database with our clients.
When you're ready to start planning a trip, Affordable Disney members should log in to access the Catalog on the Addendum. Use the simple search function to narrow down your choices. If you see something that interests you, just click on the contact email address and let me know what you're looking at. I'll email you back with the details and we can go from there! Although the site is fairly comprehensive, not every company is listed so I do have separate files of promotional emails that I can search through if you don't see anything you like. Hope you take a few minutes to check out this new benefit of being an Affordable Disney member!"
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VEGAS
Stay at the Bellagio Resort Casino now through February 12, 2008 in a Deluxe Room from $159/night or a Suite from $299/night with this discount code!
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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!
>> If you're staying at a Walt Disney World resort now through the end of 2007, you can save up to 40% on a 2008 vacation with this promotion not known by the general public!
>> Book a winter vacation at Walt Disney World with our discount codes and get a room discount and FREE ticket upgrade! Dining and wine options can be added. Beth always adjusts her current reservations to reflect the current deal. She writes about this deal's conversions: "The average family of 4 saved about $300-320 on conversions, but one family saved over $1000!"
>> Disney Rewards Visa cardholders save at Walt Disney World in early 2008 with this discount code!
>> Value resorts from $49 and moderates from $99 for Annual Passholders in early 2008 with this discount code!
>> FREE ticket upgrade for Canadians when they book a package for early 2008 with this discount code!
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
>> Universal Orlando Holiday Special: November - December, 2007 (Thanksgiving and Christmas excluded) starting from only $699 per family of four.
>> Orlando Resort Fall Special from $69 November 1 - December 31!
>> Marriott Special good through Thanksgiving and Christmas at this location only! Stay 4 nights and get the 5th night FREE! From $179 per night.
>> 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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EASTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE
Affordable Disney Special
Sunday March 30 sail with us aboard the beautiful Caribbean Princess for 7 relaxing days in the Eastern Caribbean. This gorgeous ship has amenities galore including a Broadway-caliber theater, amazing children’s facilities, a fabulous spa, oodles of dining options, Movies Under the Stars, and so much more. With pricing starting at just $699 per person, it’s a real spring break bargain and Affordable Disney members will get special surprises, too! Contact Beth right away for more details - but don’t wait because we only have 32 cabins!
>> Walt Disney World Annual and Seasonal Passholders receive a $75 shipboard credit and special rates starting at $429 per person when they book these cruises!
>> 14-night cruise from Barcelona to San Juan in December aboard this luxury cruise ship from $599 per person!
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
>> Win a Disneyland/Southern California vacation!
>> 5-day/4-night Disneyland California Resort vacation for the price of a 3-day package! Plus, a $150 Disney Gift Card!
>> FREE admission to Disneyland California for Southern California wildfire fighters!
>> 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!
>> Kids under 7 stay and play 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
Plus! Enjoy these Holiday Specials!
* We'll send an identical FREE Gift Membership - Basic or Lifetime (CD excluded in gift membership) - to a friend or loved one with your holiday wishes for a fun and affordable Disney World vacation!
* Active Duty, Reserve, Retired, Widowed, Disabled, National Guard and DOD employees receive a FREE membership upgrade from Basic to Lifetime Basic! Thank you for your service!
Merry Christmas from AffordableDisney.Com!
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NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
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"Your daughter has a royal crush. So do Barbie and Dora. If Disney has its way, women will become the next subjects kneeling before its $4 billion throne." (Source: newsweek.com, 11/27/07)
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"Private developers and merchants will be able to build, run and own small restaurants, a grocery store, service and retail shops, and several 'value'-oriented hotels and motels on the western edge of Walt Disney World later this decade as part of the giant resort's next development." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 11/28/07)
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Click here for the Gingerbread recipe from Walt Disney World's Swan and Dolphin Resort.
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Disney PhotoPass deals in the parks
"I learned that if you plan to purchase at least three 5x7s, the Family Package is the best deal at $29.99. If you were to purchase the same photos online, they would be $12.95 apiece, or $38.85 for three." You can also buy a 4x6 photo in the parks, but not online. (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 11/23/07)
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
"The Polar Express Experience, a new holiday attraction at SeaWorld Orlando, pulled out of the station for the first time Friday morning... The attraction is a temporary overlay of the park's Wild Arctic, which simulates a helicopter ride to a research station." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 11/27/07)
See official press release below.
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Click here to check out the "ICE" experience at the Gaylord Palms Resort.
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
The park is going to offer tours of Walt Disney's secret apartment during Disney's 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway. (Source: latimes.com, 11/21/07)
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Disneyland Resort Calendar
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HONG KONG
"Walt Disney Co. said it agreed to waive management fees to support its unprofitable Disneyland park in Hong Kong for two years, and will also defer charging royalties over the same period... Critics have said the Hong Kong park lacks an adequate number of attractions to draw in visitors." (Source: marketwatch.com, 11/22/07)
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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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In Memory Of Forrest Gibbs
We are affiliates of Restaurant.com. They sent us this email:
"Dear Mr. Gross,
As we spend time with friends and family members and remember all the things to be grateful for this Thanksgiving, we’d like to recognize a Restaurant.com family member who we lost unexpectedly. Forrest Gibbs, 36, was a devoted family man, loyal friend and valued employee whose passion for life and work was truly inspiring.
We were very lucky to work with Forrest over the last two and half years - he always had a big smile and a positive attitude. His selflessness and commitment to our company will be sorely missed.
In order to help Forrest’s wife and three young children Restaurant.com will be donating 50% of all net proceeds from gift center sales that utilize special code "FORREST" now through December 31, 2007."
Visit the Gift Center at Restaurant.com. Enter special donation code: FORREST at checkout and click recalculate total.
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CITYWALK CALENDAR AND VENUE ENTERTAINMENT - DECEMBER 2007
Venues subject to coverage charge of $7.00 or CityWalk Party Pass - 21 and up are welcome.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, GUESTS MAY CALL CITYWALK GUEST SERVICES AT (407) 224-2691
SPECIAL EVENTS
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION AT CITYWALK - This year’s event will bring the party to life, broadcasting live by Comcast Television, on CN8 channels. Featuring performances by B-52’s, Foreigner; and live entertainment at all CityWalk venues.
Tickets for the event can be purchased at www.citywalkorlando.com, www.ticketmaster.com, Universal CityWalk Guest Services, or by calling (407) 224-5500.
BLUE MAN GROUP, NOW PERFORMING LIVE AT CITYWALK - Guests can experience a special New Year’s Eve Show featuring Blue Man Group and their eclectic mix of live music, percussions instruments and unexpected humor. Please contact CityWalk Guest Services for more information or contact the Blue Man Group Box Office - 407-BLUE-MAN (407-258-3626).
VENUES
Red Coconut Club
*Nightly Happy Hour: Sunday - Thursday: 8:00p.m.-10:00p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 6:00p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
*Featuring half price martinis and complimentary valet
*Live entertainment in the venue: Shifty Eyed Dog: Thursday through Saturday
DJ Chris Petty: Nightly
DJ Dave Luchsinger: Nightly
"The In-Crowd" Hospitality Night - Sunday nights
*Complimentary admission for hospitality industry throughout the evening
*Drink specials throughout the evening
Ladies Night at Red Coconut Club - Thursday nights
*Ladies receive complimentary admission and valet throughout the evening and $3 Three Olive martinis and other drink specials.
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
*Thursday is Locals Night
*Daily - Happy Hour at the Porch of Indecision from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
*Live entertainment in the venue: Blue Stone Circle: Tuesday - Saturday, Fred Ramos Band: Sundays and Mondays
Lone Palm - Live DJ - Nightly
Bo Wilson: Thursday - Sunday
CityJazz
*DJ Nightly
*Live entertainment in the venue: Herb Williams Band: Tuesday through Saturday
Karaoke at CityJazz - Monday nights
*Guests can sing their hearts out and make their Universal CityWalk debut.
*Doors open at 7:00 p.m., show starts at 8:45 p.m.
CityJazz goes Bonkerz!
*Bonkerz Comedy Club presents live comedy at CityJazz every Thursday through Saturday night.
*Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 8p.m.
*Times vary on select nights.
*Food menu available.
*18 and up welcome.
COMEDIAN SCHEDULE:
*December 1: Artie Fletcher as seen on "Late Night with Conan O’Brien", "Law and Order" & HBO with James Yon as seen on FOX
*December 6-7: Mike Allen as seen on Comedy Central with Earl Vaughn and MC James Yon
*December 13: James Yon as seen on FOX with Joe Fico and MC Carmen Vallone
*December 20-22: Peter Hefty as seen on The Discovery Channel with John Charles and MC James Yon
*December 27-29: LA Hardy as seen on "Comic View" & Comedy Central with Bear and MC James Yon
Bonkerz presents Hypnosis Sundays at CityJazz
*Comic/Master Hypnotist Doug MacCraw offers a hilarious experience where subjects and audience members journey into a world of side-splitting hypnotic hi-jinks.
*Doors open at 7:00 p.m., show starts at 9:00 p.m.
*18 and up welcome.
Bob Marley’s - A Tribute To Freedom
*Live entertainment in venue: Mystik NRG: Monday through Friday
Chain Reaction: Saturday and Sundays
Marley Legendary Thursdays - 8 p.m.-2 a.m.
*Half price select appetizers.
*Red Stripe and Appleton drink specials.
the groove
*Dance Music Nightly
XL/Skyy Jet Set Fridays: 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
*Special appearance from WXXL 106.7FM
*Enjoy great Skyy drink and bottle specials.
Teen Nights at the groove
*Come listen to live DJ’s spin all of today’s hits and experience state-of-the-art sound, lighting and video. Teens ages 15-19 welcome with High School ID’ or driver’s license.
*Wednesday, December 19: 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m., $12.00 admission
*Friday, December 21: 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., $15 admission
*Wednesday, December 26: 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m., $12.00 admission
*Friday, December 28: 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., $15 admission
Latin Quarter
*Live entertainment in venue: Alejandro Kartal: Monday through Saturday; George Dimitrov: Sundays
Rumba Thursdays: 10:00 p.m.-2 a.m.
*Ladies’ Night hosted by 100.3FM. Ladies drink free 10:00 p.m. to midnight.
*Guests enjoy a Reggaeton/Freestyle dance party and drink specials.
*10:00 p.m. - 2 a.m
Pat O’Brien’s
*Dueling Piano Bar - Live Music Nightly.
2 for Tuesdays at Pat O’Brien’s
*Piano Bar - Live Music Nightly.
*2 for 1 Hurricanes and select beer specials, 4:00p.m. - 10:00p.m.
NBA City
*Skybox Happy Hour, 2 for 1 drink specials available Monday thru Friday, 4pm - 7pm
*Happy hour specials are only available in the SkyBox lounge located on the second floor.
NASCAR Sports Grille
*Guests experience a celebration of cuisine, sports and all things NASCAR. Watch live flag-to-flag coverage of all NASCAR races.
*Happy Hour specials include ½ price nachos, ½ off draft beers, video games and billiards in the Speed Zone Game Room, Monday thru Friday, 3pm - 6pm.
*Happy Hour specials are available only at the bars.
For more information on race day specials visit www.nascarsportsgrille.com. (Source: Press Release)
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The Mouse Makes House Calls: Vacationers that Purchase a 2008 Walt Disney World Vacation to Receive a Call From Mickey Mouse on Christmas Day
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Nov. 26, 2007) -- Walt Disney Parks and Resorts today announced that families in the U.S. and Canada that book between now and Dec. 23 will get a telephone call from Mickey Mouse personally announcing the good news on Christmas Day.
Parents can plan their trips start-to-finish online and choose to have Mickey Mouse call their house and give a magical surprise to their kids on Dec. 25. They can also select the greeting that Mickey gives their families -- either "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays." Starting on Cyber Monday, Disney launches the special "Mickey Call" holiday promotion Web site directing families to book their Disney vacation packages online, by calling Walt Disney World Resort at 407/939-7734 or through a travel agent.
"Many families purchase Walt Disney World vacations as Christmas gifts for their kids," said Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton. "The call from Mickey is a creative, personalized way to bring magic into homes on Christmas morning and to get kids excited about their incredible gift."
The "Mickey Call" holiday promotion is back by popular demand after its success last holiday season, when Mickey Mouse called thousands of homes on Christmas Day, making the holiday extra special for those families. This year the holiday gift promotion is expected to be even more popular, largely appealing to the savvy group of "online moms" who want gift-giving without the hassle and in just a few clicks.
"Research shows that the majority of moms (62%)* will do at least some of their holiday shopping online this year," Crofton said. "This is a chance to connect with parents online and help them add some special magic to the holidays. This holiday, parents get Disney vacation packages at an affordable price, and kids get a Christmas surprise from Mickey."
This Disney holiday offer will be available to families who book a non-discounted 2008 Walt Disney World vacation online at www.disneyworld.com/holidaycall or by calling Walt Disney World Resort at 407/939-7734 or through a travel agent. (Source: Press Release)
INSIDER TIP: Beth, our travel agent, can book this vacation for our members. Of course, she will also apply any discounts to your vacation if and when they become available. So it's possible to get the call from Mickey and still get the discount! See our book for the most affordable times to visit WDW. To help you plan for a potential deal, I've created a chart on the Addendum at our members site that summarizes the deals Disney released during the past year.
*Source: "Marketing to Moms Coalition Study Shows Key Holiday Shopping Plans" PR Newswire, Sept 25, 2007
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Podcasting is the New Wave of Vacation Planning for
Disney Cruise Line
CELEBRATION, Fla. -- In a cruise industry first, Disney Cruise Line is reaching out to perspective guests through podcasts that offer a new way to get customized information about family-friendly Disney cruise vacations.
Hosted by family travel expert Emily Kaufman, the podcast episodes showcase the unique experiences Disney offers on a cruise vacation, providing guests in-depth, portable information on specific areas of Disney Cruise Line. In each episode, Kaufman, also known as The Travel Mom, offers tips for parents looking to take a cruise vacation.
"The podcasts immerse guests in the Disney Cruise Line experience, bringing to life the way we cater to the specific needs of kids, adults, and the entire family," said Joe Rand, Director of Marketing for Disney Cruise Line. "Each episode is three to five minutes long, making it easy for on-the-go parents to learn more about specific areas of the Disney cruise vacation experience."
Emily Kaufman narrates the podcasts with expert advice for not only a Disney Cruise, but also for family vacations in general. Her expertise in family travel makes her a great fit for the official Disney Cruise Line podcast.
"I'm extremely pleased to partner with Disney Cruise Line on this podcast series and hope parents considering a cruise vacation find them to be a valuable resource," explained Kaufman. "As the mother of two, I truly believe that Disney Cruise Line is a great getaway for families. I have taken both my teenagers and my toddler nieces on a Disney Cruise, and have seen first hand that they offer something for every age."
Interested guests can find all of the videos on disneycruise.com. In addition to watching episodes on the website or downloading them directly to their computer or video iPod, guests also have the ability to share episodes with friends and family via email. (Source: Press Release)
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ALL ABOARD! THE POLAR EXPRESS EXPERIENCE ROLLS INTO SEAWORLD
Believe in the magic of the season aboard this one-of-a-kind journey to the North Pole
Orlando, Fl (Nov. 9, 2007) - This holiday season, jump aboard The Polar Express Experience at SeaWorld for a magical trip to the North Pole. Debuting Nov. 23 and continuing through Jan. 1, 2008, SeaWorld’s Wild Arctic transforms to a thrilling, never-before-experienced expedition to the fabled Santa Town.
The Polar Express Experience is based on the film from Warner Bros. Pictures and Shangri-La Entertainment, inspired by the beloved Caldecott Medal children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. "SeaWorld Orlando, Warner Bros. and Iwerks have created a one-of-a-kind motion simulation experience that combines one of the holiday’s most beloved movies with an actual winter wonderland," said Michael Fletcher, Vice President of Entertainment for SeaWorld. "The result will completely immerse guests into a thrilling combination of fantasy and reality."
This heartwarming adventure begins with a three-minute preshow telling the story of a young boy lying awake on Christmas Eve, just before midnight. Straining to listen for the elusive sound of ringing bells aboard Santa’s sleigh, the boy is jolted out of bed from the thunderous roar of The Polar Express arriving to take him on a fascinating adventure to the North Pole. Guests then embark upon that same adventure as they board The Polar Express Experience. Recreating classic scenes from the movie in a multi-sensory experience, The Polar Express Experience immerses guests with lighting, scent, sound, and motion to transport them to the North Pole - and into the spirit of the season.
When guests arrive at their destination, they step off the train and into the movie itself. Temperatures drop and holiday spirits soar as the travelers arrive at the frozen North Pole, complete with towering Christmas tree, gift-laden sleigh, village décor and Santa himself. The journey continues as guests also encounter other inhabitants of the North Pole - the animals themselves - including graceful beluga whales, powerful polar bears and giant walruses.
In addition to this stellar holiday attraction, SeaWorld also offers an array of festive shows and seasonal additions. Guests can join Shamu for the holidays during "Shamu Christmas...Miracles." This captivating show helps guests celebrate the holiday season as a time filled with hope and peace and just possibly, miracles. The 22-minute production comes to life daily through Dec. 25 at Shamu Stadium.
Guests may also witness a winter wonder as snow flurries descend from up above, and jewels of water and light adorn the night during the "Christmastide" holiday fountain show -- a seasonal spectacular where water seemingly dances to the beat of Christmas music through Dec. 25.
"Mistify," a nighttime finale Dec. 26 - 30, takes place on SeaWorld’s center lake and features larger-than-life marine creatures on 60-foot mist screens, 100-foot fountains, flames on water and dazzling fireworks.
Families will enjoy strolling through the Waterfront’s array of gift shops and restaurants all while listening to the joyful tunes of singers, musical quartets and the "Sizzlin’ Pianos" show that ignite the spirit of the season. Through Christmas, stores and restaurants will remain open until 7 p.m. during weekdays and 8 p.m. on weekends. The park will remain open until 10 p.m. Dec. 26 - 30.
Additional Festivities
The winter season warms up South Seas-style at "Makahiki Christmas Luau." This festive celebration includes succulent island cuisine served with the ancient holiday traditions of the Pacific Islands. The sounds of Christmas are reinterpreted with authentic Polynesian rhythms, music and dancers Nov. 23, 2007 through Jan. 1, 2008 (except Dec. 25). Park admission is not required.
Breakfast with Elmo and Friends, Dec. 26-31, offers a delicious buffet served up with the hottest characters in town including Elmo, Big Bird, Grover, Zoe, Ernie and Cookie Monster. Prices are $16.95 plus tax for adults and $14.95 for children (ages 3-9). Children under 3 are free. Reservations are required and breakfast times are 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Park admission is required.
New Year’s Eve at SeaWorld
SeaWorld rings in the holiday Dec. 31 with a musical celebration that includes the best in pop, Latin and swing music and dancing. The party begins with Michael Andrew and his 18-piece Atomic Big Band who will keep the crowd dancing. At the stroke of midnight, the night will shine even brighter with vibrant fireworks. (For those who rather end the year with a splash, the park’s attractions and thrill rides will remain open until midnight.)
For more information, guests may visit online www.seaworld.com or call (800) 327-2424. (Source: Press Release)
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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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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posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 7:22 AM
