Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
November 21, 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.
Donna and I are enjoying our vacation at Walt Disney World. The weather is nice: 75 high; 60 low. We took Amtrak's Auto train and for the first time booked the sleeper car. The room is very small, but private and quiet. It was nice to have our own shower and toilet, although I can't imagine trying to take a shower in such a small space! We had own server who caters to all of your needs. He served us dinner - surf and turf and wine - and continental breakfast in our room. Dinner was better than we've experienced in the past traveling coach.
This is our first vacation in 27 years without our children and we miss them. They call us every day on the cell phone to make sure we're alright and to see what we're doing.
SUNDAY
Upon arrival, we checked in immediately at Coronado Springs, which is a beautiful resort. Got a room on the first floor and not far from the eatery and bus stop. (Yes, you have to ask!) We had a quick, but quite substantial, lunch at Coronado's Pepper Market. After mass at the nearby beautiful Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine, we wasted no time ordering a Ghirardelli sundae. Having eaten a big lunch earlier at Coronado, and indulged in the sundae, we skipped dinner and finished the evening strolling through the stores at Downtown Disney.
MONDAY
We had a quick breakfast at the nearby McDonald's and headed for the Magic Kingdom. Disney has not completed its Christmas decorating yet, but what is there is beautiful. Love the garland!
Crowds were pretty good size, so some lines had waits of up to 50 minutes. We don't like to wait more than 30 minutes for any attraction, se we return to the busiest ones later in the day.
Disney is not running its Christmas parade yet during the day, but the afternoon "Dream" parade and "Spectro Magic" at night are still very satisfying.
Pirates of the Caribbean is a lot more fun since Disney added Jack Sparrow, but the Monsters, Inc show was just lame.
The castle is beautiful with its blanket of lights and the nighttime "Wishes" fireworks display was the best we have ever seen at the Magic Kingdom.
We had the Disney photographer take our photo in front of the castle and we purchased it during an evening lull at the Camera Center in Exposition Hall. We picked out a beautiful oval frame, and had Disney cut the photo to fit. We thought if they made a mistake they would reprint us another photo. Well, the logo on the photo was half hidden by the frame and Disney reprinted us another photo without the logo and cut that for us - all at no extra charge! Now that's service.
We grabbed a hot dog and soda for lunch. While everyone was outside waiting for the afternoon parade to start, we grabbed a table in the Main Street Bakery and enjoyed a decadent ice cream cookie sandwich. We finished the cookie just as the parade started. Perfect timing.
After having explored the rides and attractions all day, we found an empty bench outside the package delivery store near the train station and we stayed there to watch the 8 PM Spectro Magic parade - our favorite parade. While waiting we had some popcorn to hold us over until dinner. After the parade we strolled through the stores and positioned ourselves on Main street to see the fireworks show. We left after the show and, although a river of visitors flowed down Main street on our way to the bus depot, we were able to get the first bus back to Coronado! BTW, Coronado's bus stop is the first stop upon exiting the Magic Kingdom!
We enjoyed a delicious meal at the Pepper Mill which is open until 11 PM. Donna's taco salad was fresh and tasty; my broasted chicken, french fries and sauteed zucchini was very satisfying. They have the best fries I've ever eaten at WDW!
After answering some email on my laptop - cable works well in the room; costs $10 per day to use - we called it a night.
TUESDAY
We had breakfast at the Pepper Mill and spent half the day in the Animal Kingdom and the other half in MGM. Animal Kingdom was packed. Looks like Expedition Everest roller coaster ride is really increasing business for Disney. It was hot, too! Finding Nemo-The Musical is more for kids than adults, but it was done well. There was standing room only when we arrived. We decided to watch the show standing since we would have had to stand 45 minutes in line for the next show anyway! The Osborne Christmas Light show at MGM is always a holiday treat. The behind-the-scenes look at the making of Narnia is magical.
We grabbed a pizza at Pepper Mill on the way back to our room. Tomorrow is a day off from the parks. We'll go shopping and give our tired feet a much needed break!
WEDNESDAY
I have to post this newsletter before I leave the hotel so I'll finish our trip report in next week's issue - our 400th issue!
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - Universal Resort special for Florida residents, Universal Orlando packages, Disneyland special for annual passholders, Disneyland Paris special, Universal Studios Hollywood special, last minute hotel/resort deals, and eight cruise deals
* The latest news from around the "World" - Fort Wilderness Back Trail Adventure via Segway
* Disney system going down for maintenance
* Top European Couturiers design one-of-a-kind creations inspired by Disney Princesses
* It’s a blockbuster holiday season with the return of Grinchmas at Universal
* This week's coupon - save on casino cruise sailing from Port Canaveral
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NEW THIS WEEK
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO PACKAGES
Universal Resort Holiday Special for Florida Residents: November 25 - December 26, 2007. Save almost 40% on Room Rates with this discount code! Royal Pacific from $134 per night! Hard Rock Hotel from $154 per night! Portofino from $164 per night! Book now and receive a Hotel Savings Guide with over $200 in savings at Universal restaurants and lounges, plus discounts for golf, spa, events and more!
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End of the Year Orlando Great Family Vacation
7 Days/6 Nights of family fun! $1,200 tax included per family of four. That’s only $50 a day per person! Includes:
* 6-Night accommodations at a Universal Partner Hotel
* Four (4) 2-Park Unlimited Admission tickets to Universal Studios® and Universal’s Islands of Adventure®
* Four (4) 1-Day tickets to SeaWorld® Orlando
* Four (4) 2-Park Universal Meal Deal^ passes valid for 2 days
* Free access to live entertainment at Universal CityWalk®
* Complimentary scheduled transportation between hotel and Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando.
Stay at one of Universal Orlando Resorts starting from $1,950 tax included per family of four at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort That’s less than $80 a day per person!
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End of Year Get out of Town Offer
4 Days/3 Nights at Universal Orlando Resort plus a Dollar rental car. From $824 family of four. Package Includes:
* 3 Night hotel accommodations at an Universal Partner Hotel
* Four (4) 2-Park Unlimited Admission tickets to Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure (Tickets are valid for up to seven (7) consecutive calendar days)
* 4-Door economy car from Dollar Rental Car
* Free access to live entertainment at Universal CityWalk
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Annual Passholders stay at Disneyland resort hotels from $139 in early 2008 with this discount code!
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DISNEYLAND PARIS
Kids Stay FREE and get FREE admission to both parks!
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UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD
Enjoy a 2nd day admission to Universal Studios Hollywood for FREE! 3 Night Vacation Packages starting from $329 per adult. Rate valid for early 2008. Your Hollywood Getaway Includes:
* 3 night hotel accommodations at a Universal Studios Hollywood area hotel
* 1-Day admission to Universal Studios Hollywood
* Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure Tour - Enjoy round trip transportation from your hotel and 1 day admission to Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure
* Complimentary transportation between your hotel and Universal Studios Hollywood
* One 5"x7" souvenir photograph
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Save 20% with these last minute deals. The rates posted are for the next two weekends for hotels and the next six weeks for resorts:
Thailand - Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit - THB 5280 Singapore - Sheraton Towers Singapore - SGD 200 Poland - Le Royal Méridien Bristol - EUR 79 Ireland - Sheraton Fota Island Hotel & Spa - EUR 99 Germany - The Westin Grand Frankfurt - EUR 142 Louisiana - Four Points by Sheraton New Orleans Airport - USD 108 California - Sheraton San Jose Hotel - USD 64 Canada - Sheraton on the Falls Hotel - CAD 79 Virginia - The Westin Alexandria - USD 125 South Carolina - The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa - USD 109
Book by November 23. Other hotels are available.
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CRUISES
4 specials aboard this European cruise line for Florida residents with this discount code!
Western Caribbean - 7 Nights - Sailing Dec. 15, 2007. From Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to: Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands. Verandahs: From $699; Suites: $899.
Eastern Caribbean - 7 Nights - Sailing Dec. 16, 2007. From Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to: San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Catalina Island & Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic; Nassau, Bahamas. Mini Suites: $899.
Holiday: Sailing Dec. 22, 2007. From Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to: San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic; Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands. Verandahs: $999.
New Year's: Sailing Dec. 30, 2007. From Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to: San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Catalina Island & Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic; Nassau, Bahamas. Inside Staterooms: $799; Outside Staterooms: $899.
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ROUND-TRIP AIRFARE AND UP TO 40% OFF CRUISE FARES!
Valparaiso to Buenos Aires
16 Days
Sail Date: 01/10/08 and 02/11/08
Fares from $ 4,199 per guest
Port Highlights: Punta Arenas, Chile; Ushuaia, Argentina; Puerto Madryn, Argentina; Montevideo, Uruguay
Miami to Miami
14 Days
Sail Date: 02/25/08
Fares from $2,799 per guest
Port Highlights: Belize City, Belize; Roatan, Honduras; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica (overnight); Colon, Panama
Miami to Miami
12 Days
Sail Date: 03/10/08
Fares from $2,299 per guest
Port Highlights: Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands; St. John's, Antigua; Castries, St. Lucia; Gustavia, St. Barts
Miami to Los Angeles
January 12 for 16 days
From $3299 per guest
Not cheap, but these are all inclusive cruises on an upscale line. When you factor in FREE airfare and discount, these cruises start at about $200 per person per night.
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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
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NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
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"A first-of-its-kind diabetes study launches next month at Walt Disney World, involving as many as 1,000 Disney employees who have diabetes or are at high risk of becoming diabetic." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 11/21/07)
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"Declaring that portable heart defibrillator devices may have saved as many as 40 lives at Disneyland, Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line ships since the Walt Disney Co. installed 650 of them throughout the properties in 2003, Disney announced Tuesday it will add 250 more, including 200 more at Disney World." (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 11/21/07)
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Disney Reaches to the Crib To Extend Princess Magic
"Disney's princess minders are hoping to hook even younger girls and their moms on the craze with a new range of princess products aimed at newborns. The princess clan will feature on cribs, diaper-changing mats and other infant products next year." (Source: biz.yahoo.com/wallstreet, 11/19/07)
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"Hop on a Segway and take The Wilderness Back Trail Adventure... The wheels on these Segways are bigger, but you can go only 6 mph -- other Segways hit 12 mph." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 11/16/07)
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
"SeaWorld officials confirmed Monday that they, Warner Bros. Pictures and Iwerks Entertainment are reprogramming the theme park's Wild Arctic simulator ride, transforming it into a simulated train ride to "Santa Town," based on Chris Van Allsburg's children's book The Polar Express and the 2004 animated movie of the same name." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 11/20/07)
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"The executives who run the Universal Studios Orlando resort genuinely believe that the renaming of Disney-MGM Studios theme park will confuse a certain number of tourists. And Universal intends to take advantage of this confusion by launching a bold new promotional campaign for their resort in 2008." Also on the horizon:
* Harry Potter and Simpson characters will soon appear at the parks
* Universal is developing a new, more family friendly, Halloween experience to compete with Disney's "Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party."
(Source: jimhillmedia.com, 11/20/07)
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Click here to learn about the Top 10 Most Annoying Hidden Hotel Fees.
"Cypress Gardens' Old Fashioned Christmas begins today at 6:30 p.m. with the lighting of its Christmas tree. Among this Winter Haven park's offerings are a living nativity show, an ice-skating presentation, carolers and some of Cypress' Gardens original decorations on display." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 11/16/07)
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"Orange County is a constantly evolving shopping Mecca, a trendsetter of fashion and design, as well as a hub of eclectic shopping locales and experiences. From high-end retailers and trend-setting boutiques to bargain shopping, there's something to be found for every kind of shopper."
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Click here for a review of Steakhouse 55 restaurant in the Disneyland Hotel.
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"Those animatronic skeletons drinking wine and steering a ship may not be the only dead ones inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. A suspicious powder that may or may not have been cremated remains was spotted in the water in the popular attraction," (Source: ocregister.com, 11/14/07)
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DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Disney Cruise Line Advance Tipping: You can now pay for your tips in advance and skip the wait at Guest Services. Add pre-paid gratuities to a reservation up to three days before departure.
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Disneyland Resort Calendar
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VEGAS
"Planet Hollywood co-founder Robert Earl is gambling on a big comeback in the capital of gambling, with the opening this week of his gilded casino-hotel in Las Vegas." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 11/16/07)
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NOTE: Links to newspaper articles change quickly and without notice. If you receive a "File Not Found" error message, search the newspaper's archives for the story. Certain newspapers require a free registration to view their articles online. If web addresses are broken into more than one line, copy and paste all lines.
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DISNEY SYSTEM GOING DOWN FOR MAINTENANCE
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
"The Disney Travel Company computer system will be shut down tomorrow night (Wednesday) at 10 PM for a system upgrade. The upgrade is expected to be completed by 9:00 Saturday morning. They are almost never on time with those, so don't count on it! You cannot make reservations, modify reservations, or cancel reservations for PACKAGES during that time. Although I haven't had it confirmed yet, my assumption is that they will apply the same old rule they usually have when the system goes down unexpectedly, and that is that payments due while the system is down can be made without penalty on the day it comes back up. Reservations with money due will not cancel during that time (or they shouldn't - but make the payment if you can, just in case).
Room-only reservations will continue to be accepted and existing room-only reservations can be manipulated during this time, as can dining reservations and activity reservations. The exception is Friday from 12:30-4:00 PM when that system will be down as well.
In other words, to play it safe, don't leave anything hanging. If you have a package payment due between Thursday and Monday it would be best to get it made today or tomorrow rather than wait. Only wait if you're not yet committed to the trip and making a payment would tie you into it by way of a cancellation penalty. In that case, make sure that you make the payment on Saturday (or when the system is back up) and do not under any circumstances miss a payment that's due when the system is functional. They will only waive rules if you missed a payment because of the system being down."
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DISNEYLAND PARIS
Top Couturiers including Vivienne Westwood and Azzedine Alaïa Design for the Disney Princesses
European fashion houses re-design classic character’s outfits to be auctioned offat CHRISTIE’S to benefit UNICEF
To continue its 15th birthday celebrations, Disneyland Resort Paris is teaming up with some of Europe’s leading names in fashion to design one-of-a-kind creations inspired by Disney Princesses.
British fashion icons Dame Vivienne Westwood, Luella Bartley, Scott Henshall, Paul Costello, Antoni & Alison and Michael Hertz for Aquascutum will be joining designers from France, Spain and the Netherlands to create original, high-fashion party dresses for classic Disney Princesses such as Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Tinkerbell and Minnie Mouse.
The designers have penned initial sketches for their chosen characters and are now working hard to make their final one-off fantasy creations. These will be showcased at Disneyland Resort Paris in November. The designs will be auctioned off at CHRISTIE’S in Paris during an exclusive VIP event in November. Proceeds from this auction will provide much-needed funds for UNICEF.
Scott Henshall, who was inspired by the Wicked Queen from Snow White commented, "Walt Disney is a hugely iconic figure that I’ve been bought up with so I felt honoured to be asked to be part of this project. Since I’ve been known to have a bit of a wicked side I thought it only fitting to design for the evil queen from Snow White."
Vivienne Westwood, when asked what had inspired her to design for the classic Disney Princess, Snow White, said, "Because there's a Snow White in every girl."
Other international fashion designers taking part are Azzedine Alaïa and Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada, from Spain, and Nathalie Garçon, Impasse de la Défense, Baccarat and Chantal Thomass, from France, just to mention a few.
Jeff Archambault, head of Community Relations for Disneyland Resort Paris said of the project: "This exciting project illustrates the historic partnership that has brought Disney and UNICEF together over time in supporting children’s causes. By donating their time, talent and savoir-faire to create original fashion pieces, the designers are demonstrating that when beauty and generosity go hand in hand, the results are nothing short of magical." (Source: Press Release)
Click here to see photos.
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IT’S A BLOCKBUSTER HOLIDAY SEASON WITH THE RETURN OF GRINCHMAS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT
Just like the Grinch himself, guests’ hearts will grow three sizes this holiday season with the return of Grinchmas at Universal Orlando Resort. From December 7 through January 1, holiday celebrations are resort-wide across Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal CityWalk and all three on-site Loews hotels.
Back by popular demand, this year’s festivities include the return of Grinchmas to Islands of Adventure. The celebration will include an all-new "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" show in honor of the 50th anniversary of the book. The live musical will take place on a brand-new stage in the heart of Seuss Landing and will include seven songs for guests to enjoy. Guests will also have the chance to meet the Grinch and see Whos from Whoville.
The Macy’s Holiday Parade also returns to Universal Studios this year. Balloons and floats will parade down the streets each night so that guests can experience the same ambiance as the classic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Guests will recognize signature Macy’s balloons as well as some new parade additions, including an appearance by the Simpsons family and their newly-created RV. The Simpsons will be featured in an all-new mega-attraction coming to Universal Studios in Spring 2008. Guests can also enjoy specially themed holiday shows including The Blues Brothers, Kidzone and Barney.
For more information on Universal Orlando’s holiday events and festivities, guests can visit www.universalorlando.com/holidays.
The celebration continues at Universal Orlando’s three world-class, on-site hotels - Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort - all of which will glisten with holiday decorations. Hotels guests will be immersed in the spirit of the season with carolers, tree-lighting ceremonies, holiday movie presentations and special holiday menus.
New Year’s Eve 2007 at Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk is the place to be on New Year’s Eve 2007. Guests will enjoy live music featuring Foreigner and the B-52s on the main stage and additional entertainment inside participating CityWalk venues. Guests will also enjoy a traditional New Year’s Eve celebration with an unlimited buffet, fireworks and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.citywalkorlando.com or through CityWalk Guest Services at (407) 224-2690. Guests must be 21 years old to attend the event, and tickets do not include admission to Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure. (Source: Press Release)
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MONEY SAVING COUPON
Sterling Casino
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Receive a FREE 2-for-1 Drink and FREE $5 Match Play 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 21, 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.
Donna and I are enjoying our vacation at Walt Disney World. The weather is nice: 75 high; 60 low. We took Amtrak's Auto train and for the first time booked the sleeper car. The room is very small, but private and quiet. It was nice to have our own shower and toilet, although I can't imagine trying to take a shower in such a small space! We had own server who caters to all of your needs. He served us dinner - surf and turf and wine - and continental breakfast in our room. Dinner was better than we've experienced in the past traveling coach.
This is our first vacation in 27 years without our children and we miss them. They call us every day on the cell phone to make sure we're alright and to see what we're doing.
SUNDAY
Upon arrival, we checked in immediately at Coronado Springs, which is a beautiful resort. Got a room on the first floor and not far from the eatery and bus stop. (Yes, you have to ask!) We had a quick, but quite substantial, lunch at Coronado's Pepper Market. After mass at the nearby beautiful Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine, we wasted no time ordering a Ghirardelli sundae. Having eaten a big lunch earlier at Coronado, and indulged in the sundae, we skipped dinner and finished the evening strolling through the stores at Downtown Disney.
MONDAY
We had a quick breakfast at the nearby McDonald's and headed for the Magic Kingdom. Disney has not completed its Christmas decorating yet, but what is there is beautiful. Love the garland!
Crowds were pretty good size, so some lines had waits of up to 50 minutes. We don't like to wait more than 30 minutes for any attraction, se we return to the busiest ones later in the day.
Disney is not running its Christmas parade yet during the day, but the afternoon "Dream" parade and "Spectro Magic" at night are still very satisfying.
Pirates of the Caribbean is a lot more fun since Disney added Jack Sparrow, but the Monsters, Inc show was just lame.
The castle is beautiful with its blanket of lights and the nighttime "Wishes" fireworks display was the best we have ever seen at the Magic Kingdom.
We had the Disney photographer take our photo in front of the castle and we purchased it during an evening lull at the Camera Center in Exposition Hall. We picked out a beautiful oval frame, and had Disney cut the photo to fit. We thought if they made a mistake they would reprint us another photo. Well, the logo on the photo was half hidden by the frame and Disney reprinted us another photo without the logo and cut that for us - all at no extra charge! Now that's service.
We grabbed a hot dog and soda for lunch. While everyone was outside waiting for the afternoon parade to start, we grabbed a table in the Main Street Bakery and enjoyed a decadent ice cream cookie sandwich. We finished the cookie just as the parade started. Perfect timing.
After having explored the rides and attractions all day, we found an empty bench outside the package delivery store near the train station and we stayed there to watch the 8 PM Spectro Magic parade - our favorite parade. While waiting we had some popcorn to hold us over until dinner. After the parade we strolled through the stores and positioned ourselves on Main street to see the fireworks show. We left after the show and, although a river of visitors flowed down Main street on our way to the bus depot, we were able to get the first bus back to Coronado! BTW, Coronado's bus stop is the first stop upon exiting the Magic Kingdom!
We enjoyed a delicious meal at the Pepper Mill which is open until 11 PM. Donna's taco salad was fresh and tasty; my broasted chicken, french fries and sauteed zucchini was very satisfying. They have the best fries I've ever eaten at WDW!
After answering some email on my laptop - cable works well in the room; costs $10 per day to use - we called it a night.
TUESDAY
We had breakfast at the Pepper Mill and spent half the day in the Animal Kingdom and the other half in MGM. Animal Kingdom was packed. Looks like Expedition Everest roller coaster ride is really increasing business for Disney. It was hot, too! Finding Nemo-The Musical is more for kids than adults, but it was done well. There was standing room only when we arrived. We decided to watch the show standing since we would have had to stand 45 minutes in line for the next show anyway! The Osborne Christmas Light show at MGM is always a holiday treat. The behind-the-scenes look at the making of Narnia is magical.
We grabbed a pizza at Pepper Mill on the way back to our room. Tomorrow is a day off from the parks. We'll go shopping and give our tired feet a much needed break!
WEDNESDAY
I have to post this newsletter before I leave the hotel so I'll finish our trip report in next week's issue - our 400th issue!
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - Universal Resort special for Florida residents, Universal Orlando packages, Disneyland special for annual passholders, Disneyland Paris special, Universal Studios Hollywood special, last minute hotel/resort deals, and eight cruise deals
* The latest news from around the "World" - Fort Wilderness Back Trail Adventure via Segway
* Disney system going down for maintenance
* Top European Couturiers design one-of-a-kind creations inspired by Disney Princesses
* It’s a blockbuster holiday season with the return of Grinchmas at Universal
* This week's coupon - save on casino cruise sailing from Port Canaveral
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NEW THIS WEEK
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO PACKAGES
Universal Resort Holiday Special for Florida Residents: November 25 - December 26, 2007. Save almost 40% on Room Rates with this discount code! Royal Pacific from $134 per night! Hard Rock Hotel from $154 per night! Portofino from $164 per night! Book now and receive a Hotel Savings Guide with over $200 in savings at Universal restaurants and lounges, plus discounts for golf, spa, events and more!
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End of the Year Orlando Great Family Vacation
7 Days/6 Nights of family fun! $1,200 tax included per family of four. That’s only $50 a day per person! Includes:
* 6-Night accommodations at a Universal Partner Hotel
* Four (4) 2-Park Unlimited Admission tickets to Universal Studios® and Universal’s Islands of Adventure®
* Four (4) 1-Day tickets to SeaWorld® Orlando
* Four (4) 2-Park Universal Meal Deal^ passes valid for 2 days
* Free access to live entertainment at Universal CityWalk®
* Complimentary scheduled transportation between hotel and Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando.
Stay at one of Universal Orlando Resorts starting from $1,950 tax included per family of four at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort That’s less than $80 a day per person!
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End of Year Get out of Town Offer
4 Days/3 Nights at Universal Orlando Resort plus a Dollar rental car. From $824 family of four. Package Includes:
* 3 Night hotel accommodations at an Universal Partner Hotel
* Four (4) 2-Park Unlimited Admission tickets to Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure (Tickets are valid for up to seven (7) consecutive calendar days)
* 4-Door economy car from Dollar Rental Car
* Free access to live entertainment at Universal CityWalk
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Annual Passholders stay at Disneyland resort hotels from $139 in early 2008 with this discount code!
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DISNEYLAND PARIS
Kids Stay FREE and get FREE admission to both parks!
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UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD
Enjoy a 2nd day admission to Universal Studios Hollywood for FREE! 3 Night Vacation Packages starting from $329 per adult. Rate valid for early 2008. Your Hollywood Getaway Includes:
* 3 night hotel accommodations at a Universal Studios Hollywood area hotel
* 1-Day admission to Universal Studios Hollywood
* Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure Tour - Enjoy round trip transportation from your hotel and 1 day admission to Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure
* Complimentary transportation between your hotel and Universal Studios Hollywood
* One 5"x7" souvenir photograph
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Save 20% with these last minute deals. The rates posted are for the next two weekends for hotels and the next six weeks for resorts:
Thailand - Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit - THB 5280 Singapore - Sheraton Towers Singapore - SGD 200 Poland - Le Royal Méridien Bristol - EUR 79 Ireland - Sheraton Fota Island Hotel & Spa - EUR 99 Germany - The Westin Grand Frankfurt - EUR 142 Louisiana - Four Points by Sheraton New Orleans Airport - USD 108 California - Sheraton San Jose Hotel - USD 64 Canada - Sheraton on the Falls Hotel - CAD 79 Virginia - The Westin Alexandria - USD 125 South Carolina - The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa - USD 109
Book by November 23. Other hotels are available.
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CRUISES
4 specials aboard this European cruise line for Florida residents with this discount code!
Western Caribbean - 7 Nights - Sailing Dec. 15, 2007. From Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to: Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands. Verandahs: From $699; Suites: $899.
Eastern Caribbean - 7 Nights - Sailing Dec. 16, 2007. From Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to: San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Catalina Island & Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic; Nassau, Bahamas. Mini Suites: $899.
Holiday: Sailing Dec. 22, 2007. From Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to: San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic; Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands. Verandahs: $999.
New Year's: Sailing Dec. 30, 2007. From Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to: San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Catalina Island & Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic; Nassau, Bahamas. Inside Staterooms: $799; Outside Staterooms: $899.
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ROUND-TRIP AIRFARE AND UP TO 40% OFF CRUISE FARES!
Valparaiso to Buenos Aires
16 Days
Sail Date: 01/10/08 and 02/11/08
Fares from $ 4,199 per guest
Port Highlights: Punta Arenas, Chile; Ushuaia, Argentina; Puerto Madryn, Argentina; Montevideo, Uruguay
Miami to Miami
14 Days
Sail Date: 02/25/08
Fares from $2,799 per guest
Port Highlights: Belize City, Belize; Roatan, Honduras; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica (overnight); Colon, Panama
Miami to Miami
12 Days
Sail Date: 03/10/08
Fares from $2,299 per guest
Port Highlights: Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands; St. John's, Antigua; Castries, St. Lucia; Gustavia, St. Barts
Miami to Los Angeles
January 12 for 16 days
From $3299 per guest
Not cheap, but these are all inclusive cruises on an upscale line. When you factor in FREE airfare and discount, these cruises start at about $200 per person per night.
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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
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NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
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"A first-of-its-kind diabetes study launches next month at Walt Disney World, involving as many as 1,000 Disney employees who have diabetes or are at high risk of becoming diabetic." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 11/21/07)
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"Declaring that portable heart defibrillator devices may have saved as many as 40 lives at Disneyland, Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line ships since the Walt Disney Co. installed 650 of them throughout the properties in 2003, Disney announced Tuesday it will add 250 more, including 200 more at Disney World." (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 11/21/07)
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Disney Reaches to the Crib To Extend Princess Magic
"Disney's princess minders are hoping to hook even younger girls and their moms on the craze with a new range of princess products aimed at newborns. The princess clan will feature on cribs, diaper-changing mats and other infant products next year." (Source: biz.yahoo.com/wallstreet, 11/19/07)
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"Hop on a Segway and take The Wilderness Back Trail Adventure... The wheels on these Segways are bigger, but you can go only 6 mph -- other Segways hit 12 mph." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 11/16/07)
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
"SeaWorld officials confirmed Monday that they, Warner Bros. Pictures and Iwerks Entertainment are reprogramming the theme park's Wild Arctic simulator ride, transforming it into a simulated train ride to "Santa Town," based on Chris Van Allsburg's children's book The Polar Express and the 2004 animated movie of the same name." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 11/20/07)
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"The executives who run the Universal Studios Orlando resort genuinely believe that the renaming of Disney-MGM Studios theme park will confuse a certain number of tourists. And Universal intends to take advantage of this confusion by launching a bold new promotional campaign for their resort in 2008." Also on the horizon:
* Harry Potter and Simpson characters will soon appear at the parks
* Universal is developing a new, more family friendly, Halloween experience to compete with Disney's "Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party."
(Source: jimhillmedia.com, 11/20/07)
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Click here to learn about the Top 10 Most Annoying Hidden Hotel Fees.
"Cypress Gardens' Old Fashioned Christmas begins today at 6:30 p.m. with the lighting of its Christmas tree. Among this Winter Haven park's offerings are a living nativity show, an ice-skating presentation, carolers and some of Cypress' Gardens original decorations on display." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 11/16/07)
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"Orange County is a constantly evolving shopping Mecca, a trendsetter of fashion and design, as well as a hub of eclectic shopping locales and experiences. From high-end retailers and trend-setting boutiques to bargain shopping, there's something to be found for every kind of shopper."
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Click here for a review of Steakhouse 55 restaurant in the Disneyland Hotel.
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"Those animatronic skeletons drinking wine and steering a ship may not be the only dead ones inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. A suspicious powder that may or may not have been cremated remains was spotted in the water in the popular attraction," (Source: ocregister.com, 11/14/07)
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DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Disney Cruise Line Advance Tipping: You can now pay for your tips in advance and skip the wait at Guest Services. Add pre-paid gratuities to a reservation up to three days before departure.
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Disneyland Resort Calendar
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VEGAS
"Planet Hollywood co-founder Robert Earl is gambling on a big comeback in the capital of gambling, with the opening this week of his gilded casino-hotel in Las Vegas." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 11/16/07)
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NOTE: Links to newspaper articles change quickly and without notice. If you receive a "File Not Found" error message, search the newspaper's archives for the story. Certain newspapers require a free registration to view their articles online. If web addresses are broken into more than one line, copy and paste all lines.
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DISNEY SYSTEM GOING DOWN FOR MAINTENANCE
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
"The Disney Travel Company computer system will be shut down tomorrow night (Wednesday) at 10 PM for a system upgrade. The upgrade is expected to be completed by 9:00 Saturday morning. They are almost never on time with those, so don't count on it! You cannot make reservations, modify reservations, or cancel reservations for PACKAGES during that time. Although I haven't had it confirmed yet, my assumption is that they will apply the same old rule they usually have when the system goes down unexpectedly, and that is that payments due while the system is down can be made without penalty on the day it comes back up. Reservations with money due will not cancel during that time (or they shouldn't - but make the payment if you can, just in case).
Room-only reservations will continue to be accepted and existing room-only reservations can be manipulated during this time, as can dining reservations and activity reservations. The exception is Friday from 12:30-4:00 PM when that system will be down as well.
In other words, to play it safe, don't leave anything hanging. If you have a package payment due between Thursday and Monday it would be best to get it made today or tomorrow rather than wait. Only wait if you're not yet committed to the trip and making a payment would tie you into it by way of a cancellation penalty. In that case, make sure that you make the payment on Saturday (or when the system is back up) and do not under any circumstances miss a payment that's due when the system is functional. They will only waive rules if you missed a payment because of the system being down."
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DISNEYLAND PARIS
Top Couturiers including Vivienne Westwood and Azzedine Alaïa Design for the Disney Princesses
European fashion houses re-design classic character’s outfits to be auctioned offat CHRISTIE’S to benefit UNICEF
To continue its 15th birthday celebrations, Disneyland Resort Paris is teaming up with some of Europe’s leading names in fashion to design one-of-a-kind creations inspired by Disney Princesses.
British fashion icons Dame Vivienne Westwood, Luella Bartley, Scott Henshall, Paul Costello, Antoni & Alison and Michael Hertz for Aquascutum will be joining designers from France, Spain and the Netherlands to create original, high-fashion party dresses for classic Disney Princesses such as Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Tinkerbell and Minnie Mouse.
The designers have penned initial sketches for their chosen characters and are now working hard to make their final one-off fantasy creations. These will be showcased at Disneyland Resort Paris in November. The designs will be auctioned off at CHRISTIE’S in Paris during an exclusive VIP event in November. Proceeds from this auction will provide much-needed funds for UNICEF.
Scott Henshall, who was inspired by the Wicked Queen from Snow White commented, "Walt Disney is a hugely iconic figure that I’ve been bought up with so I felt honoured to be asked to be part of this project. Since I’ve been known to have a bit of a wicked side I thought it only fitting to design for the evil queen from Snow White."
Vivienne Westwood, when asked what had inspired her to design for the classic Disney Princess, Snow White, said, "Because there's a Snow White in every girl."
Other international fashion designers taking part are Azzedine Alaïa and Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada, from Spain, and Nathalie Garçon, Impasse de la Défense, Baccarat and Chantal Thomass, from France, just to mention a few.
Jeff Archambault, head of Community Relations for Disneyland Resort Paris said of the project: "This exciting project illustrates the historic partnership that has brought Disney and UNICEF together over time in supporting children’s causes. By donating their time, talent and savoir-faire to create original fashion pieces, the designers are demonstrating that when beauty and generosity go hand in hand, the results are nothing short of magical." (Source: Press Release)
Click here to see photos.
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IT’S A BLOCKBUSTER HOLIDAY SEASON WITH THE RETURN OF GRINCHMAS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT
Just like the Grinch himself, guests’ hearts will grow three sizes this holiday season with the return of Grinchmas at Universal Orlando Resort. From December 7 through January 1, holiday celebrations are resort-wide across Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal CityWalk and all three on-site Loews hotels.
Back by popular demand, this year’s festivities include the return of Grinchmas to Islands of Adventure. The celebration will include an all-new "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" show in honor of the 50th anniversary of the book. The live musical will take place on a brand-new stage in the heart of Seuss Landing and will include seven songs for guests to enjoy. Guests will also have the chance to meet the Grinch and see Whos from Whoville.
The Macy’s Holiday Parade also returns to Universal Studios this year. Balloons and floats will parade down the streets each night so that guests can experience the same ambiance as the classic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Guests will recognize signature Macy’s balloons as well as some new parade additions, including an appearance by the Simpsons family and their newly-created RV. The Simpsons will be featured in an all-new mega-attraction coming to Universal Studios in Spring 2008. Guests can also enjoy specially themed holiday shows including The Blues Brothers, Kidzone and Barney.
For more information on Universal Orlando’s holiday events and festivities, guests can visit www.universalorlando.com/holidays.
The celebration continues at Universal Orlando’s three world-class, on-site hotels - Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort - all of which will glisten with holiday decorations. Hotels guests will be immersed in the spirit of the season with carolers, tree-lighting ceremonies, holiday movie presentations and special holiday menus.
New Year’s Eve 2007 at Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk is the place to be on New Year’s Eve 2007. Guests will enjoy live music featuring Foreigner and the B-52s on the main stage and additional entertainment inside participating CityWalk venues. Guests will also enjoy a traditional New Year’s Eve celebration with an unlimited buffet, fireworks and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.citywalkorlando.com or through CityWalk Guest Services at (407) 224-2690. Guests must be 21 years old to attend the event, and tickets do not include admission to Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure. (Source: Press Release)
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MONEY SAVING COUPON
Sterling Casino
"The World’s Largest, Most Luxurious Casino Cruise! Sterling Casino sails free twice daily from Port Canaveral."
Receive a FREE 2-for-1 Drink and FREE $5 Match Play 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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posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 7:07 AM
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