Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS - Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
December 26, 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 would like to thank all of you for your support in 2007. 2008 marks an important milestone for us - our 10th year online! Where did those 10 years go? It's been quite an adventure for us and I'm sure your lives have changed in many ways over the past decade. We couldn't have done it without Beth, our travel agent, Omar, our ticket agent, and all our wonderful members and newsletter readers. May God bless you all and make your dreams come true in 2008!
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - Disney on Broadway discount, year end clearance sale on dining certificates, Disney cruise line discount, and Disney cruise line onboard credit
* The latest news from around the "World" - new monorail cars arrive at Disneyland
* Disney's Pirate and Princess Party returns to the Magic Kingdom
* Disney's "Year of a Million Dreams" continues throughout 2008
* Bring on the New Year at Universal CityWalk with the B-52’S and Foreigner
* Universal CityWalk Calendar and Venue Entertainment - January 2008
* This week's coupon - complimentary valet parking at this Orlando seafood restaurant
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Disney Rewards Visa cardholders save up to $30 on tickets to this Disney Broadway show!
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Save 70% on dining certificates redeemable at restaurants in Orlando, near Walt Disney World, in Anaheim, near Disneyland California, and all across the US! Get $25 gift certificates for only $3 with our discount code. Plus, get a FREE $15 delaFlowers Gift Certificate with every order! Hurry! Offer expires 12/31/07.
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DISNEY CRUISE LINE
* Enjoy a Disney Cruise in early 2008 from $299!
* Disney Rewards Visa Cardholders receive a $50 stateroom credit good for buying merchandise, shore excursions, etc., when they book their cruise with this discount code!
=================================================
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, you can save up to 40% on a 2008 vacation with this promotion not known by the general public!
>> 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!
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
>> Book your Tee Times at this site where rates start at $69
>> All you can eat at Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure for less than $20
>> Save up to 40% at this Luxury Resort just 6 miles from Walt Disney World!
>> New Discounts available on tickets to SeaWorld and Busch Gardens! Good for 6 consecutive days, too!
>> All you can eat at Universal Studios or Islands of
Adventure for less than $20!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
>> Early booking savings on 3-, 4-, and 7-night cruises!
>> This group receives a $50 onboard credit!
>> Discounts for Florida residents and the military - rates too low to publish!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
>> Win a Disneyland/Southern California vacation!
>> Kids fly FREE!
>> 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!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
>> Discover the secret to getting FREE admission!
>> Kids under 7 stay and play FREE!
--------------------------------
VEGAS
>> Specials at the Bellagio, MGM Grand, New York-New York, Mirage, Treasure Island and Venetian. Low rates - sometimes as low as $79 per night - dining discounts, show tickets, FREE room upgrades, FREE spa admission, and FREE play money are not uncommon.
--------------------------------
BRANSON, MISSOURI
Free Accommodations for the military!
This luxury Branson golf resort community is offering two FREE nights - no strings attached - to active-duty U.S. military personnel on leave from the Middle East. Located just off the Branson Strip, it is conveniently situated between international award-winning theme park, Silver Dollar City, and Branson’s 49 live music theaters. Reservations will be accepted until January 1, 2008 for stays occurring before February 1, 2008.
--------------------------------
CRUISES
>> 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!
>> Cruise discounts, FREE upgrades, kids travel FREE!
>> Inexpensive Shore Excursions and Tours!
--------------------------------
If you are not a member, you can join our Disney family here. Members can use the following URLs to log in:
Lifetime Deluxe Member
Lifetime Basic Member
Deluxe Member
Basic Member
Be sure to become a member before the 2008 price increase!
=================================================
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
--------------------------------
Shopping at Theme Park Stores at Orlando International Airport
"Disney dwarfs the competition. Its stores -- the flagship Disney's EarPort in the terminal's east hall and the Magic of Disney in the west hall -- outsell all of the other theme-park stores combined. Its stores ring up as much as $1.2 million in receipts in a single month." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 12/24/07)
OIA is going to open two more theme park stores in Airside 4, the international flight area.
--------------------------------
After much refurbishing, Disney has unofficially opened Spaceship Earth - what they call a "soft opening" - that gives Disney an opportunity to gage the audience's reaction and allows lucky visitors to experience the changes ahead of schedule. The official reopening is set for February.
--------------------------------
Click here to see a 30-second video of the building of the gingerbread house at Disney's Grand Floridian.
--------------------------------
"Only three of the 500 portable heart defibrillators on Disney World property were in Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park when the death occurred Tuesday, and none was close to the Expedition Everest ride, where the man died. But Disney said its strategy for dealing with medical emergencies was sound." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 12/20/07)
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Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
http://nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/florida/preserves/art5523.html
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
"The first new monorail car in two decades slid onto the Disneyland track on Thursday as the theme park prepares for guests to ride it starting in late February." (Source: ocregister.com, 12/20/07)
The new cars will sport blue and purple glass and window seating that gives riders a view of the parks, Disneyland Hotel and Downtown Disney as they travel.
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Disneyland Resort Calendar
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HONG KONG DISNEYLAND
"Hong Kong Disneyland announced four entertainment initiatives for next year on Wednesday -- the same day local pols were told that the park's performance has been 'unsatisfactory.'" In addition to It's A Small World, which had already been scheduled to open in 2008, the new attractions will include:
* Muppet Mobile Lab
* High School Musical Celebration
* Turtle Talk With Crush
* The Art of Animation
(Source: variety.com, 12/19/07)
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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’s Pirate and Princess Party Offers Perfect Blend of Rowdy and Regal Merriment
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Enter a wonderland of enchanting princesses and swashbuckling adventurers during Disney's Pirate and Princess Party returning to Magic Kingdom for 13 magical nights beginning Jan. 21, 2008.
A treasure map leads feisty buccaneers and pretty princesses on a trek through Magic Kingdom seeking chocolate treasures, colorful beads and encounters with favorite Disney characters. Youngsters can explore themed pirate coves and princess courts overflowing with special entertainment, dance parties, plus favorite attractions are open throughout the evening's festivities.
Centerpiece of the after-hours event is the twice-nightly "Enchanted Adventures Parade," a colorful cavalcade starring a 39-foot pirate ship with swinging and sword-fighting mates. And perched high on the gold-filled treasure chest is Tinker Bell herself guarding the goods from Captain Hook and the larger-than-life crocodile -- Tick Tock -- that angrily snaps and slithers along the route.
Disney maidens and princes, knights on horseback, regal dancers and the Jolly Rogers flag corps make fairy tales come alive in the twice-nightly spectacle. The night is capped with the dazzling "Magic, Music, and Mayhem" fireworks spectacular orchestrated to an original musical score with memorable pirate and princess melodies.
Disney's Pirate and Princes Party takes place from 7 p.m. to midnight on Jan. 21, 26, 29, Feb. 2, 5, 9, 14, 22, 26 and March 1, 6, 11 and 14. Tickets are $45.95 plus tax for ages 10/up and $39.95 plus tax for ages 3-9. Call WDW-AHOY or visit disneyworld.com/pirateandprincess for special offers. (Source: Press Release)
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Another Dream Year in Store in 2008 as Walt Disney World Debuts Cutting Edge Attraction, Entertainment, Multi-Sports Center, Restaurants
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- When the clock "strikes twelve" on Dec. 31, neither Cinderella nor Walt Disney World guests will need to worry about the party being over. The fun is not turning into a "pumpkin." Another "Year of a Million Dreams" is on the other side of midnight ...
In 2008, the Vacation Kingdom will unwrap a technologically cutting-edge theme park attraction, the most engaging parade the resort has ever showcased, taste-tempting new restaurant adventures, and the opportunity for lucky guests to win some over-the-top money-can't-buy experiences in the Disney Dreams Giveaway. And that's just for starters. Here's a sneak preview of what's in store to make 2008 great at Walt Disney World Resort:
* Disney's Hollywood Studios -- It's "Happy New Year and hello Disney's Hollywood Studios." Renamed from Disney-MGM Studios, Disney's Hollywood Studios better reflects not only the Golden Age of Tinseltown but all that today's Hollywood has to offer -- in movies, music, theater and television. The name change launches with the new year.
* "Playhouse Disney--Live on Stage!" -- A whole new cast of friends from Playhouse Disney fills the popular Playhouse Disney stage. Children will be on their feet singing, clapping and dancing to performing stars from "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," "Little Einsteins," "Handy Manny" and more. The new "Playhouse Disney--Live on Stage!" show debuts at Disney's Hollywood Studios in February.
* "Block Party Bash" -- Guests will play, party and dance as the most interactive parade in Disney history arrives at Disney's Hollywood Studios in spring 2008. Guests will be invited to rock to retro tunes, be dazzled by high-flying acrobatics and join in the fun as more than 20 partying Disney-Pixar Film Pals fill the theme park streets. This immersive rolling spectacle will feature favorite characters from "The Incredibles," "Toy Story 2," "Monsters, Inc." and "A Bug's Life." "Block Party Bash" will replace the "Disney Stars and Motor Cars" parade.
* Toy Story Mania! -- An innovative ride-game experience coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios summer 2008, Toy Story Mania! combines memorable film characters from Disney-Pixar classics "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2" with games that match their motion picture personas. Donning 3-D glasses, guests seemingly shrink to the size of a toy and hop fanciful ride vehicles that follow a midway-themed route. At each game booth, they aim for animated targets using a special spring-action shooter. The challenges are designed to be fun for everyone from beginners to serious gamers -- and, for Disney theme park guests on both coasts, as Toy Story Mania! also is coming to Disneyland Resort in 2008.
* Jostens Center -- represents the latest expansion project for Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex (220 acres), which is widely regarded as the leading sports venue for amateur and professional sports in the nation. The new multi-sport facility will include 45,000 square feet of competition space that will accommodate six basketball courts or 12 volleyball courts or two roller hockey rinks, as well as locker rooms and meeting rooms. The new facility, set to open in summer 2008, will allow Disney the ability to double the number of indoor sports events that it can accommodate.
* Themed Restaurants -- The introduction of innovative dining experiences continues with four restaurants opening during 2008. Landry's Restaurants, which just introduced a taste of Asia to Disney's Animal Kingdom with the opening of Yak & Yeti Restaurant, will treat Downtown Disney guests to a face-to-face encounter with a dinosaur at T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover, which combines table-service dining and retail in an interactive prehistoric environment built around water, fire and ice. At Epcot, China's Nine Dragons table-service restaurant will close in early 2008 to make way for an innovative dining room, scheduled to open in the fall, featuring five cooking stations where guests can interact with chefs from China. At Disney's Contemporary Resort, The Wave, opening in the spring, will serve up American cooking blended with world flavors. In the Italy pavilion at Epcot, Tutto Italia Ristorante ("Everything Italy") is the newest restaurant for California-based Patina Group, which has a portfolio of nearly 30 restaurants. The location will be expanded for a grand opening late in 2008.
* Disney Dreams Giveaway -- When it was time to decide what to do for an encore to the 2007 "Year of a Million Dreams," Disney Parks heard resoundingly from guests. They asked for more dreams. Even bigger dreams. More dreams money can't buy. More dreams that only Disney can make come true. So Disney's magic-makers went back to their dream drawing board and created over-the-top experiences for the 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway that will be awarded to eligible lucky guests in the right place at the right time and mail-in participants, including: a chance for guests to stay inside Disneyland Park; a private day at Disney's tropical island paradise, Castaway Cay; a New Year's Eve night stay inside Cinderella Castle Suite at Walt Disney World Resort; a star-studded trip to the "High School Musical 3" film premiere; and a flight of fancy in a hot air balloon above a Disney theme park. But that's not all. In 2008, Disney also will award hundreds of thousands of dreams in all shapes and sizes, including Dream FASTPASS badges, gourmet dining packages, special viewing for parades, Disney shopping sprees, an additional hour -- known as Dream Time -- for chosen guests to enjoy a Disney park, or special Dream Mouse Ears or Pin and Lanyard sets. It all adds up to over one million more dreams that will be awarded in 2008. (Source: Press Release)
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Bring on the New Year at Universal Citywalk with the B-52’S and Foreigner
WHAT: The countdown to 2008 begins at Universal CityWalk with live performances on the main stage from The B-52’s and Foreigner. Live DJs, entertainment in each venue and street party on the CityWalk promenade keep the party going all night long. Unlimited, all-you-can-eat food offerings including filet mignon, jumbo shrimp, desserts and more will be available throughout the event. At midnight, guests will celebrate the arrival of 2008 with party favors, a confetti burst, and a champagne toast. The entire event will be broadcast live on Cn8, the Comcast network.
WHO: The B-52’s unforgettable dance-rock music includes chart-topping hits like "Love Shack" and "Good Stuff." Foreigner’s fames spurs from their successful transition from the hard rock of the 70’s to party-rock of the 80’s with monster ballads "I Want Know What Love Is" and "Waiting for a Girl like You."
WHERE: Universal CityWalk
WHEN: December 31, 2007; 8:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
TICKETS: $119 + tax per person - including an award-winning menu
Admission includes all-night access to CityWalk’s hottest clubs and restaurants.
Tickets can be purchased through CityWalk Guest Services (407-224-2690), Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations (407-224-5500) or online at http://www.universalorlando.com/holidays/citywalk.html.
* Must be 21 or older to purchase a ticket. Must be 21 to consume alcoholic beverages. Must have valid identification. Tickets do not include entrance to Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios theme parks. Tickets do not include non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverages. (Source: Press Release)
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Citywalk Calendar and Venue Entertainment - January 2008
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
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:
*January 3-5: Jeff Barrett as seen on Showtime with Mike Weldon and MC James Yon as as seen on FOX
*January 10-12: Steve Netta as seen on MTV with Roy Haber and James Yon as seen on FOX
*January 17-19: Darryl Rhoades as seen on A&E with special guest and James Yon as seen on FOX
*January 24-26: Adam Ace as seen on HBO with special guest and James Yon as seen on FOX
*January 31- Feb 2: Tommy Blaze as seen on HBO, Showtime and "Friends" with special guest and James yon as seen on FOX
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, January 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m - $12.00 admission
*Friday, January 4 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.- $15 admission
*Friday, January 11 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.- $15 admission
*Friday, January 25 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.- $15 admission
*Sunday, January 20 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m - $12.00 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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MONEY SAVING COUPON
The Oceanaire
9101 International Dr
Suite 1002
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 407-363-4801
Fax: 407-363-4867
Ultra-fresh seafood served in the setting of a classic 1930s ocean liner.
Receive Complimentary Valet Parking 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.
--------------------------------
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.
--------------------------------
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.
=============================================
December 26, 2007
Copyright © 1999 - 2007 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
To subscribe to Affordable Disney's blog, click the following
icon:
Or copy and paste the following URL into your RSS Reader:
http://affordabledisney.blogspot.com/atom.xml
: My Yahoo! users can instantly add our blogcontent to My Yahoo! Add My Yahoo!
: You can also subscribe to our blog at MSN! Add to My MSN!
=================================================
Hi Everyone!
NOTE: 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 would like to thank all of you for your support in 2007. 2008 marks an important milestone for us - our 10th year online! Where did those 10 years go? It's been quite an adventure for us and I'm sure your lives have changed in many ways over the past decade. We couldn't have done it without Beth, our travel agent, Omar, our ticket agent, and all our wonderful members and newsletter readers. May God bless you all and make your dreams come true in 2008!
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - Disney on Broadway discount, year end clearance sale on dining certificates, Disney cruise line discount, and Disney cruise line onboard credit
* The latest news from around the "World" - new monorail cars arrive at Disneyland
* Disney's Pirate and Princess Party returns to the Magic Kingdom
* Disney's "Year of a Million Dreams" continues throughout 2008
* Bring on the New Year at Universal CityWalk with the B-52’S and Foreigner
* Universal CityWalk Calendar and Venue Entertainment - January 2008
* This week's coupon - complimentary valet parking at this Orlando seafood restaurant
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Disney Rewards Visa cardholders save up to $30 on tickets to this Disney Broadway show!
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Save 70% on dining certificates redeemable at restaurants in Orlando, near Walt Disney World, in Anaheim, near Disneyland California, and all across the US! Get $25 gift certificates for only $3 with our discount code. Plus, get a FREE $15 delaFlowers Gift Certificate with every order! Hurry! Offer expires 12/31/07.
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
* Enjoy a Disney Cruise in early 2008 from $299!
* Disney Rewards Visa Cardholders receive a $50 stateroom credit good for buying merchandise, shore excursions, etc., when they book their cruise with this discount code!
=================================================
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, you can save up to 40% on a 2008 vacation with this promotion not known by the general public!
>> 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!
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
>> Book your Tee Times at this site where rates start at $69
>> All you can eat at Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure for less than $20
>> Save up to 40% at this Luxury Resort just 6 miles from Walt Disney World!
>> New Discounts available on tickets to SeaWorld and Busch Gardens! Good for 6 consecutive days, too!
>> All you can eat at Universal Studios or Islands of
Adventure for less than $20!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
>> Early booking savings on 3-, 4-, and 7-night cruises!
>> This group receives a $50 onboard credit!
>> Discounts for Florida residents and the military - rates too low to publish!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
>> Win a Disneyland/Southern California vacation!
>> Kids fly FREE!
>> 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!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
>> Discover the secret to getting FREE admission!
>> Kids under 7 stay and play FREE!
--------------------------------
VEGAS
>> Specials at the Bellagio, MGM Grand, New York-New York, Mirage, Treasure Island and Venetian. Low rates - sometimes as low as $79 per night - dining discounts, show tickets, FREE room upgrades, FREE spa admission, and FREE play money are not uncommon.
--------------------------------
BRANSON, MISSOURI
Free Accommodations for the military!
This luxury Branson golf resort community is offering two FREE nights - no strings attached - to active-duty U.S. military personnel on leave from the Middle East. Located just off the Branson Strip, it is conveniently situated between international award-winning theme park, Silver Dollar City, and Branson’s 49 live music theaters. Reservations will be accepted until January 1, 2008 for stays occurring before February 1, 2008.
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CRUISES
>> 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!
>> Cruise discounts, FREE upgrades, kids travel FREE!
>> Inexpensive Shore Excursions and Tours!
--------------------------------
If you are not a member, you can join our Disney family here. Members can use the following URLs to log in:
Lifetime Deluxe Member
Lifetime Basic Member
Deluxe Member
Basic Member
Be sure to become a member before the 2008 price increase!
=================================================
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
--------------------------------
Shopping at Theme Park Stores at Orlando International Airport
"Disney dwarfs the competition. Its stores -- the flagship Disney's EarPort in the terminal's east hall and the Magic of Disney in the west hall -- outsell all of the other theme-park stores combined. Its stores ring up as much as $1.2 million in receipts in a single month." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 12/24/07)
OIA is going to open two more theme park stores in Airside 4, the international flight area.
--------------------------------
After much refurbishing, Disney has unofficially opened Spaceship Earth - what they call a "soft opening" - that gives Disney an opportunity to gage the audience's reaction and allows lucky visitors to experience the changes ahead of schedule. The official reopening is set for February.
--------------------------------
Click here to see a 30-second video of the building of the gingerbread house at Disney's Grand Floridian.
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"Only three of the 500 portable heart defibrillators on Disney World property were in Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park when the death occurred Tuesday, and none was close to the Expedition Everest ride, where the man died. But Disney said its strategy for dealing with medical emergencies was sound." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 12/20/07)
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Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
http://nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/florida/preserves/art5523.html
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
"The first new monorail car in two decades slid onto the Disneyland track on Thursday as the theme park prepares for guests to ride it starting in late February." (Source: ocregister.com, 12/20/07)
The new cars will sport blue and purple glass and window seating that gives riders a view of the parks, Disneyland Hotel and Downtown Disney as they travel.
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Disneyland Resort Calendar
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HONG KONG DISNEYLAND
"Hong Kong Disneyland announced four entertainment initiatives for next year on Wednesday -- the same day local pols were told that the park's performance has been 'unsatisfactory.'" In addition to It's A Small World, which had already been scheduled to open in 2008, the new attractions will include:
* Muppet Mobile Lab
* High School Musical Celebration
* Turtle Talk With Crush
* The Art of Animation
(Source: variety.com, 12/19/07)
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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’s Pirate and Princess Party Offers Perfect Blend of Rowdy and Regal Merriment
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Enter a wonderland of enchanting princesses and swashbuckling adventurers during Disney's Pirate and Princess Party returning to Magic Kingdom for 13 magical nights beginning Jan. 21, 2008.
A treasure map leads feisty buccaneers and pretty princesses on a trek through Magic Kingdom seeking chocolate treasures, colorful beads and encounters with favorite Disney characters. Youngsters can explore themed pirate coves and princess courts overflowing with special entertainment, dance parties, plus favorite attractions are open throughout the evening's festivities.
Centerpiece of the after-hours event is the twice-nightly "Enchanted Adventures Parade," a colorful cavalcade starring a 39-foot pirate ship with swinging and sword-fighting mates. And perched high on the gold-filled treasure chest is Tinker Bell herself guarding the goods from Captain Hook and the larger-than-life crocodile -- Tick Tock -- that angrily snaps and slithers along the route.
Disney maidens and princes, knights on horseback, regal dancers and the Jolly Rogers flag corps make fairy tales come alive in the twice-nightly spectacle. The night is capped with the dazzling "Magic, Music, and Mayhem" fireworks spectacular orchestrated to an original musical score with memorable pirate and princess melodies.
Disney's Pirate and Princes Party takes place from 7 p.m. to midnight on Jan. 21, 26, 29, Feb. 2, 5, 9, 14, 22, 26 and March 1, 6, 11 and 14. Tickets are $45.95 plus tax for ages 10/up and $39.95 plus tax for ages 3-9. Call WDW-AHOY or visit disneyworld.com/pirateandprincess for special offers. (Source: Press Release)
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Another Dream Year in Store in 2008 as Walt Disney World Debuts Cutting Edge Attraction, Entertainment, Multi-Sports Center, Restaurants
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- When the clock "strikes twelve" on Dec. 31, neither Cinderella nor Walt Disney World guests will need to worry about the party being over. The fun is not turning into a "pumpkin." Another "Year of a Million Dreams" is on the other side of midnight ...
In 2008, the Vacation Kingdom will unwrap a technologically cutting-edge theme park attraction, the most engaging parade the resort has ever showcased, taste-tempting new restaurant adventures, and the opportunity for lucky guests to win some over-the-top money-can't-buy experiences in the Disney Dreams Giveaway. And that's just for starters. Here's a sneak preview of what's in store to make 2008 great at Walt Disney World Resort:
* Disney's Hollywood Studios -- It's "Happy New Year and hello Disney's Hollywood Studios." Renamed from Disney-MGM Studios, Disney's Hollywood Studios better reflects not only the Golden Age of Tinseltown but all that today's Hollywood has to offer -- in movies, music, theater and television. The name change launches with the new year.
* "Playhouse Disney--Live on Stage!" -- A whole new cast of friends from Playhouse Disney fills the popular Playhouse Disney stage. Children will be on their feet singing, clapping and dancing to performing stars from "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," "Little Einsteins," "Handy Manny" and more. The new "Playhouse Disney--Live on Stage!" show debuts at Disney's Hollywood Studios in February.
* "Block Party Bash" -- Guests will play, party and dance as the most interactive parade in Disney history arrives at Disney's Hollywood Studios in spring 2008. Guests will be invited to rock to retro tunes, be dazzled by high-flying acrobatics and join in the fun as more than 20 partying Disney-Pixar Film Pals fill the theme park streets. This immersive rolling spectacle will feature favorite characters from "The Incredibles," "Toy Story 2," "Monsters, Inc." and "A Bug's Life." "Block Party Bash" will replace the "Disney Stars and Motor Cars" parade.
* Toy Story Mania! -- An innovative ride-game experience coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios summer 2008, Toy Story Mania! combines memorable film characters from Disney-Pixar classics "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2" with games that match their motion picture personas. Donning 3-D glasses, guests seemingly shrink to the size of a toy and hop fanciful ride vehicles that follow a midway-themed route. At each game booth, they aim for animated targets using a special spring-action shooter. The challenges are designed to be fun for everyone from beginners to serious gamers -- and, for Disney theme park guests on both coasts, as Toy Story Mania! also is coming to Disneyland Resort in 2008.
* Jostens Center -- represents the latest expansion project for Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex (220 acres), which is widely regarded as the leading sports venue for amateur and professional sports in the nation. The new multi-sport facility will include 45,000 square feet of competition space that will accommodate six basketball courts or 12 volleyball courts or two roller hockey rinks, as well as locker rooms and meeting rooms. The new facility, set to open in summer 2008, will allow Disney the ability to double the number of indoor sports events that it can accommodate.
* Themed Restaurants -- The introduction of innovative dining experiences continues with four restaurants opening during 2008. Landry's Restaurants, which just introduced a taste of Asia to Disney's Animal Kingdom with the opening of Yak & Yeti Restaurant, will treat Downtown Disney guests to a face-to-face encounter with a dinosaur at T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover, which combines table-service dining and retail in an interactive prehistoric environment built around water, fire and ice. At Epcot, China's Nine Dragons table-service restaurant will close in early 2008 to make way for an innovative dining room, scheduled to open in the fall, featuring five cooking stations where guests can interact with chefs from China. At Disney's Contemporary Resort, The Wave, opening in the spring, will serve up American cooking blended with world flavors. In the Italy pavilion at Epcot, Tutto Italia Ristorante ("Everything Italy") is the newest restaurant for California-based Patina Group, which has a portfolio of nearly 30 restaurants. The location will be expanded for a grand opening late in 2008.
* Disney Dreams Giveaway -- When it was time to decide what to do for an encore to the 2007 "Year of a Million Dreams," Disney Parks heard resoundingly from guests. They asked for more dreams. Even bigger dreams. More dreams money can't buy. More dreams that only Disney can make come true. So Disney's magic-makers went back to their dream drawing board and created over-the-top experiences for the 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway that will be awarded to eligible lucky guests in the right place at the right time and mail-in participants, including: a chance for guests to stay inside Disneyland Park; a private day at Disney's tropical island paradise, Castaway Cay; a New Year's Eve night stay inside Cinderella Castle Suite at Walt Disney World Resort; a star-studded trip to the "High School Musical 3" film premiere; and a flight of fancy in a hot air balloon above a Disney theme park. But that's not all. In 2008, Disney also will award hundreds of thousands of dreams in all shapes and sizes, including Dream FASTPASS badges, gourmet dining packages, special viewing for parades, Disney shopping sprees, an additional hour -- known as Dream Time -- for chosen guests to enjoy a Disney park, or special Dream Mouse Ears or Pin and Lanyard sets. It all adds up to over one million more dreams that will be awarded in 2008. (Source: Press Release)
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Bring on the New Year at Universal Citywalk with the B-52’S and Foreigner
WHAT: The countdown to 2008 begins at Universal CityWalk with live performances on the main stage from The B-52’s and Foreigner. Live DJs, entertainment in each venue and street party on the CityWalk promenade keep the party going all night long. Unlimited, all-you-can-eat food offerings including filet mignon, jumbo shrimp, desserts and more will be available throughout the event. At midnight, guests will celebrate the arrival of 2008 with party favors, a confetti burst, and a champagne toast. The entire event will be broadcast live on Cn8, the Comcast network.
WHO: The B-52’s unforgettable dance-rock music includes chart-topping hits like "Love Shack" and "Good Stuff." Foreigner’s fames spurs from their successful transition from the hard rock of the 70’s to party-rock of the 80’s with monster ballads "I Want Know What Love Is" and "Waiting for a Girl like You."
WHERE: Universal CityWalk
WHEN: December 31, 2007; 8:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
TICKETS: $119 + tax per person - including an award-winning menu
Admission includes all-night access to CityWalk’s hottest clubs and restaurants.
Tickets can be purchased through CityWalk Guest Services (407-224-2690), Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations (407-224-5500) or online at http://www.universalorlando.com/holidays/citywalk.html.
* Must be 21 or older to purchase a ticket. Must be 21 to consume alcoholic beverages. Must have valid identification. Tickets do not include entrance to Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios theme parks. Tickets do not include non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverages. (Source: Press Release)
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Citywalk Calendar and Venue Entertainment - January 2008
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
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:
*January 3-5: Jeff Barrett as seen on Showtime with Mike Weldon and MC James Yon as as seen on FOX
*January 10-12: Steve Netta as seen on MTV with Roy Haber and James Yon as seen on FOX
*January 17-19: Darryl Rhoades as seen on A&E with special guest and James Yon as seen on FOX
*January 24-26: Adam Ace as seen on HBO with special guest and James Yon as seen on FOX
*January 31- Feb 2: Tommy Blaze as seen on HBO, Showtime and "Friends" with special guest and James yon as seen on FOX
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, January 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m - $12.00 admission
*Friday, January 4 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.- $15 admission
*Friday, January 11 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.- $15 admission
*Friday, January 25 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.- $15 admission
*Sunday, January 20 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m - $12.00 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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See You Real Soon!
John
AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
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posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 5:59 AM
