Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS - Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
January 9, 2008
Copyright © 1999 - 2008 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:
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: My Yahoo! users can instantly add our blog
content to My Yahoo! Add My Yahoo!
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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.
Members should log in to get the updated email address for Beth, our travel agent. Beth writes:
"About a year ago Time Warner/Roadrunner traded many of their internet accounts with Comcast so that they'd each be more efficient. My account was a casualty of that change. Until a few days ago email sent to my old Roadrunner address was being forwarded, but that has officially stopped now. Anyone using that old address will get the email returned. Therefore, it is very important that you update your address book to reflect the new address."
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - annual passholder discount, dining certificates sale, discount Disney cruises, California resident ticket discount, and AARP discount
* The latest news from around the "World" - Victoria & Albert's in the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa bans children
* Laurie writes about a shooting star and the magic of Disney
* Disney parks in search of CMO - Chief Magic Official
* Disney/Pixar’s "Toy Story" comes to the stage on the Disney Wonder
* This week's coupon - save at BB King's House of Blues in Orlando
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Annual Passholders save on rooms now through the first week in February with our discount code! Value resorts from $79; Moderate resorts from $139.
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
For a limited time get $25 dining certificates for restaurants near Disneyland California and Walt Disney World Florida - and across the USA - for only $5!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Two Disney Cruises in January for $299 per person!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Californians residing in these zip codes can gain entry to both Disneyland parks for the price of a one ticket!
AARP Members and up to 5 guests save $8.00 per ticket at this popular San Diego park!
=================================================
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
>> Discounts available on tickets to SeaWorld and Busch Gardens!
>> Florida Residents save up to $80.00 at this Florida park!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
>> Three nights from $299!
>> Four nights from $579!
>> Seven nights Land & Sea from $799!
>> This group receives a $50 onboard credit!
>> Discounts for Florida residents - rates too low to publish!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
>> Win a Disneyland/Southern California vacation!
>> Kids fly FREE!
>> 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.
--------------------------------
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
=================================================
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
--------------------------------
According to bloggers at the Orlando Sentinel the last day for the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios was quite a disappointment: no refreshment cart, no snow, no parade and many lights not working! (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/08/08)
--------------------------------
"Walt Disney World has banned young children from its swankiest restaurant, Victoria & Albert's in the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa... Children younger than 10 are no longer welcome." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/05/08)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Holy Land Experience
"TBN is giving the park, at 4655 Vineland Road, a complete makeover, from fresh carpet, paint and decor such as statues to several new food kiosks, evening lighting and state-of-the-art audio and video equipment." Improvements will also include:
* children's playground with a bible motif
* new live entertainment
* high-definition movies
* TV studio
* evening hours
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/07/08)
--------------------------------
"Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede closed abruptly Monday afternoon when its owners told the staff of the giant dinner theater that they had sold the attraction's 13-acre site east of Walt Disney World to an undisclosed buyer." Apparently someone made them an offer for their real estate they couldn't refuse. They plan to open elsewhere in Orlando, but haven't found a location yet. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/08/08)
Follow Up...
"The parent company of the Orlando Premium Outlets shopping center confirmed Tuesday that it holds the contract to buy the property at 8251 Vineland Ave." Officials would not disclose their plans for the property. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/09/08)
--------------------------------
SeaWorld's Aquatica "will feature 36 water slides, six rivers and lagoons, 80,000 square feet of beach plus some unique touches, such as clear-tube slides that shoot riders through pools filled with dolphins." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/07/08)
--------------------------------
Confessions of an Airline Ticket Agent. Eye Opening!
"Depending on your attitude, a ticket agent can turn out to be your best friend. Or your worst travel nightmare." (Source: information.travel.aol.com, 01/06/08)
--------------------------------
Cypress Gardens Under New Management
"Calling it the 'granddaddy of all theme parks,' Orlando-based attraction expert Steve Baker on Wednesday took over management of Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, which had fallen into bankruptcy and was sold to new local owners less than three months ago." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/03/08)
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
"Toy Story -- The Musical will debut in April aboard the Disney Wonder cruise ship. It's the latest entry in Disney's expansive live-theater network that launched in 1993 with the purchase of a Broadway theater and has grown to include full-blown, movie-based Broadway musicals such as The Lion King, Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/08/08)
For more information, see the Press Release below.
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
Laurie writes:
"I just had to tell you about a small, but amazing, incident that happened during our December trip to Walt Disney World. My husband and I were just approaching the 'Walt Disney World' sign around 10 p.m. (coming in from AL) when suddenly a bright shooting star flew across the sky above the sign. I thought it was maybe my imagination but my husband immediately turned to me and asked if I had seen it. It was just the perfect beginning to our dream vacation.
My brother (a weekly WDW visitor from Tampa) said upon my telling him the story, 'See, there's no limit to Disney magic.'
Thanks for the insightful and informative newsletter."
Thank you, Laurie, for the pat on the back! Seeing a shooting star is very rare. That truly was a magical start to a Disney dream vacation!
=================================================
Brand New Musical Aboard Disney Cruise Line Brings
Disney/Pixar’s "Toy Story" to the Stage for the First Time
CELEBRATION, Fla. -- Disney Cruise Line will transform one of the most beloved animated features of all time into a stage spectacular aboard the Disney Wonder cruise ship when "Toy Story-The Musical" makes its debut at the Walt Disney Theatre this spring. This is the first time the popular Disney/Pixar classic has been adapted for the stage.
Preserving the humor and heart of the original "Toy Story" film from Pixar Animation Studios, "Toy Story-The Musical" explores the true meaning of friendship as Buzz Lightyear and Woody transform from jealous adversaries to best friends with an unbreakable bond. The show's elaborate costumes capture the vibrant colors and playfulness of the animated characters. Guests of all ages will delight in an original collection of show tunes that retell the story in a fun and energizing way.
"World-class Disney entertainment is an important hallmark of Disney Cruise Line that sets us apart from the rest of the cruise industry and one of the reasons guests sail with us again and again," said Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin. " 'Toy Story-The Musical' represents the next generation of staged entertainment for Disney Cruise Line and a great enhancement to our incredible array of entertainment aboard the Disney Wonder."
Following the storyline of the original Disney/Pixar film, "Toy Story-The Musical" will give guests a toy's eye-view of life in Andy's room. The musical opens with an introduction to Woody, a pull-string talking cowboy who has long been six-year-old Andy's favorite toy.
But Andy's birthday brings a new arrival -- Buzz Lightyear, the coolest action figure in the universe. Woody's jealousy gets the better of him and he schemes to get rid of his new rival, but things go dreadfully awry. Woody and Buzz find themselves outside of Andy's room and in a hostile world. Working together and overcoming their differences, they find their way back to Andy -- along the way developing an appreciation of one another and creating a friendship.
"The 'Toy Story' film offered us a rich story and some incredible visual elements to build upon," noted Jim Urry, vice president of Entertainment for Disney Cruise Line. "The team we assembled created costumes, set designs and a whole new musical score to literally transport our guests into the middle of the whimsical world of Buzz and Woody."
Taking audiences into that world was no small task. Larger-than-life props help transform the 977-seat Walt Disney Theatre into a toy-sized world of fun and adventure. A rear projection screen aids the transformation between human-sized and toy-sized scenes and takes the show from the comfort of Andy's room ... to the frenzied world of Pizza Planet ... to the frightening room of Andy's neighbor, Sid.
Using Randy Newman's Oscar nominated hit song "You've Got a Friend in Me" as a departure point, this production has a new eight-song score that brings the story to life. New York-based Valerie Vigoda and Brendan Milburn from the band GrooveLily blended together pop, rock and folk music to create a contemporary score that truly captures the heartfelt whimsy of the animated tale.
The costumes for "Toy Story-The Musical" are some of the most complex ever developed for a Disney Cruise Line production. Costume designer Ann Closs-Farley created an extraordinary vision for what the characters would look like on stage. With a combination of articulated puppets and inflatable costumes, the "Toy Story" characters come to life -- including a nearly 9-foot-tall version of Rex the dinosaur and a 4-foot-round Hamm the piggybank.
In all, "Toy Story-The Musical" represents one of the largest productions ever developed for a cruise ship. This is just the second time a Pixar animated feature has been adapted for the stage by Disney Creative Entertainment. In early 2007, "Finding Nemo-The Musical" debuted at Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort and has been a tremendous success.
"When we first thought of bringing 'Toy Story' to the stage, there was a great deal of excitement about the project," said Anne Hamburger, Disney Creative Entertainment executive vice president. "Everyone on our team could immediately see how the heart and comedy of these characters could come alive in a memorable way that is unique to musical theatre."
"Toy Story-The Musical" compliments an already stellar lineup of entertainment performed every voyage on the Disney Wonder, joining stage shows "The Golden Mickeys" and the award-winning "Disney Dreams." (Source: Press Release)
=================================================
Search For First-Ever Disney Parks CMO Is On
Chief Magic Official Will Oversee Magic in Disney Parks During The Year of a Million Dreams-
Burbank, Ca., January 8, 2008 - Do you wish your M.D. really stood for "Magic Director?" Or perhaps that your Ph.D. had something to do with Pixie Dust? As millions of Americans resolve to search for a new job this New Year, Disney Parks may have just the position they’ve been waiting for!
To prove that making dreams come true is no longer reserved for fairy godmothers, CareerBuilder.com today launched the search for the first-ever Disney Parks Chief Magic Official (CMO) who will spread magic during The Year of a Million Dreams.
The search for the CMO is part of The Year of a Million Dreams, where this year more than one million more dreams will be granted to guests at Disney Parks. This celebration includes incredible new attractions, parades, interactive entertainment and much more!
"We’re looking for that perfect someone to serve alongside our talented Cast of dream makers," said Craig Dezern, Vice President, Global Public Relations, Disney Parks. "The CMO will serve as an ambassador of dreams to help create the magic that only Disney can bring to its guests."
"Whatever you dreamed of being when you were growing up, chances are some of your plans hit a snag along the way," said Richard Castellini, a spokesperson for CareerBuilder.com. "In fact, in a recent survey of over 6,000 workers, only 15 percent said they were actually in their dream jobs. The Disney Parks CMO will have the unique opportunity to live out his or her dream and bring a little magic to the lives of others."
Do You have the Character to be the CMO?
Beginning May 1, 2008, the part-time CMO will help create magical experiences for guests, participate in special events at Disney Parks and meet Disney’s real "masters of magic" - the Imagineers.
The ideal CMO candidate must be happy, never grumpy; able to easily befriend dwarfs, dogs, monsters and mice; have good manners - but also be able to pillage and plunder with pirates when necessary. Also required: pockets full of pixie dust, an aversion to poisonous apples, an interest in oversized teacups and flying elephants and, most importantly, a belief in all things magical.
The position will require travel, including travel to Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, during the week and some weekends and holidays. While traveling as the Disney Parks CMO, he/she will receive an hourly rate of compensation for hours spent performing the CMO role, as well as airfare, accommodations and a spending allowance.
"The CMO position is an opportunity of a lifetime for someone who has always wanted to be part of the Disney family," said Dezern. "We will look for the ideal candidate to be naturally outgoing and optimistic, and have a great sense of humor as well as a passion for spreading Disney magic to our guests."
Show Your DISNEY Magic
Beginning January 8 and continuing through January 27, interested applicants can visit www.DreamCMO.com and take the "Magic Aptitude Test" (M.A.T.) to see if they have what it takes to be the first-ever Disney Parks Chief Magic Official. Along with the results of the M.A.T., candidates will be asked to show their Disney magic by submitting a 60 second video resume - online at www.DreamCMO.com - which captures their personality and visually and verbally supports why they would make the ideal CMO.
Mickey’s Apprentice
A magical panel of judges will select the top 10 video resumes, which will be posted to www.DreamCMO.com and voted on by America. The top three vote-getters will take part in a three-day event at Walt Disney World Resort that will test their creativity, enthusiasm, knowledge of the Parks and magic aptitude. Throughout the three-day event, candidates will be videotaped and the videos will be posted on www.DreamCMO.com to be voted on by America. The top vote-getter will be named the Disney Parks Chief Magic Official.
For additional information about the CMO search and to apply, please visit www.DreamCMO.com. (Source: Press Release)
=================================================
MONEY SAVING COUPON
BB King's House of Blues
Pointe Orlando
9101 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
407-370-4550
Southern cuisine and music inspired by BB King. Enjoy 2 for 1 cover charge or FREE fried dill pickles (!) with the purchase of an entree and this coupon.
=================================================
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Affordable Disney Books
Disney and other new books 50-90% off the list price. Hundreds of books under $1.00! Plus! Over 700 videos have been marked down to $1.99! To check out the bargains, click here.
--------------------------------
Got Coupons?
With the Orlando Entertainment Book, you can save big on travel, groceries, shopping, movie tickets, and more! Save at hotels and restaurants near Walt Disney World, on car rental, airfare, admission to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa! For details, click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Disney Movies and CD's
Save 40-70% on your favorite Disney Movie or CD! Cheap shipping, too! Click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Accommodations
Enjoy Special Rates at select hotels, condos and vacation rentals near Disney. Plus! Receive up to a $100.00 rebate! For hotels, click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Luggage
Save up to 60% on Luggage, Backpacks, and more! Donna and I bought a beautiful 5-piece set of Samsonite luggage for our daughter for Christmas for $144! Click here.
--------------------------------
Own a piece of the Magic Kingdom
Disney framed stock certificates are works of art. They feature Walt Disney and the Disney characters. Unlike stock brokers that require you to purchase several shares of stock, OneShare sells one share of stock and mails you the certificate. You can frame the stock certificate yourself or OneShare will frame if for you at a nominal cost. Click here.
=============================================
See You Real Soon!
John
AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
=============================================
Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the accuracy of information contained in THE DISNEY NEWS. Always check to be sure. The views and opinions expressed by others in THE DISNEY NEWS do not necessarily reflect the views of AffordableDisney.Com.
=============================================
January 9, 2008
Copyright © 1999 - 2008 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.
Members should log in to get the updated email address for Beth, our travel agent. Beth writes:
"About a year ago Time Warner/Roadrunner traded many of their internet accounts with Comcast so that they'd each be more efficient. My account was a casualty of that change. Until a few days ago email sent to my old Roadrunner address was being forwarded, but that has officially stopped now. Anyone using that old address will get the email returned. Therefore, it is very important that you update your address book to reflect the new address."
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - annual passholder discount, dining certificates sale, discount Disney cruises, California resident ticket discount, and AARP discount
* The latest news from around the "World" - Victoria & Albert's in the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa bans children
* Laurie writes about a shooting star and the magic of Disney
* Disney parks in search of CMO - Chief Magic Official
* Disney/Pixar’s "Toy Story" comes to the stage on the Disney Wonder
* This week's coupon - save at BB King's House of Blues in Orlando
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Annual Passholders save on rooms now through the first week in February with our discount code! Value resorts from $79; Moderate resorts from $139.
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
For a limited time get $25 dining certificates for restaurants near Disneyland California and Walt Disney World Florida - and across the USA - for only $5!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Two Disney Cruises in January for $299 per person!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Californians residing in these zip codes can gain entry to both Disneyland parks for the price of a one ticket!
AARP Members and up to 5 guests save $8.00 per ticket at this popular San Diego park!
=================================================
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
>> Discounts available on tickets to SeaWorld and Busch Gardens!
>> Florida Residents save up to $80.00 at this Florida park!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
>> Three nights from $299!
>> Four nights from $579!
>> Seven nights Land & Sea from $799!
>> This group receives a $50 onboard credit!
>> Discounts for Florida residents - rates too low to publish!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
>> Win a Disneyland/Southern California vacation!
>> Kids fly FREE!
>> 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.
--------------------------------
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
=================================================
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
--------------------------------
According to bloggers at the Orlando Sentinel the last day for the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios was quite a disappointment: no refreshment cart, no snow, no parade and many lights not working! (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/08/08)
--------------------------------
"Walt Disney World has banned young children from its swankiest restaurant, Victoria & Albert's in the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa... Children younger than 10 are no longer welcome." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/05/08)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Holy Land Experience
"TBN is giving the park, at 4655 Vineland Road, a complete makeover, from fresh carpet, paint and decor such as statues to several new food kiosks, evening lighting and state-of-the-art audio and video equipment." Improvements will also include:
* children's playground with a bible motif
* new live entertainment
* high-definition movies
* TV studio
* evening hours
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/07/08)
--------------------------------
"Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede closed abruptly Monday afternoon when its owners told the staff of the giant dinner theater that they had sold the attraction's 13-acre site east of Walt Disney World to an undisclosed buyer." Apparently someone made them an offer for their real estate they couldn't refuse. They plan to open elsewhere in Orlando, but haven't found a location yet. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/08/08)
Follow Up...
"The parent company of the Orlando Premium Outlets shopping center confirmed Tuesday that it holds the contract to buy the property at 8251 Vineland Ave." Officials would not disclose their plans for the property. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/09/08)
--------------------------------
SeaWorld's Aquatica "will feature 36 water slides, six rivers and lagoons, 80,000 square feet of beach plus some unique touches, such as clear-tube slides that shoot riders through pools filled with dolphins." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/07/08)
--------------------------------
Confessions of an Airline Ticket Agent. Eye Opening!
"Depending on your attitude, a ticket agent can turn out to be your best friend. Or your worst travel nightmare." (Source: information.travel.aol.com, 01/06/08)
--------------------------------
Cypress Gardens Under New Management
"Calling it the 'granddaddy of all theme parks,' Orlando-based attraction expert Steve Baker on Wednesday took over management of Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, which had fallen into bankruptcy and was sold to new local owners less than three months ago." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/03/08)
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
"Toy Story -- The Musical will debut in April aboard the Disney Wonder cruise ship. It's the latest entry in Disney's expansive live-theater network that launched in 1993 with the purchase of a Broadway theater and has grown to include full-blown, movie-based Broadway musicals such as The Lion King, Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/08/08)
For more information, see the Press Release below.
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
Laurie writes:
"I just had to tell you about a small, but amazing, incident that happened during our December trip to Walt Disney World. My husband and I were just approaching the 'Walt Disney World' sign around 10 p.m. (coming in from AL) when suddenly a bright shooting star flew across the sky above the sign. I thought it was maybe my imagination but my husband immediately turned to me and asked if I had seen it. It was just the perfect beginning to our dream vacation.
My brother (a weekly WDW visitor from Tampa) said upon my telling him the story, 'See, there's no limit to Disney magic.'
Thanks for the insightful and informative newsletter."
Thank you, Laurie, for the pat on the back! Seeing a shooting star is very rare. That truly was a magical start to a Disney dream vacation!
=================================================
Brand New Musical Aboard Disney Cruise Line Brings
Disney/Pixar’s "Toy Story" to the Stage for the First Time
CELEBRATION, Fla. -- Disney Cruise Line will transform one of the most beloved animated features of all time into a stage spectacular aboard the Disney Wonder cruise ship when "Toy Story-The Musical" makes its debut at the Walt Disney Theatre this spring. This is the first time the popular Disney/Pixar classic has been adapted for the stage.
Preserving the humor and heart of the original "Toy Story" film from Pixar Animation Studios, "Toy Story-The Musical" explores the true meaning of friendship as Buzz Lightyear and Woody transform from jealous adversaries to best friends with an unbreakable bond. The show's elaborate costumes capture the vibrant colors and playfulness of the animated characters. Guests of all ages will delight in an original collection of show tunes that retell the story in a fun and energizing way.
"World-class Disney entertainment is an important hallmark of Disney Cruise Line that sets us apart from the rest of the cruise industry and one of the reasons guests sail with us again and again," said Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin. " 'Toy Story-The Musical' represents the next generation of staged entertainment for Disney Cruise Line and a great enhancement to our incredible array of entertainment aboard the Disney Wonder."
Following the storyline of the original Disney/Pixar film, "Toy Story-The Musical" will give guests a toy's eye-view of life in Andy's room. The musical opens with an introduction to Woody, a pull-string talking cowboy who has long been six-year-old Andy's favorite toy.
But Andy's birthday brings a new arrival -- Buzz Lightyear, the coolest action figure in the universe. Woody's jealousy gets the better of him and he schemes to get rid of his new rival, but things go dreadfully awry. Woody and Buzz find themselves outside of Andy's room and in a hostile world. Working together and overcoming their differences, they find their way back to Andy -- along the way developing an appreciation of one another and creating a friendship.
"The 'Toy Story' film offered us a rich story and some incredible visual elements to build upon," noted Jim Urry, vice president of Entertainment for Disney Cruise Line. "The team we assembled created costumes, set designs and a whole new musical score to literally transport our guests into the middle of the whimsical world of Buzz and Woody."
Taking audiences into that world was no small task. Larger-than-life props help transform the 977-seat Walt Disney Theatre into a toy-sized world of fun and adventure. A rear projection screen aids the transformation between human-sized and toy-sized scenes and takes the show from the comfort of Andy's room ... to the frenzied world of Pizza Planet ... to the frightening room of Andy's neighbor, Sid.
Using Randy Newman's Oscar nominated hit song "You've Got a Friend in Me" as a departure point, this production has a new eight-song score that brings the story to life. New York-based Valerie Vigoda and Brendan Milburn from the band GrooveLily blended together pop, rock and folk music to create a contemporary score that truly captures the heartfelt whimsy of the animated tale.
The costumes for "Toy Story-The Musical" are some of the most complex ever developed for a Disney Cruise Line production. Costume designer Ann Closs-Farley created an extraordinary vision for what the characters would look like on stage. With a combination of articulated puppets and inflatable costumes, the "Toy Story" characters come to life -- including a nearly 9-foot-tall version of Rex the dinosaur and a 4-foot-round Hamm the piggybank.
In all, "Toy Story-The Musical" represents one of the largest productions ever developed for a cruise ship. This is just the second time a Pixar animated feature has been adapted for the stage by Disney Creative Entertainment. In early 2007, "Finding Nemo-The Musical" debuted at Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort and has been a tremendous success.
"When we first thought of bringing 'Toy Story' to the stage, there was a great deal of excitement about the project," said Anne Hamburger, Disney Creative Entertainment executive vice president. "Everyone on our team could immediately see how the heart and comedy of these characters could come alive in a memorable way that is unique to musical theatre."
"Toy Story-The Musical" compliments an already stellar lineup of entertainment performed every voyage on the Disney Wonder, joining stage shows "The Golden Mickeys" and the award-winning "Disney Dreams." (Source: Press Release)
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Search For First-Ever Disney Parks CMO Is On
Chief Magic Official Will Oversee Magic in Disney Parks During The Year of a Million Dreams-
Burbank, Ca., January 8, 2008 - Do you wish your M.D. really stood for "Magic Director?" Or perhaps that your Ph.D. had something to do with Pixie Dust? As millions of Americans resolve to search for a new job this New Year, Disney Parks may have just the position they’ve been waiting for!
To prove that making dreams come true is no longer reserved for fairy godmothers, CareerBuilder.com today launched the search for the first-ever Disney Parks Chief Magic Official (CMO) who will spread magic during The Year of a Million Dreams.
The search for the CMO is part of The Year of a Million Dreams, where this year more than one million more dreams will be granted to guests at Disney Parks. This celebration includes incredible new attractions, parades, interactive entertainment and much more!
"We’re looking for that perfect someone to serve alongside our talented Cast of dream makers," said Craig Dezern, Vice President, Global Public Relations, Disney Parks. "The CMO will serve as an ambassador of dreams to help create the magic that only Disney can bring to its guests."
"Whatever you dreamed of being when you were growing up, chances are some of your plans hit a snag along the way," said Richard Castellini, a spokesperson for CareerBuilder.com. "In fact, in a recent survey of over 6,000 workers, only 15 percent said they were actually in their dream jobs. The Disney Parks CMO will have the unique opportunity to live out his or her dream and bring a little magic to the lives of others."
Do You have the Character to be the CMO?
Beginning May 1, 2008, the part-time CMO will help create magical experiences for guests, participate in special events at Disney Parks and meet Disney’s real "masters of magic" - the Imagineers.
The ideal CMO candidate must be happy, never grumpy; able to easily befriend dwarfs, dogs, monsters and mice; have good manners - but also be able to pillage and plunder with pirates when necessary. Also required: pockets full of pixie dust, an aversion to poisonous apples, an interest in oversized teacups and flying elephants and, most importantly, a belief in all things magical.
The position will require travel, including travel to Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, during the week and some weekends and holidays. While traveling as the Disney Parks CMO, he/she will receive an hourly rate of compensation for hours spent performing the CMO role, as well as airfare, accommodations and a spending allowance.
"The CMO position is an opportunity of a lifetime for someone who has always wanted to be part of the Disney family," said Dezern. "We will look for the ideal candidate to be naturally outgoing and optimistic, and have a great sense of humor as well as a passion for spreading Disney magic to our guests."
Show Your DISNEY Magic
Beginning January 8 and continuing through January 27, interested applicants can visit www.DreamCMO.com and take the "Magic Aptitude Test" (M.A.T.) to see if they have what it takes to be the first-ever Disney Parks Chief Magic Official. Along with the results of the M.A.T., candidates will be asked to show their Disney magic by submitting a 60 second video resume - online at www.DreamCMO.com - which captures their personality and visually and verbally supports why they would make the ideal CMO.
Mickey’s Apprentice
A magical panel of judges will select the top 10 video resumes, which will be posted to www.DreamCMO.com and voted on by America. The top three vote-getters will take part in a three-day event at Walt Disney World Resort that will test their creativity, enthusiasm, knowledge of the Parks and magic aptitude. Throughout the three-day event, candidates will be videotaped and the videos will be posted on www.DreamCMO.com to be voted on by America. The top vote-getter will be named the Disney Parks Chief Magic Official.
For additional information about the CMO search and to apply, please visit www.DreamCMO.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 6:03 AM
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