Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
January 23, 2008
Copyright © 1999 - 2008 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.
Beth, our travel agent, posts this note for Affordable Disney members:
"If you fly through Newark airport from time to time and would like a FREE lunch or dinner in exchange for doing a report on the meal please drop me a note and I'll pass on the information to you. You MUST be a ticketed passenger, airline/airport employee, or otherwise badged individual because the assignment requires that you go into a security-restricted passenger area (i.e., the gate area). Please note that this is, as far as I know, the ONLY airport where this assignment is available."
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - new Disney sweepstakes, the First Ever Nickelodeon Family Cruise, WrestleMania package at Universal, Disney cruise discounts
* The latest news from around the "World" - Rock 'n' Roll Beach Club at Pleasure Island to close in February
* Rich writes about Disney's plans to build a Russia pavilion at Epcot
* A Magical Journey begins for 100 High School students at Disney's Dreamers Academy
* Hong Kong Disneyland presents "Disney Children's Programs in Hospitals"
* Viva La Música ignites Seaworld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with Latin Flavor
* Busch Gardens kicks off Here’s to the Heroes Program with Tampa Navy Week
* Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride...Starring You! opens at Universal Orlando Resort
* This week's coupon - Enjoy a FREE drink at this British Pub in Orlando
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NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
We now list 28 sweepstakes to win a Disney / Florida / California vacation!
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Nickelodeon FAMILY CRUISE with Royal Caribbean International - ANNOUNCING THE FIRST EVER Nickelodeon Family Cruise!
August 10-17, 2008. Onboard Freedom of the Seas. Nickelodeon is teaming up with Royal Caribbean International for an exclusive seven-day Nickelodeon summer vacation for the whole family! This one-time only vacation opportunity departs Miami, FL August 10, 2008, making stops at 4 tropical destinations in the Western Caribbean. There is something for everyone on the Nickelodeon Family Cruise with Royal Caribbean.
Kids Time - Your kids' favorite Nickelodeon characters, TV stars, action-packed game shows. More than they could ever do in 7 days!
Parent Time - The Broadway-style shows, world class dining and luxurious spa treatments that only a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation could offer.
Family Time - Family games, activities and shore excursions at four tropical Western Caribbean ports of call. The ultimate "together" time.
All this happens on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas - the largest cruise ship in the world!
Beth has received a secret code that allows her to book this trip before it's released to the general public on January 28. She writes:
"I don't know that I will be able to book it in advance using my code (might be exclusive to me), but I can try - and if nothing else I could have information ready to roll so I can book people into it first thing on the 28th. This is one of the ships with the surfing - similar to the one I just got off of, but a little bigger and a little more bang-for-the-buck. TO SWEETEN THE DEAL I will send everyone that books this cruise by the end of the month a $25 onboard credit to be spent as they wish (gratuities, bar tab, gift shop, whatever). (One credit per cabin, this cruise ONLY)"
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Universal/WWE WrestleMania XXIV Vacation Package
Packages start at $279 per adult and include:
* 2-Night hotel accommodations at a Universal Partner Hotel
* One(1) WWE WrestleMania XXIV ticket
* Unlimited Admission ticket to Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure
* Free access to the live entertainment at Universal CityWalk
* Complimentary scheduled transportation between hotel and Universal Orlando
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DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Special savings on 18 Disney cruises!
=================================================
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!
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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!
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DISNEY CRUISE LINE
>> Three nights from $429!
>> Four nights from $579!
>> Seven nights Land & Sea from $999!
>> This group receives a $50 onboard credit!
>> Discounts for Florida residents - rates too low to publish!
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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!
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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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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!
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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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Click here for a review of the new Rix Lounge at Disney's Coronado Springs. $7 a beer! Those conventioneers must really run up a tab.
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Click here for a review of the new Yak & Yeti restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom park. $7 for green beans! And the food quality - in a word, embarrassing.
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Disney is making changes at Pleasure Island to make it more appealing to those who don't want to visit the nightclubs:
* Curl by Sammy Duval opened in December and features surfboard clothing and gear
* Rock 'n' Roll Beach Club will close Feb. 3
* Renovation of a building along Village Lake is near completion. Disney won't say what's going in there.
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/21/08)
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"Disney World offers free taxi rides to and from each of it's three golf facilities for guests staying at a Disney property... All four of the championship courses have recently installed new TifEagle Bermuda greens that were silky smooth this week." (Source: worldgolf.com, 01/18/08)
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Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Resort Calendar
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HONG KONG DISNEYLAND
"The Walt Disney Co. may increase its stake in its struggling Hong Kong Disneyland theme park as attendance figures falter." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/22/08)
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"Hong Kong Disneyland unveiled new Chinese New Year outfits for Mickey and Minnie Mouse created by designer Vivienne Tam on Monday as part of the park's efforts to boost its appeal to Chinese tourists after a dismal second year." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/21/08)
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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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Rich writes about Disney's plans to build a Russia pavilion at Epcot:
"Russia’s continued stone walling and back door support for terrorist nations and disregard for anything but a black market buck does not make this a good fit while we have troops in areas the Russian government has helped prop up."
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A Magical Journey Begins for 100 High School Students at Disney's Dreamers Academy
Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton announces the continuation of the Academy during 2008 kickoff event
Walt Disney World Resort Thursday night opened the doors of the magic behind Disney to 100 creative and imaginative teens from all across the United States -- from New York to New Orleans, from Compton, Calif., to Wichita, Kan. -- at the kickoff of the inaugural Disney's Dreamers Academy. Working with nationally syndicated radio personality Steve Harvey, Disney developed the innovative program for launch during "The Year of a Million Dreams" and fittingly scheduled activities to occur during Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, a national celebration of the ultimate dreamer.
Designed to immerse high school students in creative and non-conventional career opportunities, Disney's Dreamers Academy is taking place in a most creative classroom, providing the young dreamers unprecedented access to the magic behind Walt Disney World Resort through Sunday, Jan. 20.
Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton led the welcome ceremony by announcing that, due to the overwhelming response from young dreamers, Disney's Dreamers Academy will return to Walt Disney World in 2009.
Celebrating his 51st birthday, Harvey hosted the event with Crofton and Xiomara Wiley, vice president of Disneyland marketing and vice president of Walt Disney World Multicultural Marketing. And, of course, Mickey Mouse was on hand to welcome the 100 dreamers and their families.
During the first-ever career enrichment program of its kind, students are participating in interactive workshops focusing on a variety of subjects including Walt Disney World Imagineering techniques, entertainment, sports, culinary arts, and more. Throughout the three-and-a-half days, Disney cast members, executives and celebrity guests will share their blueprints for success including tips on networking, making a good first impression, job interview skills and finding the right career path. The 100 teens will also have the opportunity to enjoy Disney's world-class theme parks.
Celebrity participants in the Academy include R&B artists Keyshia Cole and Musiq Soulchild; actors Tichina Arnold ("Everybody Hates Chris," "Martin"), Victoria Rowell ("The Young & the Restless"), Kyle ("Cory in the House") and Chris Massey (Nickelodeon's "Zoey 101"); truTV Host Star Jones Reynolds; and hosts of BET's Top 10 countdown show "106th and Park" Roci and Terrence J.
Harvey will share his secrets to "Hosting a Radio Show" in one session. Noted experts from the world of professional sports -- including NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers star linebacker Derrick Brooks; ESPN on-air talent Stephen A. Smith and Jemele Hill; sports marketing consultant Erin Patton, whose clients have included Michael Jordan and Stephon Marbury; renowned sports agent Greg Nared, who has worked with Tiger Woods and Michele Wie, and Disney sports executive Kellen Winslow (Pro Football Hall of Famer) -- will offer their expertise about "The Business of Sports" and other sports-related topics. And members of Walt Disney Entertainment -- including performers from the "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show" at Disney's Hollywood Studios -- will offer tips on making it in the entertainment business.
The program will culminate with a graduation ceremony featuring noted entrepreneur Bob Johnson, founder of BET Networks and current owner of the NBA Charlotte Bobcats, as the keynote speaker.
"When you talk about the Disney World organization, it has as many jobs as a single corporation can have and I'm excited to see these kids have an opportunity to experience everything that Disney has to offer them," said Harvey. "We'll show these kids that there are many ways to follow your dreams."
"The Steve Harvey Morning Show" conducted the Dreamer's Contest to help identify the participants in Disney's Dreamers Academy. This program was created for high school students who show promise -- but may need a little motivation. All of the selected students share a trait: the power to DREAM. Parents, teachers, school administrators, church groups and even the students themselves nominated more than 3,000 aspiring dreamers from across the nation for the program. Participants were selected by a distinguished panel of judges including educators, civic leaders, business professionals and Disney Parks' executives.
"This is a special program that we have created as part of 'The Year of a Million Dreams' celebration at Disney Parks," said Wiley. "We want to educate and open doors for our young dreamers by helping them to realize the power within and inspire them to discover their dreams and follow them wherever they lead." (Source: Press Release, January, 2008)
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Viva La Música Ignites Seaworld Orlando And Busch Gardens Tampa Bay With Latin Flavor
Latin flavor sizzles with twice the entertainment and double the parks during Viva La Música at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The concert series features live performances from award-winning Latin artists, delicious Hispanic food and the fiery flair of Hispanic heritage. Guests will experience "la vida loca" (the crazy life) as they dance out of their seats to the lively Latin beats of salsa, reggaeton, merengue and Latin pop.
Guests can enjoy a red-hot lineup Saturdays at SeaWorld on April 19, 26 and May 3, 10 and Sundays at Busch Gardens on April 20, 27 and May 4, 11. Viva La Música is included with each park’s daily admission.
SEAWORLD’S FEATURED ARTISTS:
Live performances take place inside Bayside Stadium at 4 p.m.
Saturday, April 19 - Elvis Crespo
Elvis Crespo has won multiple Latin Grammy awards and is the former lead singer of Grupo Mania, the top selling Merengue band in recent years.
Saturday, April 26 - RKM n Ken-Y
The duo of RKM and Ken-Y is topping the chart in the trendy contemporary Latino music phenom called reggaeton, which mixes contemporary rap, reggae and traditional Latin rhythms. At the 2007 Latin Billboard awards, this group won the Grammy for Best Reggeton Album and Latin Song of the Year.
Saturday, May 3 - Luis Fonsi
Luis Fonsi is a major Latino "crossover" artist who received International fame with his 2002 CD, "Paso a Paso." Fonsi is an incredibly "stylish" performer with a broad appeal.
Saturday, May 10 - Gilberto Santa Rosa
Gilberto, the first salsa star to headline at Carnegie Hall, has recorded with top Latino artists including El Gran Combo and Willie Rosario, and remains one of the most sought-after Latino headliners touring today.
BUSCH GARDENS’ FEATURED ARTISTS:
Live performances take place on Gwazi Park at 4 p.m.
Sunday, April 20 - Andy Montañez
Andy Montañez, currently nominated for a Grammy award, is the former lead singer for El Gran Combo. His large following includes Colombian, Venezuelan and Puerto Rican audiences.
Sunday, April 27 - Oscar D' León
As "El Sonero del Mundo" (the Son Singer of the World), this Venezuelan salsa star is known for his energetic live shows, backed by big bands with incredible horn sections.
Sunday, May 4 - Grupo Niche
Group Niche is one of the world's best-known salsa groups. Led by songwriter Jairo Varela, they continue to tour the world with their strong Colombian salsa.
Sunday, May 11- Willie Colón
Willie, who has been touring professionally since the age of 17, combines elements of jazz, rock and salsa while incorporating the rhythms of traditional Cuban, Puerto Rican and Brazilian music.
Concert seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Performance schedule and talent is subject to change.
The Worlds of Discovery parks include SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Busch Gardens Africa and Adventure Island in Tampa Bay and Busch Gardens Europe and Water Country USA in Williamsburg, Va.; Discovery Cove in Orlando; and Sesame Place near Philadelphia. Aquatica, SeaWorld’s waterpark, is under construction in Orlando and is scheduled to open next spring. To learn more about the parks, visit www.4adventure.com or call toll-free (800)4ADVENTURE. Additionally, Busch Entertainment Corporation created the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, a non-profit, private charitable foundation committed to supporting wildlife and habitat conservation, research, education and animal rescue programs worldwide. (Source: Press Release, January, 2008)
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Busch Gardens Kicks Off Here’S To The Heroes Program With Tampa Navy Week
The Adventure Park hosts naval band and induction ceremony
As a special engagement, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will play host to members of the United States Navy Sunday, Jan. 20, to celebrate Tampa Navy Week. The third-annual Tampa Navy Week is an event created to strengthen the U.S. Navy's relationship with the Tampa Bay community.
The Navy’s New Orleans-style Dixieland band, Navy Band Southeast’s TGIF, will perform in the park near the Marrakesh Theater. Performance times are 10:45 a.m., and 1:45, 3:45 and 5:30 p.m.
Busch Gardens also will host an induction ceremony at noon at the Marrakesh Theater to honor 10 new Navy recruits. The Mystic Sheiks of Morocco kicks off the event with the National Anthem. Admiral Jon W. Bayless, Jr. leads the ceremony.
Busch Gardens recently announced the extension of the "Here’s to Heroes" armed forces tribute program through 2008. The salute has provided free admission to Worlds of Discovery parks for nearly 4 million members of U.S. and coalition armed forces and their families. (Source: Press Release, January, 2008)
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Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride...Starring You! Opens Today At Universal Orlando Resort
Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride...Starring You! opens today at Universal Studios Florida. The new attraction features the first-ever use by a theme park of a high-tech virtual imagery technology called "Musion" and a special appearance by Hollywood actor Dwayne Johnson.
Disaster! replaces Earthquake and combines the best, most dramatic elements of Earthquake with an all-new storyline, top name celebrities, new "Musion" technology and all-new interactive elements. Park guests enter "Disaster Studios" and become part of the production action surrounding a "major motion picture."
Johnson was at Universal Studios Thursday for the opening of the new attraction. In the attraction, Johnson plays a film hero who helps "save the day."
Musion technology is a unique high-definition video projection system that transforms two-dimensional images into what seem to be live three-dimensional images. The Musion set in place at Disaster! is the first-ever use of the technology by a theme park and the largest permanent installation of that technology ever. Universal uses Musion technology to bring Disaster Studio Director "Frank Kincaid" to life as he explains the passion behind his work and recruits guests to take part in his next picture.
"The use of Musion technology in this attraction allows us to blend illusion with reality to surprise and entertain our guests," said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative for Universal Parks and Resorts. "They are amazed by the effects we have created."
Throughout the 15-minute attraction experience, guests are filmed as extras for different elements of Disaster Studios’ newest blockbuster film, "Mutha Nature," taking direction from Frank Kinkaid and his production assistants. In the end, they are able to see the results of their work in a tongue-in-cheek trailer for the film, starring Johnson. Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride…Starring You! is located in the San Francisco area of Universal Studios Florida.
Dwayne Johnson is best known for his roles in Universal Pictures’ The Mummy Returns, The Scorpion King and, most recently, The Game Plan. Now a firmly established presence in Hollywood, he can be seen in the upcoming Warner Brother’s comedy GET SMART opening in theaters June 20, 2008. Johnson is currently filming the family comedy Witch Mountain scheduled to be released in the summer of 2009.
Universal Orlando Resort (www.universalorlando.com). With Steven Spielberg as creative consultant, Universal Orlando has created some of the world’s most innovative theme park attractions based on pop culture’s most compelling films and stories.
Families will experience two world-class theme parks - Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure - a nighttime entertainment complex and magnificently themed on-site hotels. Universal Studios is a working film and TV production studio as well as a highly acclaimed motion picture and television theme park featuring attractions such as "Revenge of the Mummy-The Ride" and "Shrek 4-D." Islands of Adventure is the world’s most technologically advanced theme park and features five uniquely themed islands that include Seuss Landing, Marvel Super Hero Island and Jurassic Park. Its marquee attractions include "Jurassic Park River Adventure" and "The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man."
In addition to its theme parks, Universal Orlando Resort also includes CityWalk, a 30-acre nighttime entertainment complex that features restaurants, shops, clubs, a 20-screen cineplex and live-entertainment. The destination’s three on-site Loews hotels include the Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel and the Royal Pacific Resort. (Source: Press Release, January 16, 2008)
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Hong Kong Disneyland Presents "Disney Children's Programs in Hospitals"
Together with the Hospital Authority, the Park Spreads Joy to Child Patients
Hong Kong Disneyland announced today the launch of "Disney Children's Programs in Hospitals" - a series of hospital programs run by Disney VoluntEARS and geared towards brightening the lives of children who are hospitalized. Bill Ernest, Managing Director, Hong Kong Disneyland, Anthony Wu Ting-yuk, Chairman, Hospital Authority and Shane Solomon, Chief Executive, Hospital Authority today kicked-off the series at a special ceremony where the officiating guests painted a beautiful tree on a drawing to signify the launch of the program. Mickey and Minnie were also on hand to join the celebration.
"Children are at the heart of the charitable efforts of The Walt Disney Company and Hong Kong Disneyland," expressed Ernest. "In Hong Kong, we are committed to supporting the betterment of children's welfare and bringing happiness to families and children, especially those in need."
The first three events of the "Disney Children's Programs in Hospitals" will focus on the Princess Margaret Hospital and the Caritas Medical Centre.
Disney Art Deco
Hong Kong Disneyland has redecorated the children's wards of both hospitals with Disney-themed murals which promote friendship and harmony. The theme of the mural in the playroom of Block P in the Princess Margaret Hospital is "Fascinating Nature", showing Disney characters playing games, enjoying sunshine and sharing happy moments together. The murals in the pediatric wards of the Caritas Medical Centre also share the same theme. These colorful and well-designed decorations invoke the happiness of the Disney characters and promote a positive atmosphere in the hospitals.
Disney Reading Fun
Starting today, Disney VoluntEARS will visit the Princess Margaret Hospital every other month. They will share different positive Disney stories with the children in order to encourage them to overcome their difficulties. Disney VoluntEARS will also play some interactive games with the children in order to share some happy times together. The games will be tailored to the theme of each story-telling activity.
Disney Learn & Live
With the support of the Caritas Medical Centre, Disney VoluntEARS will organize outings every three months for children and their families to visit countryside areas in Hong Kong. These activities will be a fun experience for the hospitalized children and a break from their daily routines as well as provide support for their parents.
"We are delighted to cooperate with the Hospital Authority in the launch of 'Disney Children's Programs in Hospitals' and we hope to cheer up these young patients with a touch of Disney magic!" said Ernest. "It is also important that we provide some support and encouragement to the parents and the medical staff who care for these children."
Anthony Wu Ting-yuk, Chairman, Hospital Authority, thanked Hong Kong Disneyland for organizing the event, "The Hospital Authority is providing holistic health care to patients in public hospitals. In addition to medications and advanced technology, spiritual and psychological care also plays an important role. We are most grateful to Hong Kong Disneyland for designing a series of programs for the children staying in our hospitals, which will definitely bring them fun and happiness. We believe this will contribute positively to their treatment and early recovery."
"Disney Children's Programs in Hospitals" is funded by The Walt Disney Company. Hong Kong Disneyland and Hospital Authority will organize about ten hospital visits and outings this year alone, benefiting over 500 child patients and their families. They will review the program later in the year and there is a plan to introduce it to other hospitals under Hospital Authority. (Source: Press Release, January, 2008)
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MONEY SAVING COUPON
Cricketers Arms Pub
5250 North International Drive
Orlando. FL 32819
407-354-0686
"A Little Piece of England in the Heart of Orlando, Florida!"
Enjoy a FREE half pint 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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Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
January 23, 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.
Beth, our travel agent, posts this note for Affordable Disney members:
"If you fly through Newark airport from time to time and would like a FREE lunch or dinner in exchange for doing a report on the meal please drop me a note and I'll pass on the information to you. You MUST be a ticketed passenger, airline/airport employee, or otherwise badged individual because the assignment requires that you go into a security-restricted passenger area (i.e., the gate area). Please note that this is, as far as I know, the ONLY airport where this assignment is available."
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - new Disney sweepstakes, the First Ever Nickelodeon Family Cruise, WrestleMania package at Universal, Disney cruise discounts
* The latest news from around the "World" - Rock 'n' Roll Beach Club at Pleasure Island to close in February
* Rich writes about Disney's plans to build a Russia pavilion at Epcot
* A Magical Journey begins for 100 High School students at Disney's Dreamers Academy
* Hong Kong Disneyland presents "Disney Children's Programs in Hospitals"
* Viva La Música ignites Seaworld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with Latin Flavor
* Busch Gardens kicks off Here’s to the Heroes Program with Tampa Navy Week
* Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride...Starring You! opens at Universal Orlando Resort
* This week's coupon - Enjoy a FREE drink at this British Pub in Orlando
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
We now list 28 sweepstakes to win a Disney / Florida / California vacation!
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Nickelodeon FAMILY CRUISE with Royal Caribbean International - ANNOUNCING THE FIRST EVER Nickelodeon Family Cruise!
August 10-17, 2008. Onboard Freedom of the Seas. Nickelodeon is teaming up with Royal Caribbean International for an exclusive seven-day Nickelodeon summer vacation for the whole family! This one-time only vacation opportunity departs Miami, FL August 10, 2008, making stops at 4 tropical destinations in the Western Caribbean. There is something for everyone on the Nickelodeon Family Cruise with Royal Caribbean.
Kids Time - Your kids' favorite Nickelodeon characters, TV stars, action-packed game shows. More than they could ever do in 7 days!
Parent Time - The Broadway-style shows, world class dining and luxurious spa treatments that only a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation could offer.
Family Time - Family games, activities and shore excursions at four tropical Western Caribbean ports of call. The ultimate "together" time.
All this happens on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas - the largest cruise ship in the world!
Beth has received a secret code that allows her to book this trip before it's released to the general public on January 28. She writes:
"I don't know that I will be able to book it in advance using my code (might be exclusive to me), but I can try - and if nothing else I could have information ready to roll so I can book people into it first thing on the 28th. This is one of the ships with the surfing - similar to the one I just got off of, but a little bigger and a little more bang-for-the-buck. TO SWEETEN THE DEAL I will send everyone that books this cruise by the end of the month a $25 onboard credit to be spent as they wish (gratuities, bar tab, gift shop, whatever). (One credit per cabin, this cruise ONLY)"
--------------------------------
Universal/WWE WrestleMania XXIV Vacation Package
Packages start at $279 per adult and include:
* 2-Night hotel accommodations at a Universal Partner Hotel
* One(1) WWE WrestleMania XXIV ticket
* Unlimited Admission ticket to Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure
* Free access to the live entertainment at Universal CityWalk
* Complimentary scheduled transportation between hotel and Universal Orlando
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Special savings on 18 Disney cruises!
=================================================
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 $429!
>> Four nights from $579!
>> Seven nights Land & Sea from $999!
>> 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!
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NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
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Click here for a review of the new Rix Lounge at Disney's Coronado Springs. $7 a beer! Those conventioneers must really run up a tab.
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Click here for a review of the new Yak & Yeti restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom park. $7 for green beans! And the food quality - in a word, embarrassing.
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Disney is making changes at Pleasure Island to make it more appealing to those who don't want to visit the nightclubs:
* Curl by Sammy Duval opened in December and features surfboard clothing and gear
* Rock 'n' Roll Beach Club will close Feb. 3
* Renovation of a building along Village Lake is near completion. Disney won't say what's going in there.
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/21/08)
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"Disney World offers free taxi rides to and from each of it's three golf facilities for guests staying at a Disney property... All four of the championship courses have recently installed new TifEagle Bermuda greens that were silky smooth this week." (Source: worldgolf.com, 01/18/08)
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Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Resort Calendar
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HONG KONG DISNEYLAND
"The Walt Disney Co. may increase its stake in its struggling Hong Kong Disneyland theme park as attendance figures falter." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/22/08)
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"Hong Kong Disneyland unveiled new Chinese New Year outfits for Mickey and Minnie Mouse created by designer Vivienne Tam on Monday as part of the park's efforts to boost its appeal to Chinese tourists after a dismal second year." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/21/08)
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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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Rich writes about Disney's plans to build a Russia pavilion at Epcot:
"Russia’s continued stone walling and back door support for terrorist nations and disregard for anything but a black market buck does not make this a good fit while we have troops in areas the Russian government has helped prop up."
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A Magical Journey Begins for 100 High School Students at Disney's Dreamers Academy
Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton announces the continuation of the Academy during 2008 kickoff event
Walt Disney World Resort Thursday night opened the doors of the magic behind Disney to 100 creative and imaginative teens from all across the United States -- from New York to New Orleans, from Compton, Calif., to Wichita, Kan. -- at the kickoff of the inaugural Disney's Dreamers Academy. Working with nationally syndicated radio personality Steve Harvey, Disney developed the innovative program for launch during "The Year of a Million Dreams" and fittingly scheduled activities to occur during Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, a national celebration of the ultimate dreamer.
Designed to immerse high school students in creative and non-conventional career opportunities, Disney's Dreamers Academy is taking place in a most creative classroom, providing the young dreamers unprecedented access to the magic behind Walt Disney World Resort through Sunday, Jan. 20.
Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton led the welcome ceremony by announcing that, due to the overwhelming response from young dreamers, Disney's Dreamers Academy will return to Walt Disney World in 2009.
Celebrating his 51st birthday, Harvey hosted the event with Crofton and Xiomara Wiley, vice president of Disneyland marketing and vice president of Walt Disney World Multicultural Marketing. And, of course, Mickey Mouse was on hand to welcome the 100 dreamers and their families.
During the first-ever career enrichment program of its kind, students are participating in interactive workshops focusing on a variety of subjects including Walt Disney World Imagineering techniques, entertainment, sports, culinary arts, and more. Throughout the three-and-a-half days, Disney cast members, executives and celebrity guests will share their blueprints for success including tips on networking, making a good first impression, job interview skills and finding the right career path. The 100 teens will also have the opportunity to enjoy Disney's world-class theme parks.
Celebrity participants in the Academy include R&B artists Keyshia Cole and Musiq Soulchild; actors Tichina Arnold ("Everybody Hates Chris," "Martin"), Victoria Rowell ("The Young & the Restless"), Kyle ("Cory in the House") and Chris Massey (Nickelodeon's "Zoey 101"); truTV Host Star Jones Reynolds; and hosts of BET's Top 10 countdown show "106th and Park" Roci and Terrence J.
Harvey will share his secrets to "Hosting a Radio Show" in one session. Noted experts from the world of professional sports -- including NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers star linebacker Derrick Brooks; ESPN on-air talent Stephen A. Smith and Jemele Hill; sports marketing consultant Erin Patton, whose clients have included Michael Jordan and Stephon Marbury; renowned sports agent Greg Nared, who has worked with Tiger Woods and Michele Wie, and Disney sports executive Kellen Winslow (Pro Football Hall of Famer) -- will offer their expertise about "The Business of Sports" and other sports-related topics. And members of Walt Disney Entertainment -- including performers from the "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show" at Disney's Hollywood Studios -- will offer tips on making it in the entertainment business.
The program will culminate with a graduation ceremony featuring noted entrepreneur Bob Johnson, founder of BET Networks and current owner of the NBA Charlotte Bobcats, as the keynote speaker.
"When you talk about the Disney World organization, it has as many jobs as a single corporation can have and I'm excited to see these kids have an opportunity to experience everything that Disney has to offer them," said Harvey. "We'll show these kids that there are many ways to follow your dreams."
"The Steve Harvey Morning Show" conducted the Dreamer's Contest to help identify the participants in Disney's Dreamers Academy. This program was created for high school students who show promise -- but may need a little motivation. All of the selected students share a trait: the power to DREAM. Parents, teachers, school administrators, church groups and even the students themselves nominated more than 3,000 aspiring dreamers from across the nation for the program. Participants were selected by a distinguished panel of judges including educators, civic leaders, business professionals and Disney Parks' executives.
"This is a special program that we have created as part of 'The Year of a Million Dreams' celebration at Disney Parks," said Wiley. "We want to educate and open doors for our young dreamers by helping them to realize the power within and inspire them to discover their dreams and follow them wherever they lead." (Source: Press Release, January, 2008)
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Viva La Música Ignites Seaworld Orlando And Busch Gardens Tampa Bay With Latin Flavor
Latin flavor sizzles with twice the entertainment and double the parks during Viva La Música at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The concert series features live performances from award-winning Latin artists, delicious Hispanic food and the fiery flair of Hispanic heritage. Guests will experience "la vida loca" (the crazy life) as they dance out of their seats to the lively Latin beats of salsa, reggaeton, merengue and Latin pop.
Guests can enjoy a red-hot lineup Saturdays at SeaWorld on April 19, 26 and May 3, 10 and Sundays at Busch Gardens on April 20, 27 and May 4, 11. Viva La Música is included with each park’s daily admission.
SEAWORLD’S FEATURED ARTISTS:
Live performances take place inside Bayside Stadium at 4 p.m.
Saturday, April 19 - Elvis Crespo
Elvis Crespo has won multiple Latin Grammy awards and is the former lead singer of Grupo Mania, the top selling Merengue band in recent years.
Saturday, April 26 - RKM n Ken-Y
The duo of RKM and Ken-Y is topping the chart in the trendy contemporary Latino music phenom called reggaeton, which mixes contemporary rap, reggae and traditional Latin rhythms. At the 2007 Latin Billboard awards, this group won the Grammy for Best Reggeton Album and Latin Song of the Year.
Saturday, May 3 - Luis Fonsi
Luis Fonsi is a major Latino "crossover" artist who received International fame with his 2002 CD, "Paso a Paso." Fonsi is an incredibly "stylish" performer with a broad appeal.
Saturday, May 10 - Gilberto Santa Rosa
Gilberto, the first salsa star to headline at Carnegie Hall, has recorded with top Latino artists including El Gran Combo and Willie Rosario, and remains one of the most sought-after Latino headliners touring today.
BUSCH GARDENS’ FEATURED ARTISTS:
Live performances take place on Gwazi Park at 4 p.m.
Sunday, April 20 - Andy Montañez
Andy Montañez, currently nominated for a Grammy award, is the former lead singer for El Gran Combo. His large following includes Colombian, Venezuelan and Puerto Rican audiences.
Sunday, April 27 - Oscar D' León
As "El Sonero del Mundo" (the Son Singer of the World), this Venezuelan salsa star is known for his energetic live shows, backed by big bands with incredible horn sections.
Sunday, May 4 - Grupo Niche
Group Niche is one of the world's best-known salsa groups. Led by songwriter Jairo Varela, they continue to tour the world with their strong Colombian salsa.
Sunday, May 11- Willie Colón
Willie, who has been touring professionally since the age of 17, combines elements of jazz, rock and salsa while incorporating the rhythms of traditional Cuban, Puerto Rican and Brazilian music.
Concert seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Performance schedule and talent is subject to change.
The Worlds of Discovery parks include SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Busch Gardens Africa and Adventure Island in Tampa Bay and Busch Gardens Europe and Water Country USA in Williamsburg, Va.; Discovery Cove in Orlando; and Sesame Place near Philadelphia. Aquatica, SeaWorld’s waterpark, is under construction in Orlando and is scheduled to open next spring. To learn more about the parks, visit www.4adventure.com or call toll-free (800)4ADVENTURE. Additionally, Busch Entertainment Corporation created the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, a non-profit, private charitable foundation committed to supporting wildlife and habitat conservation, research, education and animal rescue programs worldwide. (Source: Press Release, January, 2008)
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Busch Gardens Kicks Off Here’S To The Heroes Program With Tampa Navy Week
The Adventure Park hosts naval band and induction ceremony
As a special engagement, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will play host to members of the United States Navy Sunday, Jan. 20, to celebrate Tampa Navy Week. The third-annual Tampa Navy Week is an event created to strengthen the U.S. Navy's relationship with the Tampa Bay community.
The Navy’s New Orleans-style Dixieland band, Navy Band Southeast’s TGIF, will perform in the park near the Marrakesh Theater. Performance times are 10:45 a.m., and 1:45, 3:45 and 5:30 p.m.
Busch Gardens also will host an induction ceremony at noon at the Marrakesh Theater to honor 10 new Navy recruits. The Mystic Sheiks of Morocco kicks off the event with the National Anthem. Admiral Jon W. Bayless, Jr. leads the ceremony.
Busch Gardens recently announced the extension of the "Here’s to Heroes" armed forces tribute program through 2008. The salute has provided free admission to Worlds of Discovery parks for nearly 4 million members of U.S. and coalition armed forces and their families. (Source: Press Release, January, 2008)
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Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride...Starring You! Opens Today At Universal Orlando Resort
Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride...Starring You! opens today at Universal Studios Florida. The new attraction features the first-ever use by a theme park of a high-tech virtual imagery technology called "Musion" and a special appearance by Hollywood actor Dwayne Johnson.
Disaster! replaces Earthquake and combines the best, most dramatic elements of Earthquake with an all-new storyline, top name celebrities, new "Musion" technology and all-new interactive elements. Park guests enter "Disaster Studios" and become part of the production action surrounding a "major motion picture."
Johnson was at Universal Studios Thursday for the opening of the new attraction. In the attraction, Johnson plays a film hero who helps "save the day."
Musion technology is a unique high-definition video projection system that transforms two-dimensional images into what seem to be live three-dimensional images. The Musion set in place at Disaster! is the first-ever use of the technology by a theme park and the largest permanent installation of that technology ever. Universal uses Musion technology to bring Disaster Studio Director "Frank Kincaid" to life as he explains the passion behind his work and recruits guests to take part in his next picture.
"The use of Musion technology in this attraction allows us to blend illusion with reality to surprise and entertain our guests," said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative for Universal Parks and Resorts. "They are amazed by the effects we have created."
Throughout the 15-minute attraction experience, guests are filmed as extras for different elements of Disaster Studios’ newest blockbuster film, "Mutha Nature," taking direction from Frank Kinkaid and his production assistants. In the end, they are able to see the results of their work in a tongue-in-cheek trailer for the film, starring Johnson. Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride…Starring You! is located in the San Francisco area of Universal Studios Florida.
Dwayne Johnson is best known for his roles in Universal Pictures’ The Mummy Returns, The Scorpion King and, most recently, The Game Plan. Now a firmly established presence in Hollywood, he can be seen in the upcoming Warner Brother’s comedy GET SMART opening in theaters June 20, 2008. Johnson is currently filming the family comedy Witch Mountain scheduled to be released in the summer of 2009.
Universal Orlando Resort (www.universalorlando.com). With Steven Spielberg as creative consultant, Universal Orlando has created some of the world’s most innovative theme park attractions based on pop culture’s most compelling films and stories.
Families will experience two world-class theme parks - Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure - a nighttime entertainment complex and magnificently themed on-site hotels. Universal Studios is a working film and TV production studio as well as a highly acclaimed motion picture and television theme park featuring attractions such as "Revenge of the Mummy-The Ride" and "Shrek 4-D." Islands of Adventure is the world’s most technologically advanced theme park and features five uniquely themed islands that include Seuss Landing, Marvel Super Hero Island and Jurassic Park. Its marquee attractions include "Jurassic Park River Adventure" and "The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man."
In addition to its theme parks, Universal Orlando Resort also includes CityWalk, a 30-acre nighttime entertainment complex that features restaurants, shops, clubs, a 20-screen cineplex and live-entertainment. The destination’s three on-site Loews hotels include the Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel and the Royal Pacific Resort. (Source: Press Release, January 16, 2008)
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Hong Kong Disneyland Presents "Disney Children's Programs in Hospitals"
Together with the Hospital Authority, the Park Spreads Joy to Child Patients
Hong Kong Disneyland announced today the launch of "Disney Children's Programs in Hospitals" - a series of hospital programs run by Disney VoluntEARS and geared towards brightening the lives of children who are hospitalized. Bill Ernest, Managing Director, Hong Kong Disneyland, Anthony Wu Ting-yuk, Chairman, Hospital Authority and Shane Solomon, Chief Executive, Hospital Authority today kicked-off the series at a special ceremony where the officiating guests painted a beautiful tree on a drawing to signify the launch of the program. Mickey and Minnie were also on hand to join the celebration.
"Children are at the heart of the charitable efforts of The Walt Disney Company and Hong Kong Disneyland," expressed Ernest. "In Hong Kong, we are committed to supporting the betterment of children's welfare and bringing happiness to families and children, especially those in need."
The first three events of the "Disney Children's Programs in Hospitals" will focus on the Princess Margaret Hospital and the Caritas Medical Centre.
Disney Art Deco
Hong Kong Disneyland has redecorated the children's wards of both hospitals with Disney-themed murals which promote friendship and harmony. The theme of the mural in the playroom of Block P in the Princess Margaret Hospital is "Fascinating Nature", showing Disney characters playing games, enjoying sunshine and sharing happy moments together. The murals in the pediatric wards of the Caritas Medical Centre also share the same theme. These colorful and well-designed decorations invoke the happiness of the Disney characters and promote a positive atmosphere in the hospitals.
Disney Reading Fun
Starting today, Disney VoluntEARS will visit the Princess Margaret Hospital every other month. They will share different positive Disney stories with the children in order to encourage them to overcome their difficulties. Disney VoluntEARS will also play some interactive games with the children in order to share some happy times together. The games will be tailored to the theme of each story-telling activity.
Disney Learn & Live
With the support of the Caritas Medical Centre, Disney VoluntEARS will organize outings every three months for children and their families to visit countryside areas in Hong Kong. These activities will be a fun experience for the hospitalized children and a break from their daily routines as well as provide support for their parents.
"We are delighted to cooperate with the Hospital Authority in the launch of 'Disney Children's Programs in Hospitals' and we hope to cheer up these young patients with a touch of Disney magic!" said Ernest. "It is also important that we provide some support and encouragement to the parents and the medical staff who care for these children."
Anthony Wu Ting-yuk, Chairman, Hospital Authority, thanked Hong Kong Disneyland for organizing the event, "The Hospital Authority is providing holistic health care to patients in public hospitals. In addition to medications and advanced technology, spiritual and psychological care also plays an important role. We are most grateful to Hong Kong Disneyland for designing a series of programs for the children staying in our hospitals, which will definitely bring them fun and happiness. We believe this will contribute positively to their treatment and early recovery."
"Disney Children's Programs in Hospitals" is funded by The Walt Disney Company. Hong Kong Disneyland and Hospital Authority will organize about ten hospital visits and outings this year alone, benefiting over 500 child patients and their families. They will review the program later in the year and there is a plan to introduce it to other hospitals under Hospital Authority. (Source: Press Release, January, 2008)
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See You Real Soon!
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AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
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posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 5:50 AM
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