Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
February 20, 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 blog
content 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.
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - WDW spring package, Disney cruise discount for Florida residents, latest Magical Disney Cruise rates, Universal vacation package, AAA Orlando theme park discount, WDW Good Neighbor Hotel discount, Passholder rates for Disneyland California
* The latest news from around the "World" - Disney 's Night Kingdom park to open 2011
* Tampa Bay returns for American League Series vs. Toronto Blue Jays
* Disneyland Resort and Four Partners will open Innoventions Dream Home in May
* This week's coupon - save at this Italian restaurant on International Drive
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Disney Rewards Visa Spring Package
We have the discount codes for packages with or without dining. Cardmembers receive the Park Hopper and Water Park Fun and More options for FREE!
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "This deal should be available to the general public Thursday morning. Savings of about $50-$120 per person, depending on what you already had added onto your ticket."
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Florida Resident Discount
We have the discount code for Disney cruises for Florida residents in March and April, 2008.
--------------------------------
Magical Disney Cruise Rates: Disney offers early booking savings on three-, four-, and seven-night cruises. Dates and rates are updated weekly. New this week:
* lower price for 3-night cruise in March
* cruise date added to 4-night Bahamian cruise schedule
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Universal Stay 4, Play FREE Package
Receive two FREE theme park tickets when you stay 4 or more nights and enjoy unlimited admission to both Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure for up to seven days. Includes FREE admission to the CityWalk clubs and Universal Express ride access! Expires 12/25/08.
--------------------------------
AAA Auto Club South members save at this popular theme park.
--------------------------------
Save 30% at this Official Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel and Suites
Beth writes: "I've seen this hotel and it's very close to Disney. Used to be a Holiday Inn. Not sure if it's still as well-run, but management used to be great there, and you can't beat the price. Kids 12 and under always eat free. I'd give it a very solid 3 to 3.5 stars." An Official Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel. One of the closest hotels in Kissimmee to Walt Disney World and all the other Orlando and Kissimmee attractions - located just 3 short miles to the Main Gate. Pet friendly. Free shuttle to the parks. Full service restaurant and food court.
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
We have the discount code for Passholder rates for dates in April and May, 2008.
=================================================
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 $79 and moderates from $139 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!
>> 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
--------------------------------
"Jim Hill shares one of the more intriguing rumors that's currently making the rounds in Orlando. Which has the Mouse trying to milk its HSM [High School Musical] franchise by setting up a dinner theatre experience over at Dolly Parton's old place." (Source: jimhillmedia.com, 02/19/08)
--------------------------------
"Disney announced today that starting Feb. 24 Hannah Montana makeovers will be offered at the Downtown Disney Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Disney's high-end fantasy spa for kids." Prices start at $110 + tax. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/19/08)
--------------------------------
Disney's Pirate and Princess Party at the Magic Kingdom has been extended through June, 2008. Hours: 7 PM (after the park closes to the general public) until midnight. $45.95 + tax for ages 10 and up; $39.95 + tax for ages 3-9. Call WDW-AHOY or visit disneyworld.com/pirateandprincess for special offers.
--------------------------------
The first phase of timeshare construction at Animal Kingdom Lodge is complete. The second phase of the project includes the creation of "Kidani Village." The 340-unit building "will include a 120-seat sit-down restaurant, a 4,700-square-foot swimming pool with a water slide and two spas, plus tennis, shuffleboard and half-court basketball, among other amenities."
WDWcelebrations.com is planning to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park April 22.
The final renovation project - pool and aquatic playground - at the Regal Sun Resort - formerly the Grosvenor - at Downtown Disney is now complete.
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/18/08)
--------------------------------
"There are shake-ups in store this year at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Last week's announcement of an American Idol-based attraction may just be the cherry on top of '08 as a new ride, a new parade and an updated show are all either in the works or already open to guests." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/15/08)
--------------------------------
"'Disney's Night Kingdom" is the Mouse's long overdue response to SeaWorld's Discovery Cove... Current plans call for this niche park to officially throw open its doors in October of 2011, just in time for the start of Walt Disney World's 40th anniversary celebration." Cost: $250-$300 per person, including gourmet meal and nonalcoholic beverages. (Source: jimhillmedia.com, 02/15/08)
--------------------------------
The Disney Character Warehouse Outlet Store is now open in Midvale, UT. (Source: sltrib.com, 02/14/08)
(See our book for the locations in Florida where you can buy authentic Walt Disney World merchandise at great discounts.)
--------------------------------
Disney is going to rebuild the Treehouse Villas. (Source: dvcnews.com, 02/09/08)
--------------------------------
"From costumes to concessions, ISU students shared their experiences as the Disney College Program recruited students for the experience to live and work in Orlando, Fla." (Source: indianastatesman.com, 02/13/08) Visit http://www.disneycollegeprogram.com for more information.
--------------------------------
"One of the Walt Disney World visitors who was on the truck that caught fire at Disney's Animal Kingdom on Sunday wrote to say she and her party considered the incident to be a lot scarier than this blog or articles in the Orlando Sentinel had earlier reported." (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 02/13/08)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Click here to see the first images promoting the new Simpson ride coming to Universal.
--------------------------------
Church Street Station Relaunch: "The Cheyenne Saloon & Opera House reopened Thursday night in downtown Orlando's Church Street Station to a mix of country ballads and booze -- and plenty of questions about whether it can survive its rebirth." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/15/08)
--------------------------------
"Beginning today, international travelers flying into Orlando have to submit to digital scans of all 10 fingerprints before they are allowed to enter the country, under new security measures ordered by the federal government." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/15/08)
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
"Disneyland's original "House of the Future," a pod-shaped, all-plastic dwelling, quickly seemed quaint and closed its doors after a decade, in 1967... Disney announced Wednesday that it will soon open a new dwelling in Tomorrowland -- this time in partnership with 21st century technology giants." (Source: travel.latimes.com, 02/13/08)
See Press Release below.
--------------------------------
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
DISNEYLAND HONG KONG
Disney is still struggling to draw visitors to its new park. "it is important that Disney gets back on track by connecting with Chinese consumers, understanding what they want, and delivering entertainment and products of a high quality. They still have a long-way to go." (Source: seekingalpha.com, 02/13/08)
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Baseball Fans Can Catch Some Rays at Disney Sports Complex April 22-24 as Tampa Bay Returns for American League Series vs. Toronto Blue Jays
The Tampa Bay Rays will return to Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex April 22-24 for an American League series with the Toronto Blue Jays. Last May, the Rays swept a three-game series from the Texas Rangers at 9,500-seat Champion Stadium in the first regular-season major league games ever played in the Orlando area.
Individual tickets for the three-game set are on sale at the Champion Stadium Box Office at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, Tropicana Field Box Office, Rays Tampa Office & Pro Shop, via the Rays official website at www.raysbaseball.com or www.raysbeisbol.com, all Ticketmaster locations, and via Ticketmaster Phonecharge at (727) 898-7297 or (407) 839-3900. The Rays are also offering a special three-game package. Luxury entertainment suites and group ticket specials are available by calling 888/FAN-RAYS or by logging on to www.raysbaseball.com.
All fans attending the games in Orlando will receive a voucher for a ticket to a designated weekend game at Tropicana Field this season. (Source: Press Release, 02/18/08)
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Resort and Four Partners will open Innoventions Dream Home in May
The Disneyland Resort today announced a five-year alliance with Microsoft, HP, Life|ware and home builder Taylor Morrison to showcase integrated digital technologies for the home in the immersive, story-telling experiences for which Disney is known. The alliance includes the design and development of the new Innoventions Dream Home attraction, a 5,000+ sq. ft. home belonging to the fictional Elias family, scheduled to open in May in Tomorrowland at the Disneyland Resort.
Keeping with Walt’s vision of bringing cutting-edge and inspiring ideas to Tomorrowland, the Innoventions Dream Home will introduce Disneyland guests to newly available technology from the participating companies that will enhance their lives today, while providing them a glimpse of the emerging digital advances they may find in their homes in the future. The attraction will provide guests with a "high-tech, high-touch" opportunity to experience technology in an entertaining, low-risk environment showing them how the power of technology can connect them to the people and things they care most about.
"We’re thrilled that Disney has chosen Microsoft to bring digital entertainment to life at Disneyland," said Joe Belfiore, Corporate Vice President, Entertainment and Devices eHome Division at Microsoft. "Together, we’re showcasing innovative technology that is both attainable and inspiring, offering park guests the opportunity to see, touch and feel digital home experiences in a simple, fun and interactive environment."
"This exciting alliance gives each of our partners a forum to inspire our guests’ imaginations and motivate them to incorporate and enjoy the new technologies that are available today," said Ed Grier, president of Disneyland Resort. "Consistent with the Disney heritage of growth through innovation, the Innoventions Dream Home is just another example of how we are committed to investing in and developing exciting projects that keep our guests returning again."
The technology companies will showcase a wide range of technologies and products in the exhibit, including the latest in mobile phones, PCs, digital music and gaming. The Innoventions Dream Home demonstrates how home technology can be simple, intuitive and fun while helping guests understand how to seamlessly interconnect their home, the surrounding community and the world, helping consumers stay closer to the people, places and entertainment that are most important to them. The alliances also help ensure that the Innoventions Dream Home remains on the forefront of technology with the newest devices and products as part of the exhibit.
Guests will actively engage in this experience as they help members of the fictional Elias family prepare for a trip to World Soccer Championships in China, where their son is competing. Elias family members rotate throughout the house, randomly interacting with guests in the various rooms. Upon exiting the house, guests can learn more about the companies that collaborated to create the Innoventions Dream House, exploring the technologies for themselves first-hand.
The notion of a Dream Home has deep roots at the Disneyland Resort. Walt Disney was fascinated with the concept of a futuristic home and he introduced concepts at World’s Fairs that led to the first "House of Tomorrow" exhibit in Disneyland (1967). Those early versions featured modern conveniences for housewives, but the story line always focused on progress that led to a better way of living. In 1998, Disneyland opened Innoventions, an interactive pavilion featuring what was then considered breakthrough technology: voice-activated computers, high-definition TVs, smart-cars and satellite broadcasting.
The intent was not to predict the future, but to let people play with emerging technologies and imagine how those technologies might enhance everyday life. The precursors to the Dream Home enabled people of all ages to experiment with interactive devices, games and exhibits, demonstrating both the fun and the significance of modern innovations.
Now comes the Dream Home, a convergence of five companies and their fascination with technology. The combination of Disney’s strong storytelling heritage, cutting-edge technology expertise from Microsoft, HP and Life|ware, and Taylor Morrison’s talent for building an environment that will bring it to life, will inspire Disneyland guests’ imaginations for years to come. (Source: Press Release, 02/13/08)
=================================================
MONEY SAVING COUPON
Corleon's Italian Restaurant
Goodings Plaza
8255 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
407-354-9889
Authentic Italian ChopHouse. Chef owned and operated. The menu features steak, lamb, veal, pasta and fresh seafood. Full bar. Opens at 5 PM.
Get $3.00 off any alcoholic beverage or kids meal with a full paid adult entree for up to 6 people with 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.
=============================================
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
February 20, 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.
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - WDW spring package, Disney cruise discount for Florida residents, latest Magical Disney Cruise rates, Universal vacation package, AAA Orlando theme park discount, WDW Good Neighbor Hotel discount, Passholder rates for Disneyland California
* The latest news from around the "World" - Disney 's Night Kingdom park to open 2011
* Tampa Bay returns for American League Series vs. Toronto Blue Jays
* Disneyland Resort and Four Partners will open Innoventions Dream Home in May
* This week's coupon - save at this Italian restaurant on International Drive
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Disney Rewards Visa Spring Package
We have the discount codes for packages with or without dining. Cardmembers receive the Park Hopper and Water Park Fun and More options for FREE!
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "This deal should be available to the general public Thursday morning. Savings of about $50-$120 per person, depending on what you already had added onto your ticket."
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Florida Resident Discount
We have the discount code for Disney cruises for Florida residents in March and April, 2008.
--------------------------------
Magical Disney Cruise Rates: Disney offers early booking savings on three-, four-, and seven-night cruises. Dates and rates are updated weekly. New this week:
* lower price for 3-night cruise in March
* cruise date added to 4-night Bahamian cruise schedule
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Universal Stay 4, Play FREE Package
Receive two FREE theme park tickets when you stay 4 or more nights and enjoy unlimited admission to both Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure for up to seven days. Includes FREE admission to the CityWalk clubs and Universal Express ride access! Expires 12/25/08.
--------------------------------
AAA Auto Club South members save at this popular theme park.
--------------------------------
Save 30% at this Official Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel and Suites
Beth writes: "I've seen this hotel and it's very close to Disney. Used to be a Holiday Inn. Not sure if it's still as well-run, but management used to be great there, and you can't beat the price. Kids 12 and under always eat free. I'd give it a very solid 3 to 3.5 stars." An Official Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel. One of the closest hotels in Kissimmee to Walt Disney World and all the other Orlando and Kissimmee attractions - located just 3 short miles to the Main Gate. Pet friendly. Free shuttle to the parks. Full service restaurant and food court.
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
We have the discount code for Passholder rates for dates in April and May, 2008.
=================================================
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 $79 and moderates from $139 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!
>> 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
--------------------------------
"Jim Hill shares one of the more intriguing rumors that's currently making the rounds in Orlando. Which has the Mouse trying to milk its HSM [High School Musical] franchise by setting up a dinner theatre experience over at Dolly Parton's old place." (Source: jimhillmedia.com, 02/19/08)
--------------------------------
"Disney announced today that starting Feb. 24 Hannah Montana makeovers will be offered at the Downtown Disney Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Disney's high-end fantasy spa for kids." Prices start at $110 + tax. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/19/08)
--------------------------------
Disney's Pirate and Princess Party at the Magic Kingdom has been extended through June, 2008. Hours: 7 PM (after the park closes to the general public) until midnight. $45.95 + tax for ages 10 and up; $39.95 + tax for ages 3-9. Call WDW-AHOY or visit disneyworld.com/pirateandprincess for special offers.
--------------------------------
The first phase of timeshare construction at Animal Kingdom Lodge is complete. The second phase of the project includes the creation of "Kidani Village." The 340-unit building "will include a 120-seat sit-down restaurant, a 4,700-square-foot swimming pool with a water slide and two spas, plus tennis, shuffleboard and half-court basketball, among other amenities."
WDWcelebrations.com is planning to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park April 22.
The final renovation project - pool and aquatic playground - at the Regal Sun Resort - formerly the Grosvenor - at Downtown Disney is now complete.
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/18/08)
--------------------------------
"There are shake-ups in store this year at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Last week's announcement of an American Idol-based attraction may just be the cherry on top of '08 as a new ride, a new parade and an updated show are all either in the works or already open to guests." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/15/08)
--------------------------------
"'Disney's Night Kingdom" is the Mouse's long overdue response to SeaWorld's Discovery Cove... Current plans call for this niche park to officially throw open its doors in October of 2011, just in time for the start of Walt Disney World's 40th anniversary celebration." Cost: $250-$300 per person, including gourmet meal and nonalcoholic beverages. (Source: jimhillmedia.com, 02/15/08)
--------------------------------
The Disney Character Warehouse Outlet Store is now open in Midvale, UT. (Source: sltrib.com, 02/14/08)
(See our book for the locations in Florida where you can buy authentic Walt Disney World merchandise at great discounts.)
--------------------------------
Disney is going to rebuild the Treehouse Villas. (Source: dvcnews.com, 02/09/08)
--------------------------------
"From costumes to concessions, ISU students shared their experiences as the Disney College Program recruited students for the experience to live and work in Orlando, Fla." (Source: indianastatesman.com, 02/13/08) Visit http://www.disneycollegeprogram.com for more information.
--------------------------------
"One of the Walt Disney World visitors who was on the truck that caught fire at Disney's Animal Kingdom on Sunday wrote to say she and her party considered the incident to be a lot scarier than this blog or articles in the Orlando Sentinel had earlier reported." (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 02/13/08)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Click here to see the first images promoting the new Simpson ride coming to Universal.
--------------------------------
Church Street Station Relaunch: "The Cheyenne Saloon & Opera House reopened Thursday night in downtown Orlando's Church Street Station to a mix of country ballads and booze -- and plenty of questions about whether it can survive its rebirth." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/15/08)
--------------------------------
"Beginning today, international travelers flying into Orlando have to submit to digital scans of all 10 fingerprints before they are allowed to enter the country, under new security measures ordered by the federal government." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/15/08)
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
"Disneyland's original "House of the Future," a pod-shaped, all-plastic dwelling, quickly seemed quaint and closed its doors after a decade, in 1967... Disney announced Wednesday that it will soon open a new dwelling in Tomorrowland -- this time in partnership with 21st century technology giants." (Source: travel.latimes.com, 02/13/08)
See Press Release below.
--------------------------------
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
DISNEYLAND HONG KONG
Disney is still struggling to draw visitors to its new park. "it is important that Disney gets back on track by connecting with Chinese consumers, understanding what they want, and delivering entertainment and products of a high quality. They still have a long-way to go." (Source: seekingalpha.com, 02/13/08)
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Baseball Fans Can Catch Some Rays at Disney Sports Complex April 22-24 as Tampa Bay Returns for American League Series vs. Toronto Blue Jays
The Tampa Bay Rays will return to Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex April 22-24 for an American League series with the Toronto Blue Jays. Last May, the Rays swept a three-game series from the Texas Rangers at 9,500-seat Champion Stadium in the first regular-season major league games ever played in the Orlando area.
Individual tickets for the three-game set are on sale at the Champion Stadium Box Office at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, Tropicana Field Box Office, Rays Tampa Office & Pro Shop, via the Rays official website at www.raysbaseball.com or www.raysbeisbol.com, all Ticketmaster locations, and via Ticketmaster Phonecharge at (727) 898-7297 or (407) 839-3900. The Rays are also offering a special three-game package. Luxury entertainment suites and group ticket specials are available by calling 888/FAN-RAYS or by logging on to www.raysbaseball.com.
All fans attending the games in Orlando will receive a voucher for a ticket to a designated weekend game at Tropicana Field this season. (Source: Press Release, 02/18/08)
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Resort and Four Partners will open Innoventions Dream Home in May
The Disneyland Resort today announced a five-year alliance with Microsoft, HP, Life|ware and home builder Taylor Morrison to showcase integrated digital technologies for the home in the immersive, story-telling experiences for which Disney is known. The alliance includes the design and development of the new Innoventions Dream Home attraction, a 5,000+ sq. ft. home belonging to the fictional Elias family, scheduled to open in May in Tomorrowland at the Disneyland Resort.
Keeping with Walt’s vision of bringing cutting-edge and inspiring ideas to Tomorrowland, the Innoventions Dream Home will introduce Disneyland guests to newly available technology from the participating companies that will enhance their lives today, while providing them a glimpse of the emerging digital advances they may find in their homes in the future. The attraction will provide guests with a "high-tech, high-touch" opportunity to experience technology in an entertaining, low-risk environment showing them how the power of technology can connect them to the people and things they care most about.
"We’re thrilled that Disney has chosen Microsoft to bring digital entertainment to life at Disneyland," said Joe Belfiore, Corporate Vice President, Entertainment and Devices eHome Division at Microsoft. "Together, we’re showcasing innovative technology that is both attainable and inspiring, offering park guests the opportunity to see, touch and feel digital home experiences in a simple, fun and interactive environment."
"This exciting alliance gives each of our partners a forum to inspire our guests’ imaginations and motivate them to incorporate and enjoy the new technologies that are available today," said Ed Grier, president of Disneyland Resort. "Consistent with the Disney heritage of growth through innovation, the Innoventions Dream Home is just another example of how we are committed to investing in and developing exciting projects that keep our guests returning again."
The technology companies will showcase a wide range of technologies and products in the exhibit, including the latest in mobile phones, PCs, digital music and gaming. The Innoventions Dream Home demonstrates how home technology can be simple, intuitive and fun while helping guests understand how to seamlessly interconnect their home, the surrounding community and the world, helping consumers stay closer to the people, places and entertainment that are most important to them. The alliances also help ensure that the Innoventions Dream Home remains on the forefront of technology with the newest devices and products as part of the exhibit.
Guests will actively engage in this experience as they help members of the fictional Elias family prepare for a trip to World Soccer Championships in China, where their son is competing. Elias family members rotate throughout the house, randomly interacting with guests in the various rooms. Upon exiting the house, guests can learn more about the companies that collaborated to create the Innoventions Dream House, exploring the technologies for themselves first-hand.
The notion of a Dream Home has deep roots at the Disneyland Resort. Walt Disney was fascinated with the concept of a futuristic home and he introduced concepts at World’s Fairs that led to the first "House of Tomorrow" exhibit in Disneyland (1967). Those early versions featured modern conveniences for housewives, but the story line always focused on progress that led to a better way of living. In 1998, Disneyland opened Innoventions, an interactive pavilion featuring what was then considered breakthrough technology: voice-activated computers, high-definition TVs, smart-cars and satellite broadcasting.
The intent was not to predict the future, but to let people play with emerging technologies and imagine how those technologies might enhance everyday life. The precursors to the Dream Home enabled people of all ages to experiment with interactive devices, games and exhibits, demonstrating both the fun and the significance of modern innovations.
Now comes the Dream Home, a convergence of five companies and their fascination with technology. The combination of Disney’s strong storytelling heritage, cutting-edge technology expertise from Microsoft, HP and Life|ware, and Taylor Morrison’s talent for building an environment that will bring it to life, will inspire Disneyland guests’ imaginations for years to come. (Source: Press Release, 02/13/08)
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AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
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posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 7:09 AM
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