Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation

THE DISNEY NEWS
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
April 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.

Now on with the show...

In this blog...

* Deals and specials - Save 40% at these deluxe Walt Disney World resorts, AAA discount and FREE breakfast, Universal vacation package with FREE tickets, kids eat FREE membership card, Disney cruise early booking discounts, Disneyland summer package, kids fly FREE to Disneyland, discounted Disneyland package with FREE rental car, Universal Hollywood Getaway, Vegas Resort & Casino special, and huge beach sale at Cancun, Jamaica, Puerta Vallarta and Costa Rica

* The latest news from around the "World" - Disney's Animal Kingdom celebrates its 10th anniversary

* Justin Muchoney of Pa. voted first-ever Disney Parks Chief Magic Official

* Universal's CityWalk Calendar for May 2008

* This week's coupon - save at what many call the finest golf course in Orlando

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NEW THIS WEEK

WALT DISNEY WORLD

AAA members enjoy special rates and complimentary breakfast for two at these deluxe Walt Disney World Resorts. Book by April 30 for stays through May 15, 2008.

Everyone can save 40% at these deluxe Walt Disney World resorts from May 22 through June 30, 2008!

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UNIVERSAL VACATION PACKAGE

>> Stay at Universal and get two FREE Adult Unlimited Admission Tickets to both parks. Package includes airfare. Valid through 12/25/08.

>> Kids eat FREE at eateries off Disney property with this paid membership card.

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DISNEY CRUISE LINE

Enjoy early booking savings on 16 Disney cruises!

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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA

>> Disneyland Summer Vacation Package

Rates as low as $77 per person per day for two nights and three days at this Good Neighbor hotel, including Park Hopper Tickets! Valid June 20 to August 31, 2008.

>> Kids Fly Free to the Disneyland Resort

This vacation package features FREE airfare for children ages 2-11. Includes a stay at a Disneyland Good Neighbor hotel and Park Hopper Bonus Ticket. Travel must be completed by September 30, 2008.

>> Get $75 off and a FREE rental car when you book this Disneyland Resort package. Includes roundtrip airfare and a 4-night minimum stay at a Disneyland Resort. Tickets are excluded. Book by 04/30/08 to take advantage of the $75 discount. Book by 12/15/08 for the free rental car. Must arrive by 12/15/08; travel must be completed by 12/21/08.

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UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD GETAWAY

3-Day/2-Night Vacation from $236 per adult! Includes:

* 2-night hotel accommodations at a Universal Studios Hollywood area hotel

* Unlimited Admission pass valid for 7 consecutive days to Universal Studios Hollywood

* Complimentary transportation between your hotel and Universal Studios Hollywood

* One souvenir photograph

Rates are tax inclusive, based on double adult occupancy for a 2 night stay at a Good Neighbor Hotel. Valid for travel 04/01/08 - 12/24/08.

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VEGAS

Experience summer at this AAA Five Diamond luxury Resort & Casino:

* Deluxe Rooms from $159/night
* Suites from $299/night

Valid May 21 through September 4, 2008. Sunday through Thursday.

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HUGE SPRING AND SUMMER BEACH SALE!

CANCUN

* 5 Nts All Inclusive from $529. Kids Stay, Play and Eat at No Charge!

* 7 Nts All Inclusive from $629.

RIVIERA MAYA

* 5 Nts All Inclusive from $369. Kids Stay, Play and Eat at No Charge!

* 6 Nts All Inclusive from $889.

PUERTO VALLARTA / RIVIERA NAYARIT

* 4 Nts All Inclusive from $319. Receive up to $400 in value added extras!

* 7 Nts All Inclusive from $495.

JAMAICA

* 5 Nts All Inclusive from $579. Kids Stay, Play and Eat at No Charge!

* 4 Nts from $615. Concierge Collection Added Value - In-room bottle of Appleton VX Rum, plus personalized concierge service.

COSTA RICA, SAN JOSE

* 7 Nts All Inclusive from $794.

COSTA RICA, GUANACASTE

* 6 Nts All Inclusive from $1189. Concierge Collection Added Value - In-room fruit basket, next category upgrade from April-October and late check-out. Plus personalized concierge service.

**Kid's rate based on travel with full paying guest. Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Advertised prices are based on May or June stays and may not be available on every date and are valid for new bookings only, not valid on group bookings. Must book by 04/30/08.

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Below are just some of the deals drawn from over 50 pages of current specials posted at our password-protected members-only site:

WALT DISNEY WORLD

>> Several ways to win a Walt Disney World/Florida vacation!

>> Discount codes for special rates at the deluxe Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort for Memorial Day, late Summer, Labor Day and Thanksgiving!

>> Save up to 40% on a 2008 vacation with this promotion if you're at Walt Disney World right now!

>> FREE Customized Park Maps for Walt Disney World!

>> Deals for the military, teachers, government workers, nurses, Florida residents!

>> Receive a 5th Day FREE when you purchase a Walt Disney World 4-Day Magic Your Way Base or Hopper ticket with 14 day Expiration!

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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 $589!

>> Onboard credits!

>> Discounts for Florida residents and the military - rates too low to publish!

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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA

>> Kids fly FREE!

>> 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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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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"Painter Rachel Tribble is the woman behind the brush for this year's poster for the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival." You can meet her and get her autograph every weekend until the event ends June 1. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/23/08)
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"It had been a wonderful vacation at Walt Disney World -- until Paul Campanale accidentally threw away his wife's three platinum and diamond rings... but Disney Wilderness Lodge workers dug them out of the trash." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/22/08)
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Disney's Animal Kingdom celebrated its 10th anniversary Tuesday. The Orlando Sentinel published these 10 fun facts about AK. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/20/08)

Click here for another story.
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"Woman says Disney fired her after taking time to grieve husband's death." (Source: wftv.com, 04/16/08)
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Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD

"SeaWorld Orlando and other Busch Entertainment Corp. parks are converting their food-service containers and tableware supplies to versions made from materials that are both farm-raised organic - such as corn and bamboo - and biodegradable." And no, you can't eat the cutlery. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/21/08)
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA

Disney's Food and Wine Festival teaches visitors how to pair beers with food selections. (Source: ocresort.freedomblogging.com, 04/16/08)
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Disneyland Resort Calendar
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SIX FLAGS

"Theme park operator Six Flags Inc. is aiming to become an entertainment company with its own characters to entice thrill-seekers to its parks much like The Walt Disney Co., its chief executive said Tuesday." (Source: ajc.com, 04/16/08)
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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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Justin Muchoney Of Pa. Voted First-Ever Disney Parks Chief Magic Official

The votes are in! Disney Parks and CareerBuilder.com today announced that Justin Muchoney from Seven Fields, Pa. has been named the first-ever Disney Parks Chief Magic Official (CMO) - emerging victorious from a field of 1,300 candidates nationwide. Muchoney was inducted as CMO in a special ceremony with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla.

Muchoney was one of three CMO finalists who traveled to the Walt Disney World Resort to compete in a series of creative in-Park events, ranging from stroller derbies and face-painting to tests of overall Park knowledge. Videos highlighting Muchoney and his fellow finalists participating in the events were posted on www.DreamCMO.com for a final round of online voting April 14 through April 21. Muchoney received nearly 200,000 online votes, surpassing David Hawley of Roseville, Calif. and Tripp West of Powder Springs, Ga., who generated close to 50,000 and more than 30,000 votes, respectively.

"Justin has a true passion for Disney Parks that came through online and during the in-Park competitions," said Craig Dezern, Vice President of Global Public Relations. "He seemed to have a personal supply of pixie dust that helped him secure this magical position."

As CMO, Muchoney will first go through Disney’s Traditions Trainingwhere he will learn the ins and outs of being a Cast Member. This training will help prepare him for his first assignment: the opening of Toy Story Mania! at Walt Disney Worldand DisneylandResorts.Throughout the next year, he will create magical experiences for guests, participate in special events and work behind the scenes with the Walt Disney Imagineers as part of the "Year of a Million Dreams."

"I can honestly say that all of my CMO abilities have been put to the test, and I am ready to begin my duties as the first-ever Chief Magic Official," exclaimed Muchoney. "All I have ever wanted is to be a part of the magic and now I can help create lasting memories for guests, which is my ‘dream come true.’"

"Job seekers across America can be inspired by the way Justin campaigned to become the first-ever Disney Parks CMO," commented Richard Castellini, Vice President of Consumer Marketing at CareerBuilder.com. "How many people can say they get to ‘make magic’ in their jobs? We are proud to have helped Disney Parks find a one-of-a-kind candidate for this one-of-a-kind opportunity."

For information regarding all phases of the Disney Parks and CareerBuilder.com search for the CMO, please visit www.DreamCMO.com. (Press Release, 04/21/08)
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CITYWALK CALENDAR AND VENUE ENTERTAINMENT - MAY 2008

**SPECIAL EVENTS**
8th Annual Bob Marley Reggae Fest
May 10 & 11 ~ 2PM - 9PM
Come celebrate the music, spirit and culture of Jamaica! All ages welcome (2pm - 9pm)
Local Bands and DJs; Specialty Drinks; Caribbean Food; Over 20 Jamaican and African Merchants

Saturday, May 10 ~ Inner Circle, Maxi Priest
Sunday, May 11 ~ Toots & The Maytals, Stephen Marley

Tickets available at CityWalk Guest Services

Fuego on Fridays at Latin Quarter
May 9 & May 23 ~ 10PM
Light up your Friday nights at Latin Quarter when salsa band Fuego performs live!
DJ Wichie plays the hottest salsa, merengue and Bachata in town
Doors open at 10PM, band begins at 10:30PM
2 for 1 Don Q cocktails and specials on bottles
21 and up welcome, $7 cover

CityWalk’s Rising Star is Now Open
Nightly 8PM until 2AM
Take center stage at CityWalk’s Rising Star karaoke club as the lead singer of a live band, complete with backup singers. Grab the mic and belt out your favorite songs in front of a live audience or just sit back and enjoy the show. CityWalk’s Rising Star resides in the location made famous by CityJazz.

Hospitality Night throughout CityWalk
Thursday Nights ~ 10PM - Close
Beer, cocktail, food and non-alcoholic drink specials
Club hop non-stop with live music and entertainment at all venues
Free admission and free parking
Some venues require ages 21 or older (valid photo ID required)
Industry ID or paycheck stub required for discounts

**RESTAURANTS AND CLUBS**
Bob Marley - A Tribute to Freedom
Legendary Thursdays ~ 8PM - Close
1/2 price select appetizers and Red Stripe Beer specials

Entertainment
Mystik NRG ~ Monday - Friday
Chain Reaction ~ Saturday & Sundays

CityWalk Promenade
Orange Avenue plays on Fridays, Saturdays and other select dates

the groove
XL at the groove - SKYY’s Jet Set Fridays
Signature martinis, bottle service, SKYY drink specials and more
Hosted by WXXL 106.7 FM

Teen Nights at the groove
Fridays ~ May 9, 23; 7PM - 11PM
Sunday ~ May 25; 8PM - 12AM

Come listen to live DJs spin all of today’s hits, and experience state-of-the-art sound, lighting and video
Ages 15 - 19 welcome. Bring your school ID or driver’s license for admission.

Entertainment
DJs nightly

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
Locals Night - Thursdays
Enjoy drink specials, live rock entertainment and a chance to win prizes
Guests receive free admission with a Florida ID or a college ID after 10PM

Entertainment
Blue Stone Circle ~ Tuesday - Saturday
Fred Ramos Band ~ Sunday - Monday
Lone Palm-DJ Bo Wilson ~ Thursday - Sunday
Patio ~ Live music nightly

Latin Quarter
Ladies Night with Rumba 100.3FM - Thursdays
Reggaeton/freestyle dance party from 10PM - 2AM
Ladies drink free (select beverages) from 10PM - 12AM

Entertainment
Alejandro Kartal ~ Monday - Saturday
George Dimitrov ~ Sundays
Fuego ~ Special Live Performance on Friday May 9 and May 23

NASCAR Sports Grille
Featuring the following sporting events:
- 5th Annual NASCAR day on May 16th
- "RACE Night" on Thursdays. Ask about the RACE VIP Card for drink, food and game specials from 7PM to close

NBA City
All Sports, all the time
Happy Hour daily ~ 4PM - 7PM

Pat O’Brien’s Orlando
Dueling Piano Bar - Live music nightly
2 for Tuesdays ~ 4PM - 10PM, select beer specials

Red Coconut Club
Nightly Happy Hour
Sunday - Thursday, 8PM - 10PM; Friday and Saturday, 6PM - 9PM
$5 Martinis and complimentary valet parking

Ladies Night every Thursday ~ 8PM - Close
Ladies receive complimentary admission, valet parking and $3 martinis all evening

In Crowd Hospitality Sundays ~ Sundays at 10PM
Free admission for members of the hospitality industry all evening
Drink specials starting at $2 with your ID or hospitality pay stub

Entertainment
Shifty Eyed Dog ~ Thursday - Saturday
DJs nightly (Source: Press Release, 04/16/08)
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MONEY SAVING COUPON

Falcon's Fire Golf Club
3200 Seralago Blvd
Kissimmee, FL 34746
Phone: 407-239-5445
Fax: 407-397-9047

A Rees Jones Signature Design Championship Golf Course. Perhaps the finest golf course in Orlando.

Get $10 off regular rack Rate, $5 off twilight rate, 50% off rental equipment 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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