Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
May 7, 2008
Copyright © 1999 - 2008 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
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TREAT MOM TO A FREE LIFETIME GIFT MEMBERSHIP!
Join our Disney family with a Lifetime Membership and we'll send a FREE Lifetime Gift Membership (CD excluded) to your Mom, a friend or another loved one with your best wishes for a fun and affordable Walt Disney World vacation! (Enter the recipient's name and email address in the comment box when you order. If you don't have it on hand, you can send it to us any time at johngross@affordabledisney.com.)
"Purchased the [membership] 2 months ago... I had a gift membership sent to a friend and they just returned from Disney World. They saved $1,500.00 on their room by using a code for government employees."
Hurry! Our Mother's Day Special ends May 11, 2008, at 11:59 PM!
Click here to join our Disney family.
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Hi Everyone!
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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 - New Disney sweepstakes, Cirque du Soleil discount, dining certificates for Mother's Day, Disney cruise discounts for Floridians and the general public, and affordable dining locations in Vegas
* The latest news from around the "World" - armored-car theft at Grand Floridian; suicide at Disneyland Hotel
* Walt Disney World vacation planner for September - December, 2008
* Toy Story Mania! Goes into Fourth Dimension
* Toy Story Mania! Fun Facts
* This week's coupon - save at this new karaoke club at Universal's CityWalk
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NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Win a Disney / Florida / California vacation! New sweepstakes just added.
Walt Disney World passholders and Disney Vacation Club members save 25% on these performances at Cirque du Soleil!
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Celebrate Mother's Day and save! Get $25 dining certificates for $5 and a FREE $10 dela Flowers gift certificate. Must purchase by 05/11/08. Dining certificates are valid at restaurants near Walt Disney World, Disneyland California and throughout the USA.
Stay at this Walt Disney World "Good Neighbor" hotel in May and receive a $25 Gas Card. Or take advantage of their Mother's Day Special: Stay between May 8 - May 12 and get a FREE upgrade to a kid's suite!
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DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Disney Cruise Summer Special for Everyone: 3-night Bahamian cruise starting at $699 per person, double occupancy. Plus, receive a $25 onboard credit redeemable for purchases aboard ship and shore excursions.
New cruise discount for Florida residents!
New early booking discount for 3-night cruise for the general public!
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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 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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"A couple say visiting Disney World helps unlock their autistic son's closed world." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/04/08)
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"A third suspect has been arrested in connection with a theft from an armored vehicle at the Grand Floridian resort at Walt Disney World." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/02/08)
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Click here for the recipe for Chilled Carrot and Orange Soup from the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort.
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Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
"The Simpsons ride, Universal Studio's newest adventure, gives up its secrets In which we reveal what you want to know but didn't know whom to ask about Universal's newest adventure." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/02/08)
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
"A man believed to be in his 30s or 40s apparently jumped to his death today from the 14th floor of the Disneyland Hotel’s Wonder Tower, authorities said." (Source: ocregister.com, 05/02/08)
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Disneyland Resort Calendar
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VEGAS
"You don't have to spend big to eat big in this town... Here's a weekend's worth of fine dining for the every [day] roller." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/01/08)
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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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Disney Planner - September-December 2008
From ‘Not So Scary’ to ‘Very Merry,’ September to December
Is Filled with Festivals and Fun at Walt Disney World Resort
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Pick your passion: Whether it's food, wine, music, art, sports, stargazing, celebrating a milestone birthday, holiday mirth or Mickey Mouse, September through December 2008 is a season when vacation wishes and dreams come true for Walt Disney World guests of many interests as Disney's "Year of a Million Dreams" showcases nearly a dozen special events.
Here's a snapshot of what's in store:
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival: Delectable foods and stellar wines and beers from some of the best "foodie" cities in the world -- places such as Lyon, France; Bologna, Italy; Cape Town, South Africa and trendy Cork, Ireland -- will tempt Walt Disney World guests Sept. 26-Nov. 9 at the 13th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. New festival flavors representing great "Cities in Wonderland" will deliver blissful bites with wine and beer pairings ($2 to $5 each) at more than 25 international and regional marketplaces surrounding the park's World Showcase. Cultural exhibits along the promenade will showcase entertainment and traditional crafts of several countries.
Eat to the Beat! concerts at America Gardens Theatre, with three performances each evening, offer a lineup of classic rock, oldies, jazz and funk hit-makers such as Spyro Gyra, Kool & The Gang and Jon Secada.
Other festival highlights include:
# The Festival Welcome Center, with a Champagne and Wine Bar, complimentary wine seminars, book signings and festival keepsakes.
# Some 250 Disney chefs and guest chefs conducting culinary demonstrations and hosting elegant dinners and tasting events.
# The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting event featuring tempting tastes from eminent chefs, more than 70 wines and beers and live entertainment.
# Music, dance, acrobatics and "improv" acts at Epcot pavilions.
Most activities, such as wine and beer seminars, concerts and cooking demos, are included with admission. Activities that require reservations and separate admission include Party for the Senses, Food and Wine Pairings at Epcot restaurants, Epcot Wine Schools, Regional Feasts and other specialty events.
Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (407/939-3378) to make reservations for special events and programs. Festival details are available at: disneyworld.com/food.
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: The Disney characters are decked out in their Halloween finest, and guests are invited to do the same on 25 evenings between Sept. 5 and Oct. 31 when Magic Kingdom hosts this popular after-hours event. There's trick-or-treating galore and a chance to experience popular attractions during a 7 p.m.-midnight party which features two scheduled entertainment extravaganzas guests can see at no other time: the "Boo-to-You" Halloween parade and the bewitching "Happy HalloWishes" fireworks spectacular.
Parties are slated for Sept. 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 28, 30 and Oct. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31. For more details and to purchase advance tickets, guests can call 407/W-DISNEY or visit disneyworld.com/halloween now.
Disney's Royal Quinceañera Weekend: For the first time, Walt Disney World Resort is offering a weekend dedicated to celebrating the most magical time in a Latina's life: turning age 15. The "weekend" (Aug. 29-Sept. 5 -- around Labor Day) will include a tradition-steeped extravaganza at Epcot that celebrates the passage from flat-soled shoes and dolls to high heels, elaborate gowns and young womanhood. Every young woman will walk into a breathtaking ball held in her honor and into a world of princesses, beauty and enchantment that only Disney can create, capped by a private viewing of the fireworks spectacular, "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth."
The exclusive Disney's Royal Quinceañera Weekend includes a 3-, 4-, or 5-night stay at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, theme park tickets and the Quinceañera celebration at Epcot. For more information, guests may visit www.disneyworld.com/quinceanera or call 321/939-4555.
Night of Joy: Regarded as one of the top contemporary Christian music events in the country, Night of Joy is on the move to a new venue in 2008. Disney's Hollywood Studios will host two talent-packed evenings Sept. 5-6 featuring a total of 16 acts including Gospel Music Association Dove Awards winners such as 2008 Artist of the Year tobyMac, Male Vocalist of the Year Chris Tomlin, Group of the Year Casting Crowns and New Artist of the Year Brandon Heath plus 2004 Artist of the Year MercyMe and internationally popular Grammy Award winners Rebecca St. James and Marcos Witt.
Guests attending Night of Joy, which takes place from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (after regular theme park hours), can combine an evening of rockin' Christian music with the thrills and chills of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror plus the shoot-'em-up fun of the newest Walt Disney World attraction, Toy Story Mania! For more information about the 2008 event and to purchase tickets, guests can visit disneyworld.com/nightofjoy or call 407/W-DISNEY. (Youth groups of 10 or more can visit www.nightofjoy.com/2008 or call 877/648-3569.) Guests are encouraged to buy tickets early as the event has sold out in recent years.
More than one million guests experienced Night of Joy from 1983 through 2007, a 25-year period during which the event was held in Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom.
Festival of the Masters presented by Sharpie®: More than 150 award-winning national and local fine artists will showcase their diverse creations at Downtown Disney West Side Nov. 7-9 during Festival of the Masters. An art festival for all ages, the 33rd annual 'Masters' includes live music and entertainment, chalk art sidewalk displays at Downtown budding young artists can create their own masterpieces.Disney Marketplace and a children's activity area where
Event hours are 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. each day of the festival. Admission and parking are complimentary. For more information about Festival of the Masters, guests may contact 407/824-4321 or visit disneyworld.com/artfestival.
Children's Miracle Network Classic presented by Wal-Mart: PGA TOUR tradition continues Nov. 6-9 when pro golf's top tier returns to Walt Disney World Resort and to Disney's Magnolia course for the 38th consecutive year -- the eighth longest streak of same-course use in pro golf. As the last official money event of the year, the Classic promises a scramble among players jockeying for positions in the final money standings, a key factor in determining who makes the fields of TOUR events in 2009. Stephen Ames is reigning champion. Ticket information is available by calling 407/824-2250 or by visiting www.childrensmiraclenetworkclassic.com.
ABC Super Soap Weekend presented by Colgate® Total®: One of the largest annual soap opera fan events held anywhere in the world, ABC Super Soap Weekend presented by Colgate® Total®, returns to Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park Nov. 15-16. Stars from the ABC Daytime dramas "All My Children," "One Life to Live" and "General Hospital" step off the television screens and into the theme park in meet-and-greet autograph and photo sessions, celebrity motorcades, star conversations, interactive games and more.
Admission to the 13th edition of the soap fanfest is included in regular admission to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Fans will be able to visit disneyworld.com/SuperSoapWeekend for additional information.
Old Spice Classic: NCAA "Sweet 16ers" Tennessee and Michigan State top an eight-team lineup that ESPN Regional Television is serving up as a Thanksgiving weekend feast of college basketball in The Milk House at Disney's Wide World of Sports and on ESPN2 and ESPNU Nov. 27, 28 and 30. The third edition of the Old Spice Classic also features five more teams that played in the NCAA and NIT tournaments in spring 2008.
Georgetown, Maryland, Oklahoma State, Gonzaga, Siena and Wichita State round out the lineup of teams that amassed a combined 181 victories during the 2007-08 season. They will play 12 games over the three days of the Old Spice Classic. North Carolina State won the tournament in 2007.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party: On 18 select evenings in November and December, guests can experience the enchantment of "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade" and the excitement of a holiday-themed fireworks spectacular, "Holiday Wishes--Celebrate the Spirit of the Season," during a special after-hours party inside the Magic Kingdom theme park.
The jingle-jolly event also features live Disney character stage shows, like "Celebrate the Season," Mickey's "Twas the Night Before Christmas" Show and Fantasyland Pavilion Cotillion, character greetings, cookies and cocoa, and even "snow" on Main Street, U.S.A. Plus, the most-popular Magic Kingdom attractions are open to party guests.
Dates are: Nov. 10, 11, 14, 16, 20, 21, 30; Dec. 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19. Admission to this event requires a separate ticket. Guests can visit disneyworld.com/holidays or call 407/W-DISNEY now for advance tickets and information.
Holiday Highlights: It was once suggested that while there's no place like home for the holidays, the next best place on the planet may be Walt Disney World Resort. The good news is that guests don't have to choose: They can experience the sparkling decorations and joyous seasonal entertainment throughout the Vacation Kingdom and still be home for Christmas, because the festivities begin weeks before December 25. Here's a sampling of what's in store:
# The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights -- As "snow" falls overhead, the Streets of America backlot cityscape at Disney's Hollywood Studios comes alive with millions of holiday lights that dance to music, animating sparkling displays to create twirling carousels, marching toy soldiers and even Santa and his reindeer taking flight. The synchronized music and light show is presented in collaboration with famed Arkansas businessman Jennings Osborne, who developed the dazzling display for his daughter more than a decade ago at his Little Rock, Ark., home. The spectacle is included with Disney's Hollywood Studios admission.
# Holidays Around the World / Candlelight Processional -- An Epcot tradition continues with holiday customs from around the globe, international storytellers, a nightly tree-lighting ceremony featuring Disney characters, a stunning display of snow-white and colored lights, and Candlelight Processional. A beloved Disney tradition that began long before Epcot, Candlelight Processional features celebrity guest narrators accompanied by a mass choir and 50-piece orchestra for a retelling of the Christmas story. All of the Epcot holiday fun is included with regular theme park admission.
# Castle Dream Lights -- A dazzling lighting spectacle transforms the iconic Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom into a glimmering, shimmering ice palace at holiday time. Bathed in more than 200,000 tiny white lights, the castle glows and glistens nightly. It's all a fulfillment of Cinderella's holiday wish, as guests learn during a special show that climaxes with the transformation of the famous Magic Kingdom icon.
# Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade -- A Disney's Animal Kingdom tradition, the procession results from Mickey Mouse's invitation to a special group of friends to join him on a holiday adventure. The parade is filled with gaiety -- the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and feelings of the season. Mickey and his friends are no exception. They've added holiday accessories to their safari costumes. Add in some special music and you have a combination that celebrates the holidays as only Disney's Animal Kingdom can.
The holiday fun begins as early as Nov. 10 with the first Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, which will showcase the Castle Dream Lights. Disney park officials are currently checking in with Santa's elves to find out when they'll have everything else ready to meet and treat Walt Disney World guests. Specific information will be available at www.disneyworld.com/holidays or from vacation planners at 407/W-DISNEY. (Source: Press Release, 04/30/08)
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Toy Story Mania! Goes into ‘Fourth Dimension’ to Continue Disney Parks Tradition of Immersing Guests in the Show
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- When Walt Disney World guests "shrink" to the size of the toys they play with at home (or remember from their childhood) and become the star performers in the midway-game world of Toy Story Mania! at Disney's Hollywood Studios, they are experiencing the essence of Disney Parks: engagement in such an immersive and interactive way that guests become part of the show.
Every day, Disney cast members invite guests to play special roles in entertainment throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. Other immersive experiences include such roles as starring in a parade down Main Street, U.S.A., learning dance moves from the Disney Channel sensation "High School Musical 2," dueling with Darth Vader and many more.
"These experiences transport our guests deep into the magical realms of what Disney parks are all about," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "Rather than imagine being in a Disney parade or what it's like to sail with Captain Jack Sparrow, these transformational experiences put our guests right in the heart of their dreams."
It's a Disney tradition that goes back to the very beginning of Disney Parks -- the opening of Disneyland in 1955 -- and is a consideration every time the famed Disney Imagineers huddle to fathom new magic.
In the latest immersive-entertainment experience, Toy Story Mania! guests are transported into a 4-D world where they compete in virtual midway-style games hosted by characters from the Disney-Pixar films "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2," including Woody, Hamm and Rex. Donning 3-D glasses and using spring-action shooters, guests launch virtual darts at balloons, rings at aliens and eggs at whimsical barnyard targets to see who can rack up the most points. Guests may even experience some special 4-D effects during different parts of the game.
And the interactive fun doesn't stop when guests put down their toy shooters. Here's a sampling of other immersive experiences happening every day at Walt Disney World Resort:
* "Block Party Bash" (Disney's Hollywood Studios). A new traveling show that lets guests play, dance and party with favorite Disney-Pixar characters from smash-hit animated films like "Toy Story," "The Incredibles," "Monsters, Inc." and "A Bug's Life." Block Party Bash rocks and rolls throughout the park, putting guests in the middle of an impromptu party during one of the wildest, most interactive street spectaculars ever.
* "High School Musical 2: School's Out!" (Disney's Hollywood Studios). Wildcat fever has guests dancing in the streets in the new interactive show presented multiple times daily. Inspired by the Disney Channel's record-breaking, original film, "High School Musical 2,"the high-energy cast invites guests to join the fun as they sing and dance along to the movie's hit tunes, including "What Time Is It?," "All For One" and "I Don't Dance."
* Jedi Training Academy (Disney's Hollywood Studios). Taking a cue from the popular Star Wars Saga, the power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine for an original and intergalactic entertainment experience. Young Jedi hopefuls -- known in 'Star Wars-speak' as "Padawans" -- learn lightsaber moves from a Jedi Master before facing off in a final test against the evil Darth Vader. Created with Lucasfilm Ltd., Jedi Training Academy is presented multiple times daily, adjacent to the popular Star Tours attraction.
* "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" (Disney's Hollywood Studios). Some of the most beloved characters from the Disney Channel lineup are featured in a singing, clapping and be-bopping show designed for preschoolers. The show stars favorites from popular Disney Channel programs including "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," "Little Einsteins," "Handy Manny" and more.
* Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin (Magic Kingdom Tomorrowland). Armed with infrared lasers, Magic Kingdom guests join forces with Buzz Lightyear to defend Earth's supply of batteries from the evil Emperor Zurg in Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, a spinning, brought-to-life Tomorrowland spin-off of the hit movie "Toy Story." The shoot-'em-up fun triggers sight and sound gags, while a lighted display inside toy-spaceship ride vehicles allows guests to keep score.
* Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial (Magic Kingdom Adventureland). Looking for new recruits, Captain Jack and his mate Mack lead guests through a series of pirate skill tests to prove their mettle. Who is craftiest at wooden swordplay? Who can flash their most menacing pirate grimace? Faster than you can say "Yo, Ho! Yo, Ho! A Pirate's Life for Me!" the big moment arrives: getting officially sworn in with the Pirate's Oath to become honorary buccaneers of Captain Jack's famous Pirate Crew.
* Woody's Cowboy Camp (Magic Kingdom Frontierland). There's a rootin' tootin' good time in store as Woody, Jesse and Bullseye invite everyone to Woody's Cowboy Camp! Ridin' in on a wagon are some of their best cowpoke pals, along with Sam the Singin' Cowboy who leads a rollicking hoedown. Led by Bullseye and saddled up on wooden stick horses, kids giddy-up their way through a cowboy obstacle course -- maneuvering around parents donning hats shaped like cacti, mountains and mine shafts. It's kick-up-your-spurs, hootin' and hollerin' fun as the cowboy spirit comes to life on the dusty streets of Frontierland.
* "Main Street Family Fun Day Parade" (Magic Kingdom Main Street, U.S.A.). For the very first time, guests are able to parade down Main Street, U.S.A. alongside favorite Disney characters. It's a pennant-waving, drum-beating rush for guests when they join characters and march alongside parade floats, a marching band and an old-timey fire truck. There's even a stroller drill team to accommodate little paraders and their parents. When the parade hits Town Square, guests join the performers for a flag-waving patriotic finale.
Also happening in the theme parks every day:
* "Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor" (Magic Kingdom Tomorrowland). Guests laugh, joke and match wits with the beloved animated characters from Disney-Pixar's "Monsters, Inc." in an engaging and interactive attraction created by the Disney Imagineers. "Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor" features one-eyed hero Mike Wazowski, who has opened a comedy club to collect laughs that will generate power for the future. As Monster-of-Ceremonies, Mike recruits two comedian wannabes whose slapstick humor delights and engages audiences. Guests even get to text-message jokes on their cell phones for possible use in the show.
* "Turtle Talk With Crush" (Epcot). Crush, from Disney-Pixar's "Finding Nemo," has made a different kind of screen debut in The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion at Epcot -- as a chatting, joking quipster who engages guests in conversation from his movie-screen undersea environment. "Turtle Talk With Crush" showcases real-time animation using digital projection and sophisticated, voice-activated animation.
And that's not all! Coming in winter 2008:
* "American Idol" Attraction (Disney's Hollywood Studios). Starry-eyed Disney guests will get a taste of TV's pop culture phenomenon -- up close and personal -- when Disney's Hollywood Studios unwraps an "American Idol" attraction in winter 2008. Guests will be able to experience the challenge of auditioning, the rush of performing on stage in competition or the thrill of judging the performances in a live interactive setting modeled after the "American Idol" set. There will be multiple show times daily. Guests advancing through the screening process have the chance, in the nightly final competition, to win a guaranteed reservation for a regional audition for the "American Idol" TV show. (Source: Press Release, 05/06/08)
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Toy Story Mania! Fun Facts
* Each ride vehicle weighs as much as 8,580 Woody dolls.
* It would take 5,026 toy soldiers lined up end-to-end to make up the total track length.
* Toy Story Mania! is the first time that Walt Disney Imagineering is creating an attraction for two Disney Parks simultaneously.
* It has been estimated that, each day, guests may break over one million virtual plates using the spring-action shooters.
* Riders in the Sky, the award winning group that wrote the songs that Mr. Potato Head performs as part of the attraction, is the same group that wrote "Woody's Roundup" for the "Toy Story" feature films.
* This is the first attraction that Walt Disney Imagineering designed where the Imagineers had to wear 3-D glasses to art direct all the black-light paint elements.
* The murals located in the load area at Disney's Hollywood Studios are the biggest murals painted since Epcot was built.
* In order to create a show that responds not only to every pull of a guest's spring-action shooter, but also every move their midway tram makes, there are over 150 computers communicating over multiple networks throughout the attraction.
* At Toy Story Mania! every guest gets to experience life at the size of a toy. So in Andy's room, a 5 foot 6 inch person will feel about 14" tall.
* More time was spent programming Mr. Potato Head than for any other Audio-Animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering.
* Mr. Potato Head will be able to say more lines of dialogue than any Audio-Animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering.
* The Mr. Potato Head Audio-Animatronics figure is the first time that an Audio-Animatronics figure can remove a body part and re-attach it (in the case of his ear).
* The Mr. Potato Head Audio-Animatronics figure has new, highly expressive and animated eyes that can look directly at a particular guest in the queue when speaking to him/her.
* Mr. Potato Head marks the first Audio-Animatronics figure whose mouth appears to form words and vowel sounds.
Game:
* In each of the Toy Story Mania! games, there is at least one "easter egg" -- targets that can trigger the appearance of bonus high-value targets and other changes in the scene.
* Toy Story Mania! is the first time that Woody and Buzz Lightyear (along with some of their friends) from the Disney-Pixar "Toy Story" films appear together in a ride-through attraction.
* Watch for loose change in the prize scene -- Hamm is carrying more than $6 in coins when his cork pops.
Nice to Know:
* Because of the indoor nature of the attraction and to keep the guest experience fun for all, flash photography or video is not allowed on Toy Story Mania!
* Everyone can play! There is no height or age restriction for guests to experience Toy Story Mania!
* Actual ride time aboard Toy Story Mania! is a full five minutes.
* Ready, aim, fire! Players have 30 seconds in each game play area to score points.
* A beeline to fun! Toy Story Mania! utilizes Disney's FASTPASS, a return voucher offering little or no waiting time at select attractions. Single riders also have their own queuing option for Toy Story Mania! (Source: Press Release, 05/06/08)
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MONEY SAVING COUPON
Universal CityWalk's Rising Star
6000 Universal Blvd
Universal CityWalk®
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 407-224-3663
CityWalk's newest club featuring karaoke, cocktails and appetizers.
Get 20% off Food OR 2 for 1 Drink with this coupon.
Coupon is also valid at CityWalk's Red Coconut Club, Pat O’Brien’s, Latin Quarter, CityJazz, Pastamoré, Bob Marley's A Tribute to Freedom or the groove.
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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
May 7, 2008
Copyright © 1999 - 2008 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
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TREAT MOM TO A FREE LIFETIME GIFT MEMBERSHIP!
Join our Disney family with a Lifetime Membership and we'll send a FREE Lifetime Gift Membership (CD excluded) to your Mom, a friend or another loved one with your best wishes for a fun and affordable Walt Disney World vacation! (Enter the recipient's name and email address in the comment box when you order. If you don't have it on hand, you can send it to us any time at johngross@affordabledisney.com.)
"Purchased the [membership] 2 months ago... I had a gift membership sent to a friend and they just returned from Disney World. They saved $1,500.00 on their room by using a code for government employees."
Hurry! Our Mother's Day Special ends May 11, 2008, at 11:59 PM!
Click here to join our Disney family.
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Hi Everyone!
J. KLEMAN - Your email address is bouncing. Please email me at johngross@affordabledisney.com with a working email address so I can resend your access codes. Thanks!
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 - New Disney sweepstakes, Cirque du Soleil discount, dining certificates for Mother's Day, Disney cruise discounts for Floridians and the general public, and affordable dining locations in Vegas
* The latest news from around the "World" - armored-car theft at Grand Floridian; suicide at Disneyland Hotel
* Walt Disney World vacation planner for September - December, 2008
* Toy Story Mania! Goes into Fourth Dimension
* Toy Story Mania! Fun Facts
* This week's coupon - save at this new karaoke club at Universal's CityWalk
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NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Win a Disney / Florida / California vacation! New sweepstakes just added.
Walt Disney World passholders and Disney Vacation Club members save 25% on these performances at Cirque du Soleil!
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Celebrate Mother's Day and save! Get $25 dining certificates for $5 and a FREE $10 dela Flowers gift certificate. Must purchase by 05/11/08. Dining certificates are valid at restaurants near Walt Disney World, Disneyland California and throughout the USA.
Stay at this Walt Disney World "Good Neighbor" hotel in May and receive a $25 Gas Card. Or take advantage of their Mother's Day Special: Stay between May 8 - May 12 and get a FREE upgrade to a kid's suite!
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DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Disney Cruise Summer Special for Everyone: 3-night Bahamian cruise starting at $699 per person, double occupancy. Plus, receive a $25 onboard credit redeemable for purchases aboard ship and shore excursions.
New cruise discount for Florida residents!
New early booking discount for 3-night cruise for the general public!
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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 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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"A couple say visiting Disney World helps unlock their autistic son's closed world." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/04/08)
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"A third suspect has been arrested in connection with a theft from an armored vehicle at the Grand Floridian resort at Walt Disney World." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/02/08)
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Click here for the recipe for Chilled Carrot and Orange Soup from the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort.
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Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
"The Simpsons ride, Universal Studio's newest adventure, gives up its secrets In which we reveal what you want to know but didn't know whom to ask about Universal's newest adventure." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/02/08)
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
"A man believed to be in his 30s or 40s apparently jumped to his death today from the 14th floor of the Disneyland Hotel’s Wonder Tower, authorities said." (Source: ocregister.com, 05/02/08)
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Disneyland Resort Calendar
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VEGAS
"You don't have to spend big to eat big in this town... Here's a weekend's worth of fine dining for the every [day] roller." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/01/08)
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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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Disney Planner - September-December 2008
From ‘Not So Scary’ to ‘Very Merry,’ September to December
Is Filled with Festivals and Fun at Walt Disney World Resort
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Pick your passion: Whether it's food, wine, music, art, sports, stargazing, celebrating a milestone birthday, holiday mirth or Mickey Mouse, September through December 2008 is a season when vacation wishes and dreams come true for Walt Disney World guests of many interests as Disney's "Year of a Million Dreams" showcases nearly a dozen special events.
Here's a snapshot of what's in store:
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival: Delectable foods and stellar wines and beers from some of the best "foodie" cities in the world -- places such as Lyon, France; Bologna, Italy; Cape Town, South Africa and trendy Cork, Ireland -- will tempt Walt Disney World guests Sept. 26-Nov. 9 at the 13th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. New festival flavors representing great "Cities in Wonderland" will deliver blissful bites with wine and beer pairings ($2 to $5 each) at more than 25 international and regional marketplaces surrounding the park's World Showcase. Cultural exhibits along the promenade will showcase entertainment and traditional crafts of several countries.
Eat to the Beat! concerts at America Gardens Theatre, with three performances each evening, offer a lineup of classic rock, oldies, jazz and funk hit-makers such as Spyro Gyra, Kool & The Gang and Jon Secada.
Other festival highlights include:
# The Festival Welcome Center, with a Champagne and Wine Bar, complimentary wine seminars, book signings and festival keepsakes.
# Some 250 Disney chefs and guest chefs conducting culinary demonstrations and hosting elegant dinners and tasting events.
# The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting event featuring tempting tastes from eminent chefs, more than 70 wines and beers and live entertainment.
# Music, dance, acrobatics and "improv" acts at Epcot pavilions.
Most activities, such as wine and beer seminars, concerts and cooking demos, are included with admission. Activities that require reservations and separate admission include Party for the Senses, Food and Wine Pairings at Epcot restaurants, Epcot Wine Schools, Regional Feasts and other specialty events.
Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (407/939-3378) to make reservations for special events and programs. Festival details are available at: disneyworld.com/food.
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: The Disney characters are decked out in their Halloween finest, and guests are invited to do the same on 25 evenings between Sept. 5 and Oct. 31 when Magic Kingdom hosts this popular after-hours event. There's trick-or-treating galore and a chance to experience popular attractions during a 7 p.m.-midnight party which features two scheduled entertainment extravaganzas guests can see at no other time: the "Boo-to-You" Halloween parade and the bewitching "Happy HalloWishes" fireworks spectacular.
Parties are slated for Sept. 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 28, 30 and Oct. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31. For more details and to purchase advance tickets, guests can call 407/W-DISNEY or visit disneyworld.com/halloween now.
Disney's Royal Quinceañera Weekend: For the first time, Walt Disney World Resort is offering a weekend dedicated to celebrating the most magical time in a Latina's life: turning age 15. The "weekend" (Aug. 29-Sept. 5 -- around Labor Day) will include a tradition-steeped extravaganza at Epcot that celebrates the passage from flat-soled shoes and dolls to high heels, elaborate gowns and young womanhood. Every young woman will walk into a breathtaking ball held in her honor and into a world of princesses, beauty and enchantment that only Disney can create, capped by a private viewing of the fireworks spectacular, "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth."
The exclusive Disney's Royal Quinceañera Weekend includes a 3-, 4-, or 5-night stay at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, theme park tickets and the Quinceañera celebration at Epcot. For more information, guests may visit www.disneyworld.com/quinceanera or call 321/939-4555.
Night of Joy: Regarded as one of the top contemporary Christian music events in the country, Night of Joy is on the move to a new venue in 2008. Disney's Hollywood Studios will host two talent-packed evenings Sept. 5-6 featuring a total of 16 acts including Gospel Music Association Dove Awards winners such as 2008 Artist of the Year tobyMac, Male Vocalist of the Year Chris Tomlin, Group of the Year Casting Crowns and New Artist of the Year Brandon Heath plus 2004 Artist of the Year MercyMe and internationally popular Grammy Award winners Rebecca St. James and Marcos Witt.
Guests attending Night of Joy, which takes place from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (after regular theme park hours), can combine an evening of rockin' Christian music with the thrills and chills of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror plus the shoot-'em-up fun of the newest Walt Disney World attraction, Toy Story Mania! For more information about the 2008 event and to purchase tickets, guests can visit disneyworld.com/nightofjoy or call 407/W-DISNEY. (Youth groups of 10 or more can visit www.nightofjoy.com/2008 or call 877/648-3569.) Guests are encouraged to buy tickets early as the event has sold out in recent years.
More than one million guests experienced Night of Joy from 1983 through 2007, a 25-year period during which the event was held in Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom.
Festival of the Masters presented by Sharpie®: More than 150 award-winning national and local fine artists will showcase their diverse creations at Downtown Disney West Side Nov. 7-9 during Festival of the Masters. An art festival for all ages, the 33rd annual 'Masters' includes live music and entertainment, chalk art sidewalk displays at Downtown budding young artists can create their own masterpieces.Disney Marketplace and a children's activity area where
Event hours are 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. each day of the festival. Admission and parking are complimentary. For more information about Festival of the Masters, guests may contact 407/824-4321 or visit disneyworld.com/artfestival.
Children's Miracle Network Classic presented by Wal-Mart: PGA TOUR tradition continues Nov. 6-9 when pro golf's top tier returns to Walt Disney World Resort and to Disney's Magnolia course for the 38th consecutive year -- the eighth longest streak of same-course use in pro golf. As the last official money event of the year, the Classic promises a scramble among players jockeying for positions in the final money standings, a key factor in determining who makes the fields of TOUR events in 2009. Stephen Ames is reigning champion. Ticket information is available by calling 407/824-2250 or by visiting www.childrensmiraclenetworkclassic.com.
ABC Super Soap Weekend presented by Colgate® Total®: One of the largest annual soap opera fan events held anywhere in the world, ABC Super Soap Weekend presented by Colgate® Total®, returns to Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park Nov. 15-16. Stars from the ABC Daytime dramas "All My Children," "One Life to Live" and "General Hospital" step off the television screens and into the theme park in meet-and-greet autograph and photo sessions, celebrity motorcades, star conversations, interactive games and more.
Admission to the 13th edition of the soap fanfest is included in regular admission to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Fans will be able to visit disneyworld.com/SuperSoapWeekend for additional information.
Old Spice Classic: NCAA "Sweet 16ers" Tennessee and Michigan State top an eight-team lineup that ESPN Regional Television is serving up as a Thanksgiving weekend feast of college basketball in The Milk House at Disney's Wide World of Sports and on ESPN2 and ESPNU Nov. 27, 28 and 30. The third edition of the Old Spice Classic also features five more teams that played in the NCAA and NIT tournaments in spring 2008.
Georgetown, Maryland, Oklahoma State, Gonzaga, Siena and Wichita State round out the lineup of teams that amassed a combined 181 victories during the 2007-08 season. They will play 12 games over the three days of the Old Spice Classic. North Carolina State won the tournament in 2007.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party: On 18 select evenings in November and December, guests can experience the enchantment of "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade" and the excitement of a holiday-themed fireworks spectacular, "Holiday Wishes--Celebrate the Spirit of the Season," during a special after-hours party inside the Magic Kingdom theme park.
The jingle-jolly event also features live Disney character stage shows, like "Celebrate the Season," Mickey's "Twas the Night Before Christmas" Show and Fantasyland Pavilion Cotillion, character greetings, cookies and cocoa, and even "snow" on Main Street, U.S.A. Plus, the most-popular Magic Kingdom attractions are open to party guests.
Dates are: Nov. 10, 11, 14, 16, 20, 21, 30; Dec. 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19. Admission to this event requires a separate ticket. Guests can visit disneyworld.com/holidays or call 407/W-DISNEY now for advance tickets and information.
Holiday Highlights: It was once suggested that while there's no place like home for the holidays, the next best place on the planet may be Walt Disney World Resort. The good news is that guests don't have to choose: They can experience the sparkling decorations and joyous seasonal entertainment throughout the Vacation Kingdom and still be home for Christmas, because the festivities begin weeks before December 25. Here's a sampling of what's in store:
# The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights -- As "snow" falls overhead, the Streets of America backlot cityscape at Disney's Hollywood Studios comes alive with millions of holiday lights that dance to music, animating sparkling displays to create twirling carousels, marching toy soldiers and even Santa and his reindeer taking flight. The synchronized music and light show is presented in collaboration with famed Arkansas businessman Jennings Osborne, who developed the dazzling display for his daughter more than a decade ago at his Little Rock, Ark., home. The spectacle is included with Disney's Hollywood Studios admission.
# Holidays Around the World / Candlelight Processional -- An Epcot tradition continues with holiday customs from around the globe, international storytellers, a nightly tree-lighting ceremony featuring Disney characters, a stunning display of snow-white and colored lights, and Candlelight Processional. A beloved Disney tradition that began long before Epcot, Candlelight Processional features celebrity guest narrators accompanied by a mass choir and 50-piece orchestra for a retelling of the Christmas story. All of the Epcot holiday fun is included with regular theme park admission.
# Castle Dream Lights -- A dazzling lighting spectacle transforms the iconic Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom into a glimmering, shimmering ice palace at holiday time. Bathed in more than 200,000 tiny white lights, the castle glows and glistens nightly. It's all a fulfillment of Cinderella's holiday wish, as guests learn during a special show that climaxes with the transformation of the famous Magic Kingdom icon.
# Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade -- A Disney's Animal Kingdom tradition, the procession results from Mickey Mouse's invitation to a special group of friends to join him on a holiday adventure. The parade is filled with gaiety -- the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and feelings of the season. Mickey and his friends are no exception. They've added holiday accessories to their safari costumes. Add in some special music and you have a combination that celebrates the holidays as only Disney's Animal Kingdom can.
The holiday fun begins as early as Nov. 10 with the first Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, which will showcase the Castle Dream Lights. Disney park officials are currently checking in with Santa's elves to find out when they'll have everything else ready to meet and treat Walt Disney World guests. Specific information will be available at www.disneyworld.com/holidays or from vacation planners at 407/W-DISNEY. (Source: Press Release, 04/30/08)
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Toy Story Mania! Goes into ‘Fourth Dimension’ to Continue Disney Parks Tradition of Immersing Guests in the Show
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- When Walt Disney World guests "shrink" to the size of the toys they play with at home (or remember from their childhood) and become the star performers in the midway-game world of Toy Story Mania! at Disney's Hollywood Studios, they are experiencing the essence of Disney Parks: engagement in such an immersive and interactive way that guests become part of the show.
Every day, Disney cast members invite guests to play special roles in entertainment throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. Other immersive experiences include such roles as starring in a parade down Main Street, U.S.A., learning dance moves from the Disney Channel sensation "High School Musical 2," dueling with Darth Vader and many more.
"These experiences transport our guests deep into the magical realms of what Disney parks are all about," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "Rather than imagine being in a Disney parade or what it's like to sail with Captain Jack Sparrow, these transformational experiences put our guests right in the heart of their dreams."
It's a Disney tradition that goes back to the very beginning of Disney Parks -- the opening of Disneyland in 1955 -- and is a consideration every time the famed Disney Imagineers huddle to fathom new magic.
In the latest immersive-entertainment experience, Toy Story Mania! guests are transported into a 4-D world where they compete in virtual midway-style games hosted by characters from the Disney-Pixar films "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2," including Woody, Hamm and Rex. Donning 3-D glasses and using spring-action shooters, guests launch virtual darts at balloons, rings at aliens and eggs at whimsical barnyard targets to see who can rack up the most points. Guests may even experience some special 4-D effects during different parts of the game.
And the interactive fun doesn't stop when guests put down their toy shooters. Here's a sampling of other immersive experiences happening every day at Walt Disney World Resort:
* "Block Party Bash" (Disney's Hollywood Studios). A new traveling show that lets guests play, dance and party with favorite Disney-Pixar characters from smash-hit animated films like "Toy Story," "The Incredibles," "Monsters, Inc." and "A Bug's Life." Block Party Bash rocks and rolls throughout the park, putting guests in the middle of an impromptu party during one of the wildest, most interactive street spectaculars ever.
* "High School Musical 2: School's Out!" (Disney's Hollywood Studios). Wildcat fever has guests dancing in the streets in the new interactive show presented multiple times daily. Inspired by the Disney Channel's record-breaking, original film, "High School Musical 2,"the high-energy cast invites guests to join the fun as they sing and dance along to the movie's hit tunes, including "What Time Is It?," "All For One" and "I Don't Dance."
* Jedi Training Academy (Disney's Hollywood Studios). Taking a cue from the popular Star Wars Saga, the power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine for an original and intergalactic entertainment experience. Young Jedi hopefuls -- known in 'Star Wars-speak' as "Padawans" -- learn lightsaber moves from a Jedi Master before facing off in a final test against the evil Darth Vader. Created with Lucasfilm Ltd., Jedi Training Academy is presented multiple times daily, adjacent to the popular Star Tours attraction.
* "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" (Disney's Hollywood Studios). Some of the most beloved characters from the Disney Channel lineup are featured in a singing, clapping and be-bopping show designed for preschoolers. The show stars favorites from popular Disney Channel programs including "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," "Little Einsteins," "Handy Manny" and more.
* Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin (Magic Kingdom Tomorrowland). Armed with infrared lasers, Magic Kingdom guests join forces with Buzz Lightyear to defend Earth's supply of batteries from the evil Emperor Zurg in Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, a spinning, brought-to-life Tomorrowland spin-off of the hit movie "Toy Story." The shoot-'em-up fun triggers sight and sound gags, while a lighted display inside toy-spaceship ride vehicles allows guests to keep score.
* Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial (Magic Kingdom Adventureland). Looking for new recruits, Captain Jack and his mate Mack lead guests through a series of pirate skill tests to prove their mettle. Who is craftiest at wooden swordplay? Who can flash their most menacing pirate grimace? Faster than you can say "Yo, Ho! Yo, Ho! A Pirate's Life for Me!" the big moment arrives: getting officially sworn in with the Pirate's Oath to become honorary buccaneers of Captain Jack's famous Pirate Crew.
* Woody's Cowboy Camp (Magic Kingdom Frontierland). There's a rootin' tootin' good time in store as Woody, Jesse and Bullseye invite everyone to Woody's Cowboy Camp! Ridin' in on a wagon are some of their best cowpoke pals, along with Sam the Singin' Cowboy who leads a rollicking hoedown. Led by Bullseye and saddled up on wooden stick horses, kids giddy-up their way through a cowboy obstacle course -- maneuvering around parents donning hats shaped like cacti, mountains and mine shafts. It's kick-up-your-spurs, hootin' and hollerin' fun as the cowboy spirit comes to life on the dusty streets of Frontierland.
* "Main Street Family Fun Day Parade" (Magic Kingdom Main Street, U.S.A.). For the very first time, guests are able to parade down Main Street, U.S.A. alongside favorite Disney characters. It's a pennant-waving, drum-beating rush for guests when they join characters and march alongside parade floats, a marching band and an old-timey fire truck. There's even a stroller drill team to accommodate little paraders and their parents. When the parade hits Town Square, guests join the performers for a flag-waving patriotic finale.
Also happening in the theme parks every day:
* "Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor" (Magic Kingdom Tomorrowland). Guests laugh, joke and match wits with the beloved animated characters from Disney-Pixar's "Monsters, Inc." in an engaging and interactive attraction created by the Disney Imagineers. "Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor" features one-eyed hero Mike Wazowski, who has opened a comedy club to collect laughs that will generate power for the future. As Monster-of-Ceremonies, Mike recruits two comedian wannabes whose slapstick humor delights and engages audiences. Guests even get to text-message jokes on their cell phones for possible use in the show.
* "Turtle Talk With Crush" (Epcot). Crush, from Disney-Pixar's "Finding Nemo," has made a different kind of screen debut in The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion at Epcot -- as a chatting, joking quipster who engages guests in conversation from his movie-screen undersea environment. "Turtle Talk With Crush" showcases real-time animation using digital projection and sophisticated, voice-activated animation.
And that's not all! Coming in winter 2008:
* "American Idol" Attraction (Disney's Hollywood Studios). Starry-eyed Disney guests will get a taste of TV's pop culture phenomenon -- up close and personal -- when Disney's Hollywood Studios unwraps an "American Idol" attraction in winter 2008. Guests will be able to experience the challenge of auditioning, the rush of performing on stage in competition or the thrill of judging the performances in a live interactive setting modeled after the "American Idol" set. There will be multiple show times daily. Guests advancing through the screening process have the chance, in the nightly final competition, to win a guaranteed reservation for a regional audition for the "American Idol" TV show. (Source: Press Release, 05/06/08)
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Toy Story Mania! Fun Facts
* Each ride vehicle weighs as much as 8,580 Woody dolls.
* It would take 5,026 toy soldiers lined up end-to-end to make up the total track length.
* Toy Story Mania! is the first time that Walt Disney Imagineering is creating an attraction for two Disney Parks simultaneously.
* It has been estimated that, each day, guests may break over one million virtual plates using the spring-action shooters.
* Riders in the Sky, the award winning group that wrote the songs that Mr. Potato Head performs as part of the attraction, is the same group that wrote "Woody's Roundup" for the "Toy Story" feature films.
* This is the first attraction that Walt Disney Imagineering designed where the Imagineers had to wear 3-D glasses to art direct all the black-light paint elements.
* The murals located in the load area at Disney's Hollywood Studios are the biggest murals painted since Epcot was built.
* In order to create a show that responds not only to every pull of a guest's spring-action shooter, but also every move their midway tram makes, there are over 150 computers communicating over multiple networks throughout the attraction.
* At Toy Story Mania! every guest gets to experience life at the size of a toy. So in Andy's room, a 5 foot 6 inch person will feel about 14" tall.
* More time was spent programming Mr. Potato Head than for any other Audio-Animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering.
* Mr. Potato Head will be able to say more lines of dialogue than any Audio-Animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering.
* The Mr. Potato Head Audio-Animatronics figure is the first time that an Audio-Animatronics figure can remove a body part and re-attach it (in the case of his ear).
* The Mr. Potato Head Audio-Animatronics figure has new, highly expressive and animated eyes that can look directly at a particular guest in the queue when speaking to him/her.
* Mr. Potato Head marks the first Audio-Animatronics figure whose mouth appears to form words and vowel sounds.
Game:
* In each of the Toy Story Mania! games, there is at least one "easter egg" -- targets that can trigger the appearance of bonus high-value targets and other changes in the scene.
* Toy Story Mania! is the first time that Woody and Buzz Lightyear (along with some of their friends) from the Disney-Pixar "Toy Story" films appear together in a ride-through attraction.
* Watch for loose change in the prize scene -- Hamm is carrying more than $6 in coins when his cork pops.
Nice to Know:
* Because of the indoor nature of the attraction and to keep the guest experience fun for all, flash photography or video is not allowed on Toy Story Mania!
* Everyone can play! There is no height or age restriction for guests to experience Toy Story Mania!
* Actual ride time aboard Toy Story Mania! is a full five minutes.
* Ready, aim, fire! Players have 30 seconds in each game play area to score points.
* A beeline to fun! Toy Story Mania! utilizes Disney's FASTPASS, a return voucher offering little or no waiting time at select attractions. Single riders also have their own queuing option for Toy Story Mania! (Source: Press Release, 05/06/08)
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MONEY SAVING COUPON
Universal CityWalk's Rising Star
6000 Universal Blvd
Universal CityWalk®
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 407-224-3663
CityWalk's newest club featuring karaoke, cocktails and appetizers.
Get 20% off Food OR 2 for 1 Drink with this coupon.
Coupon is also valid at CityWalk's Red Coconut Club, Pat O’Brien’s, Latin Quarter, CityJazz, Pastamoré, Bob Marley's A Tribute to Freedom or the groove.
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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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posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 8:30 AM
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