Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
July 9, 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 - new Disney sweepstakes, reduced rates on Disney cruises, and dining certificate sale
* The latest news from around the "World" - Beware of buying Disney FastPasses on Ebay.
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about tipping on the Disney Dining Plan
* Alain writes about dining at full service restaurants at Walt Disney World
* Disney Planner: Special Holiday Edition
* Eight Grammy Winners Join Entertainment Lineup During Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
* Audio-Animatronics Timeline
* Hong Kong Disneyland to Offer Summer "Double Fun" Tickets
* This week's coupons - save at Dunkin Donuts and process your photos for a penny a print
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NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
30 sweepstakes and contests to win a Disney / Florida / California / Universal vacation!
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Get $25 dining certificates for only $5 that are good at restaurants near Walt Disney World Florida, Disneyland California, and locations across the USA.
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DISNEY CRUISE LINE
8 new Disney cruise discounts including a 3-day cruise from $389!
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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 $389!
>> Onboard credits!
>> Discounts for Florida residents and the military - rates too low to publish!
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
>> Local Newspaper promotions that apply to everyone in the USA!
>> 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:
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NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
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Disney Music Block Party Tour may be coming to a city near you. Click here for showtimes, locations and ticket prices.
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Beware of buying Disney FastPasses on Ebay. "Disney World ride and attraction attendants are instructed to reject any FastPass not stamped with the current date and time, as well as any tickets that are so old that they are not stamped with a date at all." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/08/08)
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"Throughout Walt Disney World, stage shows, parades and a few of the other attractions offer American Sign Language Interpretation services, at least once a week, for deaf and hearing-impaired visitors." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/04/08)
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"[Walt Disney World] has declared that much of its sprawling property is exempt from a new state law that allows Floridians with concealed-weapons permits to keep firearms locked in their cars at work." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/03/08)
"Walt Disney World fired a security guard on Monday after he protested the company's decision not to allow people with concealed weapons permits to keep guns in their cars on Disney property." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/08/08)
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Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
"With most U.S. airlines cutting back their capacity, air travelers who booked tickets in advance for the fall and winter may be forced to change their itineraries." (Source: usatoday.com, 07/03/08)
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"SeaWorld Orlando is experimenting with hand-held "interactive park map" devices that combine video background on its attractions with global-positioning technology." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/30/08)
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"Universal Orlando has set up a new Web-based product that allows future park visitors to not just preview Universal attractions, but create their own vacation promotion video in the style of a blockbuster movie trailer." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/30/08)
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disney is still working out the bugs in its new monorail cars. "Disneyland guests will be whisked along the system's 2.5-mile route in even sleeker-looking coaches complete with remodeled nose cones, seats facing outward toward the windows and blue glass with shimmering red, blue or orange stripes." (Source: chicagotribune.com, 07/06/08)
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Disneyland Resort Calendar
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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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Beth, our travel agent, writes about tipping on the Disney Dining Plan:
Everyone that's ever asked me about the basic dining plan knows how much I love it. While it's not the least expensive way to eat at Disney, it's a real bargain if you are planning to do a character meal or full-service meal once a day for most of your stay - especially if you have children ages 3-9. You never have that little voice in your head telling you to order chicken or pasta when you really want prime rib (because it's all covered by the plan) and you're prepaying most of your food costs so you know in advance exactly what you're spending on food... or do you?
I had a very interesting discussion with a man yesterday who told me of a family group that just returned from Disney World. They had a great time, and for the most part they loved the dining plan. What they didn't count on, though, was the gratuities. They were totally aware that gratuities were no longer included in the plan, and they understood that for parties of 6 or more 18% would automatically be added on, but in their minds they were budgeting 18% of the cost of the dining plan rather than 18% of the retail value of the food they ordered.
This is a little detail that cannot be stressed enough: the gratuity is figured on the total of the bill as if you were paying out of pocket for everything you ordered. Now, if you're NOT a group of six or more, you can choose to leave less than 18% just like you can when you dine out anywhere else. If, however, you are dining with six or more that gratuity is going to be charged directly to your room.
So, let's say your family of two adults and two teens heads out to Le Cellier for a nice steak dinner, a meal that takes one table-service credit each. To keep things simple, we'll say you all skip the appetizers since they aren't included, and you all decide to order the same entree and dessert: the filet mignon ($34.99) and the crème brulee ($6.99). You also each order Diet Coke (to cancel out the calories of the dessert) for $2.95 each. That's a total of $44.93 per person plus tax (another $2.92) and you're thrilled with your decision to spend $37.95 per person per night on your basic dining plan because you've spent more than that on just one meal! And then you realize you still have to pay a tip. A 15% gratuity is $26.96 - ouch! Of course, no one is going to MAKE you leave 15%, but you know that (or more) is what's customary for good service these days.
Now, let's say that your family is dining with your sister's family of four. You're now a party of 8 so the gratuity is going to be billed to your room automatically, and it's billed at 18%. You're going to see a charge of $32.35 on your room bill at the end of the trip. If you ate like this every day for 7 days, the bill for gratuities at the end of the stay would be over $226!!! Didn't see THAT coming, did you?
I'm not trying to say you should avoid the dining plan OR that you should eat pasta for every meal. I'm just saying that you need to understand in advance what to expect with these gratuities so you're not blind-sided. Those gratuities apply even if you're on the FREE dining offer, so plan for them. And if you've upgraded to deluxe dining then you REALLY need to think ahead because there's more of a tendency to eat 2-3 meals a day in the priciest places.
By the way, if the gratuity thing is really an issue for you, you CAN find places that offer entrees for under $15. Also, gratuities are included when you use your credits for Grand Gathering events, dinner shows, room service, or pizza delivery (all of which take 2 table-service credits).
Drop me a note if you need links to menus and/or tips for getting the most from your dining plan.
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Alain writes:
"Hi John,
I am traveling to DisneyWorld in December with my 11 year old daughter (first trip) and would like to know how many sit down restaurants I should consider making reservations at. It appears some people say reservations break up a day, while others say its nice to sit down and have a meal... What would you recommend?"
>> Donna and I don't eat at the full service restaurants because it forces us to build our vacation around meals. We have our car, so we can always eat off property or at our resort. Coronado Springs has the best resort food. Others love to eat at the Disney restaurants so much that they don't mind the inconvenience. You'll have to decide this one. You may just want to book a meal or two at restaurants that really appeal to you. See our Dining chapter in the book for more dining info.
"Hmm, is booking full service during the Candlelight Processional worthwhile, or should I book elsewhere if only doing one or two full service restaurants?"
>> If you're referring to the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package, that's one way of
getting a seat. Lines are really long to see that show. We have actually waited through the performance of a whole show so we could see the next one. Not pleasant. But it is beautifully done and your daughter will really enjoy
it.
"So having a seat will guarantee that we see the show and not have to wait? Is this the event about which you once wrote that a person had reserved a seat but they couldn't see because people were standing in front of their table? If I am going to reserve the combo, I want to make sure we'll both be able to see!"
>> The people who were blocked from seeing the fireworks were at the Rose & Crown during Epcot's Illuminations.
Here's what you need to know about the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package: Those who purchase a dinner package sit in a reserved seating area in the front of the theater in the center (behind vip's). It doesn't matter what dinner package you buy. Seating in the reserved area is first-come, first-served. So don't dawdle after your meal!
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Disney Planner: Special Holiday Edition - Glistening Ice Palace Illuminates Magic Kingdom to Begin Walt Disney World Resort Transformation Into Festive, Fun-Filled Winter Wonderland
The ‘Turn On’ of the Season
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Walt Disney World Resort blings in the holidays Nov. 10 with sparkling, jewel-like crystals adorning the iconic Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom - a glistening light-show spectacular signaling the beginning of Disney seasonal merriment. By late November, festivities will blanket the Vacation Kingdom as Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney take the wrappings off their own Santa sleighfuls of yuletide gaiety.
But guests can get in the spirit beginning Nov. 10 by beholding the 200,000 twinkling lights of Disney’s newest holiday tradition - Castle Dream Lights! - in Magic Kingdom. Donning their holiday finest, Cinderella and friends take to the Cinderella Castle stage daily for a dream-come-true, light-the-night moment.
Nov. 10 also marks the first of 18 select evenings when Magic Kingdom hosts the long-running Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. During this popular special ticket event, guests are treated to "Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade," "Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season" fireworks spectacular plus special holiday-themed shows featuring Disney characters decked out in their seasonal finest, carolers, festive tree lightings and more.
The "Once Upon a Christmastime Parade" celebrates the festive moods of the season with dancing snowflakes, marching toy soldiers, horse-drawn sleighs, enchanting floats and spirited characters all proceeding through the streets of the theme park in a merry and melodic cavalcade.
During "Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season," the radiant castle beams brightly as the evening is magically capped with festive fireworks orchestrated to classic holiday tunes.
Favorite attractions also are open throughout the evening, and while forecasters predict the first snowfall of the season will swirl a winter-like effect down Main Street, U.S.A, guests can take heart: there’s hot cocoa and cookies to add a warm spirit, plus apple slices and apple juice as the perfect trimming for a not-to-miss outing for the whole family.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dates are: Nov. 10, 11, 14, 16, 20, 21, 30; Dec. 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19. Advance tickets and information are available now at disneyworld.com/holidays or by calling 407/W-DISNEY.
Holiday Allure Galore in Store
Walt Disney World Resort unwraps more wintertime wonderment throughout property beginning Nov. 28. Here’s the lineup:
* Epcot Presents Holidays Around the World - International holiday traditions unfold throughout World Showcase Nov. 28-Dec. 30 when storytellers portraying cultural icons of the season - such as France’s Pere Noel, Italy’s LaBefana and America’s Santa Claus - spread messages of goodwill. Nighttime sparkles with a luminous light bridge adorning the breezeway to World Showcase Plaza, where guests can see a magnificent holiday tree. And to cap off the day, Epcot’s kaleidoscope of lasers, lights, fireworks and music - "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" - takes on a spirited holiday finale.
* Candlelight Processional at Epcot - A heartfelt holiday tradition led by a mass choir and 50-piece live orchestra showcases the reason for the season Nov. 28-Dec. 30. Staged at America Gardens Theatre at 5, 6:45 and 8 p.m., Candlelight Processional features a celebrity narrator who retells the joyous Christmas story. The narration is interspersed with memorable music. Performances are included with Epcot admission. Special dining packages that include preferred seating for this beloved event also are offered by calling 407/WDW-DINE.
Scheduled celebrity narrators include (subject to change):
11/28-30 John O’Hurley
12/1-3 To be announced
12/4-6 Brian Stokes Mitchell
12/7-9 Virginia Madsen
12/10-12 Monique Coleman
12/13-15 To be announced
12/16-18 Chita Rivera
12/19-21 Abigail Breslin
12/22-24 Steven Curtis Chapman
12/25-27 Edward James Olmos
12/28-30 Marlee Matlin
* The Osborne Family’s Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios - Bathed in bulbs of brilliance, New York Street glows with millions of dancing lights and animated displays in a revered Disney holiday tradition Nov. 28 through Jan. 4, 2009. Amidst gently falling snow, guests will bask in the glow as twirling carousels, melodic angels, colorful wreaths, marching toy soldiers and Santa and his reindeer move to high-energy music and 3-D effects, creating a dazzling symphony for the senses. This enchanting spectacle results from a crew of 18 electricians working some 14 weeks using six miles of rope lights, 84 angels and 66 snow machines.
* Disney’s Animal Kingdom - "Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade" gets a holiday makeover Nov. 28 through Jan. 4, 2009, when it is magically transformed into "Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade." This rompin’ spectacle is a theatrical showcase of characters with whimsical floats and puppetry with a holiday world-beat twist. Guests also can meet Disney characters decked out in their holiday best at Camp Minnie-Mickey which also features live seasonal entertainment, holiday photo opportunities and decorative Christmas trees.
* Festival of the Seasons at Downtown Disney - There are enough toys to fill up Santa’s sleigh at stores such as Once Upon a Toy, World of Disney, Team Mickey’s Athletic Club and the LEGO Imagination Center. Guests can finish their holiday shopping at this one-stop mecca featuring something for everyone on their list - Basin bath and body shop, Arribas Brothers, Disney’s Days of Christmas holiday shop, Fuego by Sosa Cigars and more - and enjoy the dazzling light display and holiday décor that adorns the Downtown Disney streets Nov. 28-Dec. 24, 2008.
To make arrangements for a holiday vacation at Walt Disney World Resort, guests can visit www.disneyworld.com, call the Disney Reservation Center at 407/W-DISNEY, or consult with a local travel agent. (Source: Press Release, 07/07/08)
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Eight Grammy Winners Join Entertainment Lineup During Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
18 'Eat to the Beat!' Musical Acts Perform Sept. 26-Nov. 9
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Eight Grammy-winning acts join 10 other stellar hit-makers to bring a rocking mix of classic tunes to Walt Disney World Resort during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 26-Nov. 9.
From rock to jazz, funk to pop, 10 new Eat to the Beat! acts and eight returning bands take their turn on the America Gardens Theatre stage during concerts at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. daily. The lineup (subject to change) includes:
Sept. 26-27 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (NEW) "You & Me & The Bottle Makes 3 Tonight (Baby)"
Sept. 28-30 Sheena Easton (2 Grammys) "Morning Train (Nine to Five)"
Oct. 1-4 Starship starring Mickey Thomas "We Built This City"
Oct. 5-7 En Vogue (NEW) "Hold On"
Oct. 8-9 Jonny Lang (NEW, 1 Grammy) "Lie to Me"
Oct. 10-12 Peabo Bryson (NEW, 2 Grammys) "If Ever You’re in My Arms Again"
Oct. 13-14 Sister Hazel (NEW) "All for You"
Oct. 15-16 David Sanborn (6 Grammys) "Lesley Ann"
Oct. 17-18 Jon Secada (2 Grammys) "Just Another Day"
Oct. 19-21 Spyro Gyra (NEW) "Morning Dance"
Oct. 22-23 Otis Day & the Knights "Shout"
Oct. 24-26 Exposé "Point of No Return"
Oct. 27-28 Kool & The Gang (1 Grammy) "Celebration"
Oct. 29-30 Boyz II Men (NEW, 4 Grammys) "End of the Road"
Oct. 31-Nov. 2 Atlanta Rhythm Section (NEW) "So Into You"
Nov. 3-5 David Cassidy "I Think I Love You"
Nov. 6-7 Night Ranger (NEW) "Sister Christian"
Nov. 8-9 Los Lobos (NEW, 3 Grammys) "La Bamba"
There’s additional entertainment throughout World Showcase, where performers from many countries weave music, dance, acrobatics and other acts into the festivities. A sampling of the entertainment slated for the event includes:
* High-energy Celtic music of Off Kilter (Canada)
* The Arabic rhythms of Mo’Rockin (Morocco)
* Voices of Liberty (American Adventure rotunda)
* Rhythms and harmonies of internationally acclaimed Mariachi Cobre (Mexico)
The laser and musical fireworks spectacle, "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth," wraps each festival evening in style. (Source: Press Release, 07/03/08)
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Audio-Animatronics Timeline
Early 1950s
Walt Disney purchases a mechanical bird while vacationing in Europe. The souvenir becomes the inspiration for Audio-Animatronics technology.
1951
Work begins on "Project Little Man." Roger Broggie and Wathel Rogers, pioneers in Audio-Animatronicstechnology, create a miniature figure that is programmed with cams, cables and tubes to mimic tap-dancing routines performed by the late Buddy Ebsen.
1963
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room opens at Disneyland. It’s the first show to feature Audio-Animatronics technology.
1964
The world’s first fully animated human figure, Abraham Lincoln, debuts at the New York World’s Fair in Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. The figure causes a sensation, not just with the audience, but with Disney Imagineers, who were able to complete the figure in half the time they anticipated.
Audio-Animatronics figures are also in three other World’s Fair shows designed and produced by Disney: Carousel of Progress (featuring figures animated using a programming harness, a precursor of today’s motion capture systems), Magic Skyway and it’s a small world.
1964
Two Audio-Animatronics birds, Robin and Umbrella, appear in "Mary Poppins." Walt Disney reinvests profits from the film to create MAPO, an organization within Walt Disney Imagineering dedicated to creating and innovating Audio-Animatronics figures.
1965
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln - featuring the Audio-Animatronics figure of Abraham Lincoln (actually, a duplicate since the original was still performing at the World’s Fair) - opens at Disneyland.
1970
Audio-Animatronics technology enters the computer age with the use of DACS (Digital Animation Control System), a computer-controlled playback system for Disney shows and attractions. Imagineers also begin using the Anicon-Animation Console - for animating and programming figures.
1989
The first A-100 Audio-Animatronics figure, the Wicked Witch of the West, debuts as part of The Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (then known as Disney-MGM Studios) in Walt Disney World Resort. A-100 figures incorporate compliance technology that gives the characters more fluid and realistic movements.
1992
Pirates of the Caribbean opens at Disneyland Paris. Attraction features sword-fighting pirates figures.
1998
Hopper, the grasshopper from the Disney/Pixar film "A Bug’s Life," is the most sophisticated Audio-Animatronics figure produced to date. Featuring 74 functions, the character appears in "It’s Tough to be a Bug!"
2002
The first portable, all-electric Audio-Animatronics figure, Meeko, the raccoon from the Disney animated film "Pocahontas," appears. He’s in a basket carried by Pocahontas.
2003
The first totally autonomous Audio-Animatronics figure, Lucky the Dinosaur, makes his debut, at Disney’s California Adventure.
2006
The yeti, a major element of Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is the largest and most powerful Audio-Animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering. Standing more than 18 feet tall, the thrust of the yeti’s arm has the equivalent amount of force as a 747 jumbo jet.
2007
The Muppet Mobile Lab, featuring Muppets Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his assistant Beaker, marks the first time that free-roaming Audio-Animatronics characters can interact and converse with each other, as well as with guests they encounter along their way.
2008
Mr. Potato Head in Toy Story Mania! at both Disney’s California Adventure and Disney’s Hollywood Studios marks the first time that an Audio-Animatronics figure features lips with such a wide range of lifelike movements, can remove and re-attach a body part (his ear) and has digitally animated eyes that can look directly at the particular guest with whom he is conversing. Also, since Mr. Potato Head has more lines of dialogue than any Audio-Animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering, it has required more programming hours than any other figure. (Source: Press Release, 07/03/08)
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Hong Kong Disneyland to Offer Summer "Double Fun" Tickets
Hong Kong Disneyland announced the launch of a "Double Fun" Ticket today, that will allow Guests to experience the Park TWICE with one ticket this summer.
Beginning tomorrow (July 1, 2008), Guests who purchase the "Double Fun" Ticket, by adding HK$100 to a peak day admission ticket will be able to visit the Park twice during the summer season. The "Double Fun" Ticket is priced at HK$450 (adult), HK$350 (children) and HK$300 (senior); and will be available for sale at the Park's Main Entrance and from the Hong Kong Disneyland Ticket Express at MTR Hong Kong Station. Guests can re-visit the Park on any day of their choice, on or before September 17, 2008.
With the Beijing 2008 Olympic excitement approaching and in support of TVB's broadcast of this momentous event, the Park is proud to introduce "Mickey Presents Dream Sports Moments". On August 8, Hong Kong Disneyland will broadcast the opening ceremony live in the Park; joining the celebration of this auspicious occasion will be Mickey Mouse and his Gang, the Cast of High School Musical: LIVE! and 500 Disneyland Cast Members. In addition, from August 9 to 24, the Park will broadcast the gold medal highlights from the Beijing Event once a day. "Mickey Presents Dream Sports Moments" will fill the Park with a festive sporting spirit that will further enhance the Guest experience.
Hong Kong Disneyland will also host an Asia-wide school dance competition "High School Musical" My School Rocks! Asia Final 2008, inspired by the popular Disney Channel Original movie "High School Musical". In Hong Kong, enrollment began in May and students have been submitting videos of their choreographed performances online, for the public to vote on; these were created with one of the selected music from High School Musical original soundtracks. On the day of the finale (August 30), the most popular local team will represent the territory in a live competition, against top teams from other Southeast Asian countries and Taiwan. The champions will have the opportunity to rock the Park and entertain Guests by performing with the professional Cast of High School Musical: LIVE! the next day.
"We are excited to launch the 2-day 'Double Fun' Ticket, enabling Guests to fully experience the immersive and interactive attractions and entertainment, that the Park will be offering this summer," said Maple Lee, Vice President, Marketing, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. "Hong Kong Disneyland, as part of the local community, is just as excited about the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, as the residents of Hong Kong. By supporting TVB's live broadcast of the Games and by hosting Disney-themed sports-related events, we are ready to share the true spirit of sportsmanship with our Guests and the Hong Kong community."
With 2-days of access through the "Double Fun" Ticket, Guests of all ages can take the time to experience the array of attractions and entertainment the Park has lined up. Recently launched offerings include Turtle Talk with Crush, "it's a small world", High School Musical: LIVE! and the Muppet Mobile Lab. In addition, back by popular demand, Guests will once again be immersed in the fun-filled and "splashtastic" fun of Mickey WaterWorks Parade.
For more information about Hong Kong Disneyland's summer entertainment offerings, special sporting events, as well as the "Double Fun" Ticket, please call 1-830-830 or visit our website http://park.hongkongdisneyland.com/hkdl/en_US/special/listing?name=DoubleFunTicketPage. (Source: Press Release, 06/30/08)
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MONEY SAVING COUPON
Dunkin Donuts: Get 10% off your total purchase of $5.00 or more at three Orlando locations with this coupon.
BONUS COUPON
Get 50 prints for 50 cents at Snapfish.com. That's one cent each! Use coupon code JUL4PENNY08 at checkout. Hurry! Offer expires 07/12/08.
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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
July 9, 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 - new Disney sweepstakes, reduced rates on Disney cruises, and dining certificate sale
* The latest news from around the "World" - Beware of buying Disney FastPasses on Ebay.
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about tipping on the Disney Dining Plan
* Alain writes about dining at full service restaurants at Walt Disney World
* Disney Planner: Special Holiday Edition
* Eight Grammy Winners Join Entertainment Lineup During Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
* Audio-Animatronics Timeline
* Hong Kong Disneyland to Offer Summer "Double Fun" Tickets
* This week's coupons - save at Dunkin Donuts and process your photos for a penny a print
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NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
30 sweepstakes and contests to win a Disney / Florida / California / Universal vacation!
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Get $25 dining certificates for only $5 that are good at restaurants near Walt Disney World Florida, Disneyland California, and locations across the USA.
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DISNEY CRUISE LINE
8 new Disney cruise discounts including a 3-day cruise from $389!
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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 $389!
>> Onboard credits!
>> Discounts for Florida residents and the military - rates too low to publish!
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
>> Local Newspaper promotions that apply to everyone in the USA!
>> 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
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NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
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Disney Music Block Party Tour may be coming to a city near you. Click here for showtimes, locations and ticket prices.
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Beware of buying Disney FastPasses on Ebay. "Disney World ride and attraction attendants are instructed to reject any FastPass not stamped with the current date and time, as well as any tickets that are so old that they are not stamped with a date at all." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/08/08)
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"Throughout Walt Disney World, stage shows, parades and a few of the other attractions offer American Sign Language Interpretation services, at least once a week, for deaf and hearing-impaired visitors." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/04/08)
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"[Walt Disney World] has declared that much of its sprawling property is exempt from a new state law that allows Floridians with concealed-weapons permits to keep firearms locked in their cars at work." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/03/08)
"Walt Disney World fired a security guard on Monday after he protested the company's decision not to allow people with concealed weapons permits to keep guns in their cars on Disney property." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/08/08)
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Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
"With most U.S. airlines cutting back their capacity, air travelers who booked tickets in advance for the fall and winter may be forced to change their itineraries." (Source: usatoday.com, 07/03/08)
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"SeaWorld Orlando is experimenting with hand-held "interactive park map" devices that combine video background on its attractions with global-positioning technology." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/30/08)
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"Universal Orlando has set up a new Web-based product that allows future park visitors to not just preview Universal attractions, but create their own vacation promotion video in the style of a blockbuster movie trailer." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/30/08)
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disney is still working out the bugs in its new monorail cars. "Disneyland guests will be whisked along the system's 2.5-mile route in even sleeker-looking coaches complete with remodeled nose cones, seats facing outward toward the windows and blue glass with shimmering red, blue or orange stripes." (Source: chicagotribune.com, 07/06/08)
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Disneyland Resort Calendar
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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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Beth, our travel agent, writes about tipping on the Disney Dining Plan:
Everyone that's ever asked me about the basic dining plan knows how much I love it. While it's not the least expensive way to eat at Disney, it's a real bargain if you are planning to do a character meal or full-service meal once a day for most of your stay - especially if you have children ages 3-9. You never have that little voice in your head telling you to order chicken or pasta when you really want prime rib (because it's all covered by the plan) and you're prepaying most of your food costs so you know in advance exactly what you're spending on food... or do you?
I had a very interesting discussion with a man yesterday who told me of a family group that just returned from Disney World. They had a great time, and for the most part they loved the dining plan. What they didn't count on, though, was the gratuities. They were totally aware that gratuities were no longer included in the plan, and they understood that for parties of 6 or more 18% would automatically be added on, but in their minds they were budgeting 18% of the cost of the dining plan rather than 18% of the retail value of the food they ordered.
This is a little detail that cannot be stressed enough: the gratuity is figured on the total of the bill as if you were paying out of pocket for everything you ordered. Now, if you're NOT a group of six or more, you can choose to leave less than 18% just like you can when you dine out anywhere else. If, however, you are dining with six or more that gratuity is going to be charged directly to your room.
So, let's say your family of two adults and two teens heads out to Le Cellier for a nice steak dinner, a meal that takes one table-service credit each. To keep things simple, we'll say you all skip the appetizers since they aren't included, and you all decide to order the same entree and dessert: the filet mignon ($34.99) and the crème brulee ($6.99). You also each order Diet Coke (to cancel out the calories of the dessert) for $2.95 each. That's a total of $44.93 per person plus tax (another $2.92) and you're thrilled with your decision to spend $37.95 per person per night on your basic dining plan because you've spent more than that on just one meal! And then you realize you still have to pay a tip. A 15% gratuity is $26.96 - ouch! Of course, no one is going to MAKE you leave 15%, but you know that (or more) is what's customary for good service these days.
Now, let's say that your family is dining with your sister's family of four. You're now a party of 8 so the gratuity is going to be billed to your room automatically, and it's billed at 18%. You're going to see a charge of $32.35 on your room bill at the end of the trip. If you ate like this every day for 7 days, the bill for gratuities at the end of the stay would be over $226!!! Didn't see THAT coming, did you?
I'm not trying to say you should avoid the dining plan OR that you should eat pasta for every meal. I'm just saying that you need to understand in advance what to expect with these gratuities so you're not blind-sided. Those gratuities apply even if you're on the FREE dining offer, so plan for them. And if you've upgraded to deluxe dining then you REALLY need to think ahead because there's more of a tendency to eat 2-3 meals a day in the priciest places.
By the way, if the gratuity thing is really an issue for you, you CAN find places that offer entrees for under $15. Also, gratuities are included when you use your credits for Grand Gathering events, dinner shows, room service, or pizza delivery (all of which take 2 table-service credits).
Drop me a note if you need links to menus and/or tips for getting the most from your dining plan.
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Alain writes:
"Hi John,
I am traveling to DisneyWorld in December with my 11 year old daughter (first trip) and would like to know how many sit down restaurants I should consider making reservations at. It appears some people say reservations break up a day, while others say its nice to sit down and have a meal... What would you recommend?"
>> Donna and I don't eat at the full service restaurants because it forces us to build our vacation around meals. We have our car, so we can always eat off property or at our resort. Coronado Springs has the best resort food. Others love to eat at the Disney restaurants so much that they don't mind the inconvenience. You'll have to decide this one. You may just want to book a meal or two at restaurants that really appeal to you. See our Dining chapter in the book for more dining info.
"Hmm, is booking full service during the Candlelight Processional worthwhile, or should I book elsewhere if only doing one or two full service restaurants?"
>> If you're referring to the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package, that's one way of
getting a seat. Lines are really long to see that show. We have actually waited through the performance of a whole show so we could see the next one. Not pleasant. But it is beautifully done and your daughter will really enjoy
it.
"So having a seat will guarantee that we see the show and not have to wait? Is this the event about which you once wrote that a person had reserved a seat but they couldn't see because people were standing in front of their table? If I am going to reserve the combo, I want to make sure we'll both be able to see!"
>> The people who were blocked from seeing the fireworks were at the Rose & Crown during Epcot's Illuminations.
Here's what you need to know about the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package: Those who purchase a dinner package sit in a reserved seating area in the front of the theater in the center (behind vip's). It doesn't matter what dinner package you buy. Seating in the reserved area is first-come, first-served. So don't dawdle after your meal!
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Disney Planner: Special Holiday Edition - Glistening Ice Palace Illuminates Magic Kingdom to Begin Walt Disney World Resort Transformation Into Festive, Fun-Filled Winter Wonderland
The ‘Turn On’ of the Season
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Walt Disney World Resort blings in the holidays Nov. 10 with sparkling, jewel-like crystals adorning the iconic Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom - a glistening light-show spectacular signaling the beginning of Disney seasonal merriment. By late November, festivities will blanket the Vacation Kingdom as Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney take the wrappings off their own Santa sleighfuls of yuletide gaiety.
But guests can get in the spirit beginning Nov. 10 by beholding the 200,000 twinkling lights of Disney’s newest holiday tradition - Castle Dream Lights! - in Magic Kingdom. Donning their holiday finest, Cinderella and friends take to the Cinderella Castle stage daily for a dream-come-true, light-the-night moment.
Nov. 10 also marks the first of 18 select evenings when Magic Kingdom hosts the long-running Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. During this popular special ticket event, guests are treated to "Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade," "Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season" fireworks spectacular plus special holiday-themed shows featuring Disney characters decked out in their seasonal finest, carolers, festive tree lightings and more.
The "Once Upon a Christmastime Parade" celebrates the festive moods of the season with dancing snowflakes, marching toy soldiers, horse-drawn sleighs, enchanting floats and spirited characters all proceeding through the streets of the theme park in a merry and melodic cavalcade.
During "Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season," the radiant castle beams brightly as the evening is magically capped with festive fireworks orchestrated to classic holiday tunes.
Favorite attractions also are open throughout the evening, and while forecasters predict the first snowfall of the season will swirl a winter-like effect down Main Street, U.S.A, guests can take heart: there’s hot cocoa and cookies to add a warm spirit, plus apple slices and apple juice as the perfect trimming for a not-to-miss outing for the whole family.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dates are: Nov. 10, 11, 14, 16, 20, 21, 30; Dec. 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19. Advance tickets and information are available now at disneyworld.com/holidays or by calling 407/W-DISNEY.
Holiday Allure Galore in Store
Walt Disney World Resort unwraps more wintertime wonderment throughout property beginning Nov. 28. Here’s the lineup:
* Epcot Presents Holidays Around the World - International holiday traditions unfold throughout World Showcase Nov. 28-Dec. 30 when storytellers portraying cultural icons of the season - such as France’s Pere Noel, Italy’s LaBefana and America’s Santa Claus - spread messages of goodwill. Nighttime sparkles with a luminous light bridge adorning the breezeway to World Showcase Plaza, where guests can see a magnificent holiday tree. And to cap off the day, Epcot’s kaleidoscope of lasers, lights, fireworks and music - "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" - takes on a spirited holiday finale.
* Candlelight Processional at Epcot - A heartfelt holiday tradition led by a mass choir and 50-piece live orchestra showcases the reason for the season Nov. 28-Dec. 30. Staged at America Gardens Theatre at 5, 6:45 and 8 p.m., Candlelight Processional features a celebrity narrator who retells the joyous Christmas story. The narration is interspersed with memorable music. Performances are included with Epcot admission. Special dining packages that include preferred seating for this beloved event also are offered by calling 407/WDW-DINE.
Scheduled celebrity narrators include (subject to change):
11/28-30 John O’Hurley
12/1-3 To be announced
12/4-6 Brian Stokes Mitchell
12/7-9 Virginia Madsen
12/10-12 Monique Coleman
12/13-15 To be announced
12/16-18 Chita Rivera
12/19-21 Abigail Breslin
12/22-24 Steven Curtis Chapman
12/25-27 Edward James Olmos
12/28-30 Marlee Matlin
* The Osborne Family’s Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios - Bathed in bulbs of brilliance, New York Street glows with millions of dancing lights and animated displays in a revered Disney holiday tradition Nov. 28 through Jan. 4, 2009. Amidst gently falling snow, guests will bask in the glow as twirling carousels, melodic angels, colorful wreaths, marching toy soldiers and Santa and his reindeer move to high-energy music and 3-D effects, creating a dazzling symphony for the senses. This enchanting spectacle results from a crew of 18 electricians working some 14 weeks using six miles of rope lights, 84 angels and 66 snow machines.
* Disney’s Animal Kingdom - "Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade" gets a holiday makeover Nov. 28 through Jan. 4, 2009, when it is magically transformed into "Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade." This rompin’ spectacle is a theatrical showcase of characters with whimsical floats and puppetry with a holiday world-beat twist. Guests also can meet Disney characters decked out in their holiday best at Camp Minnie-Mickey which also features live seasonal entertainment, holiday photo opportunities and decorative Christmas trees.
* Festival of the Seasons at Downtown Disney - There are enough toys to fill up Santa’s sleigh at stores such as Once Upon a Toy, World of Disney, Team Mickey’s Athletic Club and the LEGO Imagination Center. Guests can finish their holiday shopping at this one-stop mecca featuring something for everyone on their list - Basin bath and body shop, Arribas Brothers, Disney’s Days of Christmas holiday shop, Fuego by Sosa Cigars and more - and enjoy the dazzling light display and holiday décor that adorns the Downtown Disney streets Nov. 28-Dec. 24, 2008.
To make arrangements for a holiday vacation at Walt Disney World Resort, guests can visit www.disneyworld.com, call the Disney Reservation Center at 407/W-DISNEY, or consult with a local travel agent. (Source: Press Release, 07/07/08)
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Eight Grammy Winners Join Entertainment Lineup During Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
18 'Eat to the Beat!' Musical Acts Perform Sept. 26-Nov. 9
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Eight Grammy-winning acts join 10 other stellar hit-makers to bring a rocking mix of classic tunes to Walt Disney World Resort during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 26-Nov. 9.
From rock to jazz, funk to pop, 10 new Eat to the Beat! acts and eight returning bands take their turn on the America Gardens Theatre stage during concerts at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. daily. The lineup (subject to change) includes:
Sept. 26-27 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (NEW) "You & Me & The Bottle Makes 3 Tonight (Baby)"
Sept. 28-30 Sheena Easton (2 Grammys) "Morning Train (Nine to Five)"
Oct. 1-4 Starship starring Mickey Thomas "We Built This City"
Oct. 5-7 En Vogue (NEW) "Hold On"
Oct. 8-9 Jonny Lang (NEW, 1 Grammy) "Lie to Me"
Oct. 10-12 Peabo Bryson (NEW, 2 Grammys) "If Ever You’re in My Arms Again"
Oct. 13-14 Sister Hazel (NEW) "All for You"
Oct. 15-16 David Sanborn (6 Grammys) "Lesley Ann"
Oct. 17-18 Jon Secada (2 Grammys) "Just Another Day"
Oct. 19-21 Spyro Gyra (NEW) "Morning Dance"
Oct. 22-23 Otis Day & the Knights "Shout"
Oct. 24-26 Exposé "Point of No Return"
Oct. 27-28 Kool & The Gang (1 Grammy) "Celebration"
Oct. 29-30 Boyz II Men (NEW, 4 Grammys) "End of the Road"
Oct. 31-Nov. 2 Atlanta Rhythm Section (NEW) "So Into You"
Nov. 3-5 David Cassidy "I Think I Love You"
Nov. 6-7 Night Ranger (NEW) "Sister Christian"
Nov. 8-9 Los Lobos (NEW, 3 Grammys) "La Bamba"
There’s additional entertainment throughout World Showcase, where performers from many countries weave music, dance, acrobatics and other acts into the festivities. A sampling of the entertainment slated for the event includes:
* High-energy Celtic music of Off Kilter (Canada)
* The Arabic rhythms of Mo’Rockin (Morocco)
* Voices of Liberty (American Adventure rotunda)
* Rhythms and harmonies of internationally acclaimed Mariachi Cobre (Mexico)
The laser and musical fireworks spectacle, "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth," wraps each festival evening in style. (Source: Press Release, 07/03/08)
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Audio-Animatronics Timeline
Early 1950s
Walt Disney purchases a mechanical bird while vacationing in Europe. The souvenir becomes the inspiration for Audio-Animatronics technology.
1951
Work begins on "Project Little Man." Roger Broggie and Wathel Rogers, pioneers in Audio-Animatronicstechnology, create a miniature figure that is programmed with cams, cables and tubes to mimic tap-dancing routines performed by the late Buddy Ebsen.
1963
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room opens at Disneyland. It’s the first show to feature Audio-Animatronics technology.
1964
The world’s first fully animated human figure, Abraham Lincoln, debuts at the New York World’s Fair in Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. The figure causes a sensation, not just with the audience, but with Disney Imagineers, who were able to complete the figure in half the time they anticipated.
Audio-Animatronics figures are also in three other World’s Fair shows designed and produced by Disney: Carousel of Progress (featuring figures animated using a programming harness, a precursor of today’s motion capture systems), Magic Skyway and it’s a small world.
1964
Two Audio-Animatronics birds, Robin and Umbrella, appear in "Mary Poppins." Walt Disney reinvests profits from the film to create MAPO, an organization within Walt Disney Imagineering dedicated to creating and innovating Audio-Animatronics figures.
1965
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln - featuring the Audio-Animatronics figure of Abraham Lincoln (actually, a duplicate since the original was still performing at the World’s Fair) - opens at Disneyland.
1970
Audio-Animatronics technology enters the computer age with the use of DACS (Digital Animation Control System), a computer-controlled playback system for Disney shows and attractions. Imagineers also begin using the Anicon-Animation Console - for animating and programming figures.
1989
The first A-100 Audio-Animatronics figure, the Wicked Witch of the West, debuts as part of The Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (then known as Disney-MGM Studios) in Walt Disney World Resort. A-100 figures incorporate compliance technology that gives the characters more fluid and realistic movements.
1992
Pirates of the Caribbean opens at Disneyland Paris. Attraction features sword-fighting pirates figures.
1998
Hopper, the grasshopper from the Disney/Pixar film "A Bug’s Life," is the most sophisticated Audio-Animatronics figure produced to date. Featuring 74 functions, the character appears in "It’s Tough to be a Bug!"
2002
The first portable, all-electric Audio-Animatronics figure, Meeko, the raccoon from the Disney animated film "Pocahontas," appears. He’s in a basket carried by Pocahontas.
2003
The first totally autonomous Audio-Animatronics figure, Lucky the Dinosaur, makes his debut, at Disney’s California Adventure.
2006
The yeti, a major element of Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is the largest and most powerful Audio-Animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering. Standing more than 18 feet tall, the thrust of the yeti’s arm has the equivalent amount of force as a 747 jumbo jet.
2007
The Muppet Mobile Lab, featuring Muppets Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his assistant Beaker, marks the first time that free-roaming Audio-Animatronics characters can interact and converse with each other, as well as with guests they encounter along their way.
2008
Mr. Potato Head in Toy Story Mania! at both Disney’s California Adventure and Disney’s Hollywood Studios marks the first time that an Audio-Animatronics figure features lips with such a wide range of lifelike movements, can remove and re-attach a body part (his ear) and has digitally animated eyes that can look directly at the particular guest with whom he is conversing. Also, since Mr. Potato Head has more lines of dialogue than any Audio-Animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering, it has required more programming hours than any other figure. (Source: Press Release, 07/03/08)
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Hong Kong Disneyland to Offer Summer "Double Fun" Tickets
Hong Kong Disneyland announced the launch of a "Double Fun" Ticket today, that will allow Guests to experience the Park TWICE with one ticket this summer.
Beginning tomorrow (July 1, 2008), Guests who purchase the "Double Fun" Ticket, by adding HK$100 to a peak day admission ticket will be able to visit the Park twice during the summer season. The "Double Fun" Ticket is priced at HK$450 (adult), HK$350 (children) and HK$300 (senior); and will be available for sale at the Park's Main Entrance and from the Hong Kong Disneyland Ticket Express at MTR Hong Kong Station. Guests can re-visit the Park on any day of their choice, on or before September 17, 2008.
With the Beijing 2008 Olympic excitement approaching and in support of TVB's broadcast of this momentous event, the Park is proud to introduce "Mickey Presents Dream Sports Moments". On August 8, Hong Kong Disneyland will broadcast the opening ceremony live in the Park; joining the celebration of this auspicious occasion will be Mickey Mouse and his Gang, the Cast of High School Musical: LIVE! and 500 Disneyland Cast Members. In addition, from August 9 to 24, the Park will broadcast the gold medal highlights from the Beijing Event once a day. "Mickey Presents Dream Sports Moments" will fill the Park with a festive sporting spirit that will further enhance the Guest experience.
Hong Kong Disneyland will also host an Asia-wide school dance competition "High School Musical" My School Rocks! Asia Final 2008, inspired by the popular Disney Channel Original movie "High School Musical". In Hong Kong, enrollment began in May and students have been submitting videos of their choreographed performances online, for the public to vote on; these were created with one of the selected music from High School Musical original soundtracks. On the day of the finale (August 30), the most popular local team will represent the territory in a live competition, against top teams from other Southeast Asian countries and Taiwan. The champions will have the opportunity to rock the Park and entertain Guests by performing with the professional Cast of High School Musical: LIVE! the next day.
"We are excited to launch the 2-day 'Double Fun' Ticket, enabling Guests to fully experience the immersive and interactive attractions and entertainment, that the Park will be offering this summer," said Maple Lee, Vice President, Marketing, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. "Hong Kong Disneyland, as part of the local community, is just as excited about the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, as the residents of Hong Kong. By supporting TVB's live broadcast of the Games and by hosting Disney-themed sports-related events, we are ready to share the true spirit of sportsmanship with our Guests and the Hong Kong community."
With 2-days of access through the "Double Fun" Ticket, Guests of all ages can take the time to experience the array of attractions and entertainment the Park has lined up. Recently launched offerings include Turtle Talk with Crush, "it's a small world", High School Musical: LIVE! and the Muppet Mobile Lab. In addition, back by popular demand, Guests will once again be immersed in the fun-filled and "splashtastic" fun of Mickey WaterWorks Parade.
For more information about Hong Kong Disneyland's summer entertainment offerings, special sporting events, as well as the "Double Fun" Ticket, please call 1-830-830 or visit our website http://park.hongkongdisneyland.com/hkdl/en_US/special/listing?name=DoubleFunTicketPage. (Source: Press Release, 06/30/08)
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MONEY SAVING COUPON
Dunkin Donuts: Get 10% off your total purchase of $5.00 or more at three Orlando locations with this coupon.
BONUS COUPON
Get 50 prints for 50 cents at Snapfish.com. That's one cent each! Use coupon code JUL4PENNY08 at checkout. Hurry! Offer expires 07/12/08.
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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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Save 40-70% on your favorite Disney Movie or CD! Cheap shipping, too! Click here.
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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 7:52 AM
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