Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
July 23, 2008
Copyright © 1999 - 2008 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
To subscribe to Affordable Disney's blog, click the following
icon:
Or copy and paste the following URL into your RSS Reader:
http://affordabledisney.blogspot.com/atom.xml
: My Yahoo! users can instantly add our blog
content to My Yahoo! Add My Yahoo!
: You can also subscribe to our blog at MSN!
Add to My MSN!
=================================================
Hi Everyone!
NOTE: If you want to visit Walt Disney World when there is no deal for the general public, you will need to follow the discount strategies that are revealed in our online book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation," to make your vacation affordable.
--------------------------------
OFFER FOR AFFORDABLE DISNEY MEMBERS
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
"I have Princess Cruises 2008 Complete Escapes DVDs available to the first 25 members that ask for one. Princess ships and itineraries are featured, as are some cruise vacation planning tips. A few weeks after receiving the DVD, those same members will get a postcard offer for an onboard credit of up to $150 (based on cruise length and cabin type) for booking a Princess cruise vacation by the end of the year and sailing anytime in 2008 or 2009."
--------------------------------
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - Disney summer deal expiring, Cirque du Soleil discount, discount codes for Disney Rewards Visa cardholders, new Disney sweepstakes, dining certificate sale, and deals at three Vegas Casino & Resorts
* The latest news from around the "World" - Universal releases Halloween Horror Nights ticket options
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about booking airfare
* Disneyland Prepares To Open Sleeping Beauty Castle Walk Through
* This week's coupons - save on golf and Disney books
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
* Last call for late summer discounts for the general public on Walt Disney World rooms and vacation packages. Deals expire July 27, 2008!
* Annual Passholder discounts for Cirque du Soleil performances. Save 25%!
* We have the discount codes for Walt Disney World Room Discounts and Vacation Packages for Disney Rewards Visa Cardholders for late summer. Rates from $64! Regular and Deluxe Dining Plans may be added.
* 33 sweepstakes and contests to win a Disney / Florida / California / Universal vacation!
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Summer Clearance Sale: Save 70%! Get $25 dining certificates for only $3 that are good at restaurants near Walt Disney World Florida, Disneyland California, and locations across the USA.
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
7 new Disney cruise discounts including a 3-day cruise from $349!
-------------------------------
VEGAS
The Mirage, Bellaggio, and Treasure Island Specials. Rates as low as $76 per night! Food credits, discounted show tickets, and more!
=================================================
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
>> Room discount at the Walt Disney World Resorts for late summer. Save up to 37%! There is also a package version of this offer. The Dining Plan can be added.
>> 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!
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
>> Book your Tee Times at this site where rates start at $69
>> All you can eat at Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure for less than $20
>> Discounts available on tickets to SeaWorld and Busch Gardens!
>> Florida Residents save up to $80.00 at this Florida park!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
>> Three nights from $389!
>> Onboard credits!
>> Discounts for Florida residents and the military - rates too low to publish!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
>> Local Newspaper promotions that apply to everyone in the USA!
>> Save up to $40.00 per ticket to Disneyland California!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
>> Discover the secret to getting FREE admission!
>> Kids under 7 stay and play FREE!
--------------------------------
VEGAS
>> Specials at the Bellagio, MGM Grand, New York-New York, Mirage, Treasure Island and Venetian. Low rates - sometimes as low as $79 per night - dining discounts, show tickets, FREE room upgrades, FREE spa admission, and FREE play money are not uncommon.
--------------------------------
If you are not a member, you can join our Disney family here. Members can use the following URLs to log in:
Lifetime Deluxe Member
Lifetime Basic Member
Deluxe Member
Basic Member
=================================================
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
--------------------------------
"Devoted theme-park goers visit attractions hundreds or thousands of times." Imagine riding The Incredible Hulk coaster at Universal 500 times or watching Beatlemania at Epcot 10,000 times! (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/18/08)
--------------------------------
"Opening weekend of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will feature the U.S. competition for the prestigious Bocuse d'Or World Cuisine Contest." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/17/08)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
FYI... I read the other day about free overnight parking at Walmart for RVs. Apparently, Walmart is allowing RVs that don't need a hookup to park in their parking lots overnight at no charge. Walmart is pleased with the amount of money RV owners spend on groceries and supplies and the RV owners save the typical $30 per night at the RV park. I would check with the store manager to be sure it's OK. BTW, the couple in the article said they travel 900 miles on their 150 gallon gas tank! That's only 6 miles to the gallon. Ouch!
--------------------------------
"Your hotel room is your home away from home, with a few exceptions -- hundreds of strangers from every corner of the world have slept there, and the hotel staff may not have the same standards of cleanliness that you do at home." Follow these tips and you'll sleep better at night.
--------------------------------
See Florida before the tourists arrived. "'Destination Florida: Tourism Before Disney' displays memorabilia from that simpler, less traffic-choked time, an era that began in the late 19th century when northerners came down for natural beauty and the heat -- not Beauty and the Beast." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/18/08)
--------------------------------
Check out the ticket options for Universal's Halloween Horror Nights. (Scroll down to find the article.) (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/18/08)
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Resort Calendar
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, writes about booking airfare:
"Not a day goes by that someone doesn't ask me if I can do their flights for them. The truth is, I pretty much stopped doing air years ago. You can't imagine the amount of time I used to spend helping people find the right flights, booking them, ticketing them, and then staying on top of the frequent flight changes that followed. It was an easy hour or more of time for each and every trip. And about 20% of those trips would have additional issues... the need to cancel or make a change, a drop in price requiring a ticket reissue and fare refund, you name it. I can't tell you how much I hated doing air.
It did, however, pay well sometimes. The commission was 10% on the base fare (price before taxes and fees). That meant I could make $15-30 per ticket on average, so for a family of 4 or more it was still worth the effort most of the time. Then the commission dropped to 8% - and then to 5%. Finally, commission disappeared completely.
The airlines are no longer willing to pay travel agents for the headaches involved in putting people onto their planes. As such, I'm no longer willing to endure the headaches. I do, however, try to help clients as much as I can in booking air they will be happy with.
Here are my top tips:
1) Check Southwest.com to see if they service your area. If so, see what their flight schedules and prices look like. Even if they aren't currently booking for your dates, you can still get a good idea of what Southwest offers.
2) Compare that to what you find on Kayak.com. Kayak doesn't sell airfare; they just help you compare fares from those that do sell it. They cover nearly every major airline except Southwest. The results filter allows you to easily adjust your arrival and departure times, dates, alternate airports, and more so that you can tweak the results to exactly fit your needs.
3) Once you've found flights that you like, GO TO THE AIRLINE'S OWN WEBSITE to book the flights. You'll avoid booking fees and, if you find yourself in need of a real person to help with a problem down the road, you're going to have a much better shot at a good result when dealing with an airline rather than with Expedia, Travelocity, etc. That's especially true if your flight gets canceled or there is a significant delay.
4) Once you've booked, don't look back. You'll just drive yourself nuts. There's no way to know if the flights will go up or down in price, and these days the change fees are so high that there probably isn't anything you can do about a lower price anyway. Just tuck your confirmation away with your travel documents, check "air" off your list, and move on.
Yes, I can book (domestic) air through Disney as an add-on to your package - and I'll admit that every once in awhile they have a good deal, especially for groups of 10 or more, but it's rare. In the vast majority of cases, I find that Disney air is priced the same or higher (sometimes significantly higher) than what you'd pay online for the same flights. What's more, if you cancel your Disney reservation, nonrefundable air on the reservation is canceled as well and you lose that money. If you booked separately, you'd still have those air tickets to do with as you please. You might be able to pay a change fee and use them for a different trip. I'd be happy to get a price on Disney air for you, but unless they come in significantly lower than what you're finding online, book it separately. Disney will still provide Magical Express airport transfers (from MCO only!).
Speaking of Magical Express, you can get that service regardless of what airline you fly, what time of day you arrive or depart, or how you booked the air. They will even provide transfers for international flights. (You just have to claim your bags and get through customs first.) Disney's optional insurance coverage also covers most air - even if you booked the air yourself! Affordable Disney members can contact me if they'd like to see a PDF copy of their insurance policy.
Finally, be sure to stay on top of the current rules and regulations regarding luggage and other details.
Current list of baggage fees for most airlines: http://www.smartertravel.com/blogs/today-in-travel/airline-fees-the-ultimate-guide.html?id=2623262
Current TSA list of what you can pack: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm"
=================================================
Disneyland Prepares To Open Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
Anaheim, CA - The interior of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland will open in time for the December holiday season, offering guests a "reawakened" version of its classic walkthrough presentation kissed with vibrant scenes of Aurora, her charming prince, the evil Maleficent and other characters from the beloved fairy tale film.
"It is fitting that we are announcing the return of a classic on the 53rd anniversary of Disneyland," said Tony Baxter, Senior Vice President of Creative Development for Walt Disney Imagineering, who unveiled a model of the castle on July 17, the birthday of Disneyland park.
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney’s "Sleeping Beauty," and the excitement generated by the anniversary of the motion picture spurred interest in the return of the Disneyland attraction.
Also celebrating the milestone 50th Anniversary of "Sleeping Beauty" is Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, which will release a two-disc Platinum Blu-rayTM Hi-Def disc, making "Sleeping Beauty" the first Walt Disney animated classic title to be released in high definition, as well as on two-disc Platinum DVD. A bonus feature on the new release will be "The Original Sleeping Beauty Walk-Through Attraction With Walt Disney Imagineering," an immersive experience recreating the original castle walkthrough.
On April 29, 1957, nearly two years before the premiere of Walt Disney’s animated feature "Sleeping Beauty," the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough opened with an in-park ceremony featuring Walt Disney and actress Shirley Temple who, some 20 years earlier, had presented Disney with his special Academy Award - one Oscar and seven little ones - for "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."
The crafting of the 1957 walkthrough show fell to Walt Disney Imagineer Ken Anderson and animation art director and color stylist Eyvind Earle, credited with giving the motion picture "Sleeping Beauty" the distinctive and colorful look of storybook illustrations in medieval style. An entirely new look appeared in 1977 when the attraction’s redesign featured miniature dioramas, including moving figurines similar to the window displays in the shops on Main Street, U.S.A.
When the attraction is unveiled later this year, the "show" will differ from the dioramas of the 1980s and ‘90s, returning to the unique style of the original 1957 show and motion picture. Enhanced with new scenes and special effects magic, the re-Imagineered attraction will employ technology not available in the 1950s to represent scenes from the story of Sleeping Beauty, including the magic of good fairies Flora, Fauna and Merryweather, and the more sinister spells of the evil Maleficent.
For the first time, guests who are unable to climb stairs or navigate the passageways of the Castle will be able to experience the walkthrough "virtually" in a special room on the ground floor of the Castle. (Source: Press Release, 07/17/08)
=================================================
MONEY SAVING COUPON
Hunters Creek Golf
14401 Sports Club Way
Orlando, FL 32837
407-240-4653
"Spacious, rolling fairways meander among 13 lakes to provide a natural setting for a relaxing round of Orlando golf. With strategically placed bunkers bordering expansive greens, several options and shot selections await the golfer on each hole."
Get $5.00 off green's fees or free bucket of balls with this coupon.
=================================================
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Affordable Disney Books
Disney and other new books 50-90% off the list price. To check out the bargains, click here.
Coupon Code: ROAD
Password: BookCloseouts.com
Buy $35 worth of books and receive a $5 discount.
Expires 08/01/08.
--------------------------------
Got Coupons?
With the Orlando Entertainment Book, you can save big on travel, groceries, shopping, movie tickets, and more! Save at hotels and restaurants near Walt Disney World, on car rental, airfare, admission to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa! For details, click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Disney Movies and CD's
Save 40-70% on your favorite Disney Movie or CD! Cheap shipping, too! Click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Accommodations
Enjoy Special Rates at select hotels, condos and vacation rentals near Disney. Plus! Receive up to a $100.00 rebate! For hotels, click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Luggage
Save up to 60% on Luggage, Backpacks, and more! Donna and I bought a beautiful 5-piece set of Samsonite luggage for our daughter for Christmas for $144! Click here.
--------------------------------
Own a piece of the Magic Kingdom
Disney framed stock certificates are works of art. They feature Walt Disney and the Disney characters. Unlike stock brokers that require you to purchase several shares of stock, OneShare sells one share of stock and mails you the certificate. You can frame the stock certificate yourself or OneShare will frame if for you at a nominal cost. Click here.
=============================================
See You Real Soon!
John
AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
=============================================
Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the accuracy of information contained in THE DISNEY NEWS. Always check to be sure. The views and opinions expressed by others in THE DISNEY NEWS do not necessarily reflect the views of AffordableDisney.Com.
=============================================
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
July 23, 2008
Copyright © 1999 - 2008 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
To subscribe to Affordable Disney's blog, click the following
icon:
Or copy and paste the following URL into your RSS Reader:
http://affordabledisney.blogspot.com/atom.xml
: My Yahoo! users can instantly add our blogcontent to My Yahoo! Add My Yahoo!
: You can also subscribe to our blog at MSN! Add to My MSN!
=================================================
Hi Everyone!
NOTE: If you want to visit Walt Disney World when there is no deal for the general public, you will need to follow the discount strategies that are revealed in our online book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation," to make your vacation affordable.
--------------------------------
OFFER FOR AFFORDABLE DISNEY MEMBERS
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
"I have Princess Cruises 2008 Complete Escapes DVDs available to the first 25 members that ask for one. Princess ships and itineraries are featured, as are some cruise vacation planning tips. A few weeks after receiving the DVD, those same members will get a postcard offer for an onboard credit of up to $150 (based on cruise length and cabin type) for booking a Princess cruise vacation by the end of the year and sailing anytime in 2008 or 2009."
--------------------------------
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - Disney summer deal expiring, Cirque du Soleil discount, discount codes for Disney Rewards Visa cardholders, new Disney sweepstakes, dining certificate sale, and deals at three Vegas Casino & Resorts
* The latest news from around the "World" - Universal releases Halloween Horror Nights ticket options
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about booking airfare
* Disneyland Prepares To Open Sleeping Beauty Castle Walk Through
* This week's coupons - save on golf and Disney books
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
* Last call for late summer discounts for the general public on Walt Disney World rooms and vacation packages. Deals expire July 27, 2008!
* Annual Passholder discounts for Cirque du Soleil performances. Save 25%!
* We have the discount codes for Walt Disney World Room Discounts and Vacation Packages for Disney Rewards Visa Cardholders for late summer. Rates from $64! Regular and Deluxe Dining Plans may be added.
* 33 sweepstakes and contests to win a Disney / Florida / California / Universal vacation!
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Summer Clearance Sale: Save 70%! Get $25 dining certificates for only $3 that are good at restaurants near Walt Disney World Florida, Disneyland California, and locations across the USA.
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
7 new Disney cruise discounts including a 3-day cruise from $349!
-------------------------------
VEGAS
The Mirage, Bellaggio, and Treasure Island Specials. Rates as low as $76 per night! Food credits, discounted show tickets, and more!
=================================================
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
>> Room discount at the Walt Disney World Resorts for late summer. Save up to 37%! There is also a package version of this offer. The Dining Plan can be added.
>> 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!
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
>> Book your Tee Times at this site where rates start at $69
>> All you can eat at Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure for less than $20
>> Discounts available on tickets to SeaWorld and Busch Gardens!
>> Florida Residents save up to $80.00 at this Florida park!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
>> Three nights from $389!
>> Onboard credits!
>> Discounts for Florida residents and the military - rates too low to publish!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
>> Local Newspaper promotions that apply to everyone in the USA!
>> Save up to $40.00 per ticket to Disneyland California!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
>> Discover the secret to getting FREE admission!
>> Kids under 7 stay and play FREE!
--------------------------------
VEGAS
>> Specials at the Bellagio, MGM Grand, New York-New York, Mirage, Treasure Island and Venetian. Low rates - sometimes as low as $79 per night - dining discounts, show tickets, FREE room upgrades, FREE spa admission, and FREE play money are not uncommon.
--------------------------------
If you are not a member, you can join our Disney family here. Members can use the following URLs to log in:
Lifetime Deluxe Member
Lifetime Basic Member
Deluxe Member
Basic Member
=================================================
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
--------------------------------
"Devoted theme-park goers visit attractions hundreds or thousands of times." Imagine riding The Incredible Hulk coaster at Universal 500 times or watching Beatlemania at Epcot 10,000 times! (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/18/08)
--------------------------------
"Opening weekend of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will feature the U.S. competition for the prestigious Bocuse d'Or World Cuisine Contest." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/17/08)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
FYI... I read the other day about free overnight parking at Walmart for RVs. Apparently, Walmart is allowing RVs that don't need a hookup to park in their parking lots overnight at no charge. Walmart is pleased with the amount of money RV owners spend on groceries and supplies and the RV owners save the typical $30 per night at the RV park. I would check with the store manager to be sure it's OK. BTW, the couple in the article said they travel 900 miles on their 150 gallon gas tank! That's only 6 miles to the gallon. Ouch!
--------------------------------
"Your hotel room is your home away from home, with a few exceptions -- hundreds of strangers from every corner of the world have slept there, and the hotel staff may not have the same standards of cleanliness that you do at home." Follow these tips and you'll sleep better at night.
--------------------------------
See Florida before the tourists arrived. "'Destination Florida: Tourism Before Disney' displays memorabilia from that simpler, less traffic-choked time, an era that began in the late 19th century when northerners came down for natural beauty and the heat -- not Beauty and the Beast." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/18/08)
--------------------------------
Check out the ticket options for Universal's Halloween Horror Nights. (Scroll down to find the article.) (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/18/08)
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Resort Calendar
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, writes about booking airfare:
"Not a day goes by that someone doesn't ask me if I can do their flights for them. The truth is, I pretty much stopped doing air years ago. You can't imagine the amount of time I used to spend helping people find the right flights, booking them, ticketing them, and then staying on top of the frequent flight changes that followed. It was an easy hour or more of time for each and every trip. And about 20% of those trips would have additional issues... the need to cancel or make a change, a drop in price requiring a ticket reissue and fare refund, you name it. I can't tell you how much I hated doing air.
It did, however, pay well sometimes. The commission was 10% on the base fare (price before taxes and fees). That meant I could make $15-30 per ticket on average, so for a family of 4 or more it was still worth the effort most of the time. Then the commission dropped to 8% - and then to 5%. Finally, commission disappeared completely.
The airlines are no longer willing to pay travel agents for the headaches involved in putting people onto their planes. As such, I'm no longer willing to endure the headaches. I do, however, try to help clients as much as I can in booking air they will be happy with.
Here are my top tips:
1) Check Southwest.com to see if they service your area. If so, see what their flight schedules and prices look like. Even if they aren't currently booking for your dates, you can still get a good idea of what Southwest offers.
2) Compare that to what you find on Kayak.com. Kayak doesn't sell airfare; they just help you compare fares from those that do sell it. They cover nearly every major airline except Southwest. The results filter allows you to easily adjust your arrival and departure times, dates, alternate airports, and more so that you can tweak the results to exactly fit your needs.
3) Once you've found flights that you like, GO TO THE AIRLINE'S OWN WEBSITE to book the flights. You'll avoid booking fees and, if you find yourself in need of a real person to help with a problem down the road, you're going to have a much better shot at a good result when dealing with an airline rather than with Expedia, Travelocity, etc. That's especially true if your flight gets canceled or there is a significant delay.
4) Once you've booked, don't look back. You'll just drive yourself nuts. There's no way to know if the flights will go up or down in price, and these days the change fees are so high that there probably isn't anything you can do about a lower price anyway. Just tuck your confirmation away with your travel documents, check "air" off your list, and move on.
Yes, I can book (domestic) air through Disney as an add-on to your package - and I'll admit that every once in awhile they have a good deal, especially for groups of 10 or more, but it's rare. In the vast majority of cases, I find that Disney air is priced the same or higher (sometimes significantly higher) than what you'd pay online for the same flights. What's more, if you cancel your Disney reservation, nonrefundable air on the reservation is canceled as well and you lose that money. If you booked separately, you'd still have those air tickets to do with as you please. You might be able to pay a change fee and use them for a different trip. I'd be happy to get a price on Disney air for you, but unless they come in significantly lower than what you're finding online, book it separately. Disney will still provide Magical Express airport transfers (from MCO only!).
Speaking of Magical Express, you can get that service regardless of what airline you fly, what time of day you arrive or depart, or how you booked the air. They will even provide transfers for international flights. (You just have to claim your bags and get through customs first.) Disney's optional insurance coverage also covers most air - even if you booked the air yourself! Affordable Disney members can contact me if they'd like to see a PDF copy of their insurance policy.
Finally, be sure to stay on top of the current rules and regulations regarding luggage and other details.
Current list of baggage fees for most airlines: http://www.smartertravel.com/blogs/today-in-travel/airline-fees-the-ultimate-guide.html?id=2623262
Current TSA list of what you can pack: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm"
=================================================
Disneyland Prepares To Open Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
Anaheim, CA - The interior of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland will open in time for the December holiday season, offering guests a "reawakened" version of its classic walkthrough presentation kissed with vibrant scenes of Aurora, her charming prince, the evil Maleficent and other characters from the beloved fairy tale film.
"It is fitting that we are announcing the return of a classic on the 53rd anniversary of Disneyland," said Tony Baxter, Senior Vice President of Creative Development for Walt Disney Imagineering, who unveiled a model of the castle on July 17, the birthday of Disneyland park.
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney’s "Sleeping Beauty," and the excitement generated by the anniversary of the motion picture spurred interest in the return of the Disneyland attraction.
Also celebrating the milestone 50th Anniversary of "Sleeping Beauty" is Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, which will release a two-disc Platinum Blu-rayTM Hi-Def disc, making "Sleeping Beauty" the first Walt Disney animated classic title to be released in high definition, as well as on two-disc Platinum DVD. A bonus feature on the new release will be "The Original Sleeping Beauty Walk-Through Attraction With Walt Disney Imagineering," an immersive experience recreating the original castle walkthrough.
On April 29, 1957, nearly two years before the premiere of Walt Disney’s animated feature "Sleeping Beauty," the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough opened with an in-park ceremony featuring Walt Disney and actress Shirley Temple who, some 20 years earlier, had presented Disney with his special Academy Award - one Oscar and seven little ones - for "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."
The crafting of the 1957 walkthrough show fell to Walt Disney Imagineer Ken Anderson and animation art director and color stylist Eyvind Earle, credited with giving the motion picture "Sleeping Beauty" the distinctive and colorful look of storybook illustrations in medieval style. An entirely new look appeared in 1977 when the attraction’s redesign featured miniature dioramas, including moving figurines similar to the window displays in the shops on Main Street, U.S.A.
When the attraction is unveiled later this year, the "show" will differ from the dioramas of the 1980s and ‘90s, returning to the unique style of the original 1957 show and motion picture. Enhanced with new scenes and special effects magic, the re-Imagineered attraction will employ technology not available in the 1950s to represent scenes from the story of Sleeping Beauty, including the magic of good fairies Flora, Fauna and Merryweather, and the more sinister spells of the evil Maleficent.
For the first time, guests who are unable to climb stairs or navigate the passageways of the Castle will be able to experience the walkthrough "virtually" in a special room on the ground floor of the Castle. (Source: Press Release, 07/17/08)
=================================================
MONEY SAVING COUPON
Hunters Creek Golf
14401 Sports Club Way
Orlando, FL 32837
407-240-4653
"Spacious, rolling fairways meander among 13 lakes to provide a natural setting for a relaxing round of Orlando golf. With strategically placed bunkers bordering expansive greens, several options and shot selections await the golfer on each hole."
Get $5.00 off green's fees or free bucket of balls with this coupon.
=================================================
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Affordable Disney Books
Disney and other new books 50-90% off the list price. To check out the bargains, click here.
Coupon Code: ROAD
Password: BookCloseouts.com
Buy $35 worth of books and receive a $5 discount.
Expires 08/01/08.
--------------------------------
Got Coupons?
With the Orlando Entertainment Book, you can save big on travel, groceries, shopping, movie tickets, and more! Save at hotels and restaurants near Walt Disney World, on car rental, airfare, admission to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa! For details, click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Disney Movies and CD's
Save 40-70% on your favorite Disney Movie or CD! Cheap shipping, too! Click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Accommodations
Enjoy Special Rates at select hotels, condos and vacation rentals near Disney. Plus! Receive up to a $100.00 rebate! For hotels, click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Luggage
Save up to 60% on Luggage, Backpacks, and more! Donna and I bought a beautiful 5-piece set of Samsonite luggage for our daughter for Christmas for $144! Click here.
--------------------------------
Own a piece of the Magic Kingdom
Disney framed stock certificates are works of art. They feature Walt Disney and the Disney characters. Unlike stock brokers that require you to purchase several shares of stock, OneShare sells one share of stock and mails you the certificate. You can frame the stock certificate yourself or OneShare will frame if for you at a nominal cost. Click here.
=============================================
See You Real Soon!
John
AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
=============================================
Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the accuracy of information contained in THE DISNEY NEWS. Always check to be sure. The views and opinions expressed by others in THE DISNEY NEWS do not necessarily reflect the views of AffordableDisney.Com.
=============================================
posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 8:07 AM
<< Home