THE DISNEY NEWS
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
July 16, 2008
Copyright © 1999 - 2008 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
To subscribe to Affordable Disney's blog, click the following
icon:
Or copy and paste the following URL into your RSS Reader:
http://affordabledisney.blogspot.com/atom.xml
: My Yahoo! users can instantly add our blog
content to My Yahoo! Add My Yahoo!
: You can also subscribe to our blog at MSN!
Add to My MSN!
=================================================
Hi Everyone!
NOTE: If you want to visit Walt Disney World when there is no deal for the general public, you will need to follow the discount strategies that are revealed in our online book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation," to make your vacation affordable.
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - two Universal specials for Floridians, "Good Neighbor" hotel & suites special for nights of faith at WDW and Universal, and Disney cruise line discounts
* The latest news from around the "World" - Figment character no longer to meet visitors at Epcot
* Judy writes about her recent Walt Disney World vacation
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about booking hotels off Disney property
* The Simpsons Ride at Universal voted "Best New Theme Park Attraction"
* This week's coupon - save at Sammy Duvall's Watersports in Walt Disney World's Contemporary resort
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Early booking savings are available on 3-, 4-, and 7-night cruises! 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from $899; 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from $1079.
-------------------------------
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO - summer specials for Floridians
Florida Residents enjoy a 2nd day and 2nd park FREE with this promo code.
Florida residents can save more than 30 percent at Universal’s hotels.
-------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Stay at this Hotel & Suites and enjoy an evening of inspiration at either Disney's Hollywood Studios - Night of Joy or Universal Studios - Rock the Universe Friday, September 5 and Saturday September 6, 2008 at only $42 plus tax per night! (Tickets sold separately.) They also have Exclusive Hotel Rates for church members!
Beth writes: "I've seen this hotel and it's very close to Disney. You can't beat the price. Kids 12 and under always eat free. I'd give it a very solid 3 to 3.5 stars."
An Official Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel. One of the closest hotels in Kissimmee to Walt Disney World and all the other Orlando and Kissimmee attractions - located just 3 short miles to the Main Gate. Pet friendly. Free shuttle to the parks. Full service restaurant and food court.
=================================================
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!
>> 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.
>> 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
--------------------------------
"A heart attack at Wet 'n Wild and two broken ankles at other attractions were among the serious ride incidents at Central Florida theme parks this spring, according to state records released Tuesday. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/16/08)
--------------------------------
Disney is initiating a new reservation system for dining, tours and recreation the end of October. Consequently, those making such reservations from July 20 through late October will only be able to make them for arrivals up to January 25, 2009. By the end of October you will once again be able to book up to 180 days in advance of your visit. (Source: Disney email blast, 07/15/08)
--------------------------------
32 rooms have been refurbished at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort with a "Finding Nemo" theme. Rumor is that the rest of the rooms will have their walls torn down "between various units so that Disney can then book these now-supersized-rooms (Which will be themed to Disney's 'Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise) as family suites." (Source: jimhillmedia.com, 07/14/08)
--------------------------------
Disney announces a new street show: "The show, in Disney's Hollywood Studios, will be called 'High School Musical 3, Senior Year'; will open the same day as the movie, Oct. 24; and will reflect the movie's themes and story line." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/14/08)
--------------------------------
"The easy-going Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground at Walt Disney World is home to a new-age Segway tour through the woods." You can also take a Segway tour at Epcot. (Source: cfnews13.com, 07/11/08)
--------------------------------
"After a 10-year run, the live 'Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends' show at Disney's Animal Kingdom will close Sept. 27, Walt Disney World announced Thursday." No replacement has been announced. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/10/08)
--------------------------------
"A series of Walt Disney World choral and orchestral concerts July 23-25 will raise money for United Arts of Central Florida." The show will take place 8 PM nightly at Epcot's World Showplace. Tickets ($15; $10 in advance) can be purchased at redchairproject.com. For more info, visit encorecentral.org or call 407-628-0333, Ext. 28. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/12/08)
--------------------------------
"Former Walt Disney World security guard Edwin Sotomayor filed a lawsuit Friday in state Circuit Court in Orlando, challenging Disney's ban on employees bringing guns to work and seeking to get his job back." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/12/08)
--------------------------------
"Figment, that beloved purple dragon [at] Epcot... has been retired from meeting and greeting kids (and the young at heart), according to several cast members in the park." (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 07/08/08)
--------------------------------
"Grueling-hot summertime visits to theme parks can be alleviated with turns on one of their water-thrill rides. Take a whirl through this guide to H2O zones and discover which ones are worth getting soaked to the bone." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/11/08)
--------------------------------
"A federal lawsuit filed by Disney Enterprises Inc. has cast a Clermont couple as villains who exploited the trademarked likenesses of Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore and Tigger, too, to enrich their family business, Kool Klown Party People Inc." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/10/08)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal is a work in progress: Islands of Adventure's Enchanted Oak Tavern restaurant, Flying Unicorn ride, Alchemy Bar and Dragon's Keep store are now closed so that they can be made over with a Harry Potter theme. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/14/08)
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Judy writes about her recent Walt Disney World vacation:
"Hello John,
I just wanted to take the time to thank you for your affordable website, and especially for Beth Foss' wonderful help. We returned from our family vacation at WDW last Thursday evening, and in spite of a couple of us getting sick, we had a wonderful time there.
Beth was so great about answering my questions - no matter what I asked, and always tried to get what we wanted. She really helped me feel less overwhelmed about everything and was great to work with. She is a real gem!
Thank you, too, since I had to ask you a few things awhile back, and you were very prompt about getting back with me.
I will recommend your site to all of my friends. Thank you."
Thank you, Judy, for your generous feedback. Your comments make all the work so worthwhile.
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, writes about booking hotels off Disney property:
"There was a time when I booked a LOT of Disney World vacations for people using non-Disney hotels. That was before Disney offered free airport transfers, Extra Magic Hours, dining options, and packages that made sense. Those perks cannot be overlooked. At least one of them (probably several) can go a very long way towards providing you with a vacation more comfortable and convenient than any non-Disney hotel could. And if you plan ahead then you've got an excellent shot at a promotional discount for most times of the year.
There are, however, times when you can't plan ahead. There are other times that there isn't a promotional offer for your dates, or nothing affordable is available under the promotional offer. For those times, it makes plenty of sense to look at hotels that aren't owned and operated by Disney - particularly true if you don't need airport transfers and aren't interested in a dining plan.
What you need to keep in mind, though, is that a wide-angle camera lens and a creative hotel staff can make a real dump look like pure luxury online. I read an article recently posted in MSNBC.com's family travel section. They were suggesting six hotels in the Kissimmee area as non-Disney alternatives. Two of them I've never seen and two of them I often send people to myself. The other two, though, I was shocked to see listed. In fact, I list one of them among the worst hotels I've ever checked out! It's true that online it looks nice enough. The location is pretty good, it has a separate check-in desk for kids, and it has a name that makes it sound like Mickey himself probably vacations there. I was shown two rooms there, though, that I wouldn't have sent clients on the tightest budgets to. The carpets were so dirty they were sticky. The small refrigerators had mildew in them, and I'm pretty sure the microwaves has never been cleaned. I'd have been afraid to take a shower without flip-flops on my feet. Ick!
I actually stayed at a different hotel once (not on the MSNBC list) that looked fabulous online... bedroom, living room, 'full' kitchen, manager's reception with beer, wine and hors d'oeuvres - nice! The pictures online were lovely. The actual units didn't look anything like the photos online. Well, they sort of did in that the layout was the same. The furniture we had, though, was stained and worn and falling apart. The bedding was dirty as were the towels. The little electric burner in our kitchen didn't work, and it was colder in the room than in the frig. There was no beer at the manager's reception; only a big jug of cheap red wine... which went well with the basket full of popcorn, the only food offered. The pool wasn't heated, but it was so dirty my daughter didn't want to go in anyway. BIG disappointment. Great location and a nice price, but I won't be going back.
My point is that you need to do some homework if you're going to stay offsite - or at least talk with someone that's stayed in the place you're considering. Forget the online photos. Check out TripAdvisor.com or WeJustGotBack.com to see if there are recent reviews. Keep in mind that people tend to complain more than say nice things so you can't assume no nice comments means everything is bad. Do, however, consider the types of things being said. Are they things that you'd never notice, or things that would drive you nuts?
If you need to stay offsite I can get you into rooms from about $32 a night including tax - but I wouldn't recommend those places. You really don't start getting into the moderately acceptable ones below $50-60 a night. Most times of the year $75 + tax will get you into something not too bad at all, and $100-120 will get you something pretty decent. There are exceptions, of course, but that's sort of a good scale to follow. Beware of places that are selling super-cheap. There's probably a reason for it, and you need to figure out what that reason is before you book."
=================================================
The Verdict Is In! - The Simpsons Ride At Universal Voted "Best New Theme Park Attraction" In The World
Orlando, FL (July 3, 2008) - Accolades continue rolling in for Universal Park & Resorts’ new Simpsons Ride. Already the subject of rave reviews by guests at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood, Theme Park Insider.com has now voted The Simpsons Ride as the "Best New Theme Park Attraction" worldwide for 2008. Theme Park Insider.com is a consumers’ guide to the world’s most popular theme and amusement parks, written by consumers themselves.
The Simpsons Ride showcases everything the popular television series has made famous and that Simpsons fans love . . . a great story, humor and irreverence that are pure Simpsons, with original animation starring cast members Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria and guest star Kelsey Grammer. Guests are swept into Krustyland, a theme park created by the show’s cantankerous, cash-hungry clown. Meanwhile, maniacal Sideshow Bob has escaped from prison and has taken control of the park to get his revenge on Krusty and the Simpson family. Hand-picked by Krusty to be the first to ride his newest attraction, guests are thrust into the middle of the action and soar through Krustyland and Springfield on a ride that features the world’s first-ever cork screw that’s animated.
"The Simpsons Ride represents what Universal does best - which is to take pop culture’s blockbuster entertainment concepts and bring them to life in wildly entertaining theme park experiences," said Mark Woodbury, President of Universal Creative, designers of The Simpsons Ride. "We appreciate the recognition and share it with our partners at Fox Licensing and Gracie Films, who helped us create a truly authentic Simpsons experience."
Also receiving recognition from Theme Park Insider.com is Universal Orlando’s popular Mythos Restaurant, voted the world’s "Best Theme Park Restaurant" for an impressive sixth straight year. Located in the Lost Continent area of Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure theme park, Mythos specializes in fresh contemporary cuisine in a stunningly unique atmosphere based on Greek mythology and the constellations. Mythos consistently gets high marks for elevating the theme park dining experience.
"With Mythos, our team set out to create an entirely new level of theme park dining experience. It was to be an experience that blended extraordinary food with extraordinary atmosphere," said Ric Florell, Universal Orlando’s Senior Vice President and General Manager for Resort Revenue Operations. "The continued recognition Mythos receives shows we have been - and continue to be - successful. We’re grateful for the recognition. More importantly, our team is grateful for the opportunity to continue to thrill our guests." (Source: Press Release, 07/07/08)
=================================================
MONEY SAVING COUPON
Sammy Duvall's Watersports
Walt Disney World's Contemporary resort
407-939-0754
Receive a FREE Photo Package with this coupon.
=================================================
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Affordable Disney Books
Disney and other new books 50-90% off the list price. Hundreds of books under $1.00! Plus! Over 700 videos have been marked down to $1.99! To check out the bargains, click here.
--------------------------------
Got Coupons?
With the Orlando Entertainment Book, you can save big on travel, groceries, shopping, movie tickets, and more! Save at hotels and restaurants near Walt Disney World, on car rental, airfare, admission to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa! For details, click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Disney Movies and CD's
Save 40-70% on your favorite Disney Movie or CD! Cheap shipping, too! Click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Accommodations
Enjoy Special Rates at select hotels, condos and vacation rentals near Disney. Plus! Receive up to a $100.00 rebate! For hotels, click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Luggage
Save up to 60% on Luggage, Backpacks, and more! Donna and I bought a beautiful 5-piece set of Samsonite luggage for our daughter for Christmas for $144! Click here.
--------------------------------
Own a piece of the Magic Kingdom
Disney framed stock certificates are works of art. They feature Walt Disney and the Disney characters. Unlike stock brokers that require you to purchase several shares of stock, OneShare sells one share of stock and mails you the certificate. You can frame the stock certificate yourself or OneShare will frame if for you at a nominal cost. Click here.
=============================================
See You Real Soon!
John
AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
=============================================
Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the accuracy of information contained in THE DISNEY NEWS. Always check to be sure. The views and opinions expressed by others in THE DISNEY NEWS do not necessarily reflect the views of AffordableDisney.Com.
=============================================
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
July 16, 2008
Copyright © 1999 - 2008 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
To subscribe to Affordable Disney's blog, click the following
icon:
Or copy and paste the following URL into your RSS Reader:
http://affordabledisney.blogspot.com/atom.xml
: My Yahoo! users can instantly add our blogcontent to My Yahoo! Add My Yahoo!
: You can also subscribe to our blog at MSN! Add to My MSN!
=================================================
Hi Everyone!
NOTE: If you want to visit Walt Disney World when there is no deal for the general public, you will need to follow the discount strategies that are revealed in our online book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation," to make your vacation affordable.
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - two Universal specials for Floridians, "Good Neighbor" hotel & suites special for nights of faith at WDW and Universal, and Disney cruise line discounts
* The latest news from around the "World" - Figment character no longer to meet visitors at Epcot
* Judy writes about her recent Walt Disney World vacation
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about booking hotels off Disney property
* The Simpsons Ride at Universal voted "Best New Theme Park Attraction"
* This week's coupon - save at Sammy Duvall's Watersports in Walt Disney World's Contemporary resort
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Early booking savings are available on 3-, 4-, and 7-night cruises! 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from $899; 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from $1079.
-------------------------------
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO - summer specials for Floridians
Florida Residents enjoy a 2nd day and 2nd park FREE with this promo code.
Florida residents can save more than 30 percent at Universal’s hotels.
-------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Stay at this Hotel & Suites and enjoy an evening of inspiration at either Disney's Hollywood Studios - Night of Joy or Universal Studios - Rock the Universe Friday, September 5 and Saturday September 6, 2008 at only $42 plus tax per night! (Tickets sold separately.) They also have Exclusive Hotel Rates for church members!
Beth writes: "I've seen this hotel and it's very close to Disney. You can't beat the price. Kids 12 and under always eat free. I'd give it a very solid 3 to 3.5 stars."
An Official Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel. One of the closest hotels in Kissimmee to Walt Disney World and all the other Orlando and Kissimmee attractions - located just 3 short miles to the Main Gate. Pet friendly. Free shuttle to the parks. Full service restaurant and food court.
=================================================
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!
>> 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.
>> 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
--------------------------------
"A heart attack at Wet 'n Wild and two broken ankles at other attractions were among the serious ride incidents at Central Florida theme parks this spring, according to state records released Tuesday. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/16/08)
--------------------------------
Disney is initiating a new reservation system for dining, tours and recreation the end of October. Consequently, those making such reservations from July 20 through late October will only be able to make them for arrivals up to January 25, 2009. By the end of October you will once again be able to book up to 180 days in advance of your visit. (Source: Disney email blast, 07/15/08)
--------------------------------
32 rooms have been refurbished at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort with a "Finding Nemo" theme. Rumor is that the rest of the rooms will have their walls torn down "between various units so that Disney can then book these now-supersized-rooms (Which will be themed to Disney's 'Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise) as family suites." (Source: jimhillmedia.com, 07/14/08)
--------------------------------
Disney announces a new street show: "The show, in Disney's Hollywood Studios, will be called 'High School Musical 3, Senior Year'; will open the same day as the movie, Oct. 24; and will reflect the movie's themes and story line." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/14/08)
--------------------------------
"The easy-going Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground at Walt Disney World is home to a new-age Segway tour through the woods." You can also take a Segway tour at Epcot. (Source: cfnews13.com, 07/11/08)
--------------------------------
"After a 10-year run, the live 'Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends' show at Disney's Animal Kingdom will close Sept. 27, Walt Disney World announced Thursday." No replacement has been announced. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/10/08)
--------------------------------
"A series of Walt Disney World choral and orchestral concerts July 23-25 will raise money for United Arts of Central Florida." The show will take place 8 PM nightly at Epcot's World Showplace. Tickets ($15; $10 in advance) can be purchased at redchairproject.com. For more info, visit encorecentral.org or call 407-628-0333, Ext. 28. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/12/08)
--------------------------------
"Former Walt Disney World security guard Edwin Sotomayor filed a lawsuit Friday in state Circuit Court in Orlando, challenging Disney's ban on employees bringing guns to work and seeking to get his job back." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/12/08)
--------------------------------
"Figment, that beloved purple dragon [at] Epcot... has been retired from meeting and greeting kids (and the young at heart), according to several cast members in the park." (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 07/08/08)
--------------------------------
"Grueling-hot summertime visits to theme parks can be alleviated with turns on one of their water-thrill rides. Take a whirl through this guide to H2O zones and discover which ones are worth getting soaked to the bone." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/11/08)
--------------------------------
"A federal lawsuit filed by Disney Enterprises Inc. has cast a Clermont couple as villains who exploited the trademarked likenesses of Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore and Tigger, too, to enrich their family business, Kool Klown Party People Inc." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/10/08)
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal is a work in progress: Islands of Adventure's Enchanted Oak Tavern restaurant, Flying Unicorn ride, Alchemy Bar and Dragon's Keep store are now closed so that they can be made over with a Harry Potter theme. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/14/08)
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Judy writes about her recent Walt Disney World vacation:
"Hello John,
I just wanted to take the time to thank you for your affordable website, and especially for Beth Foss' wonderful help. We returned from our family vacation at WDW last Thursday evening, and in spite of a couple of us getting sick, we had a wonderful time there.
Beth was so great about answering my questions - no matter what I asked, and always tried to get what we wanted. She really helped me feel less overwhelmed about everything and was great to work with. She is a real gem!
Thank you, too, since I had to ask you a few things awhile back, and you were very prompt about getting back with me.
I will recommend your site to all of my friends. Thank you."
Thank you, Judy, for your generous feedback. Your comments make all the work so worthwhile.
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, writes about booking hotels off Disney property:
"There was a time when I booked a LOT of Disney World vacations for people using non-Disney hotels. That was before Disney offered free airport transfers, Extra Magic Hours, dining options, and packages that made sense. Those perks cannot be overlooked. At least one of them (probably several) can go a very long way towards providing you with a vacation more comfortable and convenient than any non-Disney hotel could. And if you plan ahead then you've got an excellent shot at a promotional discount for most times of the year.
There are, however, times when you can't plan ahead. There are other times that there isn't a promotional offer for your dates, or nothing affordable is available under the promotional offer. For those times, it makes plenty of sense to look at hotels that aren't owned and operated by Disney - particularly true if you don't need airport transfers and aren't interested in a dining plan.
What you need to keep in mind, though, is that a wide-angle camera lens and a creative hotel staff can make a real dump look like pure luxury online. I read an article recently posted in MSNBC.com's family travel section. They were suggesting six hotels in the Kissimmee area as non-Disney alternatives. Two of them I've never seen and two of them I often send people to myself. The other two, though, I was shocked to see listed. In fact, I list one of them among the worst hotels I've ever checked out! It's true that online it looks nice enough. The location is pretty good, it has a separate check-in desk for kids, and it has a name that makes it sound like Mickey himself probably vacations there. I was shown two rooms there, though, that I wouldn't have sent clients on the tightest budgets to. The carpets were so dirty they were sticky. The small refrigerators had mildew in them, and I'm pretty sure the microwaves has never been cleaned. I'd have been afraid to take a shower without flip-flops on my feet. Ick!
I actually stayed at a different hotel once (not on the MSNBC list) that looked fabulous online... bedroom, living room, 'full' kitchen, manager's reception with beer, wine and hors d'oeuvres - nice! The pictures online were lovely. The actual units didn't look anything like the photos online. Well, they sort of did in that the layout was the same. The furniture we had, though, was stained and worn and falling apart. The bedding was dirty as were the towels. The little electric burner in our kitchen didn't work, and it was colder in the room than in the frig. There was no beer at the manager's reception; only a big jug of cheap red wine... which went well with the basket full of popcorn, the only food offered. The pool wasn't heated, but it was so dirty my daughter didn't want to go in anyway. BIG disappointment. Great location and a nice price, but I won't be going back.
My point is that you need to do some homework if you're going to stay offsite - or at least talk with someone that's stayed in the place you're considering. Forget the online photos. Check out TripAdvisor.com or WeJustGotBack.com to see if there are recent reviews. Keep in mind that people tend to complain more than say nice things so you can't assume no nice comments means everything is bad. Do, however, consider the types of things being said. Are they things that you'd never notice, or things that would drive you nuts?
If you need to stay offsite I can get you into rooms from about $32 a night including tax - but I wouldn't recommend those places. You really don't start getting into the moderately acceptable ones below $50-60 a night. Most times of the year $75 + tax will get you into something not too bad at all, and $100-120 will get you something pretty decent. There are exceptions, of course, but that's sort of a good scale to follow. Beware of places that are selling super-cheap. There's probably a reason for it, and you need to figure out what that reason is before you book."
=================================================
The Verdict Is In! - The Simpsons Ride At Universal Voted "Best New Theme Park Attraction" In The World
Orlando, FL (July 3, 2008) - Accolades continue rolling in for Universal Park & Resorts’ new Simpsons Ride. Already the subject of rave reviews by guests at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood, Theme Park Insider.com has now voted The Simpsons Ride as the "Best New Theme Park Attraction" worldwide for 2008. Theme Park Insider.com is a consumers’ guide to the world’s most popular theme and amusement parks, written by consumers themselves.
The Simpsons Ride showcases everything the popular television series has made famous and that Simpsons fans love . . . a great story, humor and irreverence that are pure Simpsons, with original animation starring cast members Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria and guest star Kelsey Grammer. Guests are swept into Krustyland, a theme park created by the show’s cantankerous, cash-hungry clown. Meanwhile, maniacal Sideshow Bob has escaped from prison and has taken control of the park to get his revenge on Krusty and the Simpson family. Hand-picked by Krusty to be the first to ride his newest attraction, guests are thrust into the middle of the action and soar through Krustyland and Springfield on a ride that features the world’s first-ever cork screw that’s animated.
"The Simpsons Ride represents what Universal does best - which is to take pop culture’s blockbuster entertainment concepts and bring them to life in wildly entertaining theme park experiences," said Mark Woodbury, President of Universal Creative, designers of The Simpsons Ride. "We appreciate the recognition and share it with our partners at Fox Licensing and Gracie Films, who helped us create a truly authentic Simpsons experience."
Also receiving recognition from Theme Park Insider.com is Universal Orlando’s popular Mythos Restaurant, voted the world’s "Best Theme Park Restaurant" for an impressive sixth straight year. Located in the Lost Continent area of Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure theme park, Mythos specializes in fresh contemporary cuisine in a stunningly unique atmosphere based on Greek mythology and the constellations. Mythos consistently gets high marks for elevating the theme park dining experience.
"With Mythos, our team set out to create an entirely new level of theme park dining experience. It was to be an experience that blended extraordinary food with extraordinary atmosphere," said Ric Florell, Universal Orlando’s Senior Vice President and General Manager for Resort Revenue Operations. "The continued recognition Mythos receives shows we have been - and continue to be - successful. We’re grateful for the recognition. More importantly, our team is grateful for the opportunity to continue to thrill our guests." (Source: Press Release, 07/07/08)
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