Thursday, August 07, 2008

Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation

THE DISNEY NEWS
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
August 7, 2008
Copyright © 1999 - 2008 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
To subscribe to Affordable Disney's blog, click the following
icon: Subscribe with Bloglines

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 - Last call for Disney Rewards Visa deals, new Disney sweepstakes, Walt Disney World Resorts military discount, Cirque du Soleil discount, Disneyland vacation package, SeaWorld's Discovery Cove discount, Universal Orlando vacation package and ticket discount, Disneyland vacation package, Queen Mary 2 Caribbean cruise, and Vegas Resort & Casino special

* The latest news from around the "World" - Disney and Universal raise ticket prices

* Diana writes about the closings at Pleasure Island

* Cynthia writes about Disney World dining choices

* Disney Cruise Line Recognized as a Top Cruise Experience

=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK

WALT DISNEY WORLD

31 sweepstakes and contests to win a Walt Disney World / Florida / Disneyland / Southern California vacation!

Last call for Walt Disney World room discounts and vacation packages for Disney Rewards Visa Cardholders if you plan to visit before the end of September. Discount codes expire 08/10/08.

Walt Disney World Resorts discount for active Duty and retired Military. Rates starting at $64!

15% discount for these performances of Cirque du Soleil for Disney Rewards Visa Cardholders!

--------------------------------

OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD

>> Discovery Cove Discount: Save 15% on admission!

>> Farewell Deal for Disney's Pleasure Island: Pleasure Island closes September 27. Book this Downtown Disney Resort by September 27, 2008 from $79 per night and receive FREE admission tickets for two to Pleasure Island!

-------------------------------

DISNEYLAND FALL 2008 VACATION PACKAGE

From $343 per person (based on 2 adults and 2 kids). Includes:

* 4 Days/3 Nights at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel
* 3-Day Theme Park tickets
* Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness - interact with Mickey and other characters prior to opening
* Preferred seating at attractions in Disney’s California Adventure
* Collectible pin, lanyard and luggage tag
* Downtown Disney District Fun Card - save at select locations

-------------------------------

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO

Universal Kids Stay and Play FREE Vacation Package. Includes no charge for two children in your room and FREE unlimited admission for child with each adult unlimited admission purchase. From $525 for family of four!

Enjoy unlimited admission to both parks and access to all the clubs at CityWalk for 7 days. Plus, receive a Wet 'n Wild Water Park Ticket! For less than the price of a Disney World 1-day park hopper!

Save $25 on a Universal 2-Park Annual Pass! Offer expires 08/31/08.

-------------------------------

VEGAS

Stay at this Resort & Casino now through September 4, 2008 and enjoy Deluxe Room Rates starting from $77 per night!

-------------------------------

QUEEN MARY 2 FALL CARIBBEAN SPECIAL

Special $99 One-Way Air! Sail to the Caribbean from New York City! 8 DAYS. Caribbean Adventure - Sail from New York to Ft. Lauderdale. Inside Stateroom. Category D8. $1071. $99 one way air is available from the following air gateways only: EWR, JFK, LGA, MIA and FLL.

=================================================

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!

--------------------------------

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
--------------------------------
"Adventures by Disney is designed to take families to places they might be too timid to visit on their own - without loading on the schmaltz." (Source: travel.nytimes.com, 08/03/08)
--------------------------------
"Disney announced increased ticket prices Friday afternoon that push the cost up 5.6 percent to $75 for the basic one-park, one-day ticket for adults and children age 10 or older." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/01/08)

Disneyland ticket prices also went up. Members should log in and see our book for the new ticket prices at Walt Disney World and Disneyland California.
--------------------------------
"Walt Disney World has unveiled a rendering and a few details of some retheming and renovations in the works for Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort -- theming it after the hugely-popular Pirates of the Caribbean ride/movies/games franchise." The new look affects rooms in the Trinidad South Village section and will debut in 2009.
(Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 07/30/08)
--------------------------------
A new Magic Your Way Quick Service dining option will be added January 11, 2009. For a set fee, the plan will include two quick service meals, two snacks, and refillable mug. $29.99 per adult; $8.99 per child, per night. (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 07/30/08) Scroll down.

Beth, our travel agent, writes:

"Is the quick service plan worth it? Well, there's no doubt that you'd save money if you take all that you're entitled to. I mean, a quick service dinner can set you back $15-20 without much trouble at all, so getting lunch, 2 snacks, and the drink mug on top of it is a real bargain. The question is, is it worth paying $10 more (adult) or $2 more (child) to get the basic plan? If you're inclined to have a character meal and/or table service meal pretty much every day then I'd say it probably is... But if you will be happy with just one or two of those larger meals during the stay, then take the Quick service plan and just pay for the better meals."
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD

"Universal Orlando adds $4 to its basic ticket price today, keeping its one-day, one-park pass in line with Walt Disney World's at $75 a person." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/06/08)
--------------------------------
"12 money-saving travel tips: Take these proactive measures to save your wallet - and your trip." (Source: msnbc.msn.com, 08/04/08)
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA

Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
WASHINGTON DC

"There are so many free and cheap things to do in Washington that the biggest challenge is carving out enough time to take advantage of them." (Source: news.yahoo.com, 08/04/08)
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
Diana writes about the closings at Pleasure Island:

"I read somewhere the Disney will be closing the clubs and entertainment venues (with the exception of a few specialty stores) on Paradise Island? Is this correct? If that is true are they planning on replacing any of those clubs? My husband and I were very excited to learn that there was adult entertainment at night to balance out the kid entertainment during the day."

>> They will close all the clubs at Pleasure Island September 27, 2008. They plan to open more restaurants. Adult entertainment will be limited to lounges, like RIX at Coronado Springs.

"Do you know why they are closing down those clubs?"

>> Rumor has it that Disney was not happy that Pleasure Island didn't fit in with the family-friendly Marketplace and Westside on either side of it. Disney says that people wanted more restaurants and shops.

"Thanks John for the info! This definitely helps us on our planning of hotel choice."
=================================================
Cynthia, Lifetime Deluxe Member, writes:

"John,

I’m a long time subscriber, and always look forward to getting your newsletter and taking a Disney break!

I’m taking my mother to WDW in Sept, 08 and we’re taking advantage of the dining plan. We’re booked at Narcoosee’s, Cinderella’s Royal Table, the California Grill, and Ohana’s but have one day with no ADR. I thought about taking her to Boma’s at Animal Kingdom Lodge to try something a little different, but I’ve never been. Do you like Boma’s or is there another place in the 'World' that we should try?

>> We haven't eaten at Boma's. I'm not sure I'd like African seasonings. I believe a dominant African seasoning is cinnamon!

Also, am I making a mistake by taking her to Cinderella’s Royal Dinner? I read a terrible review last night, and as that was supposed to be the highlight of the trip, I’m now concerned. We’d love to have any suggestions or advice you can send our way. This trip is for my mom’s 65th birthday and I want it to be a great memory for her. Thanks and God bless,"

>> Cinderella's dinner has a lot of fans, but the food is not a strong point.

You'll find this site and reviews helpful:
http://allears.net/din/dining.htm

"This dining thing is a first for us. When we go as a family our idea of Disney dining is to grab 'a mighty Casey's' (hot dog) or a turkey leg and get our spot for the parade.

This time, it's just us girls and we decided to eat at the Disney restaurants we're always hearing about; although dinner in the Castle is more about the experience. The food at the restaurants I listed seems pretty straight forward, but I do wonder about the African spices at Boma's."

Cynthia wrote me back:

"I've just made reservations for my mom, sister, and me at Tokyo Dining in Epcot, as we've decided to stay in the park and try to see Illuminations that night. In all our trips to WDW, I've always missed Illuminations. Where do you recommend getting a good view of the fireworks? As we're
eating dinner in Japan, is there a good spot over there?
Thanks again for your great information and advice."

>> There's a great view right on the outside steps of the restaurant or anywhere along the lagoon. You're in for a real treat at Iluminations! A must see!

"Thanks for your quick reply. We love your online book, and the great updates you send us. We've used many of your tips and info you provide on our Disney vacations since 2001. You've saved us time and money. Thanks again and keep it coming!"
=================================================
Disney Cruise Line Recognized as a Top Cruise Experience by Readers of Travel + Leisure Magazine

CELEBRATION, Fla., -- Disney Cruise Line continues to receive top honors in the cruise industry, most recently being recognized in Travel + Leisure magazine's "2008 World's Best" awards.

The "World’s Best" list, which is compiled annually, recognizes the best in travel for cities, hotels, islands, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, safari outfitters and car-rental agencies each year. This year, Disney Cruise Line ranked No. 3 in the "Large-Ship" cruise line category. The ranking was determined by readers asked to rate cruise lines on cabins, food, service, itineraries, destinations, activities and value.

Disney Cruise Line has moved up on the Travel + Leisure World’s Best awards list each year, besting all other "mass market" cruise lines and further confirming a niche position as the ultimate family cruise vacation - a concept it pioneered and continues to refine with specifically designed areas and activities for each member of the family allowing for both quality time together and wonderful individual experiences.

"We are delighted to be recognized in the Travel + Leisure magazine "2008 World's Best" awards as one of the top three large-ship cruise lines and the highest ranked cruise line catering to the family market," said Tom McAlpin, President of Disney Cruise Line. "This recognition further enhances our position as the best cruise line for an unparalleled family vacation and motivates us to continue to elevate the Disney Cruise Line experience even higher."
Disney Cruise Line has received nearly 50 distinguished awards and honors since first setting sail in 1998. These awards have included all aspects of the operation from dining and entertainment to youth activities and spa facilities.

The Disney Cruise Line family focus allows families to reconnect, adults to recharge their batteries and kids to immerse themselves in worlds of fantasy only Disney can create. From a theater featuring live musical spectaculars to a luxurious spa for adults and nearly an entire deck dedicated to children's activities, the Disney ships offer a unique vacation experience that every member of the family feels was created exclusively for them. Disney Cruise Line continues to grow by attracting passengers who say they would not have cruised if it had not been for the Disney brand. (Source: Press Release, 08/05/08)
=================================================
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Affordable Disney Books

Disney and other new books 50-90% off the list price. 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.
=============================================