Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
October 8, 2008
Copyright © 1999 - 2009 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, Disney cruise line specials for the general public and Florida residents, fall airfare sale, and luxury Caribbean cruise
* News from around the "World" - Disney announces 2010 cruise schedule including European itineraries
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about 2010 Disney cruises
* 31 Stars From ABC Daytime to Appear at ABC-SOAPnet Super Soap Weekend at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney Resort, Presented By Colgate® Total®
* Abundance Of Fall Fun At Disneyland Resort As New Shows And Attractions Enhance Traditional Halloween And Holiday Seasons
* Hannah Montana’s Miley Cyrus Celebrates Her Sweet 16 At Disneyland With Friends And Fans
* Disney Cruise Line Sets Sail For Russia, Northern Europe and Mediterranean in 2010
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
8 new sweeps added this week to win a Disney / Florida vacation! That makes 52 active sweepstakes and contests to win a Walt Disney World / Florida / Disneyland / Southern California vacation!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
General Public
3-Night Bahamian Cruise: $399 Category 12
4-Night Bahamian Cruise: $599 Category 12
Florida Residents
3-Night Cruise: $399 Category 11
4-Night Cruise: $449 Category 11
7-Night Cruise: $649 Category 11
Early Booking Rates
3-Night Bahamian Cruise: $299
4-Night Bahamian Cruise: $449
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise: $849
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise: $899
-------------------------------
2008 FALL AIRFARE SALES
* Flights between the U.S. and Canada until Dec. 17.
* Several US cities. Travel through Jan. 30, 2009. Holidays excluded.
-------------------------------
LUXURY CRUISE
Sail aboard this new ship for a 7-day cruise to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral starting December 5, 2009 from $569 interior, $759 ocean view, and $959 balcony.
=================================================
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!
>> Save 50% at these deluxe Walt Disney World resorts!
>> 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 $299!
>> 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
--------------------------------
Shop Disney’s surplus for frugal furniture
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
CItyWalk Calendar and Venue Entertainment - October 2008
7 Web sites for shopping, shipping bargains
Mickey Mouse balloons brighten a grey day in Boston
Which theme-park attractions take the cake in 2008?
Seeing the Show Without Breaking the Bank
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Miley Cyrus celebrates her Sweet 16 with star-studded Disneyland concert and bash See Press Release below.
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Disney announces new European cruise tours
See Beth's note and press release below.
--------------------------------
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:
1. 2010 itineraries will become available for booking on Tuesday, October 14. This is for cruise-only reservations; land/sea and group space will be out later.
2. New for 2010: northern Europe
These are 12-night cruises out of Dover, England on the Disney Magic in June and July. Ports include Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Warnemunde (for Berlin, Germany), and St. Petersburg (with optional excursion to Moscow). Pricing for an inside category 11 cabin start at $3649 p/p (based on double occupancy). Rates for a category 11 inside cabin are from $2529 (based on double occupancy).
3. Also for summer 2010: Mediterranean
The Magic will also be doing 10- and 11-night Med cruises from Barcelona similar to the ones a few years ago, but with three new ports: Tunis, Malta and Corsica (in addition to ports in Italy, France and Spain). These will be in April, May, August, and September.
4. There are 4 repositioning cruises as well. These include two 14-night trans-Atlantic trips and two 8-night cruises between Dover and Barcelona. I haven't seen pricing on those yet.
5. The Disney Wonder will also be making some changes for summer 2010. She will be doing 5- night cruises that include Nassau, Key West and Castaway Cay (or 2 stops in Castaway Cay instead of Key West). Pricing on the 5-nighters starts at $899 p/p. There will also be 4-nighters that start at $849 p/p... again, both based on category 11 inside cabins and double occupancy.
*** Anytime new itineraries are released the first day of booking is insane. The pricing goes up by the minute. Those interested should provide booking info (legal names, dates of birth, address, phone #, Castaway numbers) if interested along with the itinerary and approximate date/cabin category desired. We'll do our best to book right when the trips are released for the very best pricing. We MAY also be able to offer an additional incentive of onboard credits.
No idea what happened to the rumor of New York itineraries for summer '10... Perhaps they just tossed those out to mislead us! The new itineraries are loaded onto the agent website now and should be up soon for the consumer site. Please let me know if you have any questions."
Beth's services are only available to those with paid Affordable Disney Memberships. Members should log in at our private password-protected site for Beth's contact info.
=================================================
31 Stars From ABC Daytime to Appear at ABC-SOAPnet Super Soap Weekend at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney Resort, Presented By Colgate® Total®
Eden Riegel ("All My Children"), Kassie DePaiva ("One life to Live") and Bradford Anderson ("General Hospital") are among the talent completing the list of 31 stars from ABC Daytime to appear at the ABC-SOAPnet Super Soap Weekend on Nov. 15-16. As previously announced, "All My Children’s" Cameron Mathison will headline the event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. which will once again be sponsored by Colgate Total.
Completing the list from "All My Children" are Rebecca Budig, Bobbie Eakes, Melissa Claire Egan, Ricky Paull Goldin, Thorsten Kaye, Alicia Minshew, Aiden Turner and Darnell Williams. The talent from "One Life to Live" includes Kristen Alderson, Brandon Buddy, Michael Easton, Farah Fath, Susan Haskell, John-Paul Lavoisier, Erika Slezak, Jason Tam, Brittany Underwood and Bree Williamson. Completing the list, from "General Hospital," will be Brandon Barash, Julie Berman, Tyler Christopher, Jason Cook, Rebecca Herbst, Kelly Monaco, Kirsten Storms, Jason Thompson and Laura Wright. "All My Children’s" Susan Lucci is currently competing on ABC’s hit show "Dancing with the Stars." At this time, her participation in the event is pending her "Dancing with the Stars" schedule.
As previously announced, this year will mark the last Super Soap Weekend in Orlando, as the ABC’s Daytime Division embarks on the 2009 Soap Nation Tour, a collection of nationwide events designed for interaction with fans on a year-round basis, offering greater access to stars in more cities, more often. The final Walt Disney World weekend will be dedicated to the fans with special retrospectives and exclusive productions, including special trivia and commemorative clip packages honoring the 45th anniversary of "General Hospital," the 40th anniversary of "One Life to Live," "All My Children’s" 10,000th episode and past Super Soap Weekends. Super Soap Weekend will become more interactive than ever with the introduction of new mobile programs and text trivia. A special musical number will be developed for Colgate Total Street Jam that honors the final event as well.
Throughout the weekend, fans will have the opportunity to meet favorite stars from "All My Children," "One Life to Live" and "General Hospital." Festivities include celebrity motorcades, autograph sessions, game shows, interviews and the chance to purchase one-of-a-kind memorabilia from each of the shows. The Colgate Total Street Jam will close the event each day with live musical performances by some favorite Daytime stars.
The Colgate Total sponsorship includes a national sweepstakes, awarding a trip for four to the 13th annual ABC-SOAPnet Super Soap Weekend. Sweepstakes is live now and runs through Oct. 5, 2008, at 11:59 p.m., ET. Go to abc.com/theview for details and official rules. For additional information on Colgate’s products, go to www.colgate.com.
ABC-SOAPnet Super Soap Weekend is included with theme park admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios - where guests of all ages are caught up in the glitz, glamour and excitement of show business. For future updates and more information about ABC-SOAPnet Super Soap Weekend, guests may call the Super Soap Hotline recording at 407/397-6808, or visit the ABC Daytime Web site at soapnet.com. (Source: Press Release, 10/02/08)
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Abundance Of Fall Fun At Disneyland Resort As New Shows And Attractions Enhance Traditional Halloween And Holiday Seasons
ANAHEIM, Calif. - The giant Mickey Mouse Jack-o’-Lantern and the Town Square Christmas Tree will be the symbols of celebration for their respective holidays at Disneyland this fall. But the traditional fan favorites are only the beginning as Disneyland Resort welcomes new shows and immersive experiences, along with an exciting preview of things to come at Disney’s California Adventure park.
It’s all part of the fun as Disney Parks poses the question to guests: "What Will You Celebrate?" Whether it’s the holidays, an anniversary, a family reunion or another special occasion, there’s something for everyone at Disneyland Resort.
The fall season kicks off with a very special event: a once-in-a-lifetime private party in Disneyland for teen sensation Miley Cyrus. "Miley’s Sweet 16 - Share The Celebration" will take place Sunday evening, Oct. 5, inside Disneyland. (The ticketed event is sold out). Miley will celebrate with family, friends and fans, perform a couple of songs, and recognize the outstanding contributions of Youth Service America, an organization that seeks to improve communities by increasing the number and diversity of young people serving as volunteers.
Beginning later in October, guests can enjoy an array of new attractions at Disneyland Resort, adding to the fun of the Halloween and Holiday seasons.
* HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3: On Friday, Oct. 24, "High School Musical 3: Right Here! Right Now!" premieres at Disney’s California Adventure. The new street show celebrates the infectious energy of the upcoming theatrical motion picture "High School Musical 3: Senior Year." Featuring a cast of 14 dynamic singers and dancers, the show takes place on a traveling "rock concert" stage with stacks of speakers and rows of lights. Interactive sequences featuring hot new songs from the movie will draw guests into the streets of Disney’s California Adventure for an exciting live concert experience.
* PIXIE HOLLOW: The magical realm of Pixie Hollow appears in Disneyland on Tuesday, October 28. Entering along a pathway with an enchanted pool, between the entrances of Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, guests are gradually immersed into the community of fairies. Guests will get the strange feeling that they are shrinking to fairy size as they encounter statues of Tinker Bell and her friends, and spot other evidence of the pixies’ presence. When guests arrive at Tinker Bell’s home, they will meet some of the pixies in person.
* BLUE SKY CELLAR: For those who want to stay in-the-know about the expansion of Disney’s California Adventure park, a preview center opens Monday, Oct. 20 at the Golden Vine Winery in Disney’s California Adventure. The Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar - named for the Imagineers’ ‘blue sky’ creative process - displays never-before-seen models and art outlining the concepts and design for the park’s coming attractions, along with a video presentation. The showcase will be updated regularly so that fans can stay abreast of developments.
* SLEEPING BEAUTY CASTLE WALKTHROUGH: Sleeping Beauty Castle, a beloved Disneyland landmark since the park’s debut in 1955, will open a "reawakened" version of its classic Castle walkthrough in time for the December holiday season. The new scenes inside the corridors tell the Sleeping Beauty story with modern special effects technology that recreates the look of the original Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough of the 1950s through the 1970s.
The new attractions and shows offer added value for Disney fans this fall as they enjoy all the traditional holiday attractions at Disneyland Resort.
Halloween highlights at Disneyland include the 16-foot-tall Mickey Mouse Jack-o’-Lantern on Main Street, U.S.A.; Woody’s Halloween Roundup at Big Thunder Ranch; and Haunted Mansion Holiday, inspired by Tim Burton’s "Nightmare Before Christmas," which continues into the Christmas season.
At Disney’s California Adventure, Halloween is celebrated at Candy Corn Acres, featuring Goofy’s whimsical candy corn "crops." Families also will enjoy a fun and safe trick-or-treating experience at the separate-admission nighttime Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat party, with treat locations throughout the park.
The Christmas holiday season gets underway on Friday, Nov. 21, when the traditional "A Christmas Fantasy" daily parade and "Believe ... in Holiday Magic" fireworks make their seasonal debuts. The towering Christmas tree appears on Main Street, U.S.A., and the décor and nighttime show surrounding Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle will be will be more spectacular than ever. The lights and effects that appear after dark extend into Disneyland Central Plaza, down Main Street, U.S.A., and to the Christmas tree at Town Square for a sparkling transformation that sets the scene for "Believe ... In Holiday Magic" fireworks with their magical snowfall finale.
Additional holiday highlights include the return, Nov. 21, of the "it’s a small world" holiday attraction, celebrating holiday traditions around the world. Guests will visit Santa Claus throughout the season at Santa’s Reindeer Round-up in Big Thunder Ranch, and those looking for a unique experience may book time with a guide for Disney’s Holiday tours.
(Source: Press Release, 10/02/08)
=================================================
Hannah Montana’S Miley Cyrus Celebrates Her Sweet 16 At Disneyland With Friends And Fans
ANAHEIM, Calif. - Fireworks sparkled in the night sky at Disneyland and more than 5,000 party guests sang "Happy Birthday" to Disney star Miley Cyrus Sunday at "Miley’s Sweet 16 - Share the Celebration," a music-filled bash kicking off Disney’s "What Will You Celebrate?" invitation to guests of all ages.
Miley, star of the wildly popular Disney Channel series Hannah Montana, celebrated her milestone birthday with family, friends, fans and special guests from Youth Service America, an organization that shares her passion for promoting youth volunteerism.
In one of the evening’s big highlights, Disney CEO Bob Iger presented a special gift of $1 million to Youth Service America on behalf of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Disney has worked with YSA since 2004, providing "Disney Minnie Grants" to support youth-led community service projects that engage young people between the ages of five to 14 from around the world.
"On behalf of everyone at Disney, I’m happy to wish Miley a very happy birthday and celebrate this special occasion with a donation to Youth Service America," Iger said. "We’re delighted to have Miley join in Disney’s great legacy of giving back through volunteerism while encouraging kids everywhere to do the same."
Miley arrived at the Disneyland bash on a purple carpet (her favorite color), joined by her family, pals and fellow Disney Channel stars.
"I always love coming to Disneyland and this is the most amazing Sweet 16 celebration a girl could ask for," Miley said. "This is a night I'll never forget."
Guests of the "Sweet 16" party celebrated like rock stars alongside Miley and other celebrities, including actress Jennifer Love Hewitt, actor Steve Carell, super model Cindy Crawford and "Dancing with the Stars" performers such as Cristián De La Fuente. The party came to life for fans in a big way as the world’s most popular teenager rocked the Rivers of America, singing four of her popular songs, including "See You Again" and "Girls Night Out." The Hollywood Records musical artist dazzled the crowd by boarding a floating stage to cross over to the banks of the river, getting up close with her fans as she sang.
Miley also invited 10 "Service Stars" from Youth Service America to the party to honor their extraordinary volunteer service. They joined Miley and her fans for the fun in Disneyland park, riding favorite attractions such as Splash Mountain and Haunted Mansion, watching a "Stars in Cars" celebrity cavalcade, and playing at the party zones, including Rock Out Stage and Hannah Montana Makeover Zone.
The gala ended with a spectacular farewell in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, featuring Miley, her father Billy Ray Cyrus and a beautiful birthday cake. Everyone posed for a commemorative photo and sang "Happy Birthday" and Miley thanked them for celebrating with her. Just as she blew out the candles, the sky lit up with a glitzy fireworks display set to the Hannah Montana smash hit, "Best of Both Worlds."
(Source: Press Release, 10/05/08)
=================================================
Disney Cruise Line Sets Sail For Russia, Northern Europe and Mediterranean in 2010
In response to guest demand, Disney Cruise Line will reposition one of its ships, Disney Magic, to Europe for an unprecedented five-month season of Northern European and Mediterranean cruises in 2010.
With a wide variety of European itineraries in 2010, families have the ability to explore exotic and unexpected destinations with the safety and comfort of traveling with Disney Cruise Line, the leader in family cruising.
For the first time, Disney Cruise Line will offer a 12-night Northern European Capitals cruise, where guests can experience breathtaking fjords, historic city centers and Viking lore at enchanting Scandinavian ports such as Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm. The ship will also sail to Warnemunde, Germany, gateway to Berlin, and to St. Petersburg, Russia. The Disney Magic will overnight in St. Petersburg, allowing Disney Cruise Line guests time to experience the city known as the "Cultural Capital of Russia" or use the second day to book a shore excursion to Moscow.
"The Northern European Capitals itinerary provides our guests with an amazing collection of destinations to explore," said Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin. "We’re excited to bring the rich history, culture and folklore these ports offer to life for our guests in a family-friendly way only Disney Cruise Line can deliver."
Departing out of Dover, England, the Disney Magic will sail a total of four 12-night cruises to the Northern European capitals in June and July 2010. Rates for the 12-night Northern European Capitals itinerary start at $3,649 per person for a category 11 stateroom.
Book-ending the summer season in Northern Europe, the Disney Magic will once again return to the Mediterranean with 10- and 11-night cruises, but with three new ports of call not offered when Disney Cruise Line last sailed the Mediterranean. In addition to popular ports in Italy, France and Spain, the Disney Magic will visit Tunis, in Northern Africa, the island nation of Malta, and Corsica, an island oasis off the southern coast of France known as the birthplace of Napoleon.
"The response from guests who sailed on our Mediterranean voyages in 2007 was overwhelmingly positive," said McAlpin. "We’re thrilled to bring the ship back and look to make the 2010 season in the Mediterranean even better, with new destinations and more one-of-a-kind Disney experiences for our guests."
Departing out of Barcelona, Spain, the Disney Magic will sail four 10-night and four 11-night cruises in the Mediterranean in April, May, August and September. Rates for the 10- and 11-night Mediterranean cruises start at $2,529 per person for a category 11 stateroom.
Disney Cruise Line will also offer four repositioning cruises including two 14-night transatlantic voyages, a seven-night cruise from Barcelona to Dover, England, and an eight-night cruise from Dover back to Barcelona.
Disney Magic 2010 European Schedule
European Capitals: 6/12, 6/24, 7/6, 7/18
11-Night Mediterranean: 4/24, 5/15, 8/7, 8/28
10-Night Mediterranean: 5/5, 5/26, 8/18, 9/8
Click here for itinerary.
Disney Wonder 2010 Schedule
The Disney Magic isn’t the only Disney ship embarking on new itineraries in 2010. For the summer of 2010, the Disney Wonder will shift to four- and five-night cruises sailing to Nassau, Key West and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. The shift is designed to accommodate guests looking for slightly longer cruises with Disney Cruise Line while children are enjoying their summer break. Rates for the special five-night voyages to Key West or two stops at Castaway Cay start at $899 per person, while the four-night voyage begins at $849 per person for a category 11 stateroom.
Disney Wonder Summer 2010 Schedule
4-Night Bahamian Cruise
6/4, 6/18, 7/2, 7/16, 7/30, 8/13
5-Night Double Castaway Cruise
5/30, 6/13, 6/27, 7/11, 7/25, 8/8
5-Night Key West Cruise
6/8, 6/22, 7/6, 7/20, 8/3, 8/17
Click here for itinerary.
Guests will be able to book all Disney Cruise Line itineraries for the 2010 season beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 14. (Source: Press Release, 10/05/08)
=================================================
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.
=============================================
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
October 8, 2008
Copyright © 1999 - 2009 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 - new Disney sweepstakes, Disney cruise line specials for the general public and Florida residents, fall airfare sale, and luxury Caribbean cruise
* News from around the "World" - Disney announces 2010 cruise schedule including European itineraries
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about 2010 Disney cruises
* 31 Stars From ABC Daytime to Appear at ABC-SOAPnet Super Soap Weekend at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney Resort, Presented By Colgate® Total®
* Abundance Of Fall Fun At Disneyland Resort As New Shows And Attractions Enhance Traditional Halloween And Holiday Seasons
* Hannah Montana’s Miley Cyrus Celebrates Her Sweet 16 At Disneyland With Friends And Fans
* Disney Cruise Line Sets Sail For Russia, Northern Europe and Mediterranean in 2010
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
8 new sweeps added this week to win a Disney / Florida vacation! That makes 52 active sweepstakes and contests to win a Walt Disney World / Florida / Disneyland / Southern California vacation!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
General Public
3-Night Bahamian Cruise: $399 Category 12
4-Night Bahamian Cruise: $599 Category 12
Florida Residents
3-Night Cruise: $399 Category 11
4-Night Cruise: $449 Category 11
7-Night Cruise: $649 Category 11
Early Booking Rates
3-Night Bahamian Cruise: $299
4-Night Bahamian Cruise: $449
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise: $849
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise: $899
-------------------------------
2008 FALL AIRFARE SALES
* Flights between the U.S. and Canada until Dec. 17.
* Several US cities. Travel through Jan. 30, 2009. Holidays excluded.
-------------------------------
LUXURY CRUISE
Sail aboard this new ship for a 7-day cruise to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral starting December 5, 2009 from $569 interior, $759 ocean view, and $959 balcony.
=================================================
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!
>> Save 50% at these deluxe Walt Disney World resorts!
>> 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 $299!
>> 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
--------------------------------
Shop Disney’s surplus for frugal furniture
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
CItyWalk Calendar and Venue Entertainment - October 2008
7 Web sites for shopping, shipping bargains
Mickey Mouse balloons brighten a grey day in Boston
Which theme-park attractions take the cake in 2008?
Seeing the Show Without Breaking the Bank
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Miley Cyrus celebrates her Sweet 16 with star-studded Disneyland concert and bash See Press Release below.
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Disney announces new European cruise tours
See Beth's note and press release below.
--------------------------------
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:
1. 2010 itineraries will become available for booking on Tuesday, October 14. This is for cruise-only reservations; land/sea and group space will be out later.
2. New for 2010: northern Europe
These are 12-night cruises out of Dover, England on the Disney Magic in June and July. Ports include Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Warnemunde (for Berlin, Germany), and St. Petersburg (with optional excursion to Moscow). Pricing for an inside category 11 cabin start at $3649 p/p (based on double occupancy). Rates for a category 11 inside cabin are from $2529 (based on double occupancy).
3. Also for summer 2010: Mediterranean
The Magic will also be doing 10- and 11-night Med cruises from Barcelona similar to the ones a few years ago, but with three new ports: Tunis, Malta and Corsica (in addition to ports in Italy, France and Spain). These will be in April, May, August, and September.
4. There are 4 repositioning cruises as well. These include two 14-night trans-Atlantic trips and two 8-night cruises between Dover and Barcelona. I haven't seen pricing on those yet.
5. The Disney Wonder will also be making some changes for summer 2010. She will be doing 5- night cruises that include Nassau, Key West and Castaway Cay (or 2 stops in Castaway Cay instead of Key West). Pricing on the 5-nighters starts at $899 p/p. There will also be 4-nighters that start at $849 p/p... again, both based on category 11 inside cabins and double occupancy.
*** Anytime new itineraries are released the first day of booking is insane. The pricing goes up by the minute. Those interested should provide booking info (legal names, dates of birth, address, phone #, Castaway numbers) if interested along with the itinerary and approximate date/cabin category desired. We'll do our best to book right when the trips are released for the very best pricing. We MAY also be able to offer an additional incentive of onboard credits.
No idea what happened to the rumor of New York itineraries for summer '10... Perhaps they just tossed those out to mislead us! The new itineraries are loaded onto the agent website now and should be up soon for the consumer site. Please let me know if you have any questions."
Beth's services are only available to those with paid Affordable Disney Memberships. Members should log in at our private password-protected site for Beth's contact info.
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31 Stars From ABC Daytime to Appear at ABC-SOAPnet Super Soap Weekend at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney Resort, Presented By Colgate® Total®
Eden Riegel ("All My Children"), Kassie DePaiva ("One life to Live") and Bradford Anderson ("General Hospital") are among the talent completing the list of 31 stars from ABC Daytime to appear at the ABC-SOAPnet Super Soap Weekend on Nov. 15-16. As previously announced, "All My Children’s" Cameron Mathison will headline the event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. which will once again be sponsored by Colgate Total.
Completing the list from "All My Children" are Rebecca Budig, Bobbie Eakes, Melissa Claire Egan, Ricky Paull Goldin, Thorsten Kaye, Alicia Minshew, Aiden Turner and Darnell Williams. The talent from "One Life to Live" includes Kristen Alderson, Brandon Buddy, Michael Easton, Farah Fath, Susan Haskell, John-Paul Lavoisier, Erika Slezak, Jason Tam, Brittany Underwood and Bree Williamson. Completing the list, from "General Hospital," will be Brandon Barash, Julie Berman, Tyler Christopher, Jason Cook, Rebecca Herbst, Kelly Monaco, Kirsten Storms, Jason Thompson and Laura Wright. "All My Children’s" Susan Lucci is currently competing on ABC’s hit show "Dancing with the Stars." At this time, her participation in the event is pending her "Dancing with the Stars" schedule.
As previously announced, this year will mark the last Super Soap Weekend in Orlando, as the ABC’s Daytime Division embarks on the 2009 Soap Nation Tour, a collection of nationwide events designed for interaction with fans on a year-round basis, offering greater access to stars in more cities, more often. The final Walt Disney World weekend will be dedicated to the fans with special retrospectives and exclusive productions, including special trivia and commemorative clip packages honoring the 45th anniversary of "General Hospital," the 40th anniversary of "One Life to Live," "All My Children’s" 10,000th episode and past Super Soap Weekends. Super Soap Weekend will become more interactive than ever with the introduction of new mobile programs and text trivia. A special musical number will be developed for Colgate Total Street Jam that honors the final event as well.
Throughout the weekend, fans will have the opportunity to meet favorite stars from "All My Children," "One Life to Live" and "General Hospital." Festivities include celebrity motorcades, autograph sessions, game shows, interviews and the chance to purchase one-of-a-kind memorabilia from each of the shows. The Colgate Total Street Jam will close the event each day with live musical performances by some favorite Daytime stars.
The Colgate Total sponsorship includes a national sweepstakes, awarding a trip for four to the 13th annual ABC-SOAPnet Super Soap Weekend. Sweepstakes is live now and runs through Oct. 5, 2008, at 11:59 p.m., ET. Go to abc.com/theview for details and official rules. For additional information on Colgate’s products, go to www.colgate.com.
ABC-SOAPnet Super Soap Weekend is included with theme park admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios - where guests of all ages are caught up in the glitz, glamour and excitement of show business. For future updates and more information about ABC-SOAPnet Super Soap Weekend, guests may call the Super Soap Hotline recording at 407/397-6808, or visit the ABC Daytime Web site at soapnet.com. (Source: Press Release, 10/02/08)
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Abundance Of Fall Fun At Disneyland Resort As New Shows And Attractions Enhance Traditional Halloween And Holiday Seasons
ANAHEIM, Calif. - The giant Mickey Mouse Jack-o’-Lantern and the Town Square Christmas Tree will be the symbols of celebration for their respective holidays at Disneyland this fall. But the traditional fan favorites are only the beginning as Disneyland Resort welcomes new shows and immersive experiences, along with an exciting preview of things to come at Disney’s California Adventure park.
It’s all part of the fun as Disney Parks poses the question to guests: "What Will You Celebrate?" Whether it’s the holidays, an anniversary, a family reunion or another special occasion, there’s something for everyone at Disneyland Resort.
The fall season kicks off with a very special event: a once-in-a-lifetime private party in Disneyland for teen sensation Miley Cyrus. "Miley’s Sweet 16 - Share The Celebration" will take place Sunday evening, Oct. 5, inside Disneyland. (The ticketed event is sold out). Miley will celebrate with family, friends and fans, perform a couple of songs, and recognize the outstanding contributions of Youth Service America, an organization that seeks to improve communities by increasing the number and diversity of young people serving as volunteers.
Beginning later in October, guests can enjoy an array of new attractions at Disneyland Resort, adding to the fun of the Halloween and Holiday seasons.
* HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3: On Friday, Oct. 24, "High School Musical 3: Right Here! Right Now!" premieres at Disney’s California Adventure. The new street show celebrates the infectious energy of the upcoming theatrical motion picture "High School Musical 3: Senior Year." Featuring a cast of 14 dynamic singers and dancers, the show takes place on a traveling "rock concert" stage with stacks of speakers and rows of lights. Interactive sequences featuring hot new songs from the movie will draw guests into the streets of Disney’s California Adventure for an exciting live concert experience.
* PIXIE HOLLOW: The magical realm of Pixie Hollow appears in Disneyland on Tuesday, October 28. Entering along a pathway with an enchanted pool, between the entrances of Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, guests are gradually immersed into the community of fairies. Guests will get the strange feeling that they are shrinking to fairy size as they encounter statues of Tinker Bell and her friends, and spot other evidence of the pixies’ presence. When guests arrive at Tinker Bell’s home, they will meet some of the pixies in person.
* BLUE SKY CELLAR: For those who want to stay in-the-know about the expansion of Disney’s California Adventure park, a preview center opens Monday, Oct. 20 at the Golden Vine Winery in Disney’s California Adventure. The Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar - named for the Imagineers’ ‘blue sky’ creative process - displays never-before-seen models and art outlining the concepts and design for the park’s coming attractions, along with a video presentation. The showcase will be updated regularly so that fans can stay abreast of developments.
* SLEEPING BEAUTY CASTLE WALKTHROUGH: Sleeping Beauty Castle, a beloved Disneyland landmark since the park’s debut in 1955, will open a "reawakened" version of its classic Castle walkthrough in time for the December holiday season. The new scenes inside the corridors tell the Sleeping Beauty story with modern special effects technology that recreates the look of the original Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough of the 1950s through the 1970s.
The new attractions and shows offer added value for Disney fans this fall as they enjoy all the traditional holiday attractions at Disneyland Resort.
Halloween highlights at Disneyland include the 16-foot-tall Mickey Mouse Jack-o’-Lantern on Main Street, U.S.A.; Woody’s Halloween Roundup at Big Thunder Ranch; and Haunted Mansion Holiday, inspired by Tim Burton’s "Nightmare Before Christmas," which continues into the Christmas season.
At Disney’s California Adventure, Halloween is celebrated at Candy Corn Acres, featuring Goofy’s whimsical candy corn "crops." Families also will enjoy a fun and safe trick-or-treating experience at the separate-admission nighttime Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat party, with treat locations throughout the park.
The Christmas holiday season gets underway on Friday, Nov. 21, when the traditional "A Christmas Fantasy" daily parade and "Believe ... in Holiday Magic" fireworks make their seasonal debuts. The towering Christmas tree appears on Main Street, U.S.A., and the décor and nighttime show surrounding Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle will be will be more spectacular than ever. The lights and effects that appear after dark extend into Disneyland Central Plaza, down Main Street, U.S.A., and to the Christmas tree at Town Square for a sparkling transformation that sets the scene for "Believe ... In Holiday Magic" fireworks with their magical snowfall finale.
Additional holiday highlights include the return, Nov. 21, of the "it’s a small world" holiday attraction, celebrating holiday traditions around the world. Guests will visit Santa Claus throughout the season at Santa’s Reindeer Round-up in Big Thunder Ranch, and those looking for a unique experience may book time with a guide for Disney’s Holiday tours.
(Source: Press Release, 10/02/08)
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Hannah Montana’S Miley Cyrus Celebrates Her Sweet 16 At Disneyland With Friends And Fans
ANAHEIM, Calif. - Fireworks sparkled in the night sky at Disneyland and more than 5,000 party guests sang "Happy Birthday" to Disney star Miley Cyrus Sunday at "Miley’s Sweet 16 - Share the Celebration," a music-filled bash kicking off Disney’s "What Will You Celebrate?" invitation to guests of all ages.
Miley, star of the wildly popular Disney Channel series Hannah Montana, celebrated her milestone birthday with family, friends, fans and special guests from Youth Service America, an organization that shares her passion for promoting youth volunteerism.
In one of the evening’s big highlights, Disney CEO Bob Iger presented a special gift of $1 million to Youth Service America on behalf of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Disney has worked with YSA since 2004, providing "Disney Minnie Grants" to support youth-led community service projects that engage young people between the ages of five to 14 from around the world.
"On behalf of everyone at Disney, I’m happy to wish Miley a very happy birthday and celebrate this special occasion with a donation to Youth Service America," Iger said. "We’re delighted to have Miley join in Disney’s great legacy of giving back through volunteerism while encouraging kids everywhere to do the same."
Miley arrived at the Disneyland bash on a purple carpet (her favorite color), joined by her family, pals and fellow Disney Channel stars.
"I always love coming to Disneyland and this is the most amazing Sweet 16 celebration a girl could ask for," Miley said. "This is a night I'll never forget."
Guests of the "Sweet 16" party celebrated like rock stars alongside Miley and other celebrities, including actress Jennifer Love Hewitt, actor Steve Carell, super model Cindy Crawford and "Dancing with the Stars" performers such as Cristián De La Fuente. The party came to life for fans in a big way as the world’s most popular teenager rocked the Rivers of America, singing four of her popular songs, including "See You Again" and "Girls Night Out." The Hollywood Records musical artist dazzled the crowd by boarding a floating stage to cross over to the banks of the river, getting up close with her fans as she sang.
Miley also invited 10 "Service Stars" from Youth Service America to the party to honor their extraordinary volunteer service. They joined Miley and her fans for the fun in Disneyland park, riding favorite attractions such as Splash Mountain and Haunted Mansion, watching a "Stars in Cars" celebrity cavalcade, and playing at the party zones, including Rock Out Stage and Hannah Montana Makeover Zone.
The gala ended with a spectacular farewell in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, featuring Miley, her father Billy Ray Cyrus and a beautiful birthday cake. Everyone posed for a commemorative photo and sang "Happy Birthday" and Miley thanked them for celebrating with her. Just as she blew out the candles, the sky lit up with a glitzy fireworks display set to the Hannah Montana smash hit, "Best of Both Worlds."
(Source: Press Release, 10/05/08)
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Disney Cruise Line Sets Sail For Russia, Northern Europe and Mediterranean in 2010
In response to guest demand, Disney Cruise Line will reposition one of its ships, Disney Magic, to Europe for an unprecedented five-month season of Northern European and Mediterranean cruises in 2010.
With a wide variety of European itineraries in 2010, families have the ability to explore exotic and unexpected destinations with the safety and comfort of traveling with Disney Cruise Line, the leader in family cruising.
For the first time, Disney Cruise Line will offer a 12-night Northern European Capitals cruise, where guests can experience breathtaking fjords, historic city centers and Viking lore at enchanting Scandinavian ports such as Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm. The ship will also sail to Warnemunde, Germany, gateway to Berlin, and to St. Petersburg, Russia. The Disney Magic will overnight in St. Petersburg, allowing Disney Cruise Line guests time to experience the city known as the "Cultural Capital of Russia" or use the second day to book a shore excursion to Moscow.
"The Northern European Capitals itinerary provides our guests with an amazing collection of destinations to explore," said Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin. "We’re excited to bring the rich history, culture and folklore these ports offer to life for our guests in a family-friendly way only Disney Cruise Line can deliver."
Departing out of Dover, England, the Disney Magic will sail a total of four 12-night cruises to the Northern European capitals in June and July 2010. Rates for the 12-night Northern European Capitals itinerary start at $3,649 per person for a category 11 stateroom.
Book-ending the summer season in Northern Europe, the Disney Magic will once again return to the Mediterranean with 10- and 11-night cruises, but with three new ports of call not offered when Disney Cruise Line last sailed the Mediterranean. In addition to popular ports in Italy, France and Spain, the Disney Magic will visit Tunis, in Northern Africa, the island nation of Malta, and Corsica, an island oasis off the southern coast of France known as the birthplace of Napoleon.
"The response from guests who sailed on our Mediterranean voyages in 2007 was overwhelmingly positive," said McAlpin. "We’re thrilled to bring the ship back and look to make the 2010 season in the Mediterranean even better, with new destinations and more one-of-a-kind Disney experiences for our guests."
Departing out of Barcelona, Spain, the Disney Magic will sail four 10-night and four 11-night cruises in the Mediterranean in April, May, August and September. Rates for the 10- and 11-night Mediterranean cruises start at $2,529 per person for a category 11 stateroom.
Disney Cruise Line will also offer four repositioning cruises including two 14-night transatlantic voyages, a seven-night cruise from Barcelona to Dover, England, and an eight-night cruise from Dover back to Barcelona.
Disney Magic 2010 European Schedule
European Capitals: 6/12, 6/24, 7/6, 7/18
11-Night Mediterranean: 4/24, 5/15, 8/7, 8/28
10-Night Mediterranean: 5/5, 5/26, 8/18, 9/8
Click here for itinerary.
Disney Wonder 2010 Schedule
The Disney Magic isn’t the only Disney ship embarking on new itineraries in 2010. For the summer of 2010, the Disney Wonder will shift to four- and five-night cruises sailing to Nassau, Key West and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. The shift is designed to accommodate guests looking for slightly longer cruises with Disney Cruise Line while children are enjoying their summer break. Rates for the special five-night voyages to Key West or two stops at Castaway Cay start at $899 per person, while the four-night voyage begins at $849 per person for a category 11 stateroom.
Disney Wonder Summer 2010 Schedule
4-Night Bahamian Cruise
6/4, 6/18, 7/2, 7/16, 7/30, 8/13
5-Night Double Castaway Cruise
5/30, 6/13, 6/27, 7/11, 7/25, 8/8
5-Night Key West Cruise
6/8, 6/22, 7/6, 7/20, 8/3, 8/17
Click here for itinerary.
Guests will be able to book all Disney Cruise Line itineraries for the 2010 season beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 14. (Source: Press Release, 10/05/08)
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AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
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