Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
November 12, 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 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 - new sweepstakes, BIG savings on a 2009 Walt Disney World vacation package, Walt Disney World luxury resort specials, winter suite sale, and luxury cruise special
* News from around the "World" - Disney to redo Pop Century!
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about Disney Magical Express
* Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Teams Up with Verizon to Bring Mobile Magic to U.S. Parks
* Sail Away to a Magical Winter Holiday with Disney Cruise Line
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
2 new sweeps added this week to win a Disney / Florida vacation! That makes 46 active sweepstakes and contests to win a Walt Disney World / Florida / Disneyland / Southern California vacation!
Walt Disney World - Value Resorts: Family of 4, 7 nights and tickets: $1,271! Similar savings on other resorts and family configurations are available. Includes free nights + free tickets + free ticket upgrades on free tickets!
Walt Disney World Luxury Resort Holiday Special from $159!
Early Booking 2009 Special from $149! Plus! Book your room now and receive a FREE one-category upgrade!
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
All-suites hotel voted "Best For Families" in 2008. Winter suite rates from $99! Includes:
* Free breakfast daily
* Free parking
* Free High-speed Internet access
* Free shuttle to theme parks
* Fully equipped kitchens
* Heated pool and whirlpool
* Sports and exercise facilities
* Video Arcade
* Guest Laundry
* Pets allowed
The following package is offered in conjunction with this offer:
* SeaWorld Family Package: stay 4 nights and get 4 SeaWorld tickets. From $516!
-------------------------------
LUXURY CRUISE
Cruise Line "Past Guests Appreciation Week": Guests who have sailed with this Cruise Line before can sail to the Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico in 2008 and 2009 from only $149 and receive a FREE stateroom upgrade! Book by December 31, 2008.
================================================
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 $25
>> 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
--------------------------------
Will Pop Century be rebranded as Disney's Animation Inn and Suites?
Disney Auditions - Audition Calendar
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
No sale yet for Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede property
Holiday Cheer You Can Only Hear At Universal Orlando Resort!
Orlando Premium Outlets grows by 40 new stores
Mel's Drive-In will be closed for renovations at Universal Studios Closed now for two months.
Cypress Gardens will close for 4 months Closed Nov. 17 until sometime in March for renovations.
Acrobatics go aquatic in new SeaWorld show.
Universal to have 2 Mannheim Steamroller concerts
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
The Merriest Of Holiday Celebrations Make Spirits Brighter Than Ever At Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort A Great Spot For Holiday Shopping, From Passes To Unique Gift Items
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Disney Alters Changes Itinerary to Avoid Hurricane Paloma
--------------------------------
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:
"If there's one thing I get more questions on than anything else, it's Disney's Magical Express (DME). So maybe I can answer some of those questions for you before you ask...
1) There is no cost for this service.
2) You must be staying at a Disney-owned resort.
3) You can fly any airline and get your tickets from any source.
4) If you don't receive your baggage tags before you go DME will still take you.
5) Only the people listed on the reservation can go on the bus.
6) You cannot send your luggage to your hotel via DME unless you also take DME.
7) People in the same room can arrive/depart on more than one flight.
8) If you arrive on an international flight you have to claim your bags yourself and take them through customs before returning them to DME for transfer to the resort.
9) DME services only Orlando International Airport (MCO). If you fly into or out of Sanford or any other airport you're on your own.
10) The wait for your baggage averages 3 hours (assuming you arrive around 3PM or later) so pack things you need shortly after arrival in a carry-on and keep it with you.
11) Don't' panic if your flight times change. DME tracks you by flight number, not time, so they'll catch the change. If your flight number changes, though, it's nice to let them know (although not mandatory).
12) Because DME tracks by flight number the flight times often show on confirmations, tags, and elsewhere as midnight. Again, don't panic. It's just how their system works. As long as the flight number and the resort are correct on the tags you're fine.
Don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions!"
Affordable Disney members should log in for Beth's contact information.
=================================================
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Teams Up with Verizon to Bring Mobile Magic to U.S. Parks
Companies Align to Bring Unprecedented New Experiences to Guests at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort... and Right on Their Verizon Wireless Phones
Marking a first in both the travel and mobile industries, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Verizon are teaming up for a multi-year relationship designed to enhance the guest experience - before, during and after guests arrive at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. This alignment allows guests to have a personal tour guide right in their wireless phones along with reliable new services at the parks. Early next year guests will also use Verizon Wireless’ technology when experiencing Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, an ultra-interactive attraction coming to Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort.
"With more than 90 percent of families bringing a mobile phone into our Parks, our objective was to enhance the magical Disney experience through innovative wireless technology," said Jay Rasulo, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "Imagine receiving up to the minute tips on special Park activities with just the touch of a button or receiving a call from Buzz Lightyear welcoming you to the Magic Kingdom."
Beginning next year, guests will be able to access an array of features on their Verizon Wireless phones while at the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort to help them make the most of their Disney experiences. Planned services include an exclusive mobile application that will give guests with Verizon Wireless service the ability to easily locate shows, restaurants and the Disney characters anywhere inside the Parks; get real-time attraction availability information; access mobile games; receive messages from characters and more. Verizon Wireless is also continuing to invest in its wireless network from coast to coast, and the relationship with Disney means the wireless users will benefit from further enhancements to the Verizon Wireless network in the Parks.
John Harrobin, senior vice president of digital media and marketing for Verizon, said, "All of our efforts focus on one goal: making the Disney experience even better for our customers. There are few life experiences that are more memorable than visiting a Disney Park, and now guests with Verizon Wireless service will unlock even more magic from their visit - by navigating the Parks easier and faster with instant access to key information such as ‘Where’s Mickey now?’ and other special features - even when they travel home and share their experiences with family and friends."
In addition, guests visiting Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort in early 2009 will be among the first to experience Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure. An ultra-interactive attraction, Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure invites guests of all ages to team up with members of Team Possible to save the world from various comical villains and their mad inventions. Armed with an official Verizon Wireless "Kimmunicator," guests will use these handheld devices to help maneuver through the mission. The interactive wireless theme park game was inspired by Disney Channel’s Emmy® Award-winning animated series, "Kim Possible."
While Verizon Wireless customers will have exclusive access to an array of enhanced features, Disney and Verizon are also working to ensure that some mobile information such as dining locations, show times and locations will be available to all Parks visitors, regardless of their wireless company.
Additional details will be available next year as the companies expect to add a suite of services and functionalities to help guests at Disney Parks have the most magical experience. For more information about Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, visit www.disney.com. For more information about Verizon, visit www.verizon.com.
Disney Parks and Resorts - Taking Guests to New Frontiers
The agreement between Disney and Verizon is another step in a series of new initiatives that highlight the latest technologies from Disney Parks and Resorts with a continued focus on improving guest experience and providing immersive entertainment. Disney Parks and Resorts continue to exemplify how technologies can be used to build new connections and redefine how guests plan and enjoy their vacations. From the time guests begin planning their vacation using Walt Disney World Resort in 3D on Google Earth or tuning into Disney Travel on Demand, the experience is designed to make their lives easier. Guests can take their vacation experience to a new level with Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, an interactive wireless theme park game for families, and by personalizing and sharing their Disney experiences when they return home, using DisneyLink, a desktop application. (Source: Press Release, 11/12/08)
=================================================
Sail Away to a Magical Winter Holiday with Disney Cruise Line
CELEBRATION, Fla. - This holiday season, give a gift that’s both nautical and nice: a cruise on the Disney Magic or the Disney Wonder, both decked to the "raft-ers" with holiday cheer.
From Thanksgiving and continuing through to the new year, Disney Cruise Line adds sparkle to both ships, from traditional "turkey day" fanfare to Christmas feasts, "snow flurries" and New Year’s Eve galas. But the best part might just be relaxing on deck instead of shoveling snow.
The spirit of the season surrounds guests the moment they arrive at Port Canaveral, Fla., with Disney characters in their finest holiday attire welcoming guests to the beautifully decorated private Disney Cruise Line terminal.
Special stem-to-stern holiday events on both ships, beginning Nov. 22, include:
* Nightly "King Triton’s Tree Lighting" in the atrium lobby, where a young guest will help Disney characters light the glittering, three-deck-tall tree.
* An afternoon Tropical Pool Party every day with Santa and Mrs. Claus with fun, food, games and activities. Plenty of Disney characters join the celebration, including Lilo and Stitch, Chip ‘n Dale, Mickey and Minnie, Goofy and Pluto. Be sure not to miss the "Winter-Sunnyland" conga line around the pool.
* Special family time with holiday crafts such as decorating stockings, making holiday cards and creating holiday animation cells.
* Holiday storytellers sharing tales of diverse holiday traditions, from Hanukkah and Kwaanza to the Bahamian Junkanoo. Plus, an all-new story just for Disney Cruise Line guests about the magical feeling of the holidays on a ship.
* Traditional holiday feasts in Disney’s three themed dining rooms.
* " ‘Til We Meet Again," a special holiday edition of Disney Cruise Line’s cheerful farewell on the final night of each cruise with beloved Disney characters and the ship’s crew in an engaging musical finale led by Mickey Mouse.
And when cruises during the holiday period put in at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, the celebration continues:
* Guests will delight with "snow flurries," decked-out Christmas trees, Disney character meet-and-greets and holiday carolers.
* Youngsters will be busy with holiday-themed activities such as making candy cane reindeer, paper plate angels and snowflake mobiles.
Disney Cruise Line will kick off the holiday cheer with special Thanksgiving voyages setting sail Nov. 22 with a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise on the Disney Magic and Nov. 26 with a 4-night Bahamian cruise onboard the Disney Wonder. Guests will enjoy a sumptuous Thanksgiving Day feast, with Mickey, Minnie and friends dressed in traditional Thanksgiving attire. Activities throughout the day include holiday crafts for youngsters and the big NFL football games broadcast live on Ariel View Television, the 24-by-14-foot screen located above the Goofy Family Pool on deck 9.
The Disney Magic will host a 7-Night Holiday Caribbean Cruise departing Dec. 20, with visits to Cozumel, Grand Cayman and, as a special holiday treat, two stops at Castaway Cay. The Disney Wonder 4-night Christmas cruise departs Dec. 24, with visits to Nassau and Castaway Cay. On Christmas morning at the lobby tree, Santa Claus and his elves will have surprises for all the kids, along with cookies and milk. Guests can attend sunset Hanukkah services and Christmas services, including midnight mass on Christmas Eve.
To celebrate the new year, Disney Magic departs on its 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary Dec. 27; Disney Wonder departs Dec. 31 for its 4-night cruise. These voyages will feature a special New Year’s Eve party to ring in 2009, complete with DJ music, sparkling wine in commemorative flutes, confetti and balloon drop, and a midnight countdown.
To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a holiday vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500. Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at 888/325-2500 or visit disneytravelagents.com. (Source: Press Release, 11/12/08)
=================================================
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
November 12, 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 sweepstakes, BIG savings on a 2009 Walt Disney World vacation package, Walt Disney World luxury resort specials, winter suite sale, and luxury cruise special
* News from around the "World" - Disney to redo Pop Century!
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about Disney Magical Express
* Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Teams Up with Verizon to Bring Mobile Magic to U.S. Parks
* Sail Away to a Magical Winter Holiday with Disney Cruise Line
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
2 new sweeps added this week to win a Disney / Florida vacation! That makes 46 active sweepstakes and contests to win a Walt Disney World / Florida / Disneyland / Southern California vacation!
Walt Disney World - Value Resorts: Family of 4, 7 nights and tickets: $1,271! Similar savings on other resorts and family configurations are available. Includes free nights + free tickets + free ticket upgrades on free tickets!
Walt Disney World Luxury Resort Holiday Special from $159!
Early Booking 2009 Special from $149! Plus! Book your room now and receive a FREE one-category upgrade!
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
All-suites hotel voted "Best For Families" in 2008. Winter suite rates from $99! Includes:
* Free breakfast daily
* Free parking
* Free High-speed Internet access
* Free shuttle to theme parks
* Fully equipped kitchens
* Heated pool and whirlpool
* Sports and exercise facilities
* Video Arcade
* Guest Laundry
* Pets allowed
The following package is offered in conjunction with this offer:
* SeaWorld Family Package: stay 4 nights and get 4 SeaWorld tickets. From $516!
-------------------------------
LUXURY CRUISE
Cruise Line "Past Guests Appreciation Week": Guests who have sailed with this Cruise Line before can sail to the Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico in 2008 and 2009 from only $149 and receive a FREE stateroom upgrade! Book by December 31, 2008.
================================================
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 $25
>> 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
--------------------------------
Will Pop Century be rebranded as Disney's Animation Inn and Suites?
Disney Auditions - Audition Calendar
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
No sale yet for Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede property
Holiday Cheer You Can Only Hear At Universal Orlando Resort!
Orlando Premium Outlets grows by 40 new stores
Mel's Drive-In will be closed for renovations at Universal Studios Closed now for two months.
Cypress Gardens will close for 4 months Closed Nov. 17 until sometime in March for renovations.
Acrobatics go aquatic in new SeaWorld show.
Universal to have 2 Mannheim Steamroller concerts
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
The Merriest Of Holiday Celebrations Make Spirits Brighter Than Ever At Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort A Great Spot For Holiday Shopping, From Passes To Unique Gift Items
Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Disney Alters Changes Itinerary to Avoid Hurricane Paloma
--------------------------------
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:
"If there's one thing I get more questions on than anything else, it's Disney's Magical Express (DME). So maybe I can answer some of those questions for you before you ask...
1) There is no cost for this service.
2) You must be staying at a Disney-owned resort.
3) You can fly any airline and get your tickets from any source.
4) If you don't receive your baggage tags before you go DME will still take you.
5) Only the people listed on the reservation can go on the bus.
6) You cannot send your luggage to your hotel via DME unless you also take DME.
7) People in the same room can arrive/depart on more than one flight.
8) If you arrive on an international flight you have to claim your bags yourself and take them through customs before returning them to DME for transfer to the resort.
9) DME services only Orlando International Airport (MCO). If you fly into or out of Sanford or any other airport you're on your own.
10) The wait for your baggage averages 3 hours (assuming you arrive around 3PM or later) so pack things you need shortly after arrival in a carry-on and keep it with you.
11) Don't' panic if your flight times change. DME tracks you by flight number, not time, so they'll catch the change. If your flight number changes, though, it's nice to let them know (although not mandatory).
12) Because DME tracks by flight number the flight times often show on confirmations, tags, and elsewhere as midnight. Again, don't panic. It's just how their system works. As long as the flight number and the resort are correct on the tags you're fine.
Don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions!"
Affordable Disney members should log in for Beth's contact information.
=================================================
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Teams Up with Verizon to Bring Mobile Magic to U.S. Parks
Companies Align to Bring Unprecedented New Experiences to Guests at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort... and Right on Their Verizon Wireless Phones
Marking a first in both the travel and mobile industries, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Verizon are teaming up for a multi-year relationship designed to enhance the guest experience - before, during and after guests arrive at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. This alignment allows guests to have a personal tour guide right in their wireless phones along with reliable new services at the parks. Early next year guests will also use Verizon Wireless’ technology when experiencing Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, an ultra-interactive attraction coming to Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort.
"With more than 90 percent of families bringing a mobile phone into our Parks, our objective was to enhance the magical Disney experience through innovative wireless technology," said Jay Rasulo, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "Imagine receiving up to the minute tips on special Park activities with just the touch of a button or receiving a call from Buzz Lightyear welcoming you to the Magic Kingdom."
Beginning next year, guests will be able to access an array of features on their Verizon Wireless phones while at the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort to help them make the most of their Disney experiences. Planned services include an exclusive mobile application that will give guests with Verizon Wireless service the ability to easily locate shows, restaurants and the Disney characters anywhere inside the Parks; get real-time attraction availability information; access mobile games; receive messages from characters and more. Verizon Wireless is also continuing to invest in its wireless network from coast to coast, and the relationship with Disney means the wireless users will benefit from further enhancements to the Verizon Wireless network in the Parks.
John Harrobin, senior vice president of digital media and marketing for Verizon, said, "All of our efforts focus on one goal: making the Disney experience even better for our customers. There are few life experiences that are more memorable than visiting a Disney Park, and now guests with Verizon Wireless service will unlock even more magic from their visit - by navigating the Parks easier and faster with instant access to key information such as ‘Where’s Mickey now?’ and other special features - even when they travel home and share their experiences with family and friends."
In addition, guests visiting Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort in early 2009 will be among the first to experience Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure. An ultra-interactive attraction, Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure invites guests of all ages to team up with members of Team Possible to save the world from various comical villains and their mad inventions. Armed with an official Verizon Wireless "Kimmunicator," guests will use these handheld devices to help maneuver through the mission. The interactive wireless theme park game was inspired by Disney Channel’s Emmy® Award-winning animated series, "Kim Possible."
While Verizon Wireless customers will have exclusive access to an array of enhanced features, Disney and Verizon are also working to ensure that some mobile information such as dining locations, show times and locations will be available to all Parks visitors, regardless of their wireless company.
Additional details will be available next year as the companies expect to add a suite of services and functionalities to help guests at Disney Parks have the most magical experience. For more information about Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, visit www.disney.com. For more information about Verizon, visit www.verizon.com.
Disney Parks and Resorts - Taking Guests to New Frontiers
The agreement between Disney and Verizon is another step in a series of new initiatives that highlight the latest technologies from Disney Parks and Resorts with a continued focus on improving guest experience and providing immersive entertainment. Disney Parks and Resorts continue to exemplify how technologies can be used to build new connections and redefine how guests plan and enjoy their vacations. From the time guests begin planning their vacation using Walt Disney World Resort in 3D on Google Earth or tuning into Disney Travel on Demand, the experience is designed to make their lives easier. Guests can take their vacation experience to a new level with Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, an interactive wireless theme park game for families, and by personalizing and sharing their Disney experiences when they return home, using DisneyLink, a desktop application. (Source: Press Release, 11/12/08)
=================================================
Sail Away to a Magical Winter Holiday with Disney Cruise Line
CELEBRATION, Fla. - This holiday season, give a gift that’s both nautical and nice: a cruise on the Disney Magic or the Disney Wonder, both decked to the "raft-ers" with holiday cheer.
From Thanksgiving and continuing through to the new year, Disney Cruise Line adds sparkle to both ships, from traditional "turkey day" fanfare to Christmas feasts, "snow flurries" and New Year’s Eve galas. But the best part might just be relaxing on deck instead of shoveling snow.
The spirit of the season surrounds guests the moment they arrive at Port Canaveral, Fla., with Disney characters in their finest holiday attire welcoming guests to the beautifully decorated private Disney Cruise Line terminal.
Special stem-to-stern holiday events on both ships, beginning Nov. 22, include:
* Nightly "King Triton’s Tree Lighting" in the atrium lobby, where a young guest will help Disney characters light the glittering, three-deck-tall tree.
* An afternoon Tropical Pool Party every day with Santa and Mrs. Claus with fun, food, games and activities. Plenty of Disney characters join the celebration, including Lilo and Stitch, Chip ‘n Dale, Mickey and Minnie, Goofy and Pluto. Be sure not to miss the "Winter-Sunnyland" conga line around the pool.
* Special family time with holiday crafts such as decorating stockings, making holiday cards and creating holiday animation cells.
* Holiday storytellers sharing tales of diverse holiday traditions, from Hanukkah and Kwaanza to the Bahamian Junkanoo. Plus, an all-new story just for Disney Cruise Line guests about the magical feeling of the holidays on a ship.
* Traditional holiday feasts in Disney’s three themed dining rooms.
* " ‘Til We Meet Again," a special holiday edition of Disney Cruise Line’s cheerful farewell on the final night of each cruise with beloved Disney characters and the ship’s crew in an engaging musical finale led by Mickey Mouse.
And when cruises during the holiday period put in at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, the celebration continues:
* Guests will delight with "snow flurries," decked-out Christmas trees, Disney character meet-and-greets and holiday carolers.
* Youngsters will be busy with holiday-themed activities such as making candy cane reindeer, paper plate angels and snowflake mobiles.
Disney Cruise Line will kick off the holiday cheer with special Thanksgiving voyages setting sail Nov. 22 with a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise on the Disney Magic and Nov. 26 with a 4-night Bahamian cruise onboard the Disney Wonder. Guests will enjoy a sumptuous Thanksgiving Day feast, with Mickey, Minnie and friends dressed in traditional Thanksgiving attire. Activities throughout the day include holiday crafts for youngsters and the big NFL football games broadcast live on Ariel View Television, the 24-by-14-foot screen located above the Goofy Family Pool on deck 9.
The Disney Magic will host a 7-Night Holiday Caribbean Cruise departing Dec. 20, with visits to Cozumel, Grand Cayman and, as a special holiday treat, two stops at Castaway Cay. The Disney Wonder 4-night Christmas cruise departs Dec. 24, with visits to Nassau and Castaway Cay. On Christmas morning at the lobby tree, Santa Claus and his elves will have surprises for all the kids, along with cookies and milk. Guests can attend sunset Hanukkah services and Christmas services, including midnight mass on Christmas Eve.
To celebrate the new year, Disney Magic departs on its 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary Dec. 27; Disney Wonder departs Dec. 31 for its 4-night cruise. These voyages will feature a special New Year’s Eve party to ring in 2009, complete with DJ music, sparkling wine in commemorative flutes, confetti and balloon drop, and a midnight countdown.
To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a holiday vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500. Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at 888/325-2500 or visit disneytravelagents.com. (Source: Press Release, 11/12/08)
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AffordableDisney.Com.
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posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 8:11 AM
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