Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation

THE DISNEY NEWS
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
December 30, 2008
Copyright © 1999 - 2009 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
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Hi Everyone!

Donna and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Beth and Maryann, our travel agents, for all their hard work this year. We are especially grateful to you, our members, for giving us the opportunity to serve you. We wish all of you a happy new year filled with God's blessings.

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

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...

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

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 30% on a 2009 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!

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

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 12 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

Disney World cafe puts fare at diners' fingertips

Cinderella Castle Royal Suite will stay open in 2009

Cirque du Soleil La Nouba at Downtown Disney photos

Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD

Top 50 Theme Park Attractions at Walt Disney World, Universal and SeaWorld

Universal CityWalk's star rises in Orlando's entertainment scene

SeaWorld Orlando raises ticket prices by $5 to $74.95

Cirque du Soleil sends arena show Saltimbanco to Florida in 2009

New roller coasters to make debut in 2009
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA

Restaurant Review: Tortilla Joe’s

Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
DISNEYLAND HONG KONG

Disney in talks to expand Hong Kong theme park by 30%
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
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.
=============================================

Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation

THE DISNEY NEWS
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
December 23, 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!

Donna and I would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas!

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 - Downtown Disney Resort Hotel discount, SeaWorld Hotel suite sale, kids eat FREE at Universal hotels, and Universal Blue man Group discount

* News from around the "World" - Disney Christmas parade

* Beth, our travel agent, writes about her Christmas visit to Walt Disney World

* Jennifer writes about her daughter's birthday experience at Epcot

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

WALT DISNEY WORLD

Save 30% at this Downtown Disney Resort Hotel through 2009! Includes:

* Disney Character Breakfasts
* Scheduled shuttle to all Walt Disney World Parks
* Heated Pool, Lap Pool, and Therapeutic Thermal Spa
* Walk to downtown Disney
* Guaranteed admission to Walt Disney World Parks

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

OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD

Winter SUITE Rates From $99: Voted #1 "Best for Families." Studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens. Includes:

* FREE hot buffet breakfast daily
* FREE parking and High-speed Internet access
* FREE shuttle to select theme parks
* Heated pool and whirlpool
* Sports Court and Exercise room
* Video Arcade
* Guest Laundry
* Pets welcome

Packages are also available from $89.

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

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO

Kids get FREE lunch and dinner at Universal's Portofino Bay Hotel (Trattoria del Porto, Sal's Market Deli and Splendido Pizzeria) Hard Rock Hotel (The Kitchen and Beach Club) and Royal Pacific Resort (Islands Dining Room, Jake's American Bar and Bula Bar & Grill)!

Child (3-9) tickets for Universal's Blue Man Group for $25 through 12/31/08.
=================================================

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 30% on a 2009 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 12 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

Walt Disney steps into the fashion arena with its Mickeys hidden

Gingerbread House recipe from The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD

Water parks scramble to comply with new pool-safety law
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA


Celebrating 25 Years Of Holiday Magic, The Star-Studded Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Airs On ABC December 25th

Disneyland Resort Calendar
--------------------------------
NOTE: Links to newspaper articles change quickly and without notice. If you receive a "File Not Found" error message, search the newspaper's archives for the story. Certain newspapers require a free registration to view their articles online. If web addresses are broken into more than one line, copy and paste all lines.
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, writes:

"I'm recently back from my annual trek to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and thought I'd pass on a few comments and observations...

CONTEMPORARY RESORT

I haven't stayed here for several years so it was nice to go back and try out the renovated rooms for myself. They really are very nice, and you sure can't beat the location. We were in a tower room with a lagoon view, though, and unfortunately assigned a spot as close to the construction of the new DVC building as we could get. The noise starts early in the morning and makes enjoying time on the balcony nearly impossible. It was even distracting out by the pool. You can forget sleeping in. Not good. Plus, the new building blocks about a third of your lake view from that end of the building. At least for the time being, either do a garden wing room with a standard (parking lot view) so you're not paying much and are not facing the construction, or splurge on the tower rooms with theme park view.

I never noticed this before, but even when you're staying on the 5th floor (which we were) you can't get to the monorail without going down a floor and then back up! Speaking of the monorail, don't assume that you can leave the Magic Kingdom and hop right on a train back to your monorail hotel. We left one night after a parade (along with a large herd of other people) and had over a half hour wait before we could board! The crowd was really absurd, but after that I started watching more closely and it seems that happens nearly every night after fireworks or a parade. Guess that's a popular time to leave! Won't make that mistake again.

DINING

We did lunch at the Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney. This is one of the few places you can eat without breaking the bank. Try to get there before 11:30, though, to avoid a long line and increase odds of getting a table easily. Warning: The children's grilled cheese sandwich is on ciabatta bread and did not pass the visual test of my 6-year-old niece. It was delicious, but it didn't 'look' right so she refused to eat it. Skip dessert and instead head around the corner to the Ghirardelli store where they are always giving out free chocolate samples. One square is a perfect morsel for me, but if your sweet tooth is bigger consider going to the other side to share a big sundae with someone. :)

The Crystal Palace at 5:20 PM on Mickey's party night is a tradition. The buffet is all-you-can-eat and offers something for pretty much everyone. It's not gourmet, but it's more than edible... and the kids love the kid-sized buffet area with all their favorites (pizza, spaghetti, mac n' cheese, etc.) It's expensive for what you get, BUT it only takes one table service credit if you're on the dining plan. All four Pooh characters stopped by the table at least once in the 70 minutes or so that we were there. The service was pretty slow, but fortunately we only needed the server for beverages. Bonus: we were early - by about a half hour - and had no trouble getting in after just a five minute wait.

This was my first trip to the Main Street Bakery - for breakfast or anything else. Yum! I'm on a perpetual diet so I passed on the pastries, but they looked wonderful. I opted for the hot croissant, ham, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich. (OK, so that's not dietetic, either, but it's better than a giant cinnamon roll!) It was really good. Also available and equally tasty were a yogurt-fruit parfait, hot oatmeal, and a fruit and cheese bowl. (No, they weren't all for me!) It's a much nicer place to grab breakfast than a food court, although the line was long and getting a table can be hard..

We also hit the early (5:15) performance of the Spirit of Aloha luau dinner show at the Polynesian Resort. I can't tell you how long it's been since I've been to that! The food was served family-style, all you can eat, and was fabulous. Even my picky eater niece loved it. I washed it down with an adequate red wine (included) while my mother opted for white wine and the girls chose iced tea. The show progresses at a good pace and holds the children's attention well. My niece is 6 and my daughter is 11; they were equally fascinated. Two thumbs up all around.

I'm convinced that calling at 7AM exactly 180 days prior to the show date to request a category 1 table is what got us front and center. Great location, and probably worth the extra money. The category 2 seats are fine, although a bit removed from the action. The category 3 seats are in the back. You can see, but I'm sure it's not the same as being right up close. One last note: We were told to be there 30 minutes early and I'm a stickler for details so we arrived at 4:45 on the nose... only to be told that we could wait in the garden until seating started at 5:15. There are a total of THREE benches available! They did start letting us in a few minutes early, but I have a theory that the '30 minutes early' thing is a ploy to get you standing there next to the cash bar while you wait. Since you can't even sit down, might as well buy a drink, right? Forget it. Arrive 20 minutes early and you'll still be there in plenty of time.

And finally, we tried out the new Contempo Cafe on the 4th floor of the Contemporary resort for breakfast. It was certainly convenient, but given that it's in the same (very open) location as the old Concourse Steakhouse, the noise from Chef Mickey's is more than a little distracting. As mentioned in a recent Affordable Disney newsletter, you can check out the menu board before proceeding to touch screen ordering kiosks where the pricing of the items is revealed.
Pricing is changed by what you add (or subtract) from your items. For instance, adding cheese to a burger. When you're done ordering you take your receipt to the self-service area where you can grab additional items, and then onto the cashier to check out. This is a sample of the new trend where you pay, get a beeper, and go sit to wait for your food instead of hanging out at the counter. It's a good system once you get used to it. As with most counter service locations, it's a good (and fast) place to eat - but especially so if you avoid peak meal times.

MICKEY'S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY

I've gone to this event roughly 12 of the last 14 years. I love that it's usually cool at night and with all the holiday decorations, snow on Main Street, festive shows, etc. it's about the best way I've found to get in the spirit of the season. The event starts at 7PM, but we always make our Crystal palace reservations for 5:20 so that we can get in the park using just our party tickets (no drain on the regular park admission tickets), we can get party wristbands on the way in (they start giving them out around 4 PM), and when we finish dinner we can hit the park running with VERY few people around. Cast members will ask to see your wristbands, but as long as you have them you can go where you want with very short (if any) wait times.

This is a nice change from a few years ago when everyone was forced into Tomorrowland until 7PM. Gone are the free holiday photos, but you do get a discount off all PhotoPass shots you order from that night. (40%, I think.) While the incredible Christmas cookies they had 10+ years ago have been replaced with run-of-the-mill sugar cookies, they're still pretty tasty, as is the hot chocolate - both complimentary at many stations around the park. I was happy to see that they have added the healthier option of apple juice and apple slices as well.

As usual, the extra-special fireworks are worth the price of admission if you ask me... I'm a big pyro fan! The parade (done twice) is the same as it's been for years, and you still have to grab a spot at least 30 minutes (or more) beforehand if you don't want to stand. A night at Mickey's VMCP cannot replace a full day at the Magic Kingdom if you've never been there (or if it's been awhile), but you can sure see a lot in very little time. If you go often, consider doing the party in lieu of a park that day and instead go hotel hopping to see all the gorgeous decorations.

Perhaps it's time to mention once again that I don't live in Orlando. I live in Naples, about 3+ hours southwest, so I don't get to Disney World nearly as often as I'd like - a few times a year if I'm lucky. When I do go, I spend lots of time scouting out area hotels, trying new restaurants, and doing other 'travel agent' things; but I consider the December trips true vacations - short, but all mine. It's my favorite time of year to go, so I focus on fun instead of agent education. Don't hesitate to write if you have questions about holiday trips - or any other time of year for that matter! This weekend I'm off on another cruise, so watch for that report soon!"
=================================================
Jennifer writes:

"Greetings,

I wanted to share our experience at Disney world: Epcot from last week. It was my daughter and my husbands birthday. We were quite excited to spend the day in the park and were staying in Coronado Springs. The accommodations were clean and quite nice, but we had the opportunity to have the best customer service while in the Epcot park.

My daughter, celebrating her 6th birthday had gotten a new lanyard for pin trading as her old one was quite filled up. We also purchased a few new pins and transferred over some new ones. Well unfortunately, when we checked in for our reservations at the Rose and Crown Pub, she realized that she had left her pins in a bathroom stall about 20 minutes prior.

Needless to say she was quite upset and started crying. After about thirty minutes we knew they wouldn't be there, so we sat down to dinner. She had quite the face on her at the table when our server, Lauren came up and asked what was the matter. We informed her of what happened and she frowned for a moment and said, 'Give me a moment to see if I can help.'

We ate what was an incredible dinner and after words she disappeared for about 15 minutes. We were kind of wondering what had happened to her when she came around and stood on a chair. She got the attention of the entire area and informed them of a very special birthday for Sarah and would they all please join in for a rounding rendition of Happy Birthday, which brought quite the smile on her face.

The server, Lauren, then came down and offered Sarah with a special Year of a Million Dreams trading pin to help replace the ones she lost, a special dreams come true Certificate that she had ever server sign for her and birthday card from Mickey and Minnie themselves.

This experience almost made me cry. She was so unhappy and upset and they really brought her back to life with just the simple gesture. They didn't need to, it was nothing they had done, but they saw an unhappy child and tried to help and lift her spirits. I will forever remember this birthday for her even if when she grows up she won't... It truly was a year of dreams for my little girl...

One Happy Guest."

Proof again that castmembers can turn frowns into smiles with a little help of the Disney magic!
=================================================
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.
=============================================

Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation

THE DISNEY NEWS
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
December 17, 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 - Disney World vacation package deadline extended, Disney cruise line discounts, Disneyland California payment plan, Disneyland vacation package, and Great Wolf Lodge holiday promotion

* News from around the "World" - Disney lets the dogs go in to visit Santa

* Mrs. Hryn writes about her unpleasant experience at Disneyland California

* At Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Food at the Touch of a Screen At New Contempo Cafe

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

WALT DISNEY WORLD

Walt Disney World Stay 4, get 3 nights FREE vacation package deadline has been extended!

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

DISNEY CRUISE LINE

9 new Disney cruise discounts!

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

DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA

# This group can buy their Disneyland Annual Passes on a monthly payment plan!

# Disneyland Vacation Package: 4th Night Free! Includes:

* 4-Night Hotel accommodations at a Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel
* 4-Day Disneyland Park Hopper
* Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness
* Preferred seating at attractions in Disney’s California Adventure

Good Neighbor Hotel Vacations start At: $49 per person!

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

OTHER VACATION SPECIALS

Snowland at the Wolf: Great Wolf Lodge is just three miles from Colonial Williamsburg. Holiday promotion: December 6 - 25, 2008.

Beth, our travel agent, writes: "This is one of my very favorite family resorts. There are several Great Wolf Lodges, but this one is right by Colonial Williamsburg so you can tie in some (fun) educational stuff, too."
=================================================

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 30% on a 2009 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 12 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

Walt Disney World Resort and Steve Harvey Inspire Teens Through Disney’s Dreamers Academy 2009 Class

Disney Extends "Kids Go Free!" Ticket Offer

Disney Dining Plan Can Be Good Deal For Family

Need Disney travel tips? Ask these moms
Scroll down for:

Universal Orlando is planning to open a Moe's Southwest Grill and a Panda Express in the newly emerging quick-service food area of CityWalk, officials said last week.

Disney lets the dogs in to visit Santa Claus

Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD

Where to find grownup fun in Orlando this winter

How to see a space shuttle launch live

SeaWorld sizes up terror risk over chemicals stored at park
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA

AfterWork: ESPN Zone in Downtown Disney

Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
VEGAS

Vegas still offers fun for the budget conscious
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
Mrs. Hryn writes:

"I'm not even sure if this is the ideal place to make a comment regarding Walt Disney World in comparison to Disneyland in California.

I Have had the opportunity to visit WDW about 4 times in the past, the most recent was march of 2007, it was my present to my 4 grandchildren for Christmas. As usual the park was clean, all the characters were the most friendly and truly helpful , and accommodating to all. Just an awesome experience as in the past....just truly a fun vacation for all of us.

In Oct. of this year (2008) about 9 of us cousins flew to California for a vacation and birthday party celebration for our cousin who lives in Escondito. One of the days, Oct. 28th, we decided to visit and spend the entire day at Disneyland. Wow, what a disappointment to say the least! It was the week of Halloween, and the decorations were nice, for the most part. On the other hand, the bathrooms were filthy and smelled, half of them did not have attendants inside for assistance, as WDW did. They were actually disgusting. As for the characters, they walked away from children that were all dressed up in their costumes and only wanted a picture with them. We saw parents trying to get their attention, and they were just ignored. It was so sad, that for a place that is so into fun and fantasy, and little ones, for that day none of these gestures were displayed. The sad part also, is that a day spent there is quite expensive, to have that type of treatment.

I did send an e-mail to Disneyland, however I'm not sure if the site was the correct one, perhaps you can direct me?
Thank you for your time and making our visits to WDW fun."

Sorry to hear about the condition of Disneyland. Here is the contact link I have for Disneyland:

https://secure-disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/help/contactUs?name=ContactUsPage

We invite those who have been to Disneyland California (or any other vacation destination) recently to send their comments to: johngross@affordabledisney.com
=================================================
At Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Food at the Touch of a Screen At New Contempo Cafe

Quick-service eats go high tech at the new Contempo Cafe in the Grand Canyon Concourse at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Walt Disney World guests peruse the menu on electronic boards with color photos, then place orders at touch screens and head directly to a cashier. Seating is in a casual 147-seat dining area with red and blue accents and views of the Disney monorail passing through the famous hotel, and a 9-story mural with 18,000 hand-painted tiles by artist and Disney Legend Mary Blair.

A pager blinks when food is ready for pickup at the counter. Thin-crust pizzas, hearty deli sandwiches on ciabatta and house-made soups of the day are among selections, as well as a healthful grilled mahi sandwich with citrus-apple slaw or vegetable bake with feta cheese. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there also is a "grab ‘n go" area with drinks, salads and fresh fruit.

Prices are not on menu boards but on the touch screens, where guests can order in Spanish or English. Diners can choose a salad with dressing on the side, for instance, different kinds of cheeses for burgers, or salad or chips with sandwiches.

Contempo Cafe is open from 7 a.m.-10 p.m., serving breakfast until 11 a.m. The "grab ‘n go" is open 6 a.m.-midnight. The restaurant is part of Disney’s Contemporary Resort revitalization that includes the new Wave restaurant on the first floor and a new game arcade and refurbishment of the Outer Rim lounge on the fourth floor concourse. (Source: Press Release, 12/16/08)
=================================================
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.
=============================================

Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation

THE DISNEY NEWS
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
December 10, 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:
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: My Yahoo! users can instantly add our blog
content to My Yahoo! Add My Yahoo!

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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 - FREE gift membership holiday sale, new Orlando sweepstakes, FREE dining certificate give-away, 2009 Walt Disney World room discount for general public, 2009 Walt Disney World vacation package for general public, 2009 Walt Disney World room discount for Florida residents, a Walt Disney World vacation package that discounts everything(!), Disney cruise line discounts galore and kids sail FREE (!), Richard Petty Driving Experience special, and Disneyland Paris room discount

* News from around the "World" - Downtown Disney and Hanes team up on T's

* Money Saving Tip: Save at the Orlando Science Center

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

WALT DISNEY WORLD

Another sweep added this week to win a Disney / Florida vacation! That makes 50 active sweepstakes and contests to win a Walt Disney World / Florida / Disneyland / Southern California vacation!

One of our travel resources is allowing you to give away 3 FREE dining certificates per day to friends, family, loved ones - anyone - until Christmas! These certificates are redeemable at 9,000 restaurants across the USA, including restaurants outside Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL and outside Disneyland in Anaheim, CA.

2009 Walt Disney World Room Discount for Everyone!
Value resorts from $49; moderates from $94.

2009 Walt Disney World Vacation Package for Everyone! Dining options may be added.

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

Stop the Presses! How about a vacation package that includes 3 meals and 2 snacks per day, deluxe resorts, unlimited use of recreation activities, spa treatment, tours, fireworks cruise, Cirque du Soleil, turndown service and more? Plus! You get 25% off EVERYTHING! Beth, our travel agent, explains:

"What's particularly neat about this offer is that you get 25% off EVERYTHING, even adding the no expiration option to your tickets. So let's say you do 10-day hoppers with water parks and no expiration, but you're only staying 4 nights.... You'd have gotten hopping, water parks AND the no expiration part for 25% off the usual cost of adding those things and still have the unused days and water park visits left on your tickets for a return trip!

This is an especially great offer for adults traveling alone or families with older children because of the unlimited tours (most of which have minimum age requirements) and unlimited recreation. In fact, I see this as a great get-away for those that just want to do a long, relaxing weekend. You can hang out by the pool, go shopping, do a little hotel hopping, eat wonderful meals, and do all the fun stuff you never had the time (or the budget) for before."

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

2009 Walt Disney World Room Discounts for Florida Residents! Includes a 4-Park Lithograph Souvenir. Value Resorts from $49 per night; moderates from $94 per night.

Richard Petty Driving Experience Holiday Special: Experience the thrill of a high speed Ride-Along for only $49 with this link. Save 55%!

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

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO SPECIALS

# Universal FREE Nights Hotel Special: Save up to 49%! Stay onsite 5 nights, get 2 nights free! Stay onsite 7 nights, get 3 nights free! PLUS, receive a Universal Orlando Savings Guide and save $150 on food and merchandise!

# Universal FREE Nights Vacation Package at a Universal Partner Hotel: Book 3 nights and get 2 nights FREE! A family of four can stay 5 nights for less than $35 per person, per night! Includes:

* 5-Night accommodations
* Unlimited admission both Universal parks
* Access to live entertainment at Universal CityWalk
* FREE shuttle between hotel and Universal Orlando
* $150 Universal Orlando Savings Guide

# Or stay onsite and Universal will add the following to the above:

* accommodations at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, or Loews Royal Pacific Resort
* skip the regular lines at both parks

A family of four can stay 5 nights for less than $58 per person, per night!

Plus! Save even more when you stay longer: Book 4 nights, get 3 nights FREE! A family of four can stay 7 nights for less than $29 per person, per night!

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

DISNEY CRUISE LINE

# Kids Sail FREE Aboard the Disney Cruise Line!

# Early booking discounts on 40 Disney cruises!

# 21 discounted Disney cruises for Florida residents from $349!

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

DISNEYLAND PARIS

Save 30% on a 4-night package at Disney's Davy Crockett Ranch!
=================================================

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 30% on a 2009 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 12 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
--------------------------------
Immersive Experiences Starring YOU
Guests Become Part of the Show at Walt Disney World Resort

Future NFL Stars to Compete in 2008 Pop Warner Super Bowl at Disney

Downtown Disney and Hanes team up on T's
Atlanta's Theater of the Stars Indefinitely Postpones Tarzan
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD

For SeaWorld's new roller coaster Manta, things are looking up (and down and sideways)

'Wheel' to spin into SeaWorld
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA

Muppet Experiment sends Annual Passholders on adventure through time

Disney’s pro candy cane rollers create confection perfection

Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO

CityWalk Calendar And Venue Entertainment - December 2008
=================================================
HONG KONG DISNEYLAND

Hong Kong Disneyland
Reveals Magnificent Royal Kingdom
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
MONEY SAVING TIP

Orlando Science Center: Until December 31, they have reduced their admission fee to $10 per child (ages 3-11) and $15 per adult. Plus! Kids eat FREE with accompanying paid adult admission! (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com/)
=================================================
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.
=============================================

Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation

THE DISNEY NEWS
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
December 3, 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 Disney sweepstakes, Disney cruise discounts, two Disneyland California vacation packages, Disneyland Paris vacation package, Universal Orlando vacation package, Universal Orlando hotel deal, Universal Hollywood vacation package, Nickelodeon Family Cruise, and jazz cruise

* News from around the "World" - Indy and Nova Era come to Walt Disney World

* Some observations from our Thanksgiving vacation at Walt Disney World

* Beth, our travel agent, writes about a disturbing new policy regarding Walt Disney World reservations

* Money Saving Tip: FREE Disney Show Tickets

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

WALT DISNEY WORLD

6 new sweeps added this week to win a Disney / Florida vacation! That makes 50 active sweepstakes and contests to win a Walt Disney World / Florida / Disneyland / Southern California vacation!

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

DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA

# Kids Fly FREE with this vacation package! Plus! Get your adult tickets at the child's price! Rates from $75 per person, per day!

# Get a free $150 Disney Gift Card with this Disneyland Resort Hotel package!

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

DISNEY CRUISE LINE

25 new Disney cruise discounts starting at $299!

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

DISNEYLAND PARIS

Kids under 12 stay and play FREE! Kids under 12 receive free hotel accommodation and free admission to both parks!

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

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO

Vacation package includes:

* 3 - Night hotel accommodations
* Unlimited Admission to BOTH Universal parks for a week
* From $211 per adult for partner hotel
* On-site at Universal Orlando hotel from $471 per adult
* No waiting in line for Universal onsite hotel guests

UNIVERSAL HOTEL SPECIAL

Save up to 30% at the Hotels at Universal. Rates from $150 per night. Includes the holidays!

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

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD

Vacation package includes:

* 2-Night hotel accommodations to a partner hotel
* Unlimited Admission to Universal Studios Hollywood
* FREE shuttle from hotel to Universal Studios Hollywood
* 1 souvenir photograph
* $230 per adult

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

NICKELODEON FAMILY CRUISE

There will be two Nick-themed cruises in 2009, one from the east coast and one from the west coast. Sail with your favorite Nick characters!
=================================================
2009 SMOOTH MUSIC CRUISE

Incredible New Pricing + Buy One, Get One Specials. Save up up to $1,000 per cabin! Plus! Get one additional cabin FREE! Departing Miami January 31, 2009. Features some of the biggest names in the contemporary jazz and R&B genres.
=================================================

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 30% on a 2009 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

Disney’s Wide World of Sports Unveils 12th Edition of Atlanta Braves Spring Training at Champion Stadium

Rosemary Roasted Poussin with Porcini Cream Sauce and
Root Vegetable Mash recipe from The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

Nova Era, the classical Italian ensemble that used to play at Epcot's Italian Pavilion, is playing at Downtown Disney select dates November 21 - December 24, 2008! Click here for their calendar. We love Nova Era!

Our automotive editor takes on Disney's latest wild ride

Expensive rush: Indy comes to Disney Speedway
--------------------------------
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD

Deal reached for Cypress Gardens passholders unhappy park is closing

Megabus gives away 100,000 free tickets Get your FREE ticket to 29 cities!
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA

"The interior of Sleeping Beauty Castle at the Disneyland® Resort is now open... This beautiful walkthrough offers a 'reawakened' version of its classic presentation kissed with vibrant scenes of Aurora, her charming prince, the evil Maleficent and other characters from the beloved film." (Source: Disney email blast, 12/02/08)

Disneyland Resort Calendar
=================================================
OUTSIDE DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA

Legoland's own small world
The recently upgraded park offers a gentle intro for younger children. But bring your plastic -- costs stack up fast
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE

Disney Cruise Line eliminates fuel surcharges
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
A Disturbing New Disney Policy

Beth, our travel agent, writes: Disney reservationists have long harped on the concept that if you don't 'hold' what you quote then it might not be there when you call back. Therefore, it's always been a good idea to jump on a new promotion and hold dates which you know will encompass your actual travel dates. Once the resort is confirmed for, say, a 10-day period you can then check airfares, the kids' school schedule, your own work schedule, etc. After you've got all those details worked out, it's never been a problem to put a call into Disney at that point and drop the dates you don't need... shortening your reservation to maybe five or seven nights.

This procedure rewards those that plan ahead as well as those that jump on promotional offers quickly, and it gives them a chance to secure the space they want while making all the related plans. It also ensures that nights you find unnecessary will be quickly released back into inventory since no one likes to sit on a reservation with a bigger price tag than necessary. It would seem a good system for all concerned.

This week, however, Disney held meetings with the reservations staff and instructed them that, effective immediately, they are not to shorten reservations without first checking to see if the resort, room type and promotion is available for NEW bookings. If not, then you are not permitted to shorten your stay. In other words, if you have a free dining offer confirmed for 10 nights and want to shorten it to nine nights to get better airfare you can only do it if your resort and room type and free dining offer are available at the moment you're trying to make the change. It doesn't matter that it may have been available for those nine nights when you first made the reservation. If it's not there now, you're out of luck. You will need to change your resort or room type (or both) to get the deal - if it's still available at all for your new dates - or come for the full 10 nights you originally booked.

I contend that this is a VERY bad policy change for a number of reasons. I believe that it will, first and foremost, encourage people to make two and three and four bookings (or more) to cover all possibilities so that they're pretty certain they've got their bases covered before starting their airfare research and such. (Remember that deposits aren't due for seven days and reservations can be cancelled without penalty for at least awhile in most cases, if not for months.) I also believe that, because Disney currently requires a phone call to cancel a reservation, and that phone call could take a half hour or more if the hold time is long, people will simply not cancel the reservations they don't want. Nothing bad will happen; they will expire in a week for nonpayment of deposit. In the meantime, though, the space will not be available for anyone else to book. One family could conceivably have five rooms or more at the same resort tied up for a full week when they've already deposited on the one they want to keep! If Disney thinks they have a problem now with people holding space they don't plan to use, wait until they see what happens when this change gets out!

Why are they doing this? Well, I suspect that it has something to do with the fact that their computer system favors longer stays as space becomes harder to get. For instance, if you want to stay at the Polynesian for three nights you might be told it's not available, but if you ask about a seven night stay (which encompasses those original three nights) then it's suddenly available. That technique has long been one of the strongest tricks in my arsenal. I just book the seven nights and then call in to shorten the reservation. It's never been a problem to do that. Apparently, though, this type of thing tends to fill the resorts over the weekends and leave them less than full during the weekdays. I'm sure the thinking is that, by stopping this technique of getting shorter stays, the space will be preserved for those who want to stay longer and haven't gotten around to booking yet.

Unfortunately, the policy change also penalizes people who want to shorten their stay for other (very legitimate) reasons. And this, in turn, will increase the number of people canceling their reservations completely (and doing so with a very bitter taste in their mouths). For instance, I currently have a family that booked the winter 'buy 4 nights, get up to 3 free' deal. They didn't plan the trip; it's just an 'extra' vacation because the deal is so good. But it turns out their teenage son needs to take SATs on the morning they'd planned to come down. I was told yesterday that I cannot shorten their stay unless I upgrade them from their value resort to the Beach Club, all that's left to book with this promotion for the six nights. Shortening the stay by a night will cost them nearly $1500. If I can't find someone to override this policy change for them they will simply not come.

I write this in order to keep you informed as well as to blow off some steam. (Sorry for that!) Also, to suggest that you might want to drop the Disney folks a note to let them know what a bad idea this change is. This is a time when Disney should be softening policies in order to get more business!"

Use this feedback form.
=================================================
Back From Walt Disney World

Donna, I and our son, Paul, just returned from 5 nights at Walt Disney World. Some observations...

Weather was very nice compared to the 25's back home: 70 during the day and 45-50 at night.

Like last year, Disney had still not finished decorating for Christmas. We stopped by Port Orleans Riverside and they had no Christmas decorations.

Looks like Disney is cutting corners to keep their dining plan profitable. Food options were similar everywhere we looked. The quality has sure slipped over the past two years, although you can still find some winners if you know where to look. We don't eat at full-service restaurants, so let's hope that their meals are still worth the price.

The pizza served at All Star Music food court is inedible. I watched them put a frozen pizza in the oven where it ran on a track and came out the other end in 10 minutes. The worst pizza we ever ate. Much worse than any frozen pizza at your supermarket.

The burgers at ABC Commissary in Hollywood Studios had no flavor. Tasted like the beef patties were boiled. They only came as double cheeseburgers.

Ice cream cookie sandwiches at Main Street Bakery in the Magic Kingdom are still as wonderful as ever! Their carrot cake was excellent as well.

The burgers at Electric Umbrella in Epcot's Future World are still very tasty.

Turkey leg lovers could buy them at all the parks. Ours at the Animal Kingdom was big and tasty!

The plato combinacion - quesadilla, taco and burrito - at La Cantina at Epcot's Mexican Pavilion was delicious and afforded us a nice view of Illuminations as we ate.

We only ate once at Coronado Springs food court. Their taco salad this year had no salad. Their quesadilla was not filling for $15. The grilled chicken with fries was burnt and the breast was almost too dry to eat. With sodas the bill came to almost $60. Way too much money for that kind of food.

We had two vouchers for $15 each at Planet Hollywood included in our Disney reservation documents since we had two rooms. They refused to accept both vouchers unless Paul ate at a separate table! So we left and they lost the $75 we would have spent had they accepted the vouchers.

Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney served delicious sandwiches at a fair price - less than we usually pay at Panera. Paul and I ordered the holiday sandwich with turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce and mayo. Delicious! Donna's Italian sandwich and tomato soup hit the spot.

Ghirardelli still serves the best chocolate. You have to try their chocolate brownie for $2.50. Incredible.

Fish and chips at Cookes at Disney's West Side was tasty, but they served one large piece of fish, making it hard for us to share.

Nova Era, the classical Italian ensemble that used to play at Epcot, were playing near Fulton's Crab House. They played four shows a night. The cello player said his hands were sometimes too cold to play! Their music was beautiful.

Not much going on at Pleasure Island since the clubs closed.

Narnia at Disney's Hollywood Studios was a waste of time. They basically showed scenes of the movie and some props.

Surprisingly, the Stunt Show at the Studios was very entertaining. The bleachers are steep, so those with knee problems can take the elevator. A castmember will guide you and unlock the elevator for you. Be aware that there were no handrails as you enter the bleachers from the elevator.

Toy Story Mania at the Studios: We heard Mr. Potato Head's carnival spiel so many times as we snaked our way through the pre-show that I was looking for the electric plug to turn him off! The ride was mildly amusing, but what was Disney thinking of using guns with a pull string cord?

StormStruck at Epcot's Innoventions was a waste of time. The 3-D glasses make sure you see the logos of the company sponsors up close!

Despite the addition of Judy Dench's narration at Epcot's Spaceship Earth and some computer scenes, the attraction hasn't changed much.

Mass at Mary, Queen of Universe was wonderful as usual. You have to see this church near the Orlando Premium Outlets.

Beth, our travel agent, booked our vacation again for us. It doesn't get easier than that. Thanks again, Beth!
=================================================
MONEY SAVING TIP

FREE Disney Show Tickets: Buy an adult ticket between December 1 and 12 and get a FREE ticket for a child 18 and under. Valid for all shows (The Lion King, The Little Mermaid and Mary Poppins) January 6 - March 13, 2009. (Source: broadwayworld.com)
=================================================
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.
=============================================