Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
April 29, 2009
Copyright © 1999 - 2009 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
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Hi Everyone!
NOTE: If you want to visit Walt Disney World when there is no deal for the general public, you will need to follow the discount strategies that are revealed in our online book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation," to make your vacation affordable.
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - New Disney sweeps, Disney cruise line discounts, Disneyland ticket deal for locals, Orlando resort vacation package for dog owners, and Las Vegas Resort & Casino room discounts
* News from around the "World" - Officials at airport and theme parks monitoring swine flu progress
* Summer 2009 at Walt Disney World Resort
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about an interesting money saving strategy involving rental cars
* Lighting Up The Night With New Shows And A New Glow! Disneyland Resort Celebrates Summer Nightastic!
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NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
# 2 new sweeps added this week to win a Disney / Florida vacation! That makes 20 active sweepstakes and contests to win a Walt Disney World / Florida / Disneyland / Southern California vacation!
# Enjoy reduced rates on this airline with purchase of a vacation package. Select dates. Select cities.
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DISNEY CRUISE LINE
# Disney Cruise Line Discounts for the General Public!
# Kids sail half off!
# New Military and Florida Resident Discounts!
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Locals can enjoy three days of fun at both parks for only $33 per day!
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ORLANDO RESORT GONE TO THE DOGS!
This popular Orlando resort is offering a "green package" this summer for canines. From $119 per night. Includes:
* room service meal
* veterinarian approved healthy feast
* organic cotton bandana
* environmentally-friendly doggie toy
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LAS VEGAS
Resort & Casino Specials:
* 20th Anniversary Offer: 20% off rooms and up to 40% off golf!
* Mother's Day Special: Deluxe room rates from $80 per night!
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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 on $58 per day
* Walt Disney World room discount
* Disneyland California room discount
* Mother's Day Special at WDW Good Neighbor hotel
* Alaska cruise special
* Ireland on a budget
* Cruise with cash back
* Las Vegas Bellagio and Treasure Island room discounts
* Disneyland Paris vacation package discount
* Luxury cruise discount exclusively for police and firefighters
* Bahamas vacation packages
* New parties for Walt Disney World Resort guests
* Disney Caribbean Cruise sale
* Kids fly FREE to this California Theme Park
* $3 a day rental car deal
* SeaWorld Partner Hotel Special
* Bahamas Resort Special
* Antigua, Cancun, Jamaica, Costa Rica and Punta Cana packages
* Disneyland California ticket sale
* Disney Cruise Line discounts for Floridians and the military
* FREE night at Disney Deluxe Resort
* CityPass discount for Affordable Disney members
* Non-Disney theme park/cruise vacation packages
* BIG room discount at the Las Vegas Mirage Casino & Resort
* Orlando theme park vacation package
* California theme park promotion
* Legoland San Diego special
* Caribbean cruise deals
* Disney Cruise Line sale
* Disneyland California package deal
* Universal hotel discounts
* Disneyland California hotel special
* Universal Orlando discounted vacation packages
* SeaWorld Discovery Cove discounts
* Luxury Cruise promotion
* WDW luxury resort deal for residents of this northeast state
* FREE nights AND tickets at these hotels near Disney
* Orlando Theme Park Package with hotel and tickets to 3 parks
* Luxury Cruise Special: Kids sail from $99 and $250 to spend
* Disney World: $1375 for a family of four for 7 nights
* Advance Purchase Rates at this Orlando Luxury Resort Hotel
* Free Disneyland Gift Card valued up to $150
* 100 free upgrades in hotels all over the world
* Massive cruise sale with FREE air
* AMTRAK special for Florida Residents
* Walt Disney World 3 nights FREE
* Room discounts, FREE tickets and Package for military
* Room discounts and Package with Dining for Annual Passholders
* 2 Days for the Price of 1 at Universal Hollywood
* Unlimited visits throughout 2009 for $65 at SeaWorld San Diego
* Annual Pass deal for Florida Residents at Busch Gardens
* BIG Amtrak sale
* Downtown Disney Resort Hotel discount
* SeaWorld Hotel suite sale
* Kids eat FREE at Universal hotels
* Universal Blue Man Group discount
* Disneyland Annual Passes on a monthly payment plan
* Kids sail FREE on Disney cruise line
* Kids stay and play FREE at Disneyland Paris
* Disneyland California package with $150 Disney gift card
* Universal Hollywood All You Can Eat Pass
* Save 50% at these deluxe Walt Disney World resorts
* 2010 Disney cruises now booking
* Get a FREE ticket to the Walt Disney World theme parks in 2009
* Nickelodeon Family Cruise
* Kids eat FREE membership card
* Disney cruise early booking discounts
* Vegas Resort & Casino special
* Disney hotel room special for Floridians
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
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NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
A sneak peek inside Sanaa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Walt Disney World Resort Now on the iPhone & iPod Touch
Road rules for Disney with kids
Scenes from Stitch's SuperSonic Celebration set-up
20 secrets of Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney Resort Committed to Staying in Hawaii
WDI panel to be a high point of Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ 20th anniversary celebration
Yo ho: Pirate makeover coming to Magic Kingdom in June
Star Wars Weekends at Disney World
Disney's Florida parks report 6 injuries in 1st quarter of '09
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Grossology extended at Orlando Science Center, author to appear
Eden Espinosa Set to Sing New Disneyland Fireworks Spectacular 'MAGICAL' Theme Song
Officials at airport, theme parks say they're monitoring swine flu progress
New Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Roller Coaster Will Rock Universal Orlando Resort
Will Universal, SeaWorld combine forces?
May equals month of Manta at SeaWorld Orlando Rumor is that it will have a soft opening next week!
More from behind the walls at SeaWorld's Manta roller coaster
Clarification from Universal: Rockit debut in "late spring/early summer"
What does delay of Universal's Rockit mean for SeaWorld's Manta?
Universal pushes back opening of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit coaster
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Boutique is an expensive dream come true for aspiring princesses
Disneyland recycles old shows into Summer Nightastic
Disneyland Resort map - this one's interactive!
Plans unveiled for new Studio Disney 365 in Downtown Disney
Disneyland Resort Calendar
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DISNEYLAND TOKYO
WORD
Tokyo Disneyland has started up a new ride based on Walt Disney Pictures’ computer animation blockbuster Monsters, Inc
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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.
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Beth, our travel agent, writes about an interesting money saving strategy involving rental cars:
"The state of Florida needs a LOT of rental cars in the winter. Conversely, places up north that have little need all winter long need them badly in the summer. Thus the birth of the one-way car rental bargain. This time of year you can fly one way to Florida, have your vacation, then pick up a rental car and drive home. Not only can this extend your vacation a bit if you want it to, but also cut costs (as long as you're reasonable about your dining and accommodations on the way home).
For instance, four roundtrip plan tickets between Baltimore and Orlando would (as of this writing) cost you $636.80. Of course, at $69 + tax each way, this is an awesome deal. But what if you only purchased the tickets one way? That drops the cost to $318.40. On your final day, let's say that instead of flying home you go to the airport and pick up a rental car... a compact (not the smallest) for 72 hours (so you don't have to rush home). That's $105.61, for a total of $424 plus gas in roundtrip travel costs - and whatever you spend along the way. If you can drive straight through you can get the car for as little as $26.40 a day INCLUDING all taxes and fees!
Now, if you're a real road warrior and don't mind a drive, consider that taking the car back to Buffalo or even Minneapolis is that same $26.40 a day. And the rates for larger vehicles, while a little higher, are similarly discounted. Keep in mind I priced only one rental company located inside the MCO airport. I didn't even look at prices for the ones located off site (traditionally less expensive). I should also mention that you can get pricing like this all over the state, so if you're skipping Disney this year, but still want a vacation, let me know. Maybe we can get you a nice deal on the beach somewhere with a fly/drive offer.
Coming later in the year? The same phenomenon occurs in the opposite direction in late Fall/early winter as they try to get the necessary cars back into the state. So if you don't mind the drive, or can actually work it into your plans (Williamsburg for a day anyone?) give it some thought."
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Summer 2009 at Walt Disney World Resort -- The Season is the Reason to Celebrate, and Here are Some Ways: New Attraction to Idol-ize, Hail to the (New) Chief, What’s ‘Up’ at Downtown Disney, New Resort Experiences
From May through August 2009, summer simmers with exciting new attractions and experiences at Walt Disney World Resort. The smash TV hit "American Idol" inspires a new attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios while, at Magic Kingdom, a Liberty Square icon reopens its doors and street parties turn up the spirit as Disney’s "What Will You Celebrate?" hits full-stride. Treehouse lodging is back, Stars Wars Weekends let guests release their inner Jedi, Downtown Disney unwraps new fun – on the ground and in the air – and there’s music, music, music filling the air at Epcot …
Summer fun at "The American Idol Experience"
This marks the first summer of fun for "The American Idol Experience," which puts Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests in the spotlight, immersing them in the thrill of auditioning and performing or voting on their favorite musical performances.
Modeled after the famous "American Idol" television show, the newly opened Walt Disney World attraction makes dreams come true by showcasing the talents of park guests age 14 and older who have aced the auditions (audition slots are limited and interested guests are encouraged to arrive early or register online at www.disneyworld.com/idol).
Like the television show, fans – not the onstage judges – have the final say on who is deemed the best of the best. With seating to accommodate 1,000 audience members, the high-tech theater is wired so guests can vote for their favorite singer. There are several show times daily.
"What Will You Celebrate?" adds park fun, gifting option
As "What Will You Celebrate?" invites Disney Parks guests to turn personal milestones into magical Disney experiences, the ways for guests to customize and personalize a visit are seemingly endless – and growing! With everything from fireworks cruises, street parties and behind-the-scenes tours to specialty cakes and in-room decorations to choose from, guests have more choices as they ponder, "How will I celebrate?"
With all there is to do in Disney parks, guests can tailor a celebration with favorite attractions, favorite characters and special experiences. Thanks to new Web planning tools, learning about available choices and then customizing a "celebration vacation" itinerary is easier than ever. Through www.disneyparks.com, guests (or their travel agents) choose the celebration destination – Disneyland Resort in California or Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. With a click, they access an interactive online celebration "planner" to shop the many experiences that are a cornerstone of a "celebration vacation" at Disney parks – experiences that transform guests into the stars of their own party whether the occasion is a birthday, anniversary, Quinceañera, personal triumph or any celebration.
The icing on the cake of "What Will You Celebrate?": guests visiting one of the Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme parks on their birthday in 2009 get in free. More than two million people have already registered their birthday on the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Web sites. Already, the parks have welcomed birthday celebrants from quadruplets turning 4 to a milestone birthday of 107.
There is even a way to participate in a guest’s upcoming celebration visit when you can’t be there: by "gifting." The giver reviews the possibilities using the online planner, then calls a Disney Dream Maker to personalize and customize the gift. At Walt Disney World Resort, Dream Makers can be reached at 407/WDW-GIFT.
The fun is nonstop, too, with a party spirit stamping new shows in Magic Kingdom:
Everybody’s favorite galactic pal – the "Guru of Gross-Out," "the Maker of Mischief" – now stars in "Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration," a live stage spectacle (grand opening May 6) in Tomorrowland that celebrates everything worth celebrating around the universe in honor of "Galaxy Day." This interactive, retro-futuristic musical revue features an animated version of Stitch interacting live with Magic Kingdom guests. The show also stars Tip Trendo, "celebritainer" party host extraordinaire, the Galactic Girls, Tip’s deep space diva back-up dancers, a pair of hip-hop robots run amuck, all underscored by a space-pop soundtrack that will rock the cosmos! Several show times daily.
Floats, a cast of Disney characters, stilt walkers and more "move it" down Main Street, U.S.A. accompanied by high-energy tunes and an open invitation to guests to come join the fun during performances of "Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It!" street party. Near Cinderella Castle, Mad Hatter, Genie, Lumiere and Sebastian – the life and light of the party – pop out of four huge boxes that dominate the floats. They join about a dozen other Disney characters headed by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse to mix and mingle and dance in the street with Magic Kingdom guests during a 12- to 15-minute party that takes place three times daily.
New music, new costumes and changes to some of the floats are part of the afternoon Magic Kingdom parade, "Celebrate a Dream Come True." The procession through the park is an update to the former "Disney Dreams Come True" parade with more pauses – during which party dancers perform to get guests into a celebratory spirit – and with a grand marshal in the lead role of the procession.
The new theme park fun continues at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Epcot:
Khaki-clad cast – including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy – gather near Disney’s Animal Kingdom entrance each evening during park closing to bid farewell to guests with the music-filled Adventurers’ Celebration Gathering. Cast members shake their pom-poms and urge guests to join in the street-party fun by dancing to the music and forming a conga line procession while the Disney characters keep the beat from atop their safari vehicle.
Inspired by Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning "Kim Possible" animated series, Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventureinvites Epcot guests of all ages to take on the role of secret agents to save the world from various comical villains and their mad inventions. This ultra-interactive, high-tech adventure packed with mystery and excitement is offered in seven World Showcase pavilions.
‘Star Wars’ Weekends returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Once again, the power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine in May and June 2009 for Star Wars Weekends, a sci-fi fan-fest inspired by the popular film saga.
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 22-June 14, Disney’s Hollywood Studios becomes the temporary home for a band of out-of-this-world characters, including Wookiees, Sith, droids, Jedi, Ewoks, bounty hunters and Rodians. Dates are May 22-24, May 29-31, June 5-7 and June 12-14.
A giant, "A to Z" gathering of Star Wars characters – from Anakin Skywalker to Zam Wesell – roams the streets of the theme park during meet-and-greet sessions. Jedi Training Academy – one of the interactive entertainment experiences featured in the theme park – takes place throughout the day on the event’s main stage and allows young guests to learn from a Jedi Master before testing newly acquired skills in a battle with Darth Vader.
Also featured: the chance to purchase one-of-a-kind Star Wars memorabilia, Star Wars trivia contests, special Star Wars parades, rides on the famed Star Tours attraction, and autograph sessions and star conversations with famous Star Wars actors and creative geniuses.
Event activities are included in theme park admission. For more information, guests may go online to www.starwars.com or www.disneyworld.com/starwarsweekends.
Music is in the air at Epcot
Legendary music fills the air at Epcot during the summer of 2009 as the park hosts Flower Power concerts and Sounds Like Summer concerts at America Gardens Theatre.
From Chubby Checker & The Wildcats to Tony Orlando, a lineup of music hit-makers from the 1960s and 1970s will strike nostalgic notes each weekend in May during Flower Power concerts that are part of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival through May 31. The lineup also includes The Nelsons, Jose Feliciano and The 5th Dimension. Guest information is available at www.disneyworld.com/flower (click on "Concerts") or by calling 407/824-4321.
The whole family will be rockin’ and rollin’ when tribute bands recreate classic hits from musical icons under the stars as part of the Sounds Like Summer concert series daily June 15-Aug. 9. During the series, seven popular tribute bands will celebrate the music of the Bee Gees, Eagles, Bon Jovi, ABBA, the Supremes, U2 and Tom Petty. Concerts are included in regular Epcot admission. For more information, visit Disneyworld.com or call 407/824-4321.
The Pirates League sets sail in Magic Kingdom June 29
Calling all scoundrels, rogues and ne’er-do-wells – Captain Jack and the crew of the Black Pearl want YOU. Starting in late June, the Pearl drops anchor in Adventureland for The Pirates League, recruiting and training park guests of all ages in the scurrilous ways of buccaneers. Each guest checking in at the plunder-filled recruitment office gets an official pirate name. Next step is the Muster Station where – after applications of beards and eye patches, scarves and scars, earrings and gold teeth – the new recruits leave their old identities behind. Past a hidden portal and into the treasure cache, the new shipmates speak the pirate oath and have their official "pirate portrait" taken before being turned loose on an unsuspecting Adventureland – and no doubt feeling right at home at the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Boys, girls and grownups ready for the pirate life start the process by calling 407/WDW-CREW beginning May 11. Packages start at $49.95 plus tax.
Hall of Presidents to reopen in July; fireworks paint the skies July 4
A July reopening is planned for the Hall of Presidents, an iconic attraction in Magic Kingdom. An Audio-Animatronics version of President Barack Obama will join representations of the previous 43 presidents of the United States as part of an attraction that has been celebrating American history since Walt Disney World Resort opened in 1971. Disney Imagineers also are updating a broad array of show elements.
The star-spangled fun doesn’t stop there…
July Fourth is a grand celebration of all things America. What better patriotic place to be than Walt Disney World Resort as freedom rings from corner to corner of the Vacation Kingdom. "Disney’s Celebrate America!-A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky" will dazzle Magic Kingdom guests at 9 p.m. on the Fourth of July. That same park will feature a performance of the "SpectroMagic" nighttime parade, at 10:30 p.m. In the meantime, Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests are treated to a 9 p.m. performance of "Fantasmic!" while at Epcot, a holiday-inspired "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" bursts above World Showcase Lagoon at 10 p.m.
‘Picnic in the Park’ comes to Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Summer guests to Disney’s Animal Kingdom have a new casual option to restaurant mealtimes – "Picnic in the Park" for al fresco dining. The to-go meal includes either sandwiches or rotisserie chicken or ham. Meals include sides, desserts and bottled water for each guest. Prices range from $24.99 for a meal for three to $56.99 for a meal for six. Meals can be booked at the podium near the park entrance or, after 1 p.m., picnics can be ordered at Tusker House Restaurant. Picnics are ready for pick-up within two hours at the Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery in the park.
New and aloft at Downtown Disney: Characters in Flight
Ever imagined lofty, Tinker Bell views of Walt Disney World Resort and beyond? That dream is now possible. Downtown Disney treats guests to breathtaking, 360-degree panoramas with a new iconic attraction, Characters in Flight operated by Aerophile. The tethered gas balloon takes guests 400 feet into the air from the waterfront of Downtown Disney West Side near Pleasure Island. The 72-foot-diameter balloon can accommodate up to 30 guests at a time on a six-minute "flight" by day or night, weather permitting.
Characters in Flight made a spring debut, joining other newcomers at Downtown Disney for summer:
Tren-D – a hip new Downtown Disney Marketplace boutique with urban-inspired fashions.
Disney Design-a-Tee – presented by Hanes, inviting Marketplace guests to personalize the popular T-shirt souvenir to their own tastes.
T-Rex : A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover – a fun prehistoric environment millions of years in the making.
Paradiso 37, a Downtown Disney restaurant from E-Brands to feature a selection of menu offerings representing the 37 countries of the Americas.
On the RISE: New ESPN event at sports complex
The inaugural ESPN RISE Games presented by Target will take place July 19-25, 2009, at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex. The week-long event will be anchored by three invitation-only, elite high school sporting events: the AAU 17-under Boys Basketball Super Showcase, the Under Armour High School Softball All-American game, and a new high school football event – Champion Gridiron Kings – a 7-on-7 competition featuring skill position players. The event will also feature competitive youth sports – baseball (10U, 11U and 12U), basketball (10U, 12U and 14U), field hockey (14U, U16 and 19U) and track & field (14-18).
The ESPN RISE Games is expected to welcome 4,000 student athletes. Team enrollment for the event’s open basketball, baseball, field hockey and track & field programs is available. Additional information on the ESPN RISE Games presented by Target is available at www.espnrisegames.com.
Whole new world of lodging greets summer guests
New home-like accommodations presented by Disney Vacation Club are scheduled to debut in time for summer guests. New options will combine to revive "treehouse living" at Walt Disney World Resort, immerse guests in the African experience and offer up breathtaking views of Bay Lake and Cinderella Castle.
Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – Treehouse living, a cherished Walt Disney World tradition from 1975-2002, returns with the scheduled opening of 60 three-bedroom villas elevated 10 feet off the ground on pedestals and beams. Designed to blend into the forest glens where they are nestled, these vacation villas will sleep up to nine and provide Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa with a new room category.
Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Following the successful conversion of select rooms at Jambo House (at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge) into vacation villas in 2007, Kidani Village is taking shape (for phased openings scheduled in the spring and fall) with thatched roofs and a hewn timber design. Kidani means "necklace" in Swahili and the new building is shaped like a piece of native African jewelry with villas forming the beads, walkways creating the knots in between and the lobby representing the ornament or jewel at its center. With the planned spring opening also comes Sanaa, a new family dining location, featuring savannah views at select tables and serving familiar foods from tandoor ovens in addition to slow-cooked specialties with the flavorful spices of Africa and India.
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Scheduled to open late summer, Bay Lake Tower nestles beside Disney’s Contemporary Resort and will serve up a variety of views including grand vistas of lakes and land, such as Magic Kingdom, from its 295 two-bedroom equivalent villas. Planned amenities include a community hall, pool bar, in-room dining, tennis courts, a pool and a water play area.
Disney Vacation Club accommodations can be booked by anyone for overnight stays through www.disneyworld.com or by calling 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639).
Walt Disney World Resort debuts online check-in service
In time for summer, Walt Disney World Resort has launched Online Check-In Service, designed to simplify and streamline guest arrivals. The new service is complimentary and available to guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels and Disney Vacation Club resorts.
Within 10 days of their arrival dates, guests are able to provide check-in information, advise the resort of their arrival times and request room preferences (although those cannot be guaranteed). Guests can also register the names of all the people in their party and provide a credit card to cover charges at the resort hotel.
Upon arrival at their resorts, guests visit a special welcome location where their room keys and other registration material are waiting. Disney cast members are also available to provide additional information and answer questions.
Meeting professionals can also arrange private group check-in at a Disney resort convention center or other locations.
For more information about the new Online Check-In Service or to make a resort reservation, call
407/W-DISNEY or your local travel agent or click on disneyworld.com.
(Source: Press Release, 04/27/09)
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Lighting Up The Night With New Shows And A New Glow! Disneyland Resort Celebrates Summer Nightastic!
Disneyland Resort will glow like never before this summer as it debuts an all-new fireworks show, Magical, along with sensational new characters and effects that will brighten the Summer Nightastic! lineup of after-dark entertainment.
WHAT: Guests can see Disneyland Resort in a whole new light as Summer Nightastic! brings nighttime shows and parades to life – bigger, better and brighter. A huge new dragon and other special effects will highlight Fantasmic! Explosive surprises will illuminate the night sky in the all-new fireworks spectacular, Magical. Guests can rock the night away at a new dance club in Tomorrowland. Sparkling new magic comes to "Disney’s Electrical Parade," as well as to Pixie Hollow, the enchanting home Tinker Bell inhabits with her fairy friends.
WHEN: Nightly, beginning Friday, June 12, and continuing through Sunday, August 23, at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks. All shows and immersive experiences are free with park admission.
A BOLDER FANTASMIC!: Guests will find new thrills at the popular Fantasmic! on the Rivers of America in Frontierland. The evil Maleficent from "Sleeping Beauty" transforms into a 40-foot tall, fire-breathing dragon. Ursula the Sea Witch from "The Little Mermaid" introduces her pet eels, Flotsam and Jetsam, who slither into the show with new power. In addition, the Fantasmic! video projections practically leap off the giant mist screens, thanks to HD (high-definition) technology ... (in this case, HD takes on a new meaning - Huge Dragon).
AN EXPLODING CELEBRATION IN THE SKY: Magical is a new Disney fireworks spectacular created especially to celebrate Summer Nightastic! at Disneyland. Tinker Bell is once again your host, waving her wand to ignite the brilliant color, stunning special effects and charming music. But she won’t be alone in the sky this summer. Dumbo will make his surprise airborne debut in the new show. Tink’s sparkling touch awakens a fantastic array of Disney’s most magical characters, from Pinocchio to Mary Poppins to Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother, and the Three Good Fairies from "Sleeping Beauty."
NEW FLOATS BRING NEW MAGIC TO ‘DISNEY’S ELECTRICAL PARADE’: Everything about "Disney’s Electrical Parade" will have a new glow as Tinker Bell leads the way, waving from the basket of a magical balloon aboard a new opening parade float. The parade’s beloved music and floats will feature electrifying audio and lighting technologies, with sparkling pixie dust added to all the parade floats. Snow White and Pinocchio return to the parade this summer as well, after several years’ absence, riding bright new versions of their classic floats.
AN EXCITING NEW DANCE CLUB ‘IGNITES THE NIGHT’ IN TOMORROWLAND: Tweens, teens and families will be drawn to the TLT Dance Club at Tomorrowland Terrace in Disneyland. Dazzling décor will include an illuminated DJ console where the TLT Dance Club DJ will spin the hottest dance tunes, guaranteed to keep Tomorrowland rockin’ all night. Live bands and the hottest Southern California radio stations will appear on select nights throughout the summer.
PIXIE HOLLOW ENCHANTMENT: Tinker Bell and her friends have been welcoming guests into their Pixie Hollow home, tucked into the glen near the entrance to Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland, since fall of 2008. This summer, for the first time, nighttime visitors will find magical surprises as Pixie Hollow and the nearby pond come to life in iridescent light shows. Pixie dust cascades across the landscape and radiates down into the pond. Even the water becomes enchanted as playful fountains spring to life, pop jets perform with whimsical precision, and sparkling strobes shine throughout Pixie Hollow.
More information about Summer Nightastic! can be found at www.disneyland.com/summer. (Source: Press Release, 04/24/09)
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Affordable Disney Books
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Got Coupons?
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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.
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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.
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See You Real Soon!
John
AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
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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.
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Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
April 29, 2009
Copyright © 1999 - 2009 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
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Hi Everyone!
NOTE: If you want to visit Walt Disney World when there is no deal for the general public, you will need to follow the discount strategies that are revealed in our online book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation," to make your vacation affordable.
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - New Disney sweeps, Disney cruise line discounts, Disneyland ticket deal for locals, Orlando resort vacation package for dog owners, and Las Vegas Resort & Casino room discounts
* News from around the "World" - Officials at airport and theme parks monitoring swine flu progress
* Summer 2009 at Walt Disney World Resort
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about an interesting money saving strategy involving rental cars
* Lighting Up The Night With New Shows And A New Glow! Disneyland Resort Celebrates Summer Nightastic!
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NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
# 2 new sweeps added this week to win a Disney / Florida vacation! That makes 20 active sweepstakes and contests to win a Walt Disney World / Florida / Disneyland / Southern California vacation!
# Enjoy reduced rates on this airline with purchase of a vacation package. Select dates. Select cities.
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DISNEY CRUISE LINE
# Disney Cruise Line Discounts for the General Public!
# Kids sail half off!
# New Military and Florida Resident Discounts!
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Locals can enjoy three days of fun at both parks for only $33 per day!
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ORLANDO RESORT GONE TO THE DOGS!
This popular Orlando resort is offering a "green package" this summer for canines. From $119 per night. Includes:
* room service meal
* veterinarian approved healthy feast
* organic cotton bandana
* environmentally-friendly doggie toy
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LAS VEGAS
Resort & Casino Specials:
* 20th Anniversary Offer: 20% off rooms and up to 40% off golf!
* Mother's Day Special: Deluxe room rates from $80 per night!
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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 on $58 per day
* Walt Disney World room discount
* Disneyland California room discount
* Mother's Day Special at WDW Good Neighbor hotel
* Alaska cruise special
* Ireland on a budget
* Cruise with cash back
* Las Vegas Bellagio and Treasure Island room discounts
* Disneyland Paris vacation package discount
* Luxury cruise discount exclusively for police and firefighters
* Bahamas vacation packages
* New parties for Walt Disney World Resort guests
* Disney Caribbean Cruise sale
* Kids fly FREE to this California Theme Park
* $3 a day rental car deal
* SeaWorld Partner Hotel Special
* Bahamas Resort Special
* Antigua, Cancun, Jamaica, Costa Rica and Punta Cana packages
* Disneyland California ticket sale
* Disney Cruise Line discounts for Floridians and the military
* FREE night at Disney Deluxe Resort
* CityPass discount for Affordable Disney members
* Non-Disney theme park/cruise vacation packages
* BIG room discount at the Las Vegas Mirage Casino & Resort
* Orlando theme park vacation package
* California theme park promotion
* Legoland San Diego special
* Caribbean cruise deals
* Disney Cruise Line sale
* Disneyland California package deal
* Universal hotel discounts
* Disneyland California hotel special
* Universal Orlando discounted vacation packages
* SeaWorld Discovery Cove discounts
* Luxury Cruise promotion
* WDW luxury resort deal for residents of this northeast state
* FREE nights AND tickets at these hotels near Disney
* Orlando Theme Park Package with hotel and tickets to 3 parks
* Luxury Cruise Special: Kids sail from $99 and $250 to spend
* Disney World: $1375 for a family of four for 7 nights
* Advance Purchase Rates at this Orlando Luxury Resort Hotel
* Free Disneyland Gift Card valued up to $150
* 100 free upgrades in hotels all over the world
* Massive cruise sale with FREE air
* AMTRAK special for Florida Residents
* Walt Disney World 3 nights FREE
* Room discounts, FREE tickets and Package for military
* Room discounts and Package with Dining for Annual Passholders
* 2 Days for the Price of 1 at Universal Hollywood
* Unlimited visits throughout 2009 for $65 at SeaWorld San Diego
* Annual Pass deal for Florida Residents at Busch Gardens
* BIG Amtrak sale
* Downtown Disney Resort Hotel discount
* SeaWorld Hotel suite sale
* Kids eat FREE at Universal hotels
* Universal Blue Man Group discount
* Disneyland Annual Passes on a monthly payment plan
* Kids sail FREE on Disney cruise line
* Kids stay and play FREE at Disneyland Paris
* Disneyland California package with $150 Disney gift card
* Universal Hollywood All You Can Eat Pass
* Save 50% at these deluxe Walt Disney World resorts
* 2010 Disney cruises now booking
* Get a FREE ticket to the Walt Disney World theme parks in 2009
* Nickelodeon Family Cruise
* Kids eat FREE membership card
* Disney cruise early booking discounts
* Vegas Resort & Casino special
* Disney hotel room special for Floridians
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
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NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
A sneak peek inside Sanaa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Walt Disney World Resort Now on the iPhone & iPod Touch
Road rules for Disney with kids
Scenes from Stitch's SuperSonic Celebration set-up
20 secrets of Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney Resort Committed to Staying in Hawaii
WDI panel to be a high point of Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ 20th anniversary celebration
Yo ho: Pirate makeover coming to Magic Kingdom in June
Star Wars Weekends at Disney World
Disney's Florida parks report 6 injuries in 1st quarter of '09
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Grossology extended at Orlando Science Center, author to appear
Eden Espinosa Set to Sing New Disneyland Fireworks Spectacular 'MAGICAL' Theme Song
Officials at airport, theme parks say they're monitoring swine flu progress
New Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Roller Coaster Will Rock Universal Orlando Resort
Will Universal, SeaWorld combine forces?
May equals month of Manta at SeaWorld Orlando Rumor is that it will have a soft opening next week!
More from behind the walls at SeaWorld's Manta roller coaster
Clarification from Universal: Rockit debut in "late spring/early summer"
What does delay of Universal's Rockit mean for SeaWorld's Manta?
Universal pushes back opening of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit coaster
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Boutique is an expensive dream come true for aspiring princesses
Disneyland recycles old shows into Summer Nightastic
Disneyland Resort map - this one's interactive!
Plans unveiled for new Studio Disney 365 in Downtown Disney
Disneyland Resort Calendar
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DISNEYLAND TOKYO
WORD
Tokyo Disneyland has started up a new ride based on Walt Disney Pictures’ computer animation blockbuster Monsters, Inc
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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.
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Beth, our travel agent, writes about an interesting money saving strategy involving rental cars:
"The state of Florida needs a LOT of rental cars in the winter. Conversely, places up north that have little need all winter long need them badly in the summer. Thus the birth of the one-way car rental bargain. This time of year you can fly one way to Florida, have your vacation, then pick up a rental car and drive home. Not only can this extend your vacation a bit if you want it to, but also cut costs (as long as you're reasonable about your dining and accommodations on the way home).
For instance, four roundtrip plan tickets between Baltimore and Orlando would (as of this writing) cost you $636.80. Of course, at $69 + tax each way, this is an awesome deal. But what if you only purchased the tickets one way? That drops the cost to $318.40. On your final day, let's say that instead of flying home you go to the airport and pick up a rental car... a compact (not the smallest) for 72 hours (so you don't have to rush home). That's $105.61, for a total of $424 plus gas in roundtrip travel costs - and whatever you spend along the way. If you can drive straight through you can get the car for as little as $26.40 a day INCLUDING all taxes and fees!
Now, if you're a real road warrior and don't mind a drive, consider that taking the car back to Buffalo or even Minneapolis is that same $26.40 a day. And the rates for larger vehicles, while a little higher, are similarly discounted. Keep in mind I priced only one rental company located inside the MCO airport. I didn't even look at prices for the ones located off site (traditionally less expensive). I should also mention that you can get pricing like this all over the state, so if you're skipping Disney this year, but still want a vacation, let me know. Maybe we can get you a nice deal on the beach somewhere with a fly/drive offer.
Coming later in the year? The same phenomenon occurs in the opposite direction in late Fall/early winter as they try to get the necessary cars back into the state. So if you don't mind the drive, or can actually work it into your plans (Williamsburg for a day anyone?) give it some thought."
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Summer 2009 at Walt Disney World Resort -- The Season is the Reason to Celebrate, and Here are Some Ways: New Attraction to Idol-ize, Hail to the (New) Chief, What’s ‘Up’ at Downtown Disney, New Resort Experiences
From May through August 2009, summer simmers with exciting new attractions and experiences at Walt Disney World Resort. The smash TV hit "American Idol" inspires a new attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios while, at Magic Kingdom, a Liberty Square icon reopens its doors and street parties turn up the spirit as Disney’s "What Will You Celebrate?" hits full-stride. Treehouse lodging is back, Stars Wars Weekends let guests release their inner Jedi, Downtown Disney unwraps new fun – on the ground and in the air – and there’s music, music, music filling the air at Epcot …
Summer fun at "The American Idol Experience"
This marks the first summer of fun for "The American Idol Experience," which puts Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests in the spotlight, immersing them in the thrill of auditioning and performing or voting on their favorite musical performances.
Modeled after the famous "American Idol" television show, the newly opened Walt Disney World attraction makes dreams come true by showcasing the talents of park guests age 14 and older who have aced the auditions (audition slots are limited and interested guests are encouraged to arrive early or register online at www.disneyworld.com/idol).
Like the television show, fans – not the onstage judges – have the final say on who is deemed the best of the best. With seating to accommodate 1,000 audience members, the high-tech theater is wired so guests can vote for their favorite singer. There are several show times daily.
"What Will You Celebrate?" adds park fun, gifting option
As "What Will You Celebrate?" invites Disney Parks guests to turn personal milestones into magical Disney experiences, the ways for guests to customize and personalize a visit are seemingly endless – and growing! With everything from fireworks cruises, street parties and behind-the-scenes tours to specialty cakes and in-room decorations to choose from, guests have more choices as they ponder, "How will I celebrate?"
With all there is to do in Disney parks, guests can tailor a celebration with favorite attractions, favorite characters and special experiences. Thanks to new Web planning tools, learning about available choices and then customizing a "celebration vacation" itinerary is easier than ever. Through www.disneyparks.com, guests (or their travel agents) choose the celebration destination – Disneyland Resort in California or Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. With a click, they access an interactive online celebration "planner" to shop the many experiences that are a cornerstone of a "celebration vacation" at Disney parks – experiences that transform guests into the stars of their own party whether the occasion is a birthday, anniversary, Quinceañera, personal triumph or any celebration.
The icing on the cake of "What Will You Celebrate?": guests visiting one of the Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme parks on their birthday in 2009 get in free. More than two million people have already registered their birthday on the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Web sites. Already, the parks have welcomed birthday celebrants from quadruplets turning 4 to a milestone birthday of 107.
There is even a way to participate in a guest’s upcoming celebration visit when you can’t be there: by "gifting." The giver reviews the possibilities using the online planner, then calls a Disney Dream Maker to personalize and customize the gift. At Walt Disney World Resort, Dream Makers can be reached at 407/WDW-GIFT.
The fun is nonstop, too, with a party spirit stamping new shows in Magic Kingdom:
Everybody’s favorite galactic pal – the "Guru of Gross-Out," "the Maker of Mischief" – now stars in "Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration," a live stage spectacle (grand opening May 6) in Tomorrowland that celebrates everything worth celebrating around the universe in honor of "Galaxy Day." This interactive, retro-futuristic musical revue features an animated version of Stitch interacting live with Magic Kingdom guests. The show also stars Tip Trendo, "celebritainer" party host extraordinaire, the Galactic Girls, Tip’s deep space diva back-up dancers, a pair of hip-hop robots run amuck, all underscored by a space-pop soundtrack that will rock the cosmos! Several show times daily.
Floats, a cast of Disney characters, stilt walkers and more "move it" down Main Street, U.S.A. accompanied by high-energy tunes and an open invitation to guests to come join the fun during performances of "Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It!" street party. Near Cinderella Castle, Mad Hatter, Genie, Lumiere and Sebastian – the life and light of the party – pop out of four huge boxes that dominate the floats. They join about a dozen other Disney characters headed by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse to mix and mingle and dance in the street with Magic Kingdom guests during a 12- to 15-minute party that takes place three times daily.
New music, new costumes and changes to some of the floats are part of the afternoon Magic Kingdom parade, "Celebrate a Dream Come True." The procession through the park is an update to the former "Disney Dreams Come True" parade with more pauses – during which party dancers perform to get guests into a celebratory spirit – and with a grand marshal in the lead role of the procession.
The new theme park fun continues at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Epcot:
Khaki-clad cast – including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy – gather near Disney’s Animal Kingdom entrance each evening during park closing to bid farewell to guests with the music-filled Adventurers’ Celebration Gathering. Cast members shake their pom-poms and urge guests to join in the street-party fun by dancing to the music and forming a conga line procession while the Disney characters keep the beat from atop their safari vehicle.
Inspired by Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning "Kim Possible" animated series, Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventureinvites Epcot guests of all ages to take on the role of secret agents to save the world from various comical villains and their mad inventions. This ultra-interactive, high-tech adventure packed with mystery and excitement is offered in seven World Showcase pavilions.
‘Star Wars’ Weekends returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Once again, the power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine in May and June 2009 for Star Wars Weekends, a sci-fi fan-fest inspired by the popular film saga.
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 22-June 14, Disney’s Hollywood Studios becomes the temporary home for a band of out-of-this-world characters, including Wookiees, Sith, droids, Jedi, Ewoks, bounty hunters and Rodians. Dates are May 22-24, May 29-31, June 5-7 and June 12-14.
A giant, "A to Z" gathering of Star Wars characters – from Anakin Skywalker to Zam Wesell – roams the streets of the theme park during meet-and-greet sessions. Jedi Training Academy – one of the interactive entertainment experiences featured in the theme park – takes place throughout the day on the event’s main stage and allows young guests to learn from a Jedi Master before testing newly acquired skills in a battle with Darth Vader.
Also featured: the chance to purchase one-of-a-kind Star Wars memorabilia, Star Wars trivia contests, special Star Wars parades, rides on the famed Star Tours attraction, and autograph sessions and star conversations with famous Star Wars actors and creative geniuses.
Event activities are included in theme park admission. For more information, guests may go online to www.starwars.com or www.disneyworld.com/starwarsweekends.
Music is in the air at Epcot
Legendary music fills the air at Epcot during the summer of 2009 as the park hosts Flower Power concerts and Sounds Like Summer concerts at America Gardens Theatre.
From Chubby Checker & The Wildcats to Tony Orlando, a lineup of music hit-makers from the 1960s and 1970s will strike nostalgic notes each weekend in May during Flower Power concerts that are part of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival through May 31. The lineup also includes The Nelsons, Jose Feliciano and The 5th Dimension. Guest information is available at www.disneyworld.com/flower (click on "Concerts") or by calling 407/824-4321.
The whole family will be rockin’ and rollin’ when tribute bands recreate classic hits from musical icons under the stars as part of the Sounds Like Summer concert series daily June 15-Aug. 9. During the series, seven popular tribute bands will celebrate the music of the Bee Gees, Eagles, Bon Jovi, ABBA, the Supremes, U2 and Tom Petty. Concerts are included in regular Epcot admission. For more information, visit Disneyworld.com or call 407/824-4321.
The Pirates League sets sail in Magic Kingdom June 29
Calling all scoundrels, rogues and ne’er-do-wells – Captain Jack and the crew of the Black Pearl want YOU. Starting in late June, the Pearl drops anchor in Adventureland for The Pirates League, recruiting and training park guests of all ages in the scurrilous ways of buccaneers. Each guest checking in at the plunder-filled recruitment office gets an official pirate name. Next step is the Muster Station where – after applications of beards and eye patches, scarves and scars, earrings and gold teeth – the new recruits leave their old identities behind. Past a hidden portal and into the treasure cache, the new shipmates speak the pirate oath and have their official "pirate portrait" taken before being turned loose on an unsuspecting Adventureland – and no doubt feeling right at home at the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Boys, girls and grownups ready for the pirate life start the process by calling 407/WDW-CREW beginning May 11. Packages start at $49.95 plus tax.
Hall of Presidents to reopen in July; fireworks paint the skies July 4
A July reopening is planned for the Hall of Presidents, an iconic attraction in Magic Kingdom. An Audio-Animatronics version of President Barack Obama will join representations of the previous 43 presidents of the United States as part of an attraction that has been celebrating American history since Walt Disney World Resort opened in 1971. Disney Imagineers also are updating a broad array of show elements.
The star-spangled fun doesn’t stop there…
July Fourth is a grand celebration of all things America. What better patriotic place to be than Walt Disney World Resort as freedom rings from corner to corner of the Vacation Kingdom. "Disney’s Celebrate America!-A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky" will dazzle Magic Kingdom guests at 9 p.m. on the Fourth of July. That same park will feature a performance of the "SpectroMagic" nighttime parade, at 10:30 p.m. In the meantime, Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests are treated to a 9 p.m. performance of "Fantasmic!" while at Epcot, a holiday-inspired "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" bursts above World Showcase Lagoon at 10 p.m.
‘Picnic in the Park’ comes to Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Summer guests to Disney’s Animal Kingdom have a new casual option to restaurant mealtimes – "Picnic in the Park" for al fresco dining. The to-go meal includes either sandwiches or rotisserie chicken or ham. Meals include sides, desserts and bottled water for each guest. Prices range from $24.99 for a meal for three to $56.99 for a meal for six. Meals can be booked at the podium near the park entrance or, after 1 p.m., picnics can be ordered at Tusker House Restaurant. Picnics are ready for pick-up within two hours at the Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery in the park.
New and aloft at Downtown Disney: Characters in Flight
Ever imagined lofty, Tinker Bell views of Walt Disney World Resort and beyond? That dream is now possible. Downtown Disney treats guests to breathtaking, 360-degree panoramas with a new iconic attraction, Characters in Flight operated by Aerophile. The tethered gas balloon takes guests 400 feet into the air from the waterfront of Downtown Disney West Side near Pleasure Island. The 72-foot-diameter balloon can accommodate up to 30 guests at a time on a six-minute "flight" by day or night, weather permitting.
Characters in Flight made a spring debut, joining other newcomers at Downtown Disney for summer:
Tren-D – a hip new Downtown Disney Marketplace boutique with urban-inspired fashions.
Disney Design-a-Tee – presented by Hanes, inviting Marketplace guests to personalize the popular T-shirt souvenir to their own tastes.
T-Rex : A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover – a fun prehistoric environment millions of years in the making.
Paradiso 37, a Downtown Disney restaurant from E-Brands to feature a selection of menu offerings representing the 37 countries of the Americas.
On the RISE: New ESPN event at sports complex
The inaugural ESPN RISE Games presented by Target will take place July 19-25, 2009, at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex. The week-long event will be anchored by three invitation-only, elite high school sporting events: the AAU 17-under Boys Basketball Super Showcase, the Under Armour High School Softball All-American game, and a new high school football event – Champion Gridiron Kings – a 7-on-7 competition featuring skill position players. The event will also feature competitive youth sports – baseball (10U, 11U and 12U), basketball (10U, 12U and 14U), field hockey (14U, U16 and 19U) and track & field (14-18).
The ESPN RISE Games is expected to welcome 4,000 student athletes. Team enrollment for the event’s open basketball, baseball, field hockey and track & field programs is available. Additional information on the ESPN RISE Games presented by Target is available at www.espnrisegames.com.
Whole new world of lodging greets summer guests
New home-like accommodations presented by Disney Vacation Club are scheduled to debut in time for summer guests. New options will combine to revive "treehouse living" at Walt Disney World Resort, immerse guests in the African experience and offer up breathtaking views of Bay Lake and Cinderella Castle.
Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – Treehouse living, a cherished Walt Disney World tradition from 1975-2002, returns with the scheduled opening of 60 three-bedroom villas elevated 10 feet off the ground on pedestals and beams. Designed to blend into the forest glens where they are nestled, these vacation villas will sleep up to nine and provide Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa with a new room category.
Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Following the successful conversion of select rooms at Jambo House (at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge) into vacation villas in 2007, Kidani Village is taking shape (for phased openings scheduled in the spring and fall) with thatched roofs and a hewn timber design. Kidani means "necklace" in Swahili and the new building is shaped like a piece of native African jewelry with villas forming the beads, walkways creating the knots in between and the lobby representing the ornament or jewel at its center. With the planned spring opening also comes Sanaa, a new family dining location, featuring savannah views at select tables and serving familiar foods from tandoor ovens in addition to slow-cooked specialties with the flavorful spices of Africa and India.
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Scheduled to open late summer, Bay Lake Tower nestles beside Disney’s Contemporary Resort and will serve up a variety of views including grand vistas of lakes and land, such as Magic Kingdom, from its 295 two-bedroom equivalent villas. Planned amenities include a community hall, pool bar, in-room dining, tennis courts, a pool and a water play area.
Disney Vacation Club accommodations can be booked by anyone for overnight stays through www.disneyworld.com or by calling 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639).
Walt Disney World Resort debuts online check-in service
In time for summer, Walt Disney World Resort has launched Online Check-In Service, designed to simplify and streamline guest arrivals. The new service is complimentary and available to guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels and Disney Vacation Club resorts.
Within 10 days of their arrival dates, guests are able to provide check-in information, advise the resort of their arrival times and request room preferences (although those cannot be guaranteed). Guests can also register the names of all the people in their party and provide a credit card to cover charges at the resort hotel.
Upon arrival at their resorts, guests visit a special welcome location where their room keys and other registration material are waiting. Disney cast members are also available to provide additional information and answer questions.
Meeting professionals can also arrange private group check-in at a Disney resort convention center or other locations.
For more information about the new Online Check-In Service or to make a resort reservation, call
407/W-DISNEY or your local travel agent or click on disneyworld.com.
(Source: Press Release, 04/27/09)
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Lighting Up The Night With New Shows And A New Glow! Disneyland Resort Celebrates Summer Nightastic!
Disneyland Resort will glow like never before this summer as it debuts an all-new fireworks show, Magical, along with sensational new characters and effects that will brighten the Summer Nightastic! lineup of after-dark entertainment.
WHAT: Guests can see Disneyland Resort in a whole new light as Summer Nightastic! brings nighttime shows and parades to life – bigger, better and brighter. A huge new dragon and other special effects will highlight Fantasmic! Explosive surprises will illuminate the night sky in the all-new fireworks spectacular, Magical. Guests can rock the night away at a new dance club in Tomorrowland. Sparkling new magic comes to "Disney’s Electrical Parade," as well as to Pixie Hollow, the enchanting home Tinker Bell inhabits with her fairy friends.
WHEN: Nightly, beginning Friday, June 12, and continuing through Sunday, August 23, at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks. All shows and immersive experiences are free with park admission.
A BOLDER FANTASMIC!: Guests will find new thrills at the popular Fantasmic! on the Rivers of America in Frontierland. The evil Maleficent from "Sleeping Beauty" transforms into a 40-foot tall, fire-breathing dragon. Ursula the Sea Witch from "The Little Mermaid" introduces her pet eels, Flotsam and Jetsam, who slither into the show with new power. In addition, the Fantasmic! video projections practically leap off the giant mist screens, thanks to HD (high-definition) technology ... (in this case, HD takes on a new meaning - Huge Dragon).
AN EXPLODING CELEBRATION IN THE SKY: Magical is a new Disney fireworks spectacular created especially to celebrate Summer Nightastic! at Disneyland. Tinker Bell is once again your host, waving her wand to ignite the brilliant color, stunning special effects and charming music. But she won’t be alone in the sky this summer. Dumbo will make his surprise airborne debut in the new show. Tink’s sparkling touch awakens a fantastic array of Disney’s most magical characters, from Pinocchio to Mary Poppins to Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother, and the Three Good Fairies from "Sleeping Beauty."
NEW FLOATS BRING NEW MAGIC TO ‘DISNEY’S ELECTRICAL PARADE’: Everything about "Disney’s Electrical Parade" will have a new glow as Tinker Bell leads the way, waving from the basket of a magical balloon aboard a new opening parade float. The parade’s beloved music and floats will feature electrifying audio and lighting technologies, with sparkling pixie dust added to all the parade floats. Snow White and Pinocchio return to the parade this summer as well, after several years’ absence, riding bright new versions of their classic floats.
AN EXCITING NEW DANCE CLUB ‘IGNITES THE NIGHT’ IN TOMORROWLAND: Tweens, teens and families will be drawn to the TLT Dance Club at Tomorrowland Terrace in Disneyland. Dazzling décor will include an illuminated DJ console where the TLT Dance Club DJ will spin the hottest dance tunes, guaranteed to keep Tomorrowland rockin’ all night. Live bands and the hottest Southern California radio stations will appear on select nights throughout the summer.
PIXIE HOLLOW ENCHANTMENT: Tinker Bell and her friends have been welcoming guests into their Pixie Hollow home, tucked into the glen near the entrance to Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland, since fall of 2008. This summer, for the first time, nighttime visitors will find magical surprises as Pixie Hollow and the nearby pond come to life in iridescent light shows. Pixie dust cascades across the landscape and radiates down into the pond. Even the water becomes enchanted as playful fountains spring to life, pop jets perform with whimsical precision, and sparkling strobes shine throughout Pixie Hollow.
More information about Summer Nightastic! can be found at www.disneyland.com/summer. (Source: Press Release, 04/24/09)
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See You Real Soon!
John
AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
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posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 5:09 AM
