Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
April 15, 2009
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!
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=================================================
Hi Everyone!
NOTE: If you want to visit Walt Disney World when there is no deal for the general public, you will need to follow the discount strategies that are revealed in our online book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation," to make your vacation affordable.
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - New Disney sweepstakes, Disneyland Paris vacation package discount, luxury cruise discount exclusively for police and firefighters, and Bahamas vacation packages
* News from around the "World" - Picnic in Disney's Animal Kingdom
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about how to play the Disney game and new spring discounts coming
* Beth writes about Celebrity's newest ship, Solstice
* Bird’s-Eye View of Downtown Disney Area - Characters In Flight Ascends in April
* New Waterfront Eatery Opens at Downtown Disney Early May 2009
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
2 new sweeps added this week to win a Disney / Florida vacation! That makes 19 active sweepstakes and contests to win a Walt Disney World / Florida / Disneyland / Southern California vacation!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
# Kids under 7 can travel on Eurostar for FREE!
# Save up to 40% at Disneyland Resort Paris! Hurry! You must book today, April 15!
--------------------------------
EXCLUSIVELY FOR POLICE & FIREFIGHTERS
Active employees of local, state or federal law enforcement agencies or fire departments in the U.S. now can book a vacation with this luxury cruise line at fares up to 20% off the best prevailing rate on select sailings!
To qualify:
* Police or firefighters must provide valid proof of employment.
* At least one guest in the stateroom must be an active employee of local, state or federal law enforcement agency or fire department in the United States.
Beth writes: "Police and firefighters should request more information about specific rates. Some are really VERY good - and these are two upscale lines. Although children aren't prohibited, these lines make great honeymoons, R&R for weary, stressed parents, and anyone just looking for a relaxing (potentially romantic) getaway."
--------------------------------
VISIT THE BAHAMAS & GET $200 CASH BACK
Get a cash back rebate when you book a Bahamas vacation deal that includes air and a stay at any of the participating hotels on Nassau/Paradise Island, Grand Bahama, The Abacos, Andros, Bimini, Eleuthera or Long Island. Book by May 11, 2009. Travel by December 15, 2009.
=================================================
Below are just some of the deals drawn from over 50 pages of current specials posted at our password-protected members-only site:
* A week at Walt Disney World from $1375 for a family of four
* Walt Disney World on $58 per day
* 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
* Disneyland 4th night FREE
* 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
=================================================
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
Picnic in Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney updating menus and dining rooms
Woman dies in crash at Disney World
Disney World remains storm ready
Gonna fly now: Balloon nearly ready for guests at Downtown Disney
Remy's making the rounds at mealtime
High-tech fun at Epcot scroll down
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Titanic - The Experience marks 10 years in Orlando
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Games of Boardwalk now open along Paradise Pier
Propane-fueled Disneyland shuttle bus explodes
Trip Report: Princess boutique opens
Disneyland Resort Calendar
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
Magical fun with Mickey and friends at Disneyland Paris
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND HONG KONG
Battle of the Hong Kong Theme Parks - interesting comparison of the two competing parks: Ocean Park and Disneyland
--------------------------------
BRANSON, MISSOURI
Branson Takes Flight In 2009
--------------------------------
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 about how to play the Disney game and new spring discounts coming:
"'So, what's up with that 5-night minimum this year on the Free Dining offer?" I've gotten that question about ten times now so I thought I'd investigate. It turns out that this is like so many other Disney advertisements.... They WANT you to stay at least five nights, but (at least at this point) three nights is all that's truly required. If I try to book someone via the agent website I have to initially ask for five or more nights, but then I can modify the results. That's also true for people that want to stay beyond October 3. If I ask for a longer stay outright the request is rejected, but I can ask for something else and then modify the results to what I really want. Yet another example of learning how to play the Disney Game.
Here's some happy news... I learned today that there will be another round of SPRING discounts out this week. I didn't get details, but if I had to guess I'd say they will come out Wednesday or Thursday. Sorry - wish I had more to say, but that's it so far. If you're still pondering a trip in May or even June, let me know as soon as possible. I think the space will fill fast." Members should log in for Beth's contact info.
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
CELEBRITY'S SOLSTICE
"The weekend of March 21 I had the opportunity to tour Celebrity's newest ship, Solstice. Now, understand that I'm a real fan of Princess Cruises, so I look at the competition with a very critical eye. We boarded in Ft. Lauderdale, right next to where the port is constructing new areas for Royal Caribbean's mammoth Oasis of the Seas (due out in December). It's dusty and noisy outside - and pure warehouse inside. I can't be too hard on them about the unappealing check-in area, though, because it looks just like what Princess has there. I will say that the lines to check in were pretty much non-existent. The boarding ramp was at such a steep incline that someone in a wheelchair or using a walker - or with any mobility challenges at all - would have a hard time. Once onboard, though, the atmosphere was much different.
The ship, which arrived here in November of last year, has some very interesting public spaces. My ship decor taste leans toward dark woods, crystal, brass, and rich jewel tones. There are a few areas that use that theme, but then they also have funky sculptures and/or very contemporary lighting. Most public areas lean towards what I call South Beach chic: cool tones of icy aqua and mint green, LOTS of white, heavy on the chrome and glass, and yards and yards of sheer and/or gauzy window treatment. It's not that it's not attractive; it's just not my cup of tea. Think 'elegant spa resort at sea' - which is fitting. Read on.
Speaking of tea, the pastries on display at a few of the alternative dining locations looked heavenly. (Celebrity has a reputation for having the best pastries at sea.) There are a number of alternative dining locations (additional fees from $5 up apply for most) if you're not in the mood for the formal dining room each night, and the buffet area we all know and love is there as well. The lunch we were served was quite good, and the service was great. I suspect the main dining room is probably very noisy during meal times, but the decor is unique and - again - tres chic. I'd love to try the alternative restaurant Silk Harvest that offers Chinese/Japanese/Thai fusion cuisine, as well as Bistro on Five which serves, among other things, crepes that smell amazing.
The ship is best known for being the first to have real grass. I know what you're thinking... and I think the same thing. Why???? No one can give me a good answer. I can tell you, though, that there's a good bit of deck space dedicated to this green area, and they're now on their third type of grass. (The first two couldn't handle the intense sun and the saltiness of the sea.) If you want, you can kick off your shoes and enjoy another first at sea: glass blowers. Yes, really. Again, I'm not sure why, but there's a small theatre of sorts set up so that folks from the Corning Museum of Glass can entertain you with their glass blowing talents.
The cabins of this class of ship were designed based largely on the input of a panel of five women: a frequent cruiser, a travel writer, a travel agent, someone who'd never cruised, and a hotelier. Their ideas resulted in a larger bathroom, fog-free mirrors, space under the beds for storage, and more. The cabins are supposed to be larger than most at sea, but those I toured with all agreed that they actually feel smaller. That is, perhaps, due to the layout that some cabins have: the sitting area and then the bed (closest to the outer wall/balcony) as opposed to the other way around which somehow appears larger. The deck plans aren't that specific, so unless you know someone that knows the ship and its cabins really well, it's luck of the draw.
Another first (for Celebrity, at least) is a special class known as Aqua Class. These passengers have rooms that look like all the others, but with some extra perks (upgraded shower heads, daily bottled water, a special room service menu, and so forth). They also have access to an area of the spa known as the Relaxation Room which is really just very comfy lounges in a nice, quiet room with a lovely view. Aqua Class guests also have a spa concierge (although spa treatments cost extra) and are assigned to the super-exclusive restaurant called Blu instead of the main dining room.
Aqua Class guests may choose to dine elsewhere from time to time, space permitting, and if they do then their unoccupied seats at Blu are offered to those in suites. If you're not Aqua Class or in a suite you have zero chance of getting into Blu. It's an attractive, intimate dining room and I'm sure the food and service are excellent, but my fellow agents and I decided that you'd have to be a real spa fan to think it's worth the extra bucks for Aqua Class. For Celebrity's sake, I hope the idea goes over well because two more identical ships are on the way!
Other notes: The children's areas are not nearly as nice as what's available on the newer Princess ships (or even Carnival and Royal Caribbean, for that matter). They do have them, though, and children who don't have anything to compare to would probably be happy. The teen area seems well done and should please most. This is really more of a 'grown up' ship, though. The main theatre is nicely done. The seats are comfy and there are very few 'bad spots' in the room. One of the shows includes some aerial work, and the facility seems well suited to that sort of thing. We all loved the big hammocks in the main pool area. There just aren't nearly enough of them! There are some cushy-looking double lounges (already very spotted and in need of cleaning or replacement) that look great, but I suspect that people are up there at the crack of dawn staking out those lounge chairs for the day. I hate that!
All in all, this is a very nice ship and I'd be willing to give it a go - for the right price, of course. This ship heads to Europe on April 19, but will be back next Fall."
Members should log in and contact Beth for booking cruises on Celebrity's Solstice.
=================================================
New Waterfront Eatery Opens at Downtown Disney Early May 2009
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Paradiso 37, a high-energy restaurant and bar featuring cuisine from North, South and Central America, welcomes guests to its table in May at Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort.
The lakeside eatery will offer a delectable variety of menu offerings representing the 37 countries of the Americas, plus an international wine bar, 37 varieties of tequila and 10 signature frozen margaritas.
The new concept was developed by Orlando-based E-Brands Restaurant Group, a multi-concept restaurant group which currently owns and operates Timpano Chophouse, Samba Room, Taqueria Canonita, Aquaknox, David Burke, Salsa Orlando and Canonita Express in a number of locations across the United States.
The lively Downtown Disney restaurant will feature nightly entertainment and will be open daily from 11 a.m. until late night. (Source: Press Release, 04/08/09)
=================================================
Anyone Up for Bird’s-Eye View of Downtown Disney Area is in for a Treat as Characters In Flight Ascends in April
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - The fun soars to new heights at Downtown Disney West Side with an iconic new tethered balloon that takes guests on ascents of up to 400 feet above the waterfront.
Characters In Flight operated by Aerophile is a 72-foot-diameter balloon with a whimsical design featuring silhouettes of a dozen of Disney’s "flying characters" - such as Mary Poppins, Peter Pan and Dumbo. The vibrantly colored balloon can lift up to 30 guests at a time on a six-minute trip – thanks to its enclosed volume of 210,000 cubic feet of lighter-than-air gas. The ascents, by day or night, provide guests with an unparalleled, 360-degree view of up to 10 miles.
Guests board a gondola beneath the 105-foot-high balloon from a landing platform on Village Lake at the end of the main promenade at Downtown Disney West Side. Riders can catch flights seven days a week. Hours Sunday-Thursday are 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. while ascents Friday-Saturday are 10:30 a.m.-midnight. Tickets ($16 for ages 10-up and $10 for ages 3-9) can be purchased on site. Availability is on first-come, first-serve basis.
For more information about Walt Disney World Resort, visit Disneyworld.com. (Source: Press Release, 04/08/09)
=================================================
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.
--------------------------------
Own a piece of the Magic Kingdom
Disney framed stock certificates are works of art. They feature Walt Disney and the Disney characters. Unlike stock brokers that require you to purchase several shares of stock, OneShare sells one share of stock and mails you the certificate. You can frame the stock certificate yourself or OneShare will frame if for you at a nominal cost. Click here.
=============================================
See You Real Soon!
John
AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
=============================================
Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the accuracy of information contained in THE DISNEY NEWS. Always check to be sure. The views and opinions expressed by others in THE DISNEY NEWS do not necessarily reflect the views of AffordableDisney.Com.
=============================================
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
April 15, 2009
Copyright © 1999 - 2009 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
To subscribe to Affordable Disney's blog, click the following
icon:
Or copy and paste the following URL into your RSS Reader:
http://affordabledisney.blogspot.com/atom.xml
: My Yahoo! users can instantly add our blogcontent to My Yahoo! Add My Yahoo!
: You can also subscribe to our blog at MSN! Add to My MSN!
=================================================
Hi Everyone!
NOTE: If you want to visit Walt Disney World when there is no deal for the general public, you will need to follow the discount strategies that are revealed in our online book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation," to make your vacation affordable.
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - New Disney sweepstakes, Disneyland Paris vacation package discount, luxury cruise discount exclusively for police and firefighters, and Bahamas vacation packages
* News from around the "World" - Picnic in Disney's Animal Kingdom
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about how to play the Disney game and new spring discounts coming
* Beth writes about Celebrity's newest ship, Solstice
* Bird’s-Eye View of Downtown Disney Area - Characters In Flight Ascends in April
* New Waterfront Eatery Opens at Downtown Disney Early May 2009
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
2 new sweeps added this week to win a Disney / Florida vacation! That makes 19 active sweepstakes and contests to win a Walt Disney World / Florida / Disneyland / Southern California vacation!
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
# Kids under 7 can travel on Eurostar for FREE!
# Save up to 40% at Disneyland Resort Paris! Hurry! You must book today, April 15!
--------------------------------
EXCLUSIVELY FOR POLICE & FIREFIGHTERS
Active employees of local, state or federal law enforcement agencies or fire departments in the U.S. now can book a vacation with this luxury cruise line at fares up to 20% off the best prevailing rate on select sailings!
To qualify:
* Police or firefighters must provide valid proof of employment.
* At least one guest in the stateroom must be an active employee of local, state or federal law enforcement agency or fire department in the United States.
Beth writes: "Police and firefighters should request more information about specific rates. Some are really VERY good - and these are two upscale lines. Although children aren't prohibited, these lines make great honeymoons, R&R for weary, stressed parents, and anyone just looking for a relaxing (potentially romantic) getaway."
--------------------------------
VISIT THE BAHAMAS & GET $200 CASH BACK
Get a cash back rebate when you book a Bahamas vacation deal that includes air and a stay at any of the participating hotels on Nassau/Paradise Island, Grand Bahama, The Abacos, Andros, Bimini, Eleuthera or Long Island. Book by May 11, 2009. Travel by December 15, 2009.
=================================================
Below are just some of the deals drawn from over 50 pages of current specials posted at our password-protected members-only site:
* A week at Walt Disney World from $1375 for a family of four
* Walt Disney World on $58 per day
* 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
* Disneyland 4th night FREE
* 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
=================================================
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
Picnic in Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney updating menus and dining rooms
Woman dies in crash at Disney World
Disney World remains storm ready
Gonna fly now: Balloon nearly ready for guests at Downtown Disney
Remy's making the rounds at mealtime
High-tech fun at Epcot scroll down
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Titanic - The Experience marks 10 years in Orlando
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Games of Boardwalk now open along Paradise Pier
Propane-fueled Disneyland shuttle bus explodes
Trip Report: Princess boutique opens
Disneyland Resort Calendar
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
Magical fun with Mickey and friends at Disneyland Paris
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND HONG KONG
Battle of the Hong Kong Theme Parks - interesting comparison of the two competing parks: Ocean Park and Disneyland
--------------------------------
BRANSON, MISSOURI
Branson Takes Flight In 2009
--------------------------------
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 about how to play the Disney game and new spring discounts coming:
"'So, what's up with that 5-night minimum this year on the Free Dining offer?" I've gotten that question about ten times now so I thought I'd investigate. It turns out that this is like so many other Disney advertisements.... They WANT you to stay at least five nights, but (at least at this point) three nights is all that's truly required. If I try to book someone via the agent website I have to initially ask for five or more nights, but then I can modify the results. That's also true for people that want to stay beyond October 3. If I ask for a longer stay outright the request is rejected, but I can ask for something else and then modify the results to what I really want. Yet another example of learning how to play the Disney Game.
Here's some happy news... I learned today that there will be another round of SPRING discounts out this week. I didn't get details, but if I had to guess I'd say they will come out Wednesday or Thursday. Sorry - wish I had more to say, but that's it so far. If you're still pondering a trip in May or even June, let me know as soon as possible. I think the space will fill fast." Members should log in for Beth's contact info.
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
CELEBRITY'S SOLSTICE
"The weekend of March 21 I had the opportunity to tour Celebrity's newest ship, Solstice. Now, understand that I'm a real fan of Princess Cruises, so I look at the competition with a very critical eye. We boarded in Ft. Lauderdale, right next to where the port is constructing new areas for Royal Caribbean's mammoth Oasis of the Seas (due out in December). It's dusty and noisy outside - and pure warehouse inside. I can't be too hard on them about the unappealing check-in area, though, because it looks just like what Princess has there. I will say that the lines to check in were pretty much non-existent. The boarding ramp was at such a steep incline that someone in a wheelchair or using a walker - or with any mobility challenges at all - would have a hard time. Once onboard, though, the atmosphere was much different.
The ship, which arrived here in November of last year, has some very interesting public spaces. My ship decor taste leans toward dark woods, crystal, brass, and rich jewel tones. There are a few areas that use that theme, but then they also have funky sculptures and/or very contemporary lighting. Most public areas lean towards what I call South Beach chic: cool tones of icy aqua and mint green, LOTS of white, heavy on the chrome and glass, and yards and yards of sheer and/or gauzy window treatment. It's not that it's not attractive; it's just not my cup of tea. Think 'elegant spa resort at sea' - which is fitting. Read on.
Speaking of tea, the pastries on display at a few of the alternative dining locations looked heavenly. (Celebrity has a reputation for having the best pastries at sea.) There are a number of alternative dining locations (additional fees from $5 up apply for most) if you're not in the mood for the formal dining room each night, and the buffet area we all know and love is there as well. The lunch we were served was quite good, and the service was great. I suspect the main dining room is probably very noisy during meal times, but the decor is unique and - again - tres chic. I'd love to try the alternative restaurant Silk Harvest that offers Chinese/Japanese/Thai fusion cuisine, as well as Bistro on Five which serves, among other things, crepes that smell amazing.
The ship is best known for being the first to have real grass. I know what you're thinking... and I think the same thing. Why???? No one can give me a good answer. I can tell you, though, that there's a good bit of deck space dedicated to this green area, and they're now on their third type of grass. (The first two couldn't handle the intense sun and the saltiness of the sea.) If you want, you can kick off your shoes and enjoy another first at sea: glass blowers. Yes, really. Again, I'm not sure why, but there's a small theatre of sorts set up so that folks from the Corning Museum of Glass can entertain you with their glass blowing talents.
The cabins of this class of ship were designed based largely on the input of a panel of five women: a frequent cruiser, a travel writer, a travel agent, someone who'd never cruised, and a hotelier. Their ideas resulted in a larger bathroom, fog-free mirrors, space under the beds for storage, and more. The cabins are supposed to be larger than most at sea, but those I toured with all agreed that they actually feel smaller. That is, perhaps, due to the layout that some cabins have: the sitting area and then the bed (closest to the outer wall/balcony) as opposed to the other way around which somehow appears larger. The deck plans aren't that specific, so unless you know someone that knows the ship and its cabins really well, it's luck of the draw.
Another first (for Celebrity, at least) is a special class known as Aqua Class. These passengers have rooms that look like all the others, but with some extra perks (upgraded shower heads, daily bottled water, a special room service menu, and so forth). They also have access to an area of the spa known as the Relaxation Room which is really just very comfy lounges in a nice, quiet room with a lovely view. Aqua Class guests also have a spa concierge (although spa treatments cost extra) and are assigned to the super-exclusive restaurant called Blu instead of the main dining room.
Aqua Class guests may choose to dine elsewhere from time to time, space permitting, and if they do then their unoccupied seats at Blu are offered to those in suites. If you're not Aqua Class or in a suite you have zero chance of getting into Blu. It's an attractive, intimate dining room and I'm sure the food and service are excellent, but my fellow agents and I decided that you'd have to be a real spa fan to think it's worth the extra bucks for Aqua Class. For Celebrity's sake, I hope the idea goes over well because two more identical ships are on the way!
Other notes: The children's areas are not nearly as nice as what's available on the newer Princess ships (or even Carnival and Royal Caribbean, for that matter). They do have them, though, and children who don't have anything to compare to would probably be happy. The teen area seems well done and should please most. This is really more of a 'grown up' ship, though. The main theatre is nicely done. The seats are comfy and there are very few 'bad spots' in the room. One of the shows includes some aerial work, and the facility seems well suited to that sort of thing. We all loved the big hammocks in the main pool area. There just aren't nearly enough of them! There are some cushy-looking double lounges (already very spotted and in need of cleaning or replacement) that look great, but I suspect that people are up there at the crack of dawn staking out those lounge chairs for the day. I hate that!
All in all, this is a very nice ship and I'd be willing to give it a go - for the right price, of course. This ship heads to Europe on April 19, but will be back next Fall."
Members should log in and contact Beth for booking cruises on Celebrity's Solstice.
=================================================
New Waterfront Eatery Opens at Downtown Disney Early May 2009
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Paradiso 37, a high-energy restaurant and bar featuring cuisine from North, South and Central America, welcomes guests to its table in May at Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort.
The lakeside eatery will offer a delectable variety of menu offerings representing the 37 countries of the Americas, plus an international wine bar, 37 varieties of tequila and 10 signature frozen margaritas.
The new concept was developed by Orlando-based E-Brands Restaurant Group, a multi-concept restaurant group which currently owns and operates Timpano Chophouse, Samba Room, Taqueria Canonita, Aquaknox, David Burke, Salsa Orlando and Canonita Express in a number of locations across the United States.
The lively Downtown Disney restaurant will feature nightly entertainment and will be open daily from 11 a.m. until late night. (Source: Press Release, 04/08/09)
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Anyone Up for Bird’s-Eye View of Downtown Disney Area is in for a Treat as Characters In Flight Ascends in April
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - The fun soars to new heights at Downtown Disney West Side with an iconic new tethered balloon that takes guests on ascents of up to 400 feet above the waterfront.
Characters In Flight operated by Aerophile is a 72-foot-diameter balloon with a whimsical design featuring silhouettes of a dozen of Disney’s "flying characters" - such as Mary Poppins, Peter Pan and Dumbo. The vibrantly colored balloon can lift up to 30 guests at a time on a six-minute trip – thanks to its enclosed volume of 210,000 cubic feet of lighter-than-air gas. The ascents, by day or night, provide guests with an unparalleled, 360-degree view of up to 10 miles.
Guests board a gondola beneath the 105-foot-high balloon from a landing platform on Village Lake at the end of the main promenade at Downtown Disney West Side. Riders can catch flights seven days a week. Hours Sunday-Thursday are 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. while ascents Friday-Saturday are 10:30 a.m.-midnight. Tickets ($16 for ages 10-up and $10 for ages 3-9) can be purchased on site. Availability is on first-come, first-serve basis.
For more information about Walt Disney World Resort, visit Disneyworld.com. (Source: Press Release, 04/08/09)
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