Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
August 19, 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!
Add to My MSN!
=================================================
Hi Everyone!
Regarding Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties:
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "Travel agents can now book Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties. Tickets are booked separately from your reservation, so we can book it for you even if you didn’t book your primary reservation through us. Ask for details." Affordable Disney members should log in for Beth's contact info.
NOTE: If you want to visit Walt Disney World when there is no deal for the general public, you will need to follow the discount strategies that are revealed in our online book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation," to make your vacation affordable.
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - Downtown Disney Resort Hotel deal, Disney discounts for Floridians, Canadian Rail vacation package, Florida Island Resort special, and 2 Las Vegas Resort & Casino specials
* News from around the "World":
Third Disney employee dies in just over month
* Investigation continues in Disney performer's death
* Ragu Bolognese recipe from Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
* Dateline Disney: September-October 2009
* Adventures By Disney - 2010 Destinations Overview
* Adventures by Disney Invites Families to Experience the World
* Thieves Busted In Multi-Park Ticket Scam
* Universal Orlando Resort Rock The Universe 2009
* Theme Park Ranger rides Universal's new roller coaster
* Some airlines raise fees for checked bags again
* Where to find free Wi-Fi spots in Central Florida
* ‘Behind the Magic’ at Disneyland’s D23 EXPO, Sept. 10-13
* Will Disney Unveil Star Tours 2.0 at D23 Expo?
* Disneyland parking lot set for third theme park site
* Major makeovers coming to Disneyland hotels
* Refreshing new views on the Magic Kingdom at Disneyland Paris
* Earl of Sandwich next in Disney Village at Disneyland Paris?
* Walt Disney is out, Princesses are in at Disneyland Paris
* Disneyland Paris' New Generation Festival: 2010 details leaked
* It’s Party Time at Disneyland Paris… until August 2010?
* Maritime previews from Blockbuster Café at Disneyland Paris
* Wild West Show at Disneyland Paris - in under 90 minutes
* This week in Las Vegas
* Branson Calendar of Events
* Company to build Nickelodeon-themed park in New Orleans
* Gallery of travel photos by readers of the Orlando Sentinel
* 7 great spots and one favorite snack to get you thru Hong Kong
* Poipu, Hawaii - A picture perfect island vacation
* Off to see the Oz Museum
* Grand Rapids: A relaxed urban getaway
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
# Downtown Disney Resort September Deal - September Rates only from $54 per night. Save more than $50 per day! Available from 09/01/2009 to 09/30/2009. Includes:
* FREE Daily Breakfast Buffet for 2 children w/ 1 regular price paying adult - save $11 per child per day!
* FREE Transportation to Walt Disney World Theme Parks - save $12 per day (daily Disney parking cost)!
* Breakfast includes Disney Character Breakfast on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
Plus! Special Discount for Repeat Guests - save $25 per day with this 15% off their Best Available Rate discount! Available from 07/17/2009 to 12/31/2009.
* Save $22 per child per day with Kids eat Free Breakfast and Dinner added values including the Disney Character Breakfast
* Save $12 per day (daily Disney parking cost) by using FREE transportation to the Disney Theme Parks
* Breakfast includes Disney Character Breakfast on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
********************************
# Florida residents save at Disney Resorts, Cirque du Soleil. Epcot and golf!
# Downtown Disney Resort Hotel Room Rate is ONLY $49! Promotion ends Friday August 21. Must Stay between August 23 to August 31.
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Resort Hotel Special: From $87, per person, per day! Includes Disney hotel. tickets, savings card and more!
--------------------------------
CANADIAN RAIL VACATION PACKAGE
Book a round-trip rail journey and receive a $50 souvenir credit. Beth writes: "Great deal on a very unique vacation. Perfect when you need a shorter trip or want to extend your Alaskan cruise."
--------------------------------
FLORIDA ISLAND RESORT SPECIAL
From $149 per night. Receive your 4th night free with minimum three-night consecutive stay, discounts on tennis and golf, plus kids eat breakfast free. Plus, book by August 31 and receive a free night certificate for a future stay! Beth writes: "Gorgeous resort island; completely rebuilt after Hurricane Charley five years ago. This is a wonderful deal, and if you’re looking for a beach stay along with your Disney trip you can’t beat it."
--------------------------------
2 LAS VEGAS RESORT & CASINO SPECIALS
# Escape this fall. Packages from just $129/nt. Promotion Runs August 17, 2009 - December 15, 2009. Offer Expires September 7, 2009. Includes:
* $50 golf credit
* $50 resort credit
* $25 Spa credit
* 2 complimentary club admissions
* Complimentary bottle of wine after arrival
# 4th night FREE!
That’s right stay four nights for the price of three. Includes Fun Book filled with added coupons (valued at $100). Plus! All you can eat for $20 per day! Promotion Runs September 7, 2009 - October 31, 2009. Offer Expires October 28, 2009.
=================================================
Below are just some of the deals drawn from over 70 pages of current specials posted at our password-protected members-only site:
* BIG Downtown Disney Resort Hotel discount
* Walt Disney World luxury resort $99 per night
* FREE dining at Walt Disney World
* Save 35% on Walt Disney World hotel rooms
* Cirque du Soleil discount
* Marriott summer deal
* Universal Orlando Resorts half off strategy
* American Idol Experience options
* Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
* Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
* Orlando resort vacation package for dog owners
* Disneyland ticket deal for locals
* Disneyland Paris vacation package discount
* Luxury cruise discount exclusively for police and firefighters
* New parties for Walt Disney World Resort guests
* SeaWorld Partner Hotel Special
* CityPass discount for Affordable Disney members
* FREE night at Disney Deluxe Resort
* Disney Cruise Line discounts for Floridians and the military
* Non-Disney theme park/cruise vacation packages
* New source for discounted Disney Villas
* SeaWorld San Diego ticket deal
* Walt Disney World discounts for passholders and Floridians
* Las Vegas room discounts
* Universal hotel discounts
* Disneyland California hotel special
* Universal Orlando discounted vacation packages
* SeaWorld Discovery Cove discounts
* Orlando Theme Park Package
* Room discounts and FREE tickets for the military
* 2 Days for the Price of 1 at Universal Hollywood
* Downtown Disney Resort Hotel discount
* Kids eat FREE at Universal hotels
* Universal Blue Man Group discount
* Disneyland Annual Passes on a monthly payment plan
* Kids stay and play FREE at Disneyland Paris
* 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
* Super Branson promotion
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
Third Disney employee dies in just over month
Investigation continues in Disney performer's death
Ragu Bolognese recipe from The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
Dateline Disney - September-October 2009
Adventures By Disney - 2010 Destinations Overview
Adventures by Disney Invites Families to Experience the World in 2010
Thieves Busted In Multi-Park Ticket Scam
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Universal Orlando Resort Combines The Biggest Names In Christian Rock With Unforgettable Theme Park Thrills For Rock The Universe 2009
Theme Park Ranger takes ride on Universal's new roller coaster, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Some airlines raise fees for checked bags again
Where to find free Wi-Fi spots in Central Florida
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Will Disney Unveil Star Tours 2.0 at D23 Expo?
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to Offer a Glimpse ‘Behind the Magic’ at Disney’s D23 EXPO, Sept. 10-13
Disney parking lot set for third theme park site
Major makeovers coming to Disney hotels
Disneyland Resort Calendar
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
Refreshing new views on the Magic Kingdom
Earl of Sandwich next to seize land in Disney Village?
Walt Disney is out, Princesses are in
Disney’s New Generation Festival: 2010 details leaked
It’s Party Time… until August 2010?
More maritime previews from Blockbuster Café
Wild West Show - in under 90 minutes, please
--------------------------------
BRANSON, MO
Branson Calendar of Events
--------------------------------
LAS VEGAS
This Week in Las Vegas
--------------------------------
MORE VACATION SPOTS
Company to build Nickelodeon-themed park in New Orleans
View gallery of travel photos sent in by readers and printed in the Orlando Sentinel. - just beautiful!
Seven great spots and one favorite snack to get you through Hong Kong
Poipu, Hawaii - A picture perfect island vacation
Off to see the Oz Museum
Grand Rapids: A relaxed urban getaway
=================================================
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 addres
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, writes about a Universal deal, 2010 Disney tickets, Disney dining, booking Disney World and Disneyland vacations, Caribbean Beach vs Beach Club, and Magical Express times:
"In case you received a Loews 'free night deal' the deal does not apply to the Universal Orlando resorts. Royal Pacific and Portofino. (Note from John: However, we do have a nice deal for those hotels, so members should log in and see UNIVERSAL SPECIALS in Addendum 2 for details.)
No, the new ticket pricing doesn’t apply to you if you’re traveling on a package in 2009. The rates apply only to 2010 packages and/or tickets that are purchased separately from the room.
Based on the questions I’ve had this week, it’s apparently time once again to remind everyone that Disney World park tickets include admission to the four theme parks ONLY. That’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Hollywood Studios. If you want to visit a water park, Disney Quest, or Wide World of Sports (or golf on the Oak Trail course) you can pay separately at the door/gate, or you can add the Water Park Fun and More option to your ticket. This is a good value if you will use at least two admissions to the places previously listed. Given that the option costs will over $50 per person and that very few families I book have the time and/or desire to visit these locations, I do not automatically include the Water Park option in my quotes. My crystal ball is broken and my ESP hasn’t been very accurate lately so make sure you TELL ME if you’re interested in adding it.
Don’t panic if your favorite restaurants don’t yet appear on the 2010 dining plan list. There are always a few that wait to renew their contracts until the last possible minute (most notably, a few of the Epcot locations). There’s no reason at this point to think that the 2009 participants won’t all be back next year.
And speaking of dining… The 2010 Quick Service plan cost is up $1 for kids (ages 3-9) and $3 for adults to $9.99 and $31.99 respectively. The Basic plan has a more complicated pricing. In value and regular seasons the cost increases $1 for children, $3 for adults, to $11.99 and $41.99 respectively. During peak, summer and holiday seasons the rates are $5 more for adults and $1 more for kids. The cost of the Deluxe plan remains the same as this year: $20.99 for children and $71.99 for adults. Inclusions for the plans are the same as this year EXCEPT that children will now get an appetizer with lunch or dinner at full-service locations. Gratuities are still not included.
I was reminded again today of just how different Disneyland and Disney World are run. To the casual observer they may seem very similar, but I find they really have far more differences than similarities – and Disneyland is not NEARLY as guest-friendly as Disney World. I won’t give you a laundry list, but I will say this: if you consider yourself a Disney World pro and you decide to trek on over to Anaheim just to check the place out, do not take ANYTHING for granted. Read every word of the terms and conditions of your reservation/package because you may be shocked at how they deal with changes, cancellations, lost or missing tickets, service fees and so on. Pixie dust is in slim supply with their Guest Communications department and they will not take pity on you for being ignorant of the rules. Consider yourself forewarned!
And finally, please remember that regardless of how you book your vacation, you need to get everything in writing BEFORE you pay anything, and go over every detail. Triple check your dates. Be certain names are spelled correctly (especially if place tickets are involved). Check your mailing address. If you have the park hopping or water park options added to your tickets the confirmation will say so; if it doesn’t say it then you don’t have it, so fix it before you pay. Be sure the room type listed is the type you want. If you’ll be using Magical Express (airport transportation) then the confirmation should say it’s been added. There’s no charge for it and they’ll probably let you on the bus even without it being listed, but better to play it safe.
If you’re quoted a price on a Disney vacation that includes a stay in a Disney-owned hotel and it comes in hundreds of dollars lower than any other quote you’ve gotten then there’s potentially a problem. While AAA agencies can sometimes get their members discounts on packages that can’t be had through any other source, that’s pretty much the only exception to the rule. A big price difference is usually due to: miscommunication (you thought something was included in the price, but it’s not); the wrong hotel or room type was quoted; or park hopping and/or water parks wasn’t added. So I say again, GET IT IN WRITING and review every detail.
Caribbean Beach Resort and the Beach Club Resort are ***NOT*** the same hotel! They’re apples and oranges when it comes to hotels, so know the difference. (Caribbean Beach Resort is the moderately priced hotel with some new pirate-themed rooms. Beach Club is a deluxe resort with the coolest pool on property and it’s within walking distance of Epcot and the Studios.)
Don’t panic if your Magical Express times aren’t listed on your paperwork, or show up as 12:00."
=================================================
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
By the same author: "Achieving Weight Loss through the Prayers of the Divine Office of the Virgin Mary." True peace with food can only come from establishing a close relationship with God. Click here to download your FREE copy.
--------------------------------
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 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
August 19, 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!
Regarding Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties:
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "Travel agents can now book Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties. Tickets are booked separately from your reservation, so we can book it for you even if you didn’t book your primary reservation through us. Ask for details." Affordable Disney members should log in for Beth's contact info.
NOTE: If you want to visit Walt Disney World when there is no deal for the general public, you will need to follow the discount strategies that are revealed in our online book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation," to make your vacation affordable.
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - Downtown Disney Resort Hotel deal, Disney discounts for Floridians, Canadian Rail vacation package, Florida Island Resort special, and 2 Las Vegas Resort & Casino specials
* News from around the "World":
Third Disney employee dies in just over month
* Investigation continues in Disney performer's death
* Ragu Bolognese recipe from Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
* Dateline Disney: September-October 2009
* Adventures By Disney - 2010 Destinations Overview
* Adventures by Disney Invites Families to Experience the World
* Thieves Busted In Multi-Park Ticket Scam
* Universal Orlando Resort Rock The Universe 2009
* Theme Park Ranger rides Universal's new roller coaster
* Some airlines raise fees for checked bags again
* Where to find free Wi-Fi spots in Central Florida
* ‘Behind the Magic’ at Disneyland’s D23 EXPO, Sept. 10-13
* Will Disney Unveil Star Tours 2.0 at D23 Expo?
* Disneyland parking lot set for third theme park site
* Major makeovers coming to Disneyland hotels
* Refreshing new views on the Magic Kingdom at Disneyland Paris
* Earl of Sandwich next in Disney Village at Disneyland Paris?
* Walt Disney is out, Princesses are in at Disneyland Paris
* Disneyland Paris' New Generation Festival: 2010 details leaked
* It’s Party Time at Disneyland Paris… until August 2010?
* Maritime previews from Blockbuster Café at Disneyland Paris
* Wild West Show at Disneyland Paris - in under 90 minutes
* This week in Las Vegas
* Branson Calendar of Events
* Company to build Nickelodeon-themed park in New Orleans
* Gallery of travel photos by readers of the Orlando Sentinel
* 7 great spots and one favorite snack to get you thru Hong Kong
* Poipu, Hawaii - A picture perfect island vacation
* Off to see the Oz Museum
* Grand Rapids: A relaxed urban getaway
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
# Downtown Disney Resort September Deal - September Rates only from $54 per night. Save more than $50 per day! Available from 09/01/2009 to 09/30/2009. Includes:
* FREE Daily Breakfast Buffet for 2 children w/ 1 regular price paying adult - save $11 per child per day!
* FREE Transportation to Walt Disney World Theme Parks - save $12 per day (daily Disney parking cost)!
* Breakfast includes Disney Character Breakfast on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
Plus! Special Discount for Repeat Guests - save $25 per day with this 15% off their Best Available Rate discount! Available from 07/17/2009 to 12/31/2009.
* Save $22 per child per day with Kids eat Free Breakfast and Dinner added values including the Disney Character Breakfast
* Save $12 per day (daily Disney parking cost) by using FREE transportation to the Disney Theme Parks
* Breakfast includes Disney Character Breakfast on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
********************************
# Florida residents save at Disney Resorts, Cirque du Soleil. Epcot and golf!
# Downtown Disney Resort Hotel Room Rate is ONLY $49! Promotion ends Friday August 21. Must Stay between August 23 to August 31.
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Resort Hotel Special: From $87, per person, per day! Includes Disney hotel. tickets, savings card and more!
--------------------------------
CANADIAN RAIL VACATION PACKAGE
Book a round-trip rail journey and receive a $50 souvenir credit. Beth writes: "Great deal on a very unique vacation. Perfect when you need a shorter trip or want to extend your Alaskan cruise."
--------------------------------
FLORIDA ISLAND RESORT SPECIAL
From $149 per night. Receive your 4th night free with minimum three-night consecutive stay, discounts on tennis and golf, plus kids eat breakfast free. Plus, book by August 31 and receive a free night certificate for a future stay! Beth writes: "Gorgeous resort island; completely rebuilt after Hurricane Charley five years ago. This is a wonderful deal, and if you’re looking for a beach stay along with your Disney trip you can’t beat it."
--------------------------------
2 LAS VEGAS RESORT & CASINO SPECIALS
# Escape this fall. Packages from just $129/nt. Promotion Runs August 17, 2009 - December 15, 2009. Offer Expires September 7, 2009. Includes:
* $50 golf credit
* $50 resort credit
* $25 Spa credit
* 2 complimentary club admissions
* Complimentary bottle of wine after arrival
# 4th night FREE!
That’s right stay four nights for the price of three. Includes Fun Book filled with added coupons (valued at $100). Plus! All you can eat for $20 per day! Promotion Runs September 7, 2009 - October 31, 2009. Offer Expires October 28, 2009.
=================================================
Below are just some of the deals drawn from over 70 pages of current specials posted at our password-protected members-only site:
* BIG Downtown Disney Resort Hotel discount
* Walt Disney World luxury resort $99 per night
* FREE dining at Walt Disney World
* Save 35% on Walt Disney World hotel rooms
* Cirque du Soleil discount
* Marriott summer deal
* Universal Orlando Resorts half off strategy
* American Idol Experience options
* Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
* Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
* Orlando resort vacation package for dog owners
* Disneyland ticket deal for locals
* Disneyland Paris vacation package discount
* Luxury cruise discount exclusively for police and firefighters
* New parties for Walt Disney World Resort guests
* SeaWorld Partner Hotel Special
* CityPass discount for Affordable Disney members
* FREE night at Disney Deluxe Resort
* Disney Cruise Line discounts for Floridians and the military
* Non-Disney theme park/cruise vacation packages
* New source for discounted Disney Villas
* SeaWorld San Diego ticket deal
* Walt Disney World discounts for passholders and Floridians
* Las Vegas room discounts
* Universal hotel discounts
* Disneyland California hotel special
* Universal Orlando discounted vacation packages
* SeaWorld Discovery Cove discounts
* Orlando Theme Park Package
* Room discounts and FREE tickets for the military
* 2 Days for the Price of 1 at Universal Hollywood
* Downtown Disney Resort Hotel discount
* Kids eat FREE at Universal hotels
* Universal Blue Man Group discount
* Disneyland Annual Passes on a monthly payment plan
* Kids stay and play FREE at Disneyland Paris
* 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
* Super Branson promotion
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
Third Disney employee dies in just over month
Investigation continues in Disney performer's death
Ragu Bolognese recipe from The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
Dateline Disney - September-October 2009
Adventures By Disney - 2010 Destinations Overview
Adventures by Disney Invites Families to Experience the World in 2010
Thieves Busted In Multi-Park Ticket Scam
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Universal Orlando Resort Combines The Biggest Names In Christian Rock With Unforgettable Theme Park Thrills For Rock The Universe 2009
Theme Park Ranger takes ride on Universal's new roller coaster, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Some airlines raise fees for checked bags again
Where to find free Wi-Fi spots in Central Florida
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Will Disney Unveil Star Tours 2.0 at D23 Expo?
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to Offer a Glimpse ‘Behind the Magic’ at Disney’s D23 EXPO, Sept. 10-13
Disney parking lot set for third theme park site
Major makeovers coming to Disney hotels
Disneyland Resort Calendar
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
Refreshing new views on the Magic Kingdom
Earl of Sandwich next to seize land in Disney Village?
Walt Disney is out, Princesses are in
Disney’s New Generation Festival: 2010 details leaked
It’s Party Time… until August 2010?
More maritime previews from Blockbuster Café
Wild West Show - in under 90 minutes, please
--------------------------------
BRANSON, MO
Branson Calendar of Events
--------------------------------
LAS VEGAS
This Week in Las Vegas
--------------------------------
MORE VACATION SPOTS
Company to build Nickelodeon-themed park in New Orleans
View gallery of travel photos sent in by readers and printed in the Orlando Sentinel. - just beautiful!
Seven great spots and one favorite snack to get you through Hong Kong
Poipu, Hawaii - A picture perfect island vacation
Off to see the Oz Museum
Grand Rapids: A relaxed urban getaway
=================================================
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 addres
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, writes about a Universal deal, 2010 Disney tickets, Disney dining, booking Disney World and Disneyland vacations, Caribbean Beach vs Beach Club, and Magical Express times:
"In case you received a Loews 'free night deal' the deal does not apply to the Universal Orlando resorts. Royal Pacific and Portofino. (Note from John: However, we do have a nice deal for those hotels, so members should log in and see UNIVERSAL SPECIALS in Addendum 2 for details.)
No, the new ticket pricing doesn’t apply to you if you’re traveling on a package in 2009. The rates apply only to 2010 packages and/or tickets that are purchased separately from the room.
Based on the questions I’ve had this week, it’s apparently time once again to remind everyone that Disney World park tickets include admission to the four theme parks ONLY. That’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Hollywood Studios. If you want to visit a water park, Disney Quest, or Wide World of Sports (or golf on the Oak Trail course) you can pay separately at the door/gate, or you can add the Water Park Fun and More option to your ticket. This is a good value if you will use at least two admissions to the places previously listed. Given that the option costs will over $50 per person and that very few families I book have the time and/or desire to visit these locations, I do not automatically include the Water Park option in my quotes. My crystal ball is broken and my ESP hasn’t been very accurate lately so make sure you TELL ME if you’re interested in adding it.
Don’t panic if your favorite restaurants don’t yet appear on the 2010 dining plan list. There are always a few that wait to renew their contracts until the last possible minute (most notably, a few of the Epcot locations). There’s no reason at this point to think that the 2009 participants won’t all be back next year.
And speaking of dining… The 2010 Quick Service plan cost is up $1 for kids (ages 3-9) and $3 for adults to $9.99 and $31.99 respectively. The Basic plan has a more complicated pricing. In value and regular seasons the cost increases $1 for children, $3 for adults, to $11.99 and $41.99 respectively. During peak, summer and holiday seasons the rates are $5 more for adults and $1 more for kids. The cost of the Deluxe plan remains the same as this year: $20.99 for children and $71.99 for adults. Inclusions for the plans are the same as this year EXCEPT that children will now get an appetizer with lunch or dinner at full-service locations. Gratuities are still not included.
I was reminded again today of just how different Disneyland and Disney World are run. To the casual observer they may seem very similar, but I find they really have far more differences than similarities – and Disneyland is not NEARLY as guest-friendly as Disney World. I won’t give you a laundry list, but I will say this: if you consider yourself a Disney World pro and you decide to trek on over to Anaheim just to check the place out, do not take ANYTHING for granted. Read every word of the terms and conditions of your reservation/package because you may be shocked at how they deal with changes, cancellations, lost or missing tickets, service fees and so on. Pixie dust is in slim supply with their Guest Communications department and they will not take pity on you for being ignorant of the rules. Consider yourself forewarned!
And finally, please remember that regardless of how you book your vacation, you need to get everything in writing BEFORE you pay anything, and go over every detail. Triple check your dates. Be certain names are spelled correctly (especially if place tickets are involved). Check your mailing address. If you have the park hopping or water park options added to your tickets the confirmation will say so; if it doesn’t say it then you don’t have it, so fix it before you pay. Be sure the room type listed is the type you want. If you’ll be using Magical Express (airport transportation) then the confirmation should say it’s been added. There’s no charge for it and they’ll probably let you on the bus even without it being listed, but better to play it safe.
If you’re quoted a price on a Disney vacation that includes a stay in a Disney-owned hotel and it comes in hundreds of dollars lower than any other quote you’ve gotten then there’s potentially a problem. While AAA agencies can sometimes get their members discounts on packages that can’t be had through any other source, that’s pretty much the only exception to the rule. A big price difference is usually due to: miscommunication (you thought something was included in the price, but it’s not); the wrong hotel or room type was quoted; or park hopping and/or water parks wasn’t added. So I say again, GET IT IN WRITING and review every detail.
Caribbean Beach Resort and the Beach Club Resort are ***NOT*** the same hotel! They’re apples and oranges when it comes to hotels, so know the difference. (Caribbean Beach Resort is the moderately priced hotel with some new pirate-themed rooms. Beach Club is a deluxe resort with the coolest pool on property and it’s within walking distance of Epcot and the Studios.)
Don’t panic if your Magical Express times aren’t listed on your paperwork, or show up as 12:00."
=================================================
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
By the same author: "Achieving Weight Loss through the Prayers of the Divine Office of the Virgin Mary." True peace with food can only come from establishing a close relationship with God. Click here to download your FREE copy.
--------------------------------
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.
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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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posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 7:19 AM
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