Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
January 20, 2010
Copyright © 1999 - 2010 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
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Hi Everyone!
REMEMBER: 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 - Online flower and gift business serving Walt Disney World, New Adventures by Disney Gateway Collection, Downtown Disney Resort Hotel Special, International Discount on the Disney Cruise Line (save 25%), California theme park special (one day FREE!), Cruise Line special for the single traveler, hotel deal outside Walt Disney World (FREE night!), and Branson, MO log cabin special
News from around the "World":
* This day in Disney history
* Disney Announces Name and Web Site for New Resort on O‘ahu
* Disney Imagineering is serious when it comes to play testing
* Summer 2010 Unwraps Vacation Fun at Walt Disney World Resort
* New Dining Room at Victoria & Albert’s at Grand Floridian
* Rumors swirl about Disney's 'NextGen'
* Parents Warned Against Use of Cheap Kids' Jewelry
* New Tables in Wonderland for 2010
* Disney to close several stores across the United States
* Delta hiking fees for checked bags
* More Magic Coming to Castaway Cay
* Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar
* Universal's Korean theme park moves ahead
* American Airlines hikes charge for checked bags
* A taste of France in Celebration
* Ghosts to fly at Fantasy of Flight
* Options for Cypress Gardens devotees now that park is closed
* Legoland owner buys Cypress Gardens
* ‘World of Color’ at Disney’s California Adventure
* What to do at Disney parks in the rain
* Disneyland Resort Calendar
* This week at Disneyland Paris
* What's new at Disneyland Tokyo
* This week in Las Vegas
* Branson Calendar of Events
* Affordable Disney Mailbag
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about Hawthorn Suites
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "Ever know of someone headed to Disney for the first time, or maybe a special occasion, and wish you could surprise them with a gift? Well, here’s your chance. Check out http://www.disneyflorist.com. They’ve got every occasion covered, and prices start at about $30 (although, admittedly, most items cost a lot more). Delivery to Disney and immediate vicinity is $9.00 and the service fee is $3.45 per order; 6.5% tax is additional. They do have some cute stuff, and it would be really fun to send something like this."
--------------------------------
ADVENTURES BY DISNEY GATEWAY COLLECTION
Information on Disney's newest vacation option that gives families more free time to visit locales of their choice in a more affordable way.
--------------------------------
DOWNTOWN DISNEY RESORT HOTEL SPECIAL
Save 20% on guest room rates. Book prior to January 29, 2010 for a stay in 2010.
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Residents of this country save 25% on 3-, 4- and 5-night Bahamian cruises with this discount code!
--------------------------------
BUY A DAY, GET A 2ND DAY FREE
Enjoy two days for the price of one at this California theme park!
--------------------------------
FINALLY! A CRUISE LINE THAT CATERS TO THE SOLO TRAVELER
This Luxury Cruise Line will feature 128 studios for solo travelers. The pricing penalty and the single supplement for singles will be eliminated.
--------------------------------
5TH ANNIVERSARY SALE AT HOTEL AND SUITES JUST OUTSIDE WDW
Receive 5 nights for the price of 4! Beth writes: "I've seen this hotel and it's very close to Disney and you can't beat the price. Kids 12 and under always eat free. I'd give it a very solid 3 to 3.5 stars." An Official Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel. One of the closest hotels in Kissimmee to Walt Disney World and all the other Orlando and Kissimmee attractions - located just 3 short miles to the Main Gate. Pet friendly. Free shuttle to the parks. Full service restaurant and food court.
--------------------------------
BRANSON, MO LOG CABINS
Cabins as low as $125 a night! Valid through Mar. 11, 2010 with this coupon. 2-bedroom cabin with private spa and wood burning fireplace; 3- and 4-bedroom cabins available.
--------------------------------
VEGAS/NASCAR FAN EXCLUSIVE
30% off this Luxury Resort & Casino during Race Weekend! Rooms from $31!
=================================================
Below are just some of the deals drawn from over 70 pages of current specials posted at our password-protected members-only site:
* Save up to $750.00 on this Walt Disney World vacation package
* FREE Disney Cruise with purchase of this package
* FREE nights and FREE tickets at Walt Disney World
* FREE night at a Walt Disney World luxury resort
* Two Nights FREE at Disneyland California
* Kids sail FREE on Disney cruise line
* All kids go FREE at Disneyland Paris
* Kids eat FREE membership card
* Kids fly FREE to Disneyland California
* Get a FREE ticket to the Walt Disney World theme parks in 2009
* Room discounts and FREE tickets for the military
* Buy a day, get a FREE day at Universal Hollywood
* Save 50% at these deluxe Walt Disney World resorts
* Give a Day, Get a Disney Day promotion
* BIG Downtown Disney Resort Hotel discount
* Florida Resident Discounts Galore! Too many to list here!
* Universal Orlando Resorts half off strategy
* Disneyland ticket deal for locals
* Luxury cruise discount exclusively for police and firefighters
* New parties for Walt Disney World Resort guests
* CityPass discount for Affordable Disney members
* 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
* Disney World discounts for annual passholders
* Universal hotel discounts
* Disneyland California hotel special
* Universal Orlando discounted vacation packages
* SeaWorld Discovery Cove discounts
* Orlando Theme Park Package
* Universal Blue Man Group discount
* Disneyland Annual Passes on a monthly payment plan
* Universal Hollywood All You Can Eat Pass
* 2011 Disney cruises now booking
* Nickelodeon Family Cruise
* Disney cruise early booking discounts
* Vegas Resort & Casino 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
Basic Member
=================================================
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
Disney Announces Name and Launches Web Site for New Family Destination Resort on O‘ahu
Walt Disney Imagineering is very serious when it comes to play testing
From a Splash of Floral Color to Splashing-Good Water Thrills, Summer 2010 Unwraps Vacation Fun at Walt Disney World Resort
New Dining Room at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Rumors swirl about Disney's 'NextGen'
Parents Warned Against Use of Cheap Kids' Jewelry - "Princess and the Frog" pendant included
New Tables in Wonderland for 2010 (Formerly known as the Disney Dining Experience, a program where Florida residents and annual passholders save 20% on dining at the resort. (See our book for more details.)
Disney to close several stores across the United States
Delta hiking fees for checked bags
More Magic Coming to Castaway Cay
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Universal's Korean theme park moves ahead
American Airlines hikes charge for checked bags by $5 for tickets bought after Feb. 1
A taste of France in Celebration
Ghosts to fly at Fantasy of Flight
Options for Cypress Gardens devotees now that park is closed
Legoland owner buys Cypress Gardens
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Innovative Entertainment Technology Drives ‘World of Color’ - the Next Milestone in Expansion of Disney’s California Adventure
What to do at Disney parks in the rain
Disneyland Resort Calendar
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
This week at Disneyland Paris
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND TOKYO
What's new at Tokyo Disneyland
--------------------------------
BRANSON, MO
Branson Calendar of Events
--------------------------------
LAS VEGAS
This Week in Las Vegas
--------------------------------
NOTE: Links to newspaper articles change quickly and without notice. If you receive a "File Not Found" error message, search the newspaper's archives for the story. Certain newspapers require a free registration to view their articles online. If web addres
=================================================
Affordable Disney Mailbag
It's time again to empty the folder filled with comments we've received from our members and newsletter subscribers. Thank you all for your generous comments.
"Thanks for your wonderful site, I eagerly await each new Disney
News email with all the savings! Keep up the good work!" Toasha
"I’m still wondering how I only signed up for one year and let it
lapse in the first place!" Don
"Thanks for the heads up, John. As always you are there for your readers with the latest news. Thanks for a wonderful newsletter and looking out for your readers. Your pal William."
"thanks for all of your help. we have used your info since 2000.
that year you saved us a minimum of 1500$. keep up the wonderful
work." Terry
"We really appreciate your fantastic service. Thank You." Laurie
"I have been a member of this site for years, I love it!!!"
"I love the site and reference it tons! Printed out a lot of the information and used the moneysaving tips. Thanks." Amy
"this will be our third trip to disney using Beth and your website to arrange the vacation!! Beth is a doll and would bend over backwards to help everyone!! Thank you." Joleen
"Thanks, John! I had a regular membership a few years back and it was well worth the money... Thanks so much for compiling all this information! You do an incredible job!!!" Shelly
"Thanks John you are a star. Love the site." Ed
"You have such a wealth of knowledge on Disney I knew you would be the one to ask. Thanks for all the work on the newsletters you do. Keep up the good work." Sheila
"Thank you for all the great information." Lisa
"For both trips, we bought a membership to Affordable Disney. It was a fabulous resource for us. First time around, with a tip from Beth, I booked us into the Courtyard Marriott in Downtown Disney for $20.02 a night. (BEAT THAT!!!)" Valerie
"Hello John, Great site for families like mine. We spent two weeks down there... The site was very helpful and great tips." David
"THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH!! You are a life saver!! We always have fun in Orlando." Gena
"I've heard about [you] from a few friends that are disney regulars and this year was our first time going. I will never go without tips from this book again! We had a great time but I will know better next time how to save money and have a great vacation!" Amanda
"I recommend your site to all the nurses at work when they are planning their trips. The site has saved me time AND money!! Thanks." Kate
"I’ve been an affordable Disney reader for a few years now, and would like you to know how much I enjoy leaning back, propping up my feet, and taking a Disney break! We know it will be another few years or so before going back... In the meantime, we’ll keep enjoying the affordable Disney updates and dreaming about our next magical trip. Thanks so much for providing such great information and fun for our family. God bless." Cynthia
"I found you while searching for the best disney information I could find back in 2002. Boy, am I glad I did!!... Thank you so much for getting [me] hooked back up with my membership. I knew I could not plan the kind of trip I want to Disney without your book! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Rena
"keep up the good work on the newsletters." Steve
"I thought the book was awesome. It was kind of a life saver since i was saving money!!!" Anne
"thanks again for a great money saver." Michael
"Hi John! I'm one of your happy, longtime lifetime subscribers. I'm [about to] leave for Disney and would love to access 'the Bible' ahead of time! Thanks for keeping us informed." Cid
"A visitor to our community travel blog had recommended your link to us as a superb travel secret for family getaways." Deb
"Tons of great tips not available elsewhere." Margot
"Thanks so much for the tips; I love your book!" Renea
"I really enjoy your site. We just got back from Disney and your site was very helpful." Deborah
"We arrived back home last weekend and wanted to thank you for the part you played in making it such a wonderful vacation... thank you so much for the effort you put in on our behalf. This was a trip which we will long remember." TJ
"I thank you very much for your assistance, and congratulations for such a great site." France
"Hi John, I am a lifetime member... thanks again for all your wonderful tips and ideas." Paula
"Thanks for the best Disney info. newsletter out there." Vickie
"Hi John, You book is amazing!!!... I didn't know how much I would have relied on your book." Helen
"Thanks for enlightening your fans on everything Orlando has to offer!" JoAnna
"Thanks for the awesome newsletter that you produce, we all enjoy it immensely!" Rae Ann
"You have helped me plan two previous trips to Disney at a huge savings and I'd love to have you help again... Thanks so much for all your help, I know you will help us plan the vacation of our dreams (all at a great price)." Lisa
"I have thoroughly enjoyed your website and weekly updates." Wendy
"You all have been super. Thanks so much for helping make this a great experience." Stephanie
"Once again you and your staff have put out a great newsletter."
"Thank you so much for the fast reply. You're wonderful." Faith
"You are awesome, thank you. I am just going to play. Once I nail the date, I will let you guys take it from there." Judy
"I love your affordable Disney newsletter. It is always chocked full of new, wonderful information... Thanks so much and keep up the good work!" Stacey
"Thanks for the news. it has been an invaluable help in preparing for our last trip... Keep up the good work." David
"Love your site and recommend it to total strangers now in restaurants, on buses, at church. I've run out of family members to tell as I've already told them MANY times over." Janice
"John, First off I would like to thank you for this amazing website... This evening I called Beth and spoke with her. By the way she is such a sweetheart, I felt so bad because she has a cold and still she took the time to assist me!" Erika
"I love reading your updates and dreaming of my next adventure at WDW!!!" Connie
"I purchased a lifetime membership several years ago and with the info I received my family saved a lot of time and money on our trip to WDW." Stephanie
"I signed up for membership before my family trip back in 2003 which was FABULOUS, thanks to you and Beth!" Donna
"I like your services very much. You guys really have the inside track!... I think scouring through the list of deals is easier than going through a bazillion links from other sites." Jessica
"I joined affordable Disney years ago and am ready to take another trip... Thank you so much for the time and energy that you put into this wonderful website. It has been invaluable to my family." Rhonda
"Thank you for your never ending and amazing work on The Disney News." Gail
"I’ve been a member for a really long time and Beth has made our vacations magical for 7 years." Wendy
"Thanks for all your great info. It's made several trips to Disney possible." Kim
"I love my Affordable Disney updates that you send out." Stacey
"The best thing about my subscription so far has been Beth. Her
association reflects very well on your website. Beth has helped us with our trip in November and that makes me think I'll find more good things as I dig into Affordable Disney." John
"Thanks for a great site!" Kelly
"I have a new e-mail address and have not received your newsletter for months. I am having withdrawals!" Lori
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, writes about HAWTHORN SUITES:
"If you’ve been an Affordable Disney reader for a few years, have used me to plan your Disney trip, and have chosen to do an offsite hotel then chances are you’ve heard me sing the praises of Hawthorn Suites on Palm Parkway. I’ve done so based on a tour I once took of the property. (I rarely recommend places that I haven’t seen personally.)
Last month was my daughter’s 12th birthday and she wanted to go to Disney World. We had to be at my father’s place in Sarasota for Thanksgiving anyway, so we took her to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This was a big-time budget trip since I’d just spent five days at Disney the week before for a conference. Conveniently, my 'significant other' and I still had valid park tickets from that trip, and my daughter got her free birthday ticket. We dined by grazing rather than doing big, sit-down meals and found the associated costs of doing so were quite reasonable. So that just left us with needing a hotel for one night.
Now, as a travel agent, I usually have access to some pretty decent rates… but when booking at the last minute, and needing the night before Thanksgiving in a major Florida resort destination, not so much. I decided this was the perfect chance for me to actually try out Hawthorn Suites myself and I booked it at the AAA rate of $89.
We arrived right around lunch time - several hours before check-in time - but they gave us the option of waiting for a king room to be cleaned or taking a room with two queen beds. We took what was ready. The suite was smaller than I remembered, but clean and well-maintained (as was the rest of the hotel).
I was responsible for some veggie dishes for Thanksgiving dinner, so I had to make them prior to leaving and haul them all the way to Orlando and toss them in our room frig on arrival. (Good thing these suites have full-sized refrigerators!) We also had plenty of room in the semi-fully-equipped kitchen to store a small birthday cake, some bananas, several bottles of water, a bag of chips, and my bottle of non-alcoholic champagne. (What’s a birthday party for a 12-year-old without that?!)
It was a rather cold, rainy day so we didn’t get to use the pool or sip umbrella drinks under the tiki hut - nor did we return that evening for the Manager’s reception and dinner. Still, the idea that they even HAVE a reception and light dinner is a nice one. (It’s held several nights a week.)
We did stick our heads into the fitness center and the arcade, though. Didn’t use them, but we looked. Two thumbs up. The drive over to Downtown Disney was maybe five minutes at most. It took longer to find a parking space than it did to get over there. We then jumped on the first bus headed toward the Studios. In our case, it was a bus to the Swan and Dolphin resorts. (Downtown Disney buses don’t go direct to theme parks.) We got off at the Swan and walked over to the Studios, a 10-minute excursion if you move along at a decent pace. At the end of our day, we jumped on a bus to Caribbean Beach Resort, got off at the first stop, and waited maybe five minutes for a bus to Downtown Disney where we hunted down our car and drove back to the hotel.
In the morning, we enjoyed a complimentary breakfast buffet in a sunny area off the main lobby. Admittedly, it wasn’t as extensive as some I’ve seen at similar hotels, but they did offer fruit, eggs, bacon, sausage, assorted breads and pastries, etc. It was more than adequate, and better than going to McDonald’s.
Summary: Hawthorn Suites Palm Parkway is in a wonderful, convenient location and you get a lot for your money. You can sleep six in a suite (although you’d drive each other nuts after a few days) and breakfast is included. The kitchen has a sink, microwave, full frig, and a two-plate cooktop. No oven, though, and the kitchen equipment is just enough to get by. With a pool, half-court basketball, fitness center and small arcade there are enough amenities to suit most families. So I will continue to whole-heartedly recommend this location for those that need to stay off Disney property. However, getting to and from the parks when it can’t work around the free hotel shuttle times is still a major hassle so if there’s any way at all that you can afford a Disney-owned resort then it’s still the better choice."
=================================================
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
By the same author:
"100 Prayers of Purity for the Mission of Our Lady of America."
The Virgin Mary, Our Lady of America, encourages us to seek Her as our model of purity. The prayers in this book petition God the Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the great Saints for the grace we need to lead pure and holy lives. Click here to read the book for FREE.
"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 read the book for FREE.
"Rosary Meditations: A Bouquet of Roses for Our Lady." Shows the beginner and the highly experienced how to meditate while praying the rosary. Click here to read the book for FREE.
Be sure to check out Father Ron Camarda's "Tear in the Desert." It's one of the most spiritual books I have ever read!
"To me, today at age 61, all prayer by the humble or highly placed has one thing in common: supplication for strength and inspiration to carry on the best impulses which should bind us together for a better world. Without such inspiration we would rapidly deteriorate and finally perish." Walt Disney (Source: startedbyamouse.com)
--------------------------------
Secrets to an Affordable WDW Vacation
"Save up to 40% on your Walt Disney World vacation. Save on Disney hotels, dining, tickets, cruises, honeymoons and souvenirs!" Click here for details.
--------------------------------
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.
=============================================
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
January 20, 2010
Copyright © 1999 - 2010 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!
REMEMBER: 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 - Online flower and gift business serving Walt Disney World, New Adventures by Disney Gateway Collection, Downtown Disney Resort Hotel Special, International Discount on the Disney Cruise Line (save 25%), California theme park special (one day FREE!), Cruise Line special for the single traveler, hotel deal outside Walt Disney World (FREE night!), and Branson, MO log cabin special
News from around the "World":
* This day in Disney history
* Disney Announces Name and Web Site for New Resort on O‘ahu
* Disney Imagineering is serious when it comes to play testing
* Summer 2010 Unwraps Vacation Fun at Walt Disney World Resort
* New Dining Room at Victoria & Albert’s at Grand Floridian
* Rumors swirl about Disney's 'NextGen'
* Parents Warned Against Use of Cheap Kids' Jewelry
* New Tables in Wonderland for 2010
* Disney to close several stores across the United States
* Delta hiking fees for checked bags
* More Magic Coming to Castaway Cay
* Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar
* Universal's Korean theme park moves ahead
* American Airlines hikes charge for checked bags
* A taste of France in Celebration
* Ghosts to fly at Fantasy of Flight
* Options for Cypress Gardens devotees now that park is closed
* Legoland owner buys Cypress Gardens
* ‘World of Color’ at Disney’s California Adventure
* What to do at Disney parks in the rain
* Disneyland Resort Calendar
* This week at Disneyland Paris
* What's new at Disneyland Tokyo
* This week in Las Vegas
* Branson Calendar of Events
* Affordable Disney Mailbag
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about Hawthorn Suites
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "Ever know of someone headed to Disney for the first time, or maybe a special occasion, and wish you could surprise them with a gift? Well, here’s your chance. Check out http://www.disneyflorist.com. They’ve got every occasion covered, and prices start at about $30 (although, admittedly, most items cost a lot more). Delivery to Disney and immediate vicinity is $9.00 and the service fee is $3.45 per order; 6.5% tax is additional. They do have some cute stuff, and it would be really fun to send something like this."
--------------------------------
ADVENTURES BY DISNEY GATEWAY COLLECTION
Information on Disney's newest vacation option that gives families more free time to visit locales of their choice in a more affordable way.
--------------------------------
DOWNTOWN DISNEY RESORT HOTEL SPECIAL
Save 20% on guest room rates. Book prior to January 29, 2010 for a stay in 2010.
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Residents of this country save 25% on 3-, 4- and 5-night Bahamian cruises with this discount code!
--------------------------------
BUY A DAY, GET A 2ND DAY FREE
Enjoy two days for the price of one at this California theme park!
--------------------------------
FINALLY! A CRUISE LINE THAT CATERS TO THE SOLO TRAVELER
This Luxury Cruise Line will feature 128 studios for solo travelers. The pricing penalty and the single supplement for singles will be eliminated.
--------------------------------
5TH ANNIVERSARY SALE AT HOTEL AND SUITES JUST OUTSIDE WDW
Receive 5 nights for the price of 4! Beth writes: "I've seen this hotel and it's very close to Disney and you can't beat the price. Kids 12 and under always eat free. I'd give it a very solid 3 to 3.5 stars." An Official Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel. One of the closest hotels in Kissimmee to Walt Disney World and all the other Orlando and Kissimmee attractions - located just 3 short miles to the Main Gate. Pet friendly. Free shuttle to the parks. Full service restaurant and food court.
--------------------------------
BRANSON, MO LOG CABINS
Cabins as low as $125 a night! Valid through Mar. 11, 2010 with this coupon. 2-bedroom cabin with private spa and wood burning fireplace; 3- and 4-bedroom cabins available.
--------------------------------
VEGAS/NASCAR FAN EXCLUSIVE
30% off this Luxury Resort & Casino during Race Weekend! Rooms from $31!
=================================================
Below are just some of the deals drawn from over 70 pages of current specials posted at our password-protected members-only site:
* Save up to $750.00 on this Walt Disney World vacation package
* FREE Disney Cruise with purchase of this package
* FREE nights and FREE tickets at Walt Disney World
* FREE night at a Walt Disney World luxury resort
* Two Nights FREE at Disneyland California
* Kids sail FREE on Disney cruise line
* All kids go FREE at Disneyland Paris
* Kids eat FREE membership card
* Kids fly FREE to Disneyland California
* Get a FREE ticket to the Walt Disney World theme parks in 2009
* Room discounts and FREE tickets for the military
* Buy a day, get a FREE day at Universal Hollywood
* Save 50% at these deluxe Walt Disney World resorts
* Give a Day, Get a Disney Day promotion
* BIG Downtown Disney Resort Hotel discount
* Florida Resident Discounts Galore! Too many to list here!
* Universal Orlando Resorts half off strategy
* Disneyland ticket deal for locals
* Luxury cruise discount exclusively for police and firefighters
* New parties for Walt Disney World Resort guests
* CityPass discount for Affordable Disney members
* 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
* Disney World discounts for annual passholders
* Universal hotel discounts
* Disneyland California hotel special
* Universal Orlando discounted vacation packages
* SeaWorld Discovery Cove discounts
* Orlando Theme Park Package
* Universal Blue Man Group discount
* Disneyland Annual Passes on a monthly payment plan
* Universal Hollywood All You Can Eat Pass
* 2011 Disney cruises now booking
* Nickelodeon Family Cruise
* Disney cruise early booking discounts
* Vegas Resort & Casino 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
Basic Member
=================================================
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
Disney Announces Name and Launches Web Site for New Family Destination Resort on O‘ahu
Walt Disney Imagineering is very serious when it comes to play testing
From a Splash of Floral Color to Splashing-Good Water Thrills, Summer 2010 Unwraps Vacation Fun at Walt Disney World Resort
New Dining Room at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Rumors swirl about Disney's 'NextGen'
Parents Warned Against Use of Cheap Kids' Jewelry - "Princess and the Frog" pendant included
New Tables in Wonderland for 2010 (Formerly known as the Disney Dining Experience, a program where Florida residents and annual passholders save 20% on dining at the resort. (See our book for more details.)
Disney to close several stores across the United States
Delta hiking fees for checked bags
More Magic Coming to Castaway Cay
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Universal's Korean theme park moves ahead
American Airlines hikes charge for checked bags by $5 for tickets bought after Feb. 1
A taste of France in Celebration
Ghosts to fly at Fantasy of Flight
Options for Cypress Gardens devotees now that park is closed
Legoland owner buys Cypress Gardens
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Innovative Entertainment Technology Drives ‘World of Color’ - the Next Milestone in Expansion of Disney’s California Adventure
What to do at Disney parks in the rain
Disneyland Resort Calendar
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
This week at Disneyland Paris
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND TOKYO
What's new at Tokyo Disneyland
--------------------------------
BRANSON, MO
Branson Calendar of Events
--------------------------------
LAS VEGAS
This Week in Las Vegas
--------------------------------
NOTE: Links to newspaper articles change quickly and without notice. If you receive a "File Not Found" error message, search the newspaper's archives for the story. Certain newspapers require a free registration to view their articles online. If web addres
=================================================
Affordable Disney Mailbag
It's time again to empty the folder filled with comments we've received from our members and newsletter subscribers. Thank you all for your generous comments.
"Thanks for your wonderful site, I eagerly await each new Disney
News email with all the savings! Keep up the good work!" Toasha
"I’m still wondering how I only signed up for one year and let it
lapse in the first place!" Don
"Thanks for the heads up, John. As always you are there for your readers with the latest news. Thanks for a wonderful newsletter and looking out for your readers. Your pal William."
"thanks for all of your help. we have used your info since 2000.
that year you saved us a minimum of 1500$. keep up the wonderful
work." Terry
"We really appreciate your fantastic service. Thank You." Laurie
"I have been a member of this site for years, I love it!!!"
"I love the site and reference it tons! Printed out a lot of the information and used the moneysaving tips. Thanks." Amy
"this will be our third trip to disney using Beth and your website to arrange the vacation!! Beth is a doll and would bend over backwards to help everyone!! Thank you." Joleen
"Thanks, John! I had a regular membership a few years back and it was well worth the money... Thanks so much for compiling all this information! You do an incredible job!!!" Shelly
"Thanks John you are a star. Love the site." Ed
"You have such a wealth of knowledge on Disney I knew you would be the one to ask. Thanks for all the work on the newsletters you do. Keep up the good work." Sheila
"Thank you for all the great information." Lisa
"For both trips, we bought a membership to Affordable Disney. It was a fabulous resource for us. First time around, with a tip from Beth, I booked us into the Courtyard Marriott in Downtown Disney for $20.02 a night. (BEAT THAT!!!)" Valerie
"Hello John, Great site for families like mine. We spent two weeks down there... The site was very helpful and great tips." David
"THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH!! You are a life saver!! We always have fun in Orlando." Gena
"I've heard about [you] from a few friends that are disney regulars and this year was our first time going. I will never go without tips from this book again! We had a great time but I will know better next time how to save money and have a great vacation!" Amanda
"I recommend your site to all the nurses at work when they are planning their trips. The site has saved me time AND money!! Thanks." Kate
"I’ve been an affordable Disney reader for a few years now, and would like you to know how much I enjoy leaning back, propping up my feet, and taking a Disney break! We know it will be another few years or so before going back... In the meantime, we’ll keep enjoying the affordable Disney updates and dreaming about our next magical trip. Thanks so much for providing such great information and fun for our family. God bless." Cynthia
"I found you while searching for the best disney information I could find back in 2002. Boy, am I glad I did!!... Thank you so much for getting [me] hooked back up with my membership. I knew I could not plan the kind of trip I want to Disney without your book! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Rena
"keep up the good work on the newsletters." Steve
"I thought the book was awesome. It was kind of a life saver since i was saving money!!!" Anne
"thanks again for a great money saver." Michael
"Hi John! I'm one of your happy, longtime lifetime subscribers. I'm [about to] leave for Disney and would love to access 'the Bible' ahead of time! Thanks for keeping us informed." Cid
"A visitor to our community travel blog had recommended your link to us as a superb travel secret for family getaways." Deb
"Tons of great tips not available elsewhere." Margot
"Thanks so much for the tips; I love your book!" Renea
"I really enjoy your site. We just got back from Disney and your site was very helpful." Deborah
"We arrived back home last weekend and wanted to thank you for the part you played in making it such a wonderful vacation... thank you so much for the effort you put in on our behalf. This was a trip which we will long remember." TJ
"I thank you very much for your assistance, and congratulations for such a great site." France
"Hi John, I am a lifetime member... thanks again for all your wonderful tips and ideas." Paula
"Thanks for the best Disney info. newsletter out there." Vickie
"Hi John, You book is amazing!!!... I didn't know how much I would have relied on your book." Helen
"Thanks for enlightening your fans on everything Orlando has to offer!" JoAnna
"Thanks for the awesome newsletter that you produce, we all enjoy it immensely!" Rae Ann
"You have helped me plan two previous trips to Disney at a huge savings and I'd love to have you help again... Thanks so much for all your help, I know you will help us plan the vacation of our dreams (all at a great price)." Lisa
"I have thoroughly enjoyed your website and weekly updates." Wendy
"You all have been super. Thanks so much for helping make this a great experience." Stephanie
"Once again you and your staff have put out a great newsletter."
"Thank you so much for the fast reply. You're wonderful." Faith
"You are awesome, thank you. I am just going to play. Once I nail the date, I will let you guys take it from there." Judy
"I love your affordable Disney newsletter. It is always chocked full of new, wonderful information... Thanks so much and keep up the good work!" Stacey
"Thanks for the news. it has been an invaluable help in preparing for our last trip... Keep up the good work." David
"Love your site and recommend it to total strangers now in restaurants, on buses, at church. I've run out of family members to tell as I've already told them MANY times over." Janice
"John, First off I would like to thank you for this amazing website... This evening I called Beth and spoke with her. By the way she is such a sweetheart, I felt so bad because she has a cold and still she took the time to assist me!" Erika
"I love reading your updates and dreaming of my next adventure at WDW!!!" Connie
"I purchased a lifetime membership several years ago and with the info I received my family saved a lot of time and money on our trip to WDW." Stephanie
"I signed up for membership before my family trip back in 2003 which was FABULOUS, thanks to you and Beth!" Donna
"I like your services very much. You guys really have the inside track!... I think scouring through the list of deals is easier than going through a bazillion links from other sites." Jessica
"I joined affordable Disney years ago and am ready to take another trip... Thank you so much for the time and energy that you put into this wonderful website. It has been invaluable to my family." Rhonda
"Thank you for your never ending and amazing work on The Disney News." Gail
"I’ve been a member for a really long time and Beth has made our vacations magical for 7 years." Wendy
"Thanks for all your great info. It's made several trips to Disney possible." Kim
"I love my Affordable Disney updates that you send out." Stacey
"The best thing about my subscription so far has been Beth. Her
association reflects very well on your website. Beth has helped us with our trip in November and that makes me think I'll find more good things as I dig into Affordable Disney." John
"Thanks for a great site!" Kelly
"I have a new e-mail address and have not received your newsletter for months. I am having withdrawals!" Lori
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Beth, our travel agent, writes about HAWTHORN SUITES:
"If you’ve been an Affordable Disney reader for a few years, have used me to plan your Disney trip, and have chosen to do an offsite hotel then chances are you’ve heard me sing the praises of Hawthorn Suites on Palm Parkway. I’ve done so based on a tour I once took of the property. (I rarely recommend places that I haven’t seen personally.)
Last month was my daughter’s 12th birthday and she wanted to go to Disney World. We had to be at my father’s place in Sarasota for Thanksgiving anyway, so we took her to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This was a big-time budget trip since I’d just spent five days at Disney the week before for a conference. Conveniently, my 'significant other' and I still had valid park tickets from that trip, and my daughter got her free birthday ticket. We dined by grazing rather than doing big, sit-down meals and found the associated costs of doing so were quite reasonable. So that just left us with needing a hotel for one night.
Now, as a travel agent, I usually have access to some pretty decent rates… but when booking at the last minute, and needing the night before Thanksgiving in a major Florida resort destination, not so much. I decided this was the perfect chance for me to actually try out Hawthorn Suites myself and I booked it at the AAA rate of $89.
We arrived right around lunch time - several hours before check-in time - but they gave us the option of waiting for a king room to be cleaned or taking a room with two queen beds. We took what was ready. The suite was smaller than I remembered, but clean and well-maintained (as was the rest of the hotel).
I was responsible for some veggie dishes for Thanksgiving dinner, so I had to make them prior to leaving and haul them all the way to Orlando and toss them in our room frig on arrival. (Good thing these suites have full-sized refrigerators!) We also had plenty of room in the semi-fully-equipped kitchen to store a small birthday cake, some bananas, several bottles of water, a bag of chips, and my bottle of non-alcoholic champagne. (What’s a birthday party for a 12-year-old without that?!)
It was a rather cold, rainy day so we didn’t get to use the pool or sip umbrella drinks under the tiki hut - nor did we return that evening for the Manager’s reception and dinner. Still, the idea that they even HAVE a reception and light dinner is a nice one. (It’s held several nights a week.)
We did stick our heads into the fitness center and the arcade, though. Didn’t use them, but we looked. Two thumbs up. The drive over to Downtown Disney was maybe five minutes at most. It took longer to find a parking space than it did to get over there. We then jumped on the first bus headed toward the Studios. In our case, it was a bus to the Swan and Dolphin resorts. (Downtown Disney buses don’t go direct to theme parks.) We got off at the Swan and walked over to the Studios, a 10-minute excursion if you move along at a decent pace. At the end of our day, we jumped on a bus to Caribbean Beach Resort, got off at the first stop, and waited maybe five minutes for a bus to Downtown Disney where we hunted down our car and drove back to the hotel.
In the morning, we enjoyed a complimentary breakfast buffet in a sunny area off the main lobby. Admittedly, it wasn’t as extensive as some I’ve seen at similar hotels, but they did offer fruit, eggs, bacon, sausage, assorted breads and pastries, etc. It was more than adequate, and better than going to McDonald’s.
Summary: Hawthorn Suites Palm Parkway is in a wonderful, convenient location and you get a lot for your money. You can sleep six in a suite (although you’d drive each other nuts after a few days) and breakfast is included. The kitchen has a sink, microwave, full frig, and a two-plate cooktop. No oven, though, and the kitchen equipment is just enough to get by. With a pool, half-court basketball, fitness center and small arcade there are enough amenities to suit most families. So I will continue to whole-heartedly recommend this location for those that need to stay off Disney property. However, getting to and from the parks when it can’t work around the free hotel shuttle times is still a major hassle so if there’s any way at all that you can afford a Disney-owned resort then it’s still the better choice."
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
By the same author:
"100 Prayers of Purity for the Mission of Our Lady of America."
The Virgin Mary, Our Lady of America, encourages us to seek Her as our model of purity. The prayers in this book petition God the Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the great Saints for the grace we need to lead pure and holy lives. Click here to read the book for FREE.
"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 read the book for FREE.
"Rosary Meditations: A Bouquet of Roses for Our Lady." Shows the beginner and the highly experienced how to meditate while praying the rosary. Click here to read the book for FREE.
Be sure to check out Father Ron Camarda's "Tear in the Desert." It's one of the most spiritual books I have ever read!
"To me, today at age 61, all prayer by the humble or highly placed has one thing in common: supplication for strength and inspiration to carry on the best impulses which should bind us together for a better world. Without such inspiration we would rapidly deteriorate and finally perish." Walt Disney (Source: startedbyamouse.com)
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Secrets to an Affordable WDW Vacation
"Save up to 40% on your Walt Disney World vacation. Save on Disney hotels, dining, tickets, cruises, honeymoons and souvenirs!" Click here for details.
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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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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 5:42 AM
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