From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
February 17, 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 blog
content 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 - Bigger ticket discount for Affordable Disney members, Walt Disney World room discount codes (up to 45% off!), BIG Walt Disney World offer for UK residents, Space Shuttle launch tickets, last minute Vegas sale ($27 per night!), Luxury Cruise from New Jersey, Bahamas Resort 4th night FREE special, and last minute Luxury Cruise Rates
News from around the "World":
* This day in Disney history
* 2010 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
* Disney cleared of safety violations in death
* New Images of Disney Label Buzz Lightyear - a transformer!
* Go wild at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
* ‘Give a Day, Get a Disney Day’ Program Reaches 600,000
* Disney unveils a mammoth wall of canned goods
* WDW Showcases New Entertainment, Fantasy and Fun By Land & Sea
* Tourism: Theme parks gear up seasonal hiring
* Disney Cruise Ship Behind Schedule After Late Return
* 'Toy Story 3' introduces new characters
* Interactive Weather Map
* Main Street Electrical Parade Lights the Night Again at WDW
* Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar
* Carnival Glory back in Miami after renovation
* Hard Rock Hotel at Universal continues Velvet Sessions in Feb
* American Airlines to charge $50 for coach standby
* Swimming with Florida's endangered manatees
* California Food & Wine Festival at Disneyland Resort
* Video of the construction of Disney's new "World of Color"
* Disney union agrees to mediate as fast starts
* Disneyland Resort Calendar
* This week at Disneyland Paris
* What's new at Disneyland Tokyo
* This week in Las Vegas
* Branson Calendar of Events
* New exclusive ticket discount for Affordable Disney Members!
* Beth, our travel agent, reviews Seralogo Hotel and Suites
* Jennifer writes about Pollo Campero replacing McDonald's at Downtown Disney and her recent housekeeping and dining experiences at Walt Disney World
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
# We've negotiated a exclusive extra 2% discount from our ticket agent for Affordable Disney Members!
# Save up to 45% on rooms at Walt Disney World with these discount codes!
# Walt Disney World Special for UK Residents! Save up to 48% on rooms and get FREE Dining!
--------------------------------
SPACE SHUTTLE LAUNCH TICKETS
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "There are only a few more scheduled space shuttle launches to go. If you haven’t seen one yet, you’re running out of time! Tickets are now on sale for our tour of the March 18 launch (1:34 PM). Prices start at $95 per person. Please ask for details." Members can log in for Beth's contact info.
--------------------------------
LAST MINUTE VEGAS SALE
How low can you go! Imagine staying at a luxury Resort & Casino from $27 per night! Valid for stays February 12, 2010 - January 31, 2011. Offer expires February 24, 2010. Enjoy the following benefits:
* High-speed Internet service in your guest room
* Two FREE drinks
* Two FREE midway games
Plus, receive a coupon book at check-in with over $800 in savings!
-------------------------------------------------
LUXURY CRUISE FROM NEW JERSEY
Departing from Cape Liberty, Bayonne, New Jersey! Sail from your own backyard and take advantage of special pricing plus an upgrade offer on select sailings!
* 5-Night Bermuda from $549 per person!
* 9-Night Bermuda and Caribbean from $849!
* 9-Night Bermuda and Bahamas from $679!
* 13-Night Southern Caribbean from $1,209!
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "Tell your friends and neighbors, too… Great pricing on cruises from New Jersey all summer long!"
-------------------------------------------------
BAHAMAS RESORT 4TH NIGHT FREE SPECIAL
Book a 4-night, air-inclusive getaway at this resort now through 03/03/10 for travel from 01/04/10 to 06/23/10 and receive FREE companion airfare! Dining plans are now available from $75 per person, per day for adults and $35 for children! PLUS! All dolphin interactions can now be booked ahead of time!
-------------------------------------------------
LAST MINUTE LUXURY CRUISE RATES
Rates as low as $329 for a 4-day cruise! Beth, our travel agent, writes: "Rates are per person based on double occupancy and taxes/fees are additional. These rates are available weekly and sell quickly, so when you know you’re going to be ready for a vacation soon and have some flexibility then it’s a great way to pick up a real bargain."
=================================================
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 nights and FREE tickets at Walt Disney World
* FREE night at a Walt Disney World luxury resort
* Two Nights FREE at Disneyland California
* Kids eat FREE membership card
* Kids fly FREE to Disneyland California
* 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
Flower Power Concert Series Fills Weekends with Special Music during 2010 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Disney cleared of safety violations in death
New Images of Disney Label Buzz Lightyear - a Buzz Lightyear transformer!
Go wild at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
‘Give a Day, Get a Disney Day’ Program Reaches 600,000 Volunteer Sign-Ups – and Counting!
Disney unveils a mammoth wall of canned goods - destined as a donation to food banks in Orlando, Miami and Atlanta.
Walt Disney World Resort Showcases New Entertainment, Fantasy and Family Fun By Land and By Sea
Tourism: Theme parks gear up seasonal hiring
Disney Cruise Ship Behind Schedule After Late Return
'Toy Story 3' introduces new characters, including first stuffed animal, Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear!
Interactive Weather Map - Choose the national map or a state map, mouse over an airport and get an instant readout of weather conditions. Neat!
Main Street Electrical Parade will return this June to the Magic Kingdom and run all summer. Disney has added Tinker Bell, Snow White and Pinocchio floats, LED lights and new audio. (Orlando Sentinel, "Main Street Electrical Parade to return to Disney World," http://thedailydisney.com/blog/2010/02/main-street-electrical-parade-to-return-to-disney-world/... accessed 02/11/10)
Main Street Electrical Parade Lights the Night Again as Walt Disney World Resort Launches ‘Summer Nightastic!’
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Carnival Glory back in Miami after renovation
Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando's Velvet Sessions continues in February with A Flock Of Seagulls
American Airlines to charge $50 for coach standby
Swimming with Florida's endangered manatees
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival Celebrates the 'Art of Flavor' at Disneyland Resort
Video of the construction of Disney's new spectacular nighttime water show, "World of Color" Cool!
Disney union agrees to mediate as fast starts
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.
=================================================
We've negotiated a exclusive extra 2% discount from our ticket agent for Affordable Disney Members!
Our ticket agent sells tickets to Walt Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and other local venues at the lowest possible price. Plus! He includes a 5th Day FREE when you purchase a Walt Disney World 4-Day Base or Hopper with 14 day Expiration! With the extra exclusive 2% discount you can be sure you're getting the best deals!
"I thought I knew all the tips for saving money at WDW, even being a member of the Magic Kingdom Club for over 15 years, but just learning about [your ticket agent] saved our family over $300.00! Thanks." Janet Handy, Bel Air, MD
"Plenty of roadside outfits in Orlando promise discounted tickets, but most of them really want to rope you into a time-share sales pitch in exchange for vouchers - accept at your own risk. [Affordable Disney's ticket agent], though, is legit." The New York Post, November 16, 2004. NEVER overpay again!
=================================================
Jennifer writes about Pollo Campero replacing McDonald's at Downtown Disney and her recent housekeeping and dining experiences at Walt Disney World:
"I wanted to comment on the Disney to close it's downtown Disney McDonald's and being replaced by Pollo Campero. We have them here in MD and I have to say, we've tried them 5 times to give them a fair shot, and they were horrible. The chicken was dry but very greasy and the facilities in both restaurants was not taken care of.
Also, we just got back from Disney World today and wanted to let everyone know that they are currently training a whole lot of new employees. While at Cosmic Ray's Cafe to eat, I literally was in line 20 minutes before having someone come over and take over for the poor new girl who did not know what she was doing. I felt bad for her, because she did not have anyone with her during prime lunch hour to help her, resulting in the 20 minute wait. Every time she messed up an order she'd had to find someone to go find the manager who would come over fix it, then leave only to have it repeated again. We don't mind when there is a new person training, but I really think they needed to have someone with her during the lunch time crunch. We had a trainee during check-in and she had someone with her to help her.
One other thing I noted was that the housekeeping staff isn't as good as it used to be at Pop Century, where we stayed. The first day, after making the bed, they left the top coverlet laying crumpled on the floor and never gave us new towel animals and I had to call twice to get my son's bday card to the room.
Also, a few dining places make a fuss over us for celebrating my son's 3rd bday and our 4th anniversary, then nothing happened at the tables. I don't expect it, but I guess I have gotten used to them bringing a cupcake or something. Chef Mickey's used to bring a 'placemat' signed by the characters, this time the lady realized it was my son's bday after we paid the check and ran over with a cupcake and said here you go....it was crowded and nice that she did remember though.
At Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner, the characters are there until Crystal Palace reopens, the wait staff seemed very rushed. Since this is our favorite restaurant, I asked the waitress if it was possible for them to bring my son a cupcake for his bday. She did, but then proceeded to say 'here' and then said something very fast and almost inaudible and plopped it on his plate and walked away.
I have to say, we love Disney and I have never, NEVER experienced the lacking service we did this time. I thought since it's not a busy time for them, we would experience the same, if not better, service we get during peak season. I know they are training a ton of new people, I can only assume once the stress of that subsides, everything will resume. We do plan on going back, but we really wanted to share this with you. I hate giving them a negative review, we did have some good times there during this past visit too. Thanks."
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, reviews Seralogo Hotel and Suites:
"Still a Solid Choice
When there’s an option I will always suggest staying at a Disney-owned resort. For our most recent trip to Disney World, though, value resorts were only open two of the three nights we needed and were priced at over $150 a night with tax. The only place open for all three nights was priced at over $500 a night. Forget that; this was supposed to be a quickie 'cheap' trip! In fact, as I worked my way down the list of 'preferred' hotels, it because obvious that the few places that were available to arrivals on the Friday night before Presidents Day were going to be charging us as much as they felt they could squeeze us for. Ever the bargain hunter that I am, I kept looking… eventually settling on an old standby, Seralago.
I first toured this hotel many years ago when it was a Holiday Inn and thought it provided a lot of bang for your buck. At that point, many rooms had been upgraded to 'kid suites' and they were turning several more into very spacious two-room suites to accommodate eight people. Astronaut John Glenn was an original owner of this hotel when it opened in 1973, but despite its age it’s in great shape. The standard rooms have two reasonably comfy double beds, a small frig and tiny microwave, and a single-sink wash area. The small bathrooms have a tub/shower combo, and the HVAC works well. No elevators, though, and there are two floors so be prepared for stairs. Resort amenities include an arcade, restaurant, small bar, two heated pools w/ hot tub, a food court of sorts (better than nothing) and a convenience store area. Plenty of parking even when most of the 614 rooms are filled. They do provide complimentary Disney transportation, with three departures and three returns available during our weekend.
You can easily walk over to Old Town if you want some non-Disney diversion and there are a zillion other restaurants and touristy things right there as well. The drive time to Epcot is about 15 minutes. More like 20 minutes to the Transportation and Ticket Center (for Magic Kingdom access). Two thumbs up on location.
I’ve seen rates as low as $39 a night if you’re age 50+ and join the senior club. This weekend, when Disney was charging over $150 for value resorts, Seralago was charging $41 for senior club members. Standard rooms with the "for anyone” discount were $79. $59 is about average. Tax is 13%. Suites cost more, but are still reasonable. Just remember that you’ll either need to use the shuttle (and work around the stated times), or drive yourself and deal with the $14 per day Disney parking fees."
=============================================
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
A World on Its Knees: Click here for a FREE book of prayers for the people of Haiti and those who are caring for them.
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
February 17, 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 - Bigger ticket discount for Affordable Disney members, Walt Disney World room discount codes (up to 45% off!), BIG Walt Disney World offer for UK residents, Space Shuttle launch tickets, last minute Vegas sale ($27 per night!), Luxury Cruise from New Jersey, Bahamas Resort 4th night FREE special, and last minute Luxury Cruise Rates
News from around the "World":
* This day in Disney history
* 2010 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
* Disney cleared of safety violations in death
* New Images of Disney Label Buzz Lightyear - a transformer!
* Go wild at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
* ‘Give a Day, Get a Disney Day’ Program Reaches 600,000
* Disney unveils a mammoth wall of canned goods
* WDW Showcases New Entertainment, Fantasy and Fun By Land & Sea
* Tourism: Theme parks gear up seasonal hiring
* Disney Cruise Ship Behind Schedule After Late Return
* 'Toy Story 3' introduces new characters
* Interactive Weather Map
* Main Street Electrical Parade Lights the Night Again at WDW
* Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar
* Carnival Glory back in Miami after renovation
* Hard Rock Hotel at Universal continues Velvet Sessions in Feb
* American Airlines to charge $50 for coach standby
* Swimming with Florida's endangered manatees
* California Food & Wine Festival at Disneyland Resort
* Video of the construction of Disney's new "World of Color"
* Disney union agrees to mediate as fast starts
* Disneyland Resort Calendar
* This week at Disneyland Paris
* What's new at Disneyland Tokyo
* This week in Las Vegas
* Branson Calendar of Events
* New exclusive ticket discount for Affordable Disney Members!
* Beth, our travel agent, reviews Seralogo Hotel and Suites
* Jennifer writes about Pollo Campero replacing McDonald's at Downtown Disney and her recent housekeeping and dining experiences at Walt Disney World
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
# We've negotiated a exclusive extra 2% discount from our ticket agent for Affordable Disney Members!
# Save up to 45% on rooms at Walt Disney World with these discount codes!
# Walt Disney World Special for UK Residents! Save up to 48% on rooms and get FREE Dining!
--------------------------------
SPACE SHUTTLE LAUNCH TICKETS
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "There are only a few more scheduled space shuttle launches to go. If you haven’t seen one yet, you’re running out of time! Tickets are now on sale for our tour of the March 18 launch (1:34 PM). Prices start at $95 per person. Please ask for details." Members can log in for Beth's contact info.
--------------------------------
LAST MINUTE VEGAS SALE
How low can you go! Imagine staying at a luxury Resort & Casino from $27 per night! Valid for stays February 12, 2010 - January 31, 2011. Offer expires February 24, 2010. Enjoy the following benefits:
* High-speed Internet service in your guest room
* Two FREE drinks
* Two FREE midway games
Plus, receive a coupon book at check-in with over $800 in savings!
-------------------------------------------------
LUXURY CRUISE FROM NEW JERSEY
Departing from Cape Liberty, Bayonne, New Jersey! Sail from your own backyard and take advantage of special pricing plus an upgrade offer on select sailings!
* 5-Night Bermuda from $549 per person!
* 9-Night Bermuda and Caribbean from $849!
* 9-Night Bermuda and Bahamas from $679!
* 13-Night Southern Caribbean from $1,209!
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "Tell your friends and neighbors, too… Great pricing on cruises from New Jersey all summer long!"
-------------------------------------------------
BAHAMAS RESORT 4TH NIGHT FREE SPECIAL
Book a 4-night, air-inclusive getaway at this resort now through 03/03/10 for travel from 01/04/10 to 06/23/10 and receive FREE companion airfare! Dining plans are now available from $75 per person, per day for adults and $35 for children! PLUS! All dolphin interactions can now be booked ahead of time!
-------------------------------------------------
LAST MINUTE LUXURY CRUISE RATES
Rates as low as $329 for a 4-day cruise! Beth, our travel agent, writes: "Rates are per person based on double occupancy and taxes/fees are additional. These rates are available weekly and sell quickly, so when you know you’re going to be ready for a vacation soon and have some flexibility then it’s a great way to pick up a real bargain."
=================================================
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 nights and FREE tickets at Walt Disney World
* FREE night at a Walt Disney World luxury resort
* Two Nights FREE at Disneyland California
* Kids eat FREE membership card
* Kids fly FREE to Disneyland California
* 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
Flower Power Concert Series Fills Weekends with Special Music during 2010 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Disney cleared of safety violations in death
New Images of Disney Label Buzz Lightyear - a Buzz Lightyear transformer!
Go wild at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
‘Give a Day, Get a Disney Day’ Program Reaches 600,000 Volunteer Sign-Ups – and Counting!
Disney unveils a mammoth wall of canned goods - destined as a donation to food banks in Orlando, Miami and Atlanta.
Walt Disney World Resort Showcases New Entertainment, Fantasy and Family Fun By Land and By Sea
Tourism: Theme parks gear up seasonal hiring
Disney Cruise Ship Behind Schedule After Late Return
'Toy Story 3' introduces new characters, including first stuffed animal, Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear!
Interactive Weather Map - Choose the national map or a state map, mouse over an airport and get an instant readout of weather conditions. Neat!
Main Street Electrical Parade will return this June to the Magic Kingdom and run all summer. Disney has added Tinker Bell, Snow White and Pinocchio floats, LED lights and new audio. (Orlando Sentinel, "Main Street Electrical Parade to return to Disney World," http://thedailydisney.com/blog/2010/02/main-street-electrical-parade-to-return-to-disney-world/... accessed 02/11/10)
Main Street Electrical Parade Lights the Night Again as Walt Disney World Resort Launches ‘Summer Nightastic!’
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Carnival Glory back in Miami after renovation
Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando's Velvet Sessions continues in February with A Flock Of Seagulls
American Airlines to charge $50 for coach standby
Swimming with Florida's endangered manatees
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival Celebrates the 'Art of Flavor' at Disneyland Resort
Video of the construction of Disney's new spectacular nighttime water show, "World of Color" Cool!
Disney union agrees to mediate as fast starts
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.
=================================================
We've negotiated a exclusive extra 2% discount from our ticket agent for Affordable Disney Members!
Our ticket agent sells tickets to Walt Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and other local venues at the lowest possible price. Plus! He includes a 5th Day FREE when you purchase a Walt Disney World 4-Day Base or Hopper with 14 day Expiration! With the extra exclusive 2% discount you can be sure you're getting the best deals!
"I thought I knew all the tips for saving money at WDW, even being a member of the Magic Kingdom Club for over 15 years, but just learning about [your ticket agent] saved our family over $300.00! Thanks." Janet Handy, Bel Air, MD
"Plenty of roadside outfits in Orlando promise discounted tickets, but most of them really want to rope you into a time-share sales pitch in exchange for vouchers - accept at your own risk. [Affordable Disney's ticket agent], though, is legit." The New York Post, November 16, 2004. NEVER overpay again!
=================================================
Jennifer writes about Pollo Campero replacing McDonald's at Downtown Disney and her recent housekeeping and dining experiences at Walt Disney World:
"I wanted to comment on the Disney to close it's downtown Disney McDonald's and being replaced by Pollo Campero. We have them here in MD and I have to say, we've tried them 5 times to give them a fair shot, and they were horrible. The chicken was dry but very greasy and the facilities in both restaurants was not taken care of.
Also, we just got back from Disney World today and wanted to let everyone know that they are currently training a whole lot of new employees. While at Cosmic Ray's Cafe to eat, I literally was in line 20 minutes before having someone come over and take over for the poor new girl who did not know what she was doing. I felt bad for her, because she did not have anyone with her during prime lunch hour to help her, resulting in the 20 minute wait. Every time she messed up an order she'd had to find someone to go find the manager who would come over fix it, then leave only to have it repeated again. We don't mind when there is a new person training, but I really think they needed to have someone with her during the lunch time crunch. We had a trainee during check-in and she had someone with her to help her.
One other thing I noted was that the housekeeping staff isn't as good as it used to be at Pop Century, where we stayed. The first day, after making the bed, they left the top coverlet laying crumpled on the floor and never gave us new towel animals and I had to call twice to get my son's bday card to the room.
Also, a few dining places make a fuss over us for celebrating my son's 3rd bday and our 4th anniversary, then nothing happened at the tables. I don't expect it, but I guess I have gotten used to them bringing a cupcake or something. Chef Mickey's used to bring a 'placemat' signed by the characters, this time the lady realized it was my son's bday after we paid the check and ran over with a cupcake and said here you go....it was crowded and nice that she did remember though.
At Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner, the characters are there until Crystal Palace reopens, the wait staff seemed very rushed. Since this is our favorite restaurant, I asked the waitress if it was possible for them to bring my son a cupcake for his bday. She did, but then proceeded to say 'here' and then said something very fast and almost inaudible and plopped it on his plate and walked away.
I have to say, we love Disney and I have never, NEVER experienced the lacking service we did this time. I thought since it's not a busy time for them, we would experience the same, if not better, service we get during peak season. I know they are training a ton of new people, I can only assume once the stress of that subsides, everything will resume. We do plan on going back, but we really wanted to share this with you. I hate giving them a negative review, we did have some good times there during this past visit too. Thanks."
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, reviews Seralogo Hotel and Suites:
"Still a Solid Choice
When there’s an option I will always suggest staying at a Disney-owned resort. For our most recent trip to Disney World, though, value resorts were only open two of the three nights we needed and were priced at over $150 a night with tax. The only place open for all three nights was priced at over $500 a night. Forget that; this was supposed to be a quickie 'cheap' trip! In fact, as I worked my way down the list of 'preferred' hotels, it because obvious that the few places that were available to arrivals on the Friday night before Presidents Day were going to be charging us as much as they felt they could squeeze us for. Ever the bargain hunter that I am, I kept looking… eventually settling on an old standby, Seralago.
I first toured this hotel many years ago when it was a Holiday Inn and thought it provided a lot of bang for your buck. At that point, many rooms had been upgraded to 'kid suites' and they were turning several more into very spacious two-room suites to accommodate eight people. Astronaut John Glenn was an original owner of this hotel when it opened in 1973, but despite its age it’s in great shape. The standard rooms have two reasonably comfy double beds, a small frig and tiny microwave, and a single-sink wash area. The small bathrooms have a tub/shower combo, and the HVAC works well. No elevators, though, and there are two floors so be prepared for stairs. Resort amenities include an arcade, restaurant, small bar, two heated pools w/ hot tub, a food court of sorts (better than nothing) and a convenience store area. Plenty of parking even when most of the 614 rooms are filled. They do provide complimentary Disney transportation, with three departures and three returns available during our weekend.
You can easily walk over to Old Town if you want some non-Disney diversion and there are a zillion other restaurants and touristy things right there as well. The drive time to Epcot is about 15 minutes. More like 20 minutes to the Transportation and Ticket Center (for Magic Kingdom access). Two thumbs up on location.
I’ve seen rates as low as $39 a night if you’re age 50+ and join the senior club. This weekend, when Disney was charging over $150 for value resorts, Seralago was charging $41 for senior club members. Standard rooms with the "for anyone” discount were $79. $59 is about average. Tax is 13%. Suites cost more, but are still reasonable. Just remember that you’ll either need to use the shuttle (and work around the stated times), or drive yourself and deal with the $14 per day Disney parking fees."
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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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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See You Real Soon!
John
AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
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posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 7:47 PM
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