AffordableDisney.Com Newsletter
April 21, 2010 Issue #525
Celebrating Our 11th Year Online!
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!
Thinking about joining our Affordable Disney family? We'll donate 10% of every new membership fee to the Missionaries of the Poor in Haiti. Click here for more details.
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 - Dining certificate sale now includes Downtown Disney's House of Blues, FREE Disney Cruise, Adventures by Disney special offer, MSC Cruise deals, Luxury Cruise Line 3-day spring sale, Luxury Cruise Line summer blockbuster event
News from around the "World":
* This day in Disney history
* Disney World uses coupons to promote off-peak dining & shopping
* A Disney Cruise Line vacation through time-lapse video
* Disney World offers free tickets to stranded European travelers
* Urban Pop Culture Meets Disney at D Street Downtown Disney
* Dateline Disney - May-June 2010
* Disney World bus accidents: GPS units on buses is distracting
* Reposition Cruises: Travelers save when cruise ships migrate
* Port Canaveral prepares for new Disney ship
* Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar
* Only three more space shuttle launches left
* Message from Spirit Airlines CEO about the carry-on crisis
* Filmmakers Bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Life
* Take a look at Aquatica’s 'ultimate' cabana
* Florida Travel Calendar for May
* Traveling with pets (but first, a Chihuahua-on-a-plane story)
* Review: Aquatica's Omaka Rocka slide - all wet in a good way
* ‘World of Color’ Water Spectacular Debuts June 11 at Disneyland
* Saying Good-Bye (Again) to Disney's Electrical Parade
* City pays big bucks to lure Disney-area water park
* Disneyland Resort Calendar
* Mother Dressed as Princess Kicked Out of Disneyland Paris
* This week at Disneyland Paris
* What's new at Disneyland Tokyo
* What's new at Disneyland Hong Kong
* This week in Las Vegas
* Branson Calendar of Events
* Beau Rivage Biloxi, Mississippi Entertainment Schedule
* Photos of the week: Girlfriend Getaways
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about timeshares
* Money saving tip: Google's FREE 411 Service
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Now includes House of Blues Downtown Disney and 11 other locations! This company offers money saving dining certificates to restaurants in Orlando, near Walt Disney World, in Anaheim, near Disneyland California, and all across the US. Get $25 certificates for $3! Offer expires April 22, 2010.
--------------------------------
ADVENTURES BY DISNEY OFFER
Take $300 off the non-discounted regular rate, per person, for any available Adventures by Disney 2010 season departure when booked within 14 calendar days after taking this particular Disney vacation!
--------------------------------
MSC CRUISE DEALS
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "Most Americans have never heard of MSC Cruises, but they are HUGE in Europe (sort of like Carnival and Royal Caribbean are in the US), and the ships are exquisite. The ship they have in the US at this point is a pretty new one, the Poesia, and she’s really lovely. Many of the cruises on Poesia include 'kids sail free' offers, and there are also many 'themed' departures (baseball greats, big band, etc.) The prices are good as well, so if you love to cruise then this is definitely a ship worth considering."
Beth has access to special fares starting from $599 and kids sail FREE. Must book by April 31, 2010.
--------------------------------
LUXURY CRUISE LINE 3-DAY SPRING SALES EVENT
Sensational savings on Caribbean, Europe and Alaska cruises! Fares from less than $85 per day and cash back!
• 7-day Caribbean sailings from $499
• 7-day Alaska sailings from $599
• 9-day Bermuda & Caribbean sailings from $899
• 12-day Europe sailings from $1,399
Plus! Up to $100 Cash Back per Stateroom
• Up to $50 on 7-day sailings
• Up to $100 on 10- to 14-day sailings
Sale runs Wednesday through Friday, April 21-23 only!
--------------------------------
LUXURY CRUISE LINE SUMMER BLOCKBUSTER EVENT
50% reduced deposit and 3rd & 4th guests cruise from just $99! Booking window: 4/16/10 - 5/31/10. Reduced deposit offer valid: 4/16/10 - 5/2/10. Beth writes: "'The 'limited time offer' with reduced deposit and reduced 3rd/4th rates is a nice one – especially for families."
=================================================
The following promotions are drawn from over 116 pages of DEALS, DISCOUNTS, SPECIALS AND COUPONS posted at our password-protected members-only site:
* Save up to 55% with this card at 50 attractions near Disneyland
* Exclusive package to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
* Residents of this country save 48% at Walt Disney World
* Luxury Cruise departing from New Jersey all summer long
* Save up to 45% on at WDW rooms with these discount codes!
* Hawaiian vacation from $149 per night
* Luxury Cruise Deal from $599
* Receive Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse Voicemails at WDW
* Extended discounts for Annual Passholders at Disneyland CA
* Universal Orlando vacation from $39pp/per day, family of 4
* 5 nights for the price of 4 at Hotel & Suites just outside WDW
* Disney World Passholders save over $100 at this Disney venue
* 2-4-1 ticket deal at Disneyland for Southern Californians
* Disney park tickets for these residents for 4 days/$25 per day
* Disney Cruise discounts for Florida residents and the military
* Las Vegas Resort & Casino from $37 with this promo code
* Military ticket deal for WDW NOT sold online or at the window
* Military save 20% at Branson with this coupon
* These cardholders save 25% at two WDW Vacations Club resorts
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 World uses coupons to promote off-peak dining & shopping
A Disney Cruise Line vacation through time-lapse video
Walt Disney World offers free tickets for stranded European travelers SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Aquatica are also offering free tickets.
Urban Pop Culture Meets Disney Product at D Street Now Open at Downtown Disney West Side
Dateline Disney - May-June 2010 Epcot: Chubby Checker ‘Twists,' DIY Network ‘Crashes’ and Summer Sounds Fill the Air; Magic Kingdom: Night of Joy Tickets Go On Sale for Star-Studded September Event, ‘Wishes’ Spectacular Gets Even ‘Sweeter’; Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Star Wars Weekends Feels the Force in May and June; Disney water parks: Blizzard Beach Marks 15 Years of Cool Fun
Disney World bus accidents: GPS units on buses is distracting, critics say
Reposition Cruise Guide: Travelers can save when cruise ships migrate
Port Canaveral prepares for new Disney ship
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Plan your travel now: Only three more space shuttle launches left
Updated message from Spirit Airlines CEO about the carry-on crisis
Filmmakers Help Bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Life (Video)
Take a look at Aquatica’s “ultimate” cabana
Florida Travel Calendar for May
Traveling with pets (but first, a Chihuahua-on-a-plane story)
Review: Aquatica's new Omaka Rocka slide -- all wet in a good way
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
The Date You’ve Been Waiting For: ‘World of Color’ Water Spectacular Debuts June 11 at Disney’s California Adventure Park - video preview
Saying Good-Bye (Again) to Disney's Electrical Parade
City pays big bucks to lure Disney-area water park
Disneyland Resort Calendar
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
Mother Dressed as Princess Kicked Out of Disneyland Paris
This week at Disneyland Paris
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND TOKYO
What's new at Tokyo Disneyland
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND HONG KONG
What's new at Disneyland Hong Kong
--------------------------------
BRANSON, MO
Branson Calendar of Events
--------------------------------
LAS VEGAS
This Week in Las Vegas
--------------------------------
BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI
Beau Rivage Entertainment Schedule
--------------------------------
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
10 for the road: Girlfriend Getaways
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, writes about timeshares:
"Did you know that thousands of timeshare units sit completely empty every week? Did you know that you can use those unused weeks even if you’re NOT an owner? It’s big business these days… Plenty of timeshare owners can’t afford to use their weeks/points; although the lodging is next to free, they still have to pay for travel and food and entertainment so it’s just not in the budget this year.
There are several companies that manage the bookings of these timeshare units, and they’re more than happy to sell the unused space like a regular hotel booking - similar to how Disney books unused DVC villas for anyone that wants them. The prices can be amazing. For example:
* Grand Beach I - (1 mile from Disney entrance) - 3 bedroom unit (sleeps 8) - $168.57/nt + tax
* Tuscana at Champion’s Gate (great for golfers, close to Disney) - 3 bedroom unit (sleeps 8) - $114.29/nt + tax
* Cypress Point (1 mile from Disney) - 1 bedroom unit (sleeps 4) - $61.43/nt + tax
I could go on, but you get the picture.
Keep in mind that you will lose the free Disney airport transfers if you don’t stay at a Disney-owned resort. You will also not be able to add a dining plan or have park access during Extra Magic Hours, and no matter how many daily shuttles your resort offers to the parks (if any), it’s not going to be nearly as frequent or as convenient as Disney resort transportation. My advice is, and has always been, that you should stay in a Disney-owned resort whenever you can swing it - and if you plan ahead you should be able to get a good discount, but sometimes the numbers still don’t work out so an unused timeshare villa can still be a great option.
(FYI - I also priced a few Disney villas through a management company… For a week in a 1-bedroom unit at Boardwalk the cost is about $31 higher than the 'regular price' of going through Disney; $35 higher for a 2-bedroom at Saratoga Springs. The rates are considerably higher than a Disney promotional rate. However, promo rates aren’t always available, and you can’t always get the villa size you need when going direct to Disney. What’s more, you’ll be hit with a penalty for canceling less than six days prior to arrival with Disney, whereas the management companies give you up the three days prior to cancel. So even if you don’t necessarily save money, it can still be a great backup plan - and yes, you can still use Magical Express AND Extra Magic Hours.)"
=================================================
A FREE DISNEY CRUISE? REALLY?
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
"Yep, really! Some people are getting emailed PIN code deals offering them a free 3-night Disney cruise when they do an Adventures by Disney vacation, so it’s like two vacations for the price of one. If you were thinking of doing a 3-night Disney cruise anyway then it’s an especially nice deal.
What’s Adventures by Disney, you ask? It’s Disney’s tour company. They offer adult-only and family-friendly vacations all over the world, and they are pure quality all the way. No characters to be had, but plenty of that famous Disney attention to detail. I love, love, love this program!"
So how do YOU get one of these PIN codes? That’s a closely guarded secret. Affordable Disney members should log in and follow Beth's directions. MAYBE you'll be one of the lucky ones to get this PIN code!
=================================================
Google's FREE 411 Service
Beth writes: "Google has this nifty new service to help you locate and call businesses without the use of a phone book - and it’s free! Just call 1-800-goog411 (1-800-466-4411). You’ll be asked for the city and state, and then the name of the business - or you can state the category (for instance, Chinese restaurant). If you state a business name the service will automatically connect you. If you state a category it will begin listing businesses in that category until you hear the one you want.
Either way, you get connected to the business - for free - and can have information about that business sent to your cell phone in a text message if you want to. In fact, you can even have a map to the business sent if you want! (And yes, you can call from a regular phone, too.)"
You can see a demo video here: http://www.google.com/goog411/
=================================================
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 our newsletter. Always check to be sure. The views and opinions expressed by others in our newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views of AffordableDisney.Com.
=============================================
Copyright © 1999 - 2010 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
Celebrating Our 11th Year Online!
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!
Thinking about joining our Affordable Disney family? We'll donate 10% of every new membership fee to the Missionaries of the Poor in Haiti. Click here for more details.
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 - Dining certificate sale now includes Downtown Disney's House of Blues, FREE Disney Cruise, Adventures by Disney special offer, MSC Cruise deals, Luxury Cruise Line 3-day spring sale, Luxury Cruise Line summer blockbuster event
News from around the "World":
* This day in Disney history
* Disney World uses coupons to promote off-peak dining & shopping
* A Disney Cruise Line vacation through time-lapse video
* Disney World offers free tickets to stranded European travelers
* Urban Pop Culture Meets Disney at D Street Downtown Disney
* Dateline Disney - May-June 2010
* Disney World bus accidents: GPS units on buses is distracting
* Reposition Cruises: Travelers save when cruise ships migrate
* Port Canaveral prepares for new Disney ship
* Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar
* Only three more space shuttle launches left
* Message from Spirit Airlines CEO about the carry-on crisis
* Filmmakers Bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Life
* Take a look at Aquatica’s 'ultimate' cabana
* Florida Travel Calendar for May
* Traveling with pets (but first, a Chihuahua-on-a-plane story)
* Review: Aquatica's Omaka Rocka slide - all wet in a good way
* ‘World of Color’ Water Spectacular Debuts June 11 at Disneyland
* Saying Good-Bye (Again) to Disney's Electrical Parade
* City pays big bucks to lure Disney-area water park
* Disneyland Resort Calendar
* Mother Dressed as Princess Kicked Out of Disneyland Paris
* This week at Disneyland Paris
* What's new at Disneyland Tokyo
* What's new at Disneyland Hong Kong
* This week in Las Vegas
* Branson Calendar of Events
* Beau Rivage Biloxi, Mississippi Entertainment Schedule
* Photos of the week: Girlfriend Getaways
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about timeshares
* Money saving tip: Google's FREE 411 Service
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Now includes House of Blues Downtown Disney and 11 other locations! This company offers money saving dining certificates to restaurants in Orlando, near Walt Disney World, in Anaheim, near Disneyland California, and all across the US. Get $25 certificates for $3! Offer expires April 22, 2010.
--------------------------------
ADVENTURES BY DISNEY OFFER
Take $300 off the non-discounted regular rate, per person, for any available Adventures by Disney 2010 season departure when booked within 14 calendar days after taking this particular Disney vacation!
--------------------------------
MSC CRUISE DEALS
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "Most Americans have never heard of MSC Cruises, but they are HUGE in Europe (sort of like Carnival and Royal Caribbean are in the US), and the ships are exquisite. The ship they have in the US at this point is a pretty new one, the Poesia, and she’s really lovely. Many of the cruises on Poesia include 'kids sail free' offers, and there are also many 'themed' departures (baseball greats, big band, etc.) The prices are good as well, so if you love to cruise then this is definitely a ship worth considering."
Beth has access to special fares starting from $599 and kids sail FREE. Must book by April 31, 2010.
--------------------------------
LUXURY CRUISE LINE 3-DAY SPRING SALES EVENT
Sensational savings on Caribbean, Europe and Alaska cruises! Fares from less than $85 per day and cash back!
• 7-day Caribbean sailings from $499
• 7-day Alaska sailings from $599
• 9-day Bermuda & Caribbean sailings from $899
• 12-day Europe sailings from $1,399
Plus! Up to $100 Cash Back per Stateroom
• Up to $50 on 7-day sailings
• Up to $100 on 10- to 14-day sailings
Sale runs Wednesday through Friday, April 21-23 only!
--------------------------------
LUXURY CRUISE LINE SUMMER BLOCKBUSTER EVENT
50% reduced deposit and 3rd & 4th guests cruise from just $99! Booking window: 4/16/10 - 5/31/10. Reduced deposit offer valid: 4/16/10 - 5/2/10. Beth writes: "'The 'limited time offer' with reduced deposit and reduced 3rd/4th rates is a nice one – especially for families."
=================================================
The following promotions are drawn from over 116 pages of DEALS, DISCOUNTS, SPECIALS AND COUPONS posted at our password-protected members-only site:
* Save up to 55% with this card at 50 attractions near Disneyland
* Exclusive package to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
* Residents of this country save 48% at Walt Disney World
* Luxury Cruise departing from New Jersey all summer long
* Save up to 45% on at WDW rooms with these discount codes!
* Hawaiian vacation from $149 per night
* Luxury Cruise Deal from $599
* Receive Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse Voicemails at WDW
* Extended discounts for Annual Passholders at Disneyland CA
* Universal Orlando vacation from $39pp/per day, family of 4
* 5 nights for the price of 4 at Hotel & Suites just outside WDW
* Disney World Passholders save over $100 at this Disney venue
* 2-4-1 ticket deal at Disneyland for Southern Californians
* Disney park tickets for these residents for 4 days/$25 per day
* Disney Cruise discounts for Florida residents and the military
* Las Vegas Resort & Casino from $37 with this promo code
* Military ticket deal for WDW NOT sold online or at the window
* Military save 20% at Branson with this coupon
* These cardholders save 25% at two WDW Vacations Club resorts
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 World uses coupons to promote off-peak dining & shopping
A Disney Cruise Line vacation through time-lapse video
Walt Disney World offers free tickets for stranded European travelers SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Aquatica are also offering free tickets.
Urban Pop Culture Meets Disney Product at D Street Now Open at Downtown Disney West Side
Dateline Disney - May-June 2010 Epcot: Chubby Checker ‘Twists,' DIY Network ‘Crashes’ and Summer Sounds Fill the Air; Magic Kingdom: Night of Joy Tickets Go On Sale for Star-Studded September Event, ‘Wishes’ Spectacular Gets Even ‘Sweeter’; Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Star Wars Weekends Feels the Force in May and June; Disney water parks: Blizzard Beach Marks 15 Years of Cool Fun
Disney World bus accidents: GPS units on buses is distracting, critics say
Reposition Cruise Guide: Travelers can save when cruise ships migrate
Port Canaveral prepares for new Disney ship
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Plan your travel now: Only three more space shuttle launches left
Updated message from Spirit Airlines CEO about the carry-on crisis
Filmmakers Help Bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Life (Video)
Take a look at Aquatica’s “ultimate” cabana
Florida Travel Calendar for May
Traveling with pets (but first, a Chihuahua-on-a-plane story)
Review: Aquatica's new Omaka Rocka slide -- all wet in a good way
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
The Date You’ve Been Waiting For: ‘World of Color’ Water Spectacular Debuts June 11 at Disney’s California Adventure Park - video preview
Saying Good-Bye (Again) to Disney's Electrical Parade
City pays big bucks to lure Disney-area water park
Disneyland Resort Calendar
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
Mother Dressed as Princess Kicked Out of Disneyland Paris
This week at Disneyland Paris
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND TOKYO
What's new at Tokyo Disneyland
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND HONG KONG
What's new at Disneyland Hong Kong
--------------------------------
BRANSON, MO
Branson Calendar of Events
--------------------------------
LAS VEGAS
This Week in Las Vegas
--------------------------------
BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI
Beau Rivage Entertainment Schedule
--------------------------------
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
10 for the road: Girlfriend Getaways
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
Beth, our travel agent, writes about timeshares:
"Did you know that thousands of timeshare units sit completely empty every week? Did you know that you can use those unused weeks even if you’re NOT an owner? It’s big business these days… Plenty of timeshare owners can’t afford to use their weeks/points; although the lodging is next to free, they still have to pay for travel and food and entertainment so it’s just not in the budget this year.
There are several companies that manage the bookings of these timeshare units, and they’re more than happy to sell the unused space like a regular hotel booking - similar to how Disney books unused DVC villas for anyone that wants them. The prices can be amazing. For example:
* Grand Beach I - (1 mile from Disney entrance) - 3 bedroom unit (sleeps 8) - $168.57/nt + tax
* Tuscana at Champion’s Gate (great for golfers, close to Disney) - 3 bedroom unit (sleeps 8) - $114.29/nt + tax
* Cypress Point (1 mile from Disney) - 1 bedroom unit (sleeps 4) - $61.43/nt + tax
I could go on, but you get the picture.
Keep in mind that you will lose the free Disney airport transfers if you don’t stay at a Disney-owned resort. You will also not be able to add a dining plan or have park access during Extra Magic Hours, and no matter how many daily shuttles your resort offers to the parks (if any), it’s not going to be nearly as frequent or as convenient as Disney resort transportation. My advice is, and has always been, that you should stay in a Disney-owned resort whenever you can swing it - and if you plan ahead you should be able to get a good discount, but sometimes the numbers still don’t work out so an unused timeshare villa can still be a great option.
(FYI - I also priced a few Disney villas through a management company… For a week in a 1-bedroom unit at Boardwalk the cost is about $31 higher than the 'regular price' of going through Disney; $35 higher for a 2-bedroom at Saratoga Springs. The rates are considerably higher than a Disney promotional rate. However, promo rates aren’t always available, and you can’t always get the villa size you need when going direct to Disney. What’s more, you’ll be hit with a penalty for canceling less than six days prior to arrival with Disney, whereas the management companies give you up the three days prior to cancel. So even if you don’t necessarily save money, it can still be a great backup plan - and yes, you can still use Magical Express AND Extra Magic Hours.)"
=================================================
A FREE DISNEY CRUISE? REALLY?
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
"Yep, really! Some people are getting emailed PIN code deals offering them a free 3-night Disney cruise when they do an Adventures by Disney vacation, so it’s like two vacations for the price of one. If you were thinking of doing a 3-night Disney cruise anyway then it’s an especially nice deal.
What’s Adventures by Disney, you ask? It’s Disney’s tour company. They offer adult-only and family-friendly vacations all over the world, and they are pure quality all the way. No characters to be had, but plenty of that famous Disney attention to detail. I love, love, love this program!"
So how do YOU get one of these PIN codes? That’s a closely guarded secret. Affordable Disney members should log in and follow Beth's directions. MAYBE you'll be one of the lucky ones to get this PIN code!
=================================================
Google's FREE 411 Service
Beth writes: "Google has this nifty new service to help you locate and call businesses without the use of a phone book - and it’s free! Just call 1-800-goog411 (1-800-466-4411). You’ll be asked for the city and state, and then the name of the business - or you can state the category (for instance, Chinese restaurant). If you state a business name the service will automatically connect you. If you state a category it will begin listing businesses in that category until you hear the one you want.
Either way, you get connected to the business - for free - and can have information about that business sent to your cell phone in a text message if you want to. In fact, you can even have a map to the business sent if you want! (And yes, you can call from a regular phone, too.)"
You can see a demo video here: http://www.google.com/goog411/
=================================================
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 our newsletter. Always check to be sure. The views and opinions expressed by others in our newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views of AffordableDisney.Com.
=============================================
Copyright © 1999 - 2010 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 6:20 AM
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