AffordableDisney.Com Newsletter
August 4, 2010 Issue #540
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!
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 - BIG last minute Walt Disney World room discount, Water Parks discounts, Hotel & Suite deal for Disney and Universal Nights of Faith concerts, and BIG Disneyland Paris special
News from around the "World":
* This day in Disney history
* First look and first bites at Epcot's Via Napoli
* Disney to create new monorail job
* WDW Resort Expands Relationship with HP Into Youth Sports
* Disney fans dismayed with ‘Disco Yeti’
* Disney Channel-based show to replace ‘High School Musical 3'
* Disney not nervous about launching new Hawaiian resort
* Starting the Disney Dream Engines
* New Character Experience, ‘it’s a small world’ Update at MK
* First haircut at Magic Kingdom barber shop memorable
* ‘Main Street Electrical Parade’ Extended at Walt Disney World
* Zhang Ziyi to produce and star in 3D Mulan film
* Disney’s Ariel, Prince Eric greet guests in new MK location
* Marvel superheroes for sale at Downtown Disney
* Disney drinks for adults: Toast with a Big Apple Sunset
* Team Disney reflecting pools drain away
* Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar
* Soul Asylum set for this month’s Velvet Sessions at Universal
* Who’s No. 1 with a bullet on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit?
* Universal CityWalk Calendar - August 2010
* Orlando Science Center adds more Sub-Zero demonstrations
* Duel time: Hard Knocks asks folks to shoot it out in tournament
* Wet set: Wing it with just water rides
* Is. of Adventure: It’s not easy being Green Eggs and Ham fan
* Good bye Star Tours; I will miss you
* Disneyland Resort Calendar
* This week at Disneyland Paris
* Disney Vacation Club opens Doors in Tokyo Disneyland
* 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
* Part two of Beth's trip report of her recent stay at WDW
* Erica asks about trading her Universal tickets for Disney tickets
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
#Save over 50% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resorts!
#Discounts for Florida residents at water-parks
--------------------------------
CELEBRATE FAITH IN 2010
Enjoy Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom® Park - Night of Joy or Universal Studios® theme park - Rock the Universe on Friday, September 10 and Saturday, September 11, 2010 with great rates at this popular Hotel & Suites. $35.00/night plus tax. Plus! Exclusive Hotel Rates for church members!
This is 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. Beth gives it a very solid 3 to 3.5 stars. Affordable Disney members can log in for her full review.
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
Save up to 40% + Kids FREE! Includes hotel, tickets and breakfast.
=================================================
AffordableDisney.Com Members and their families enjoy 24/7/365 access to a veritable Treasure House of Disney inside information, including:
* Our online 196-page travel guide, Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation
* Over 1,000 pages of Disney information including coupons, deals, discounts and specials at Walt Disney World, Florida, Disneyland, California, Disneyland Paris, cruises, and other venues in Florida and around the world!
* Customized tours for adults, children and romantic couples!
* Travel agent specializing in Disney travel who is familiar with all our deals and will book all of your vacations for you!
* Authorized Disney Discount Ticket Agent with the best deals on all your Florida vacation needs with an exclusive discount for Affordable Disney Members! Over 25 years in business!
The following promotions are just a sample of the DEALS, DISCOUNTS, SPECIALS AND COUPONS posted at our password-protected members-only site:
* 7-night Caribbean Luxury Cruise from $86 per person per day
* Save $50 pp with discount code at SeaWorld's Discovery Cove
* FREE dining at WDW with this credit card and discount code
* Floridians save 25%-35% at WDW resorts with discount code
* These international visitors save up to 25% on WDW rooms
* FREE stay and tickets for kids at WDW with discount code
* Popular theme park is offering a FREE pass to Florida kids
* Disney World/Florida by Train: Kids travel for only $19
* 30% off + Chararacter Breakfast at this Downtown Disney resort
* Get a child's ticket for only $5 with this SeaWorld promotion
* Kids Stay, Play And Eat Free Credit Card Offer
* Hawaii: 20 Big Island meals for less than $20
* Save $50 on Disney's PhotoPass CD
* WDW package with FREE dining for residents of this country
* Dominican Republic Resorts 2 For 1 Summer Special
* Official WDW Good Neighbor Hotel: $35/night in May
* FREE Disney Cruise? Beth, our travel agent, reveals the secret.
* FREE 411 service on your cell phone
* Just added to our book: the secret of timeshare deals
* Save up to 42% at Universal's onsite hotels
* Just added to our book: analysis of FREE companion air tickets
* Florida Gulf Coast Condo Special
* After 2 PM Pass at this popular Orlando Water Park: $49.99
* Package deal at Branson MO/Dolly Parton Dixie Stampede
* Las Vegas Resort & Casino rates from $26.95
* Kids sail FREE on these Disney Cruises with this discount code
* Save up to 40% on hotel accommodations at Disneyland CA
* Save on kids' accommodations and tickets at Disneyland Paris
* Florida Preschoolers get in FREE for rest of 2010 at theme park
* Save up to 55% at 50+ attractions near Disneyland CA
* Save up to 40% on Disney World rooms with this discount codes
* Hawaii from $149 per night
* Luxury Cruise Deal from $599
* Receive Minnie and Mickey Mouse Voicemails at Disney World
* Tables in Wonderland eateries for FL residents and AP holders
* 5 nights for the price of 4 at Hotel & Suites near Disney World
* Disney Cruise discounts for Florida residents and the military
* Military ticket deal for Disney World: NOT sold online or gate
* U. S. military save 20% at Branson MO with this coupon
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
First look and first bites at Via Napoli in Epcot’s Italy Showcase
Disney to create new monorail job
Walt Disney World Resort Expands Relationship with HP Into Youth Sports at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Disney fans dismayed with ‘Disco Yeti’
Disney Channel-based show to replace ‘High School Musical 3'
Disney not nervous about launching new Hawaiian resort
Starting the Disney Dream Engines
New Character Experience, ‘it’s a small world’ Update at Magic Kingdom Park
Main Street, U.S.A.: First haircut at Magic Kingdom barber shop memorable
‘Main Street Electrical Parade’ Extended at Walt Disney World
Zhang Ziyi to produce and star in 3D Mulan film
Disney’s Ariel, Prince Eric greet guests in new Magic Kingdom location
Team Disney reflecting pools drain away
Disney drinks for adults: Toast with a Big Apple Sunset
Marvel superheroes for sale at Downtown Disney
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Soul Asylum set for this month’s Velvet Sessions at Universal's Hard Rock Hotel
Universal Studios: Who’s No. 1 with a bullet on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit?
Universal CityWalk Calendar And Venue Entertainment - August 2010
Orlando Science Center adds more Sub-Zero demonstrations
Duel time: Hard Knocks asks folks to shoot it out in tournament
Wet set: Wing it with just water rides
Islands of Adventure: It’s not easy being Green Eggs and Ham fan
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Good bye Star Tours; I will miss you
Disneyland Resort Calendar
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
This week at Disneyland Paris
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND TOKYO
Disney Vacation Club opens Doors with Presence in Tokyo Disneyland
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
--------------------------------
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, recently stayed at Walt Disney World. Here is part two of her trip report:
"Day two of our recent quick trip to Disney World started with a drive to the Orlando International Airport (MCO) about 30 minutes away from Port Orleans Riverside. Our GPS made it easier to find the airport than it was to find a parking space, but we finally slid into one and headed for the terminal. Although we'd parked in the area for Southwest Airlines it was nevertheless a little bit of a hike to get to the check-in area.
We were somewhat horrified to see the incredibly long check-in line and suddenly became extra-glad that we'd left a little early. Think "Jungle Cruise line" during peak season” and that’s pretty much what we were dealing with. After just over a 30-minute wait we finally made it to a kiosk, got my daughter and her baggage checked in, and obtained gate passes so that we could accompany her. (At the age of 12, she’s too old for the unaccompanied minor program, but in my book she’s also WAY too young to be wandering an airport alone!) Off to the security area to find – you guessed it – another line. Actually, there were several of them and all were long. In all, it took us nearly 90 minutes to park, check-in and clear security – and it can be much worse, so leave PLENTY of time when headed to MCO to catch a flight!
My daughter’s plane departed just a little late, so my boyfriend and I were able to make it to Disney’s Polynesian resort right around lunch time. Again, I'd used online check-in to let the resort know we'd be early and our room was ready for us on arrival. Much to our pleasure, we found that my Disney sales manager had bumped us up to a club-level room. These are all located in the Hawaii building next to the volcano pool, so off we went. This building requires key card entry, but a cast member from the concierge desk actually greeted us by name at the door and led us to the elevator, telling us about the lounge and the concierge services available to us as we went.
We easily found our garden-view room on the third floor. Actually, the view was more like a palm view room given that we could see little through the tree tops, but that made our balcony a little more private so it was OK. The room was a decent size, done in the expected tropical décor, and we quickly settled in. The Polynesian is one of the two original Disney resorts (the other being the Contemporary), but Disney’s done a decent job of keeping the rooms updated.
The room was also reasonably clean EXCEPT for the thick layer of dust on the desk lamp shade. (There may have been more dusty areas, but I was afraid to look too closely lest the magical illusion of Disney perfection and attention to detail be further eroded by the oversight.) The rooms accommodate five people with two queen beds and a daybed. If you can afford it, get a second room for the kids. (Disney will guarantee a connecting one when reserved for that purpose.) Otherwise, though, you'll all fit and there’s certainly more room than there is in a Port Orleans Riverside room for five.
Off we went to the concierge (aka Club Level) lounge, located at the end of the building and accessible from both the second and third floors. Actually, the upper level of the lounge is a loft area with seating and a TV. You can get games from the concierge desk on the first floor. Stairs lead you to the second (main) floor of the lounge were we found another TV, plenty of seating, and the food and beverage area. Offerings included a variety of canned soft drinks and other beverages along with popcorn, gummy sharks, Goldfish crackers, and several types of cookies.
The lounge closes from 3:00 to 4:00 then reopens for a few hours as sort of a Happy Hour location. They offer bottled beer, a few types of wine, some "grownup" punch, and some really tasty hot and cold hors d’oeuvres (along with non-alcoholic beverages and some crustless PB&J bites for the kids). Note that you'd be hard pressed to make a real meal out of either the lunchtime food or the Happy Hour food, but there’s plenty to hold you over to the next meal or alleviate the need for a really large meal.
We also made it back to the lounge in the evening for dessert. We found there to be just a few choices, but they were all reasonably tasty and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages were still available. One of the best parts about staying at this resort, though, is the location. Aside from being a short monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom, you can sit on the beach (or inside the club-level lounge if you are staying there) to watch the electric water pageant at night. A couple of barges stop briefly in front of the resort to do a cute light display before going of to the next resort. (You can also see this display at the Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness campground.) Check with your resort’s front desk or concierge for the time.
We didn't have a long wait before the fireworks at Magic Kingdom started, and again, being at the Polynesian is a perk because you can set on the beach and hear the dialogue and music while watching the show. You don't have to be staying at the Poly to sit on the beach, but you do have to get there a little early if you want a chair or to sit along the walkway.
Breakfast at the Polynesian’s club lounge was rather limited and focused on typical Continental breakfast items like cereal and pastries, but everyone in the room seemed to be happy enough with what they chose and, even better, no one lingered so long that getting a table was difficult. It’s sure a lot nicer to start your day in the lounge than it is to start off in a line at a food court!
So is club level at the Polynesian worth the extra money? Yes and no. If you can get a really good deal on it, to the point that you're paying no more than $30-35 per person per night for it, and you'll be using the lounge for breakfast and at least one other thing per day, then yes. After all, if you have a glass or two of wine and some hors d’oeuvres before dinner each night then that and breakfast can make it a good value - but I wouldn’t be willing to pay MORE than $35 a person per night for it.
Realistically, you won’t run back there 3-4 times a day and you really cannot make a meal off the food (except maybe breakfast). The rooms are the same as standard rooms, so it’s a splurge, but perhaps one worth doing if you can catch a good promotional rate."
To be continued…
=================================================
Erica writes:
"I have Universal Studios tickets. Is it possible for me trade those or get credit to use at Disney Parks?"
Nope. No way. Not going to happen.
=================================================
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:
"Rosary Poetry: Poems on the Life of Jesus Christ." Twenty poems relating to the birth, life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Click here to read the book for FREE.
"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!
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 - BIG last minute Walt Disney World room discount, Water Parks discounts, Hotel & Suite deal for Disney and Universal Nights of Faith concerts, and BIG Disneyland Paris special
News from around the "World":
* This day in Disney history
* First look and first bites at Epcot's Via Napoli
* Disney to create new monorail job
* WDW Resort Expands Relationship with HP Into Youth Sports
* Disney fans dismayed with ‘Disco Yeti’
* Disney Channel-based show to replace ‘High School Musical 3'
* Disney not nervous about launching new Hawaiian resort
* Starting the Disney Dream Engines
* New Character Experience, ‘it’s a small world’ Update at MK
* First haircut at Magic Kingdom barber shop memorable
* ‘Main Street Electrical Parade’ Extended at Walt Disney World
* Zhang Ziyi to produce and star in 3D Mulan film
* Disney’s Ariel, Prince Eric greet guests in new MK location
* Marvel superheroes for sale at Downtown Disney
* Disney drinks for adults: Toast with a Big Apple Sunset
* Team Disney reflecting pools drain away
* Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar
* Soul Asylum set for this month’s Velvet Sessions at Universal
* Who’s No. 1 with a bullet on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit?
* Universal CityWalk Calendar - August 2010
* Orlando Science Center adds more Sub-Zero demonstrations
* Duel time: Hard Knocks asks folks to shoot it out in tournament
* Wet set: Wing it with just water rides
* Is. of Adventure: It’s not easy being Green Eggs and Ham fan
* Good bye Star Tours; I will miss you
* Disneyland Resort Calendar
* This week at Disneyland Paris
* Disney Vacation Club opens Doors in Tokyo Disneyland
* 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
* Part two of Beth's trip report of her recent stay at WDW
* Erica asks about trading her Universal tickets for Disney tickets
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
#Save over 50% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resorts!
#Discounts for Florida residents at water-parks
--------------------------------
CELEBRATE FAITH IN 2010
Enjoy Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom® Park - Night of Joy or Universal Studios® theme park - Rock the Universe on Friday, September 10 and Saturday, September 11, 2010 with great rates at this popular Hotel & Suites. $35.00/night plus tax. Plus! Exclusive Hotel Rates for church members!
This is 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. Beth gives it a very solid 3 to 3.5 stars. Affordable Disney members can log in for her full review.
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
Save up to 40% + Kids FREE! Includes hotel, tickets and breakfast.
=================================================
AffordableDisney.Com Members and their families enjoy 24/7/365 access to a veritable Treasure House of Disney inside information, including:
* Our online 196-page travel guide, Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation
* Over 1,000 pages of Disney information including coupons, deals, discounts and specials at Walt Disney World, Florida, Disneyland, California, Disneyland Paris, cruises, and other venues in Florida and around the world!
* Customized tours for adults, children and romantic couples!
* Travel agent specializing in Disney travel who is familiar with all our deals and will book all of your vacations for you!
* Authorized Disney Discount Ticket Agent with the best deals on all your Florida vacation needs with an exclusive discount for Affordable Disney Members! Over 25 years in business!
The following promotions are just a sample of the DEALS, DISCOUNTS, SPECIALS AND COUPONS posted at our password-protected members-only site:
* 7-night Caribbean Luxury Cruise from $86 per person per day
* Save $50 pp with discount code at SeaWorld's Discovery Cove
* FREE dining at WDW with this credit card and discount code
* Floridians save 25%-35% at WDW resorts with discount code
* These international visitors save up to 25% on WDW rooms
* FREE stay and tickets for kids at WDW with discount code
* Popular theme park is offering a FREE pass to Florida kids
* Disney World/Florida by Train: Kids travel for only $19
* 30% off + Chararacter Breakfast at this Downtown Disney resort
* Get a child's ticket for only $5 with this SeaWorld promotion
* Kids Stay, Play And Eat Free Credit Card Offer
* Hawaii: 20 Big Island meals for less than $20
* Save $50 on Disney's PhotoPass CD
* WDW package with FREE dining for residents of this country
* Dominican Republic Resorts 2 For 1 Summer Special
* Official WDW Good Neighbor Hotel: $35/night in May
* FREE Disney Cruise? Beth, our travel agent, reveals the secret.
* FREE 411 service on your cell phone
* Just added to our book: the secret of timeshare deals
* Save up to 42% at Universal's onsite hotels
* Just added to our book: analysis of FREE companion air tickets
* Florida Gulf Coast Condo Special
* After 2 PM Pass at this popular Orlando Water Park: $49.99
* Package deal at Branson MO/Dolly Parton Dixie Stampede
* Las Vegas Resort & Casino rates from $26.95
* Kids sail FREE on these Disney Cruises with this discount code
* Save up to 40% on hotel accommodations at Disneyland CA
* Save on kids' accommodations and tickets at Disneyland Paris
* Florida Preschoolers get in FREE for rest of 2010 at theme park
* Save up to 55% at 50+ attractions near Disneyland CA
* Save up to 40% on Disney World rooms with this discount codes
* Hawaii from $149 per night
* Luxury Cruise Deal from $599
* Receive Minnie and Mickey Mouse Voicemails at Disney World
* Tables in Wonderland eateries for FL residents and AP holders
* 5 nights for the price of 4 at Hotel & Suites near Disney World
* Disney Cruise discounts for Florida residents and the military
* Military ticket deal for Disney World: NOT sold online or gate
* U. S. military save 20% at Branson MO with this coupon
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
First look and first bites at Via Napoli in Epcot’s Italy Showcase
Disney to create new monorail job
Walt Disney World Resort Expands Relationship with HP Into Youth Sports at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Disney fans dismayed with ‘Disco Yeti’
Disney Channel-based show to replace ‘High School Musical 3'
Disney not nervous about launching new Hawaiian resort
Starting the Disney Dream Engines
New Character Experience, ‘it’s a small world’ Update at Magic Kingdom Park
Main Street, U.S.A.: First haircut at Magic Kingdom barber shop memorable
‘Main Street Electrical Parade’ Extended at Walt Disney World
Zhang Ziyi to produce and star in 3D Mulan film
Disney’s Ariel, Prince Eric greet guests in new Magic Kingdom location
Team Disney reflecting pools drain away
Disney drinks for adults: Toast with a Big Apple Sunset
Marvel superheroes for sale at Downtown Disney
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Soul Asylum set for this month’s Velvet Sessions at Universal's Hard Rock Hotel
Universal Studios: Who’s No. 1 with a bullet on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit?
Universal CityWalk Calendar And Venue Entertainment - August 2010
Orlando Science Center adds more Sub-Zero demonstrations
Duel time: Hard Knocks asks folks to shoot it out in tournament
Wet set: Wing it with just water rides
Islands of Adventure: It’s not easy being Green Eggs and Ham fan
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Good bye Star Tours; I will miss you
Disneyland Resort Calendar
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
This week at Disneyland Paris
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND TOKYO
Disney Vacation Club opens Doors with Presence in Tokyo Disneyland
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
--------------------------------
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, recently stayed at Walt Disney World. Here is part two of her trip report:
"Day two of our recent quick trip to Disney World started with a drive to the Orlando International Airport (MCO) about 30 minutes away from Port Orleans Riverside. Our GPS made it easier to find the airport than it was to find a parking space, but we finally slid into one and headed for the terminal. Although we'd parked in the area for Southwest Airlines it was nevertheless a little bit of a hike to get to the check-in area.
We were somewhat horrified to see the incredibly long check-in line and suddenly became extra-glad that we'd left a little early. Think "Jungle Cruise line" during peak season” and that’s pretty much what we were dealing with. After just over a 30-minute wait we finally made it to a kiosk, got my daughter and her baggage checked in, and obtained gate passes so that we could accompany her. (At the age of 12, she’s too old for the unaccompanied minor program, but in my book she’s also WAY too young to be wandering an airport alone!) Off to the security area to find – you guessed it – another line. Actually, there were several of them and all were long. In all, it took us nearly 90 minutes to park, check-in and clear security – and it can be much worse, so leave PLENTY of time when headed to MCO to catch a flight!
My daughter’s plane departed just a little late, so my boyfriend and I were able to make it to Disney’s Polynesian resort right around lunch time. Again, I'd used online check-in to let the resort know we'd be early and our room was ready for us on arrival. Much to our pleasure, we found that my Disney sales manager had bumped us up to a club-level room. These are all located in the Hawaii building next to the volcano pool, so off we went. This building requires key card entry, but a cast member from the concierge desk actually greeted us by name at the door and led us to the elevator, telling us about the lounge and the concierge services available to us as we went.
We easily found our garden-view room on the third floor. Actually, the view was more like a palm view room given that we could see little through the tree tops, but that made our balcony a little more private so it was OK. The room was a decent size, done in the expected tropical décor, and we quickly settled in. The Polynesian is one of the two original Disney resorts (the other being the Contemporary), but Disney’s done a decent job of keeping the rooms updated.
The room was also reasonably clean EXCEPT for the thick layer of dust on the desk lamp shade. (There may have been more dusty areas, but I was afraid to look too closely lest the magical illusion of Disney perfection and attention to detail be further eroded by the oversight.) The rooms accommodate five people with two queen beds and a daybed. If you can afford it, get a second room for the kids. (Disney will guarantee a connecting one when reserved for that purpose.) Otherwise, though, you'll all fit and there’s certainly more room than there is in a Port Orleans Riverside room for five.
Off we went to the concierge (aka Club Level) lounge, located at the end of the building and accessible from both the second and third floors. Actually, the upper level of the lounge is a loft area with seating and a TV. You can get games from the concierge desk on the first floor. Stairs lead you to the second (main) floor of the lounge were we found another TV, plenty of seating, and the food and beverage area. Offerings included a variety of canned soft drinks and other beverages along with popcorn, gummy sharks, Goldfish crackers, and several types of cookies.
The lounge closes from 3:00 to 4:00 then reopens for a few hours as sort of a Happy Hour location. They offer bottled beer, a few types of wine, some "grownup" punch, and some really tasty hot and cold hors d’oeuvres (along with non-alcoholic beverages and some crustless PB&J bites for the kids). Note that you'd be hard pressed to make a real meal out of either the lunchtime food or the Happy Hour food, but there’s plenty to hold you over to the next meal or alleviate the need for a really large meal.
We also made it back to the lounge in the evening for dessert. We found there to be just a few choices, but they were all reasonably tasty and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages were still available. One of the best parts about staying at this resort, though, is the location. Aside from being a short monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom, you can sit on the beach (or inside the club-level lounge if you are staying there) to watch the electric water pageant at night. A couple of barges stop briefly in front of the resort to do a cute light display before going of to the next resort. (You can also see this display at the Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness campground.) Check with your resort’s front desk or concierge for the time.
We didn't have a long wait before the fireworks at Magic Kingdom started, and again, being at the Polynesian is a perk because you can set on the beach and hear the dialogue and music while watching the show. You don't have to be staying at the Poly to sit on the beach, but you do have to get there a little early if you want a chair or to sit along the walkway.
Breakfast at the Polynesian’s club lounge was rather limited and focused on typical Continental breakfast items like cereal and pastries, but everyone in the room seemed to be happy enough with what they chose and, even better, no one lingered so long that getting a table was difficult. It’s sure a lot nicer to start your day in the lounge than it is to start off in a line at a food court!
So is club level at the Polynesian worth the extra money? Yes and no. If you can get a really good deal on it, to the point that you're paying no more than $30-35 per person per night for it, and you'll be using the lounge for breakfast and at least one other thing per day, then yes. After all, if you have a glass or two of wine and some hors d’oeuvres before dinner each night then that and breakfast can make it a good value - but I wouldn’t be willing to pay MORE than $35 a person per night for it.
Realistically, you won’t run back there 3-4 times a day and you really cannot make a meal off the food (except maybe breakfast). The rooms are the same as standard rooms, so it’s a splurge, but perhaps one worth doing if you can catch a good promotional rate."
To be continued…
=================================================
Erica writes:
"I have Universal Studios tickets. Is it possible for me trade those or get credit to use at Disney Parks?"
Nope. No way. Not going to happen.
=================================================
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:
"Rosary Poetry: Poems on the Life of Jesus Christ." Twenty poems relating to the birth, life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Click here to read the book for FREE.
"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 6:38 AM
<< Home