AffordableDisney.Com Newsletter
August 11, 2010 Issue #541
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:
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: My Yahoo! users can instantly add our blog
content to My Yahoo! Add My Yahoo!
: You can also subscribe to our blog at MSN!
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=================================================
Hi Everyone!
REMEMBER: If you want to visit Walt Disney World when there is no deal for the general public, you will need to follow the discount strategies that are revealed in our online book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation," to make your vacation affordable.
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
Deals and specials - 2011 Room Rates and Vacation Packages, BIG Disney Cruise Line discount code, Discounts at Disney restaurants, and Nassau Beach resort special!
News from around the "World":
* This day in Disney history
* Haunted Mansion and Disney Princess themed resort rooms?
* New Pizzeria Via Napoli Unveiled at Epcot World Showcase
* Magic Kingdom parade changes: Tiana, Naveen in finale float
* Great ports of call on Disney Mediterranean cruise
* Epcot’s Via Napoli is family friendly without catering to kids
* Candlelight Dinner Packages at Epcot Available This Month
* Last Tour to Endor event will include special Star Wars touches
* Via Napoli Grand Opening Day Report and Photos
* Top 10 Things To Do at Disney World Without Kids
* Photos: First look inside Epcot’s new Neapolitan pizzeria
* Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar
* Steve Harvey brings extra laughs to 'Family Feud' at Universal
* Universal Holds Fla. Resident Prices Steady, Raises Others
* Don't miss: SeaWorld AfterDark
* Twenty questions for Universal's 20 years
* Final Launch of Discovery
* Wizarding World of Harry Potter Commemorative Ticket Details
* Can you guess these destinations from the satellite image?
* ‘Tron: Legacy’ dance party set for Disney California Adventure
* Disney California Adventure: Goofy’s Sky School and Cars Land
* Cupcake Store coming to Downtown Disneyland
* Disneyland Resort Calendar
* 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
* Beth, our travel agent, concludes her report regarding her recent stay at Walt Disney World
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
# 2011 Packages are now available for booking! Members can log in for latest changes and check out the new rates for 2011.
# Discounts at Restaurants near Disney!
Now includes many restaurants at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts and House of Blues at Downtown Disney and 11 other locations! Get $25 dining certificates for $2! This resource offers money saving dining certificates to restaurants in Orlando, near Walt Disney World, in Anaheim, near Disneyland California, and all across the US.
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Kids Sail FREE on this 10-Night Cruise with this discount code!
--------------------------------
NASSAU BEACH RESORT SPECIAL
Complimentary Companion Airfare PLUS Complimentary 4th Night! Valid 08/15/10 through 12/22/10.
=================================================
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
Disney considering Haunted Mansion and Disney Princess themed moderate resort rooms?
New Pizzeria Via Napoli Unveiled at Epcot World Showcase at Walt Disney World Resort
Magic Kingdom parade changes: Tiana, Naveen in to boost finale float
Disney cruise: Great ports of call on Disney Mediterranean cruise
Epcot’s Via Napoli is family friendly without catering to kids
Candlelight Dinner Packages at Epcot Available This Month
Last Tour to Endor event will include special Star Wars touches
Via Napoli Grand Opening Day Report and Photos
Photos: First look inside Epcot’s new Neapolitan pizzeria
Top 10 Things To Do at Disney World Without Kids
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Steve Harvey brings extra laughs to 'Family Feud' at Universal Orlando
Universal Holds Fla. Resident Ticket Prices Steady, Raises Others
Don't miss: SeaWorld AfterDark
Twenty questions for Universal's 20 years
Final Launch of Discovery: "Launch Scheduled for Monday, November 1, 2010 at 4:40 p.m. ET. NEW Launch Ticket Opportunity Process... ensures a fair opportunity for all who are interested in purchasing launch viewing tickets. Register online from August 16 at 9:00 a.m. ET through August 23 at 5:00 p.m. ET." Click here for more information. (Source: KSC email blast, 08/05/10)
Can you guess these destinations from the satellite image?
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Commemorative Ticket Details
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
‘Tron: Legacy’ dance party set for Disney California Adventure this fall
Disney California Adventure Park Expansion Continues with Goofy’s Sky School and Cars Land
Cupcake Store coming to Downtown Disney
Disneyland Resort Calendar
--------------------------------
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
--------------------------------
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 the conclusion of her trip report:
"Our third and last day of our late June visit to Disney World was really only a half day. After a nice breakfast in the club-level lounge at the Polynesian and a little shopping in the main building, we loaded up the car and headed over to Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL). My boyfriend, who provides a ton of administrative assistance to me, is trying to get as familiar with the resorts as I am and he hadn’t seen AKL so we thought we'd head over there for a little tour and some lunch before heading home.
We mentioned to the security person that we'd be doing lunch and she gave us a card with turn-by-turn directions on how to reach a restaurant called Sanaa at Kidani Village. Kidani is one of the newest additions to Disney’s timeshare project called Disney Vacation Club, but the units are also available to non-owners for rental as regular hotel accommodations. Sanaa is one of only two places open for lunch at AKL and neither one of us had seen the accommodations there yet, so we unanimously voted to check it out.
First stop, though, was Jambo House which is the main (and original) building at AKL. The lobby really is breathtaking. If you've stayed at Wilderness Lodge you'll recognize some similar features since the architect was the same on both resorts. The dark woods and soaring atrium let you know right away this is something special. There are three basic room types at this resort: standard view, pool view, and savanna view. The rooms are the same at all three, with two queen beds, a king bed, or a queen and a set of bunks (which you'll pay a little more for). It’s the view from your balcony that differs.
As with all Disney resorts, a standard view room usually means "parking lot" view. At this resort, a water view room looks out across the pool. If you have binoculars with you, you might be able to see some animals in the distance. The savanna view rooms are why you stay at this resort, though. You can sit on your balcony and watch zebras and giraffes and ostriches and all sorts of cool creatures right in front of your room! Needless to say, this resort went onto my boyfriend’s list of "need to stay at this one soon" locations.
Then off to Kidani Village where a really nice cast member from the front desk was kind enough to show us around. Folks, I have to say that the villas here are incredible. We didn't get to see a studio (which is just one room with a kitchenette), but we did see both a 1- and a 2-bedroom unit. Holy cow! Space, space, space – and a bathroom around every corner. The theming of the décor is amazing and the attention to detail is typical Disney. These villas have full kitchens as well as a washer and dryer. The ones with savanna views give the added perk of the animals being visible from your balcony. I love all the villas, but I have to say that this one might have gone to the top of my list. Just lovely. About 75% of the space is used by owners, though, so if you want to get in here (and especially if you want a discount) you'll need to book early.
Finally, lunch time at Sanaa… I was surprised that no reservations were needed. That’s not usually the case at a nice Disney restaurant, but if you want to have dinner here then reservations are a must. You access Sanaa from the lobby of Kidani by way of a gorgeous winding staircase down to the lower level. Even the bathrooms here are gorgeous and again, the attention to detail is phenomenal.
We had a short (5 minutes?) wait for our table and then were led to one right next to a big arched window where we could watch the animals throughout our meal. The food is sort of Indian with an African influence. Think curry, Naan bread, Paneer cheese, samosas, etc. We did the Indian Style Bread Service which is a choice of three types of flatbreads and three accompaniments. All three breads (Naan, onion kulcha, Paneer paratha) were wonderful all by themselves, but when paired with the accompaniments (we picked cucumber raita, mango chutney and roasted red pepper hummus) they were out of this world.
We also shared the vegetarian sampler (in our case, stewed lentils and Paneer cheese with Basmati rice) and again, two thumbs up. Not sure you'd like something like this? Before you head to Disney World ask your friends and neighbors for a recommendation on a GOOD Indian restaurant and try it out. (Tell your server you don't want anything too spicy if you can't handle a 5-alarm fire in your mouth.) If you like good Indian food then you'll love Sanaa.
Amazingly, my daughters been gone for nearly a month now so I'll be headed back to Orlando to get her next week. Two nights at Port Orleans Riverside and some more lodging and dining adventures to tell you about soon!"
=================================================
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 - 2011 Room Rates and Vacation Packages, BIG Disney Cruise Line discount code, Discounts at Disney restaurants, and Nassau Beach resort special!
News from around the "World":
* This day in Disney history
* Haunted Mansion and Disney Princess themed resort rooms?
* New Pizzeria Via Napoli Unveiled at Epcot World Showcase
* Magic Kingdom parade changes: Tiana, Naveen in finale float
* Great ports of call on Disney Mediterranean cruise
* Epcot’s Via Napoli is family friendly without catering to kids
* Candlelight Dinner Packages at Epcot Available This Month
* Last Tour to Endor event will include special Star Wars touches
* Via Napoli Grand Opening Day Report and Photos
* Top 10 Things To Do at Disney World Without Kids
* Photos: First look inside Epcot’s new Neapolitan pizzeria
* Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar
* Steve Harvey brings extra laughs to 'Family Feud' at Universal
* Universal Holds Fla. Resident Prices Steady, Raises Others
* Don't miss: SeaWorld AfterDark
* Twenty questions for Universal's 20 years
* Final Launch of Discovery
* Wizarding World of Harry Potter Commemorative Ticket Details
* Can you guess these destinations from the satellite image?
* ‘Tron: Legacy’ dance party set for Disney California Adventure
* Disney California Adventure: Goofy’s Sky School and Cars Land
* Cupcake Store coming to Downtown Disneyland
* Disneyland Resort Calendar
* 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
* Beth, our travel agent, concludes her report regarding her recent stay at Walt Disney World
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
# 2011 Packages are now available for booking! Members can log in for latest changes and check out the new rates for 2011.
# Discounts at Restaurants near Disney!
Now includes many restaurants at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts and House of Blues at Downtown Disney and 11 other locations! Get $25 dining certificates for $2! This resource offers money saving dining certificates to restaurants in Orlando, near Walt Disney World, in Anaheim, near Disneyland California, and all across the US.
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Kids Sail FREE on this 10-Night Cruise with this discount code!
--------------------------------
NASSAU BEACH RESORT SPECIAL
Complimentary Companion Airfare PLUS Complimentary 4th Night! Valid 08/15/10 through 12/22/10.
=================================================
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
Disney considering Haunted Mansion and Disney Princess themed moderate resort rooms?
New Pizzeria Via Napoli Unveiled at Epcot World Showcase at Walt Disney World Resort
Magic Kingdom parade changes: Tiana, Naveen in to boost finale float
Disney cruise: Great ports of call on Disney Mediterranean cruise
Epcot’s Via Napoli is family friendly without catering to kids
Candlelight Dinner Packages at Epcot Available This Month
Last Tour to Endor event will include special Star Wars touches
Via Napoli Grand Opening Day Report and Photos
Photos: First look inside Epcot’s new Neapolitan pizzeria
Top 10 Things To Do at Disney World Without Kids
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Steve Harvey brings extra laughs to 'Family Feud' at Universal Orlando
Universal Holds Fla. Resident Ticket Prices Steady, Raises Others
Don't miss: SeaWorld AfterDark
Twenty questions for Universal's 20 years
Final Launch of Discovery: "Launch Scheduled for Monday, November 1, 2010 at 4:40 p.m. ET. NEW Launch Ticket Opportunity Process... ensures a fair opportunity for all who are interested in purchasing launch viewing tickets. Register online from August 16 at 9:00 a.m. ET through August 23 at 5:00 p.m. ET." Click here for more information. (Source: KSC email blast, 08/05/10)
Can you guess these destinations from the satellite image?
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Commemorative Ticket Details
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
‘Tron: Legacy’ dance party set for Disney California Adventure this fall
Disney California Adventure Park Expansion Continues with Goofy’s Sky School and Cars Land
Cupcake Store coming to Downtown Disney
Disneyland Resort Calendar
--------------------------------
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
--------------------------------
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 the conclusion of her trip report:
"Our third and last day of our late June visit to Disney World was really only a half day. After a nice breakfast in the club-level lounge at the Polynesian and a little shopping in the main building, we loaded up the car and headed over to Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL). My boyfriend, who provides a ton of administrative assistance to me, is trying to get as familiar with the resorts as I am and he hadn’t seen AKL so we thought we'd head over there for a little tour and some lunch before heading home.
We mentioned to the security person that we'd be doing lunch and she gave us a card with turn-by-turn directions on how to reach a restaurant called Sanaa at Kidani Village. Kidani is one of the newest additions to Disney’s timeshare project called Disney Vacation Club, but the units are also available to non-owners for rental as regular hotel accommodations. Sanaa is one of only two places open for lunch at AKL and neither one of us had seen the accommodations there yet, so we unanimously voted to check it out.
First stop, though, was Jambo House which is the main (and original) building at AKL. The lobby really is breathtaking. If you've stayed at Wilderness Lodge you'll recognize some similar features since the architect was the same on both resorts. The dark woods and soaring atrium let you know right away this is something special. There are three basic room types at this resort: standard view, pool view, and savanna view. The rooms are the same at all three, with two queen beds, a king bed, or a queen and a set of bunks (which you'll pay a little more for). It’s the view from your balcony that differs.
As with all Disney resorts, a standard view room usually means "parking lot" view. At this resort, a water view room looks out across the pool. If you have binoculars with you, you might be able to see some animals in the distance. The savanna view rooms are why you stay at this resort, though. You can sit on your balcony and watch zebras and giraffes and ostriches and all sorts of cool creatures right in front of your room! Needless to say, this resort went onto my boyfriend’s list of "need to stay at this one soon" locations.
Then off to Kidani Village where a really nice cast member from the front desk was kind enough to show us around. Folks, I have to say that the villas here are incredible. We didn't get to see a studio (which is just one room with a kitchenette), but we did see both a 1- and a 2-bedroom unit. Holy cow! Space, space, space – and a bathroom around every corner. The theming of the décor is amazing and the attention to detail is typical Disney. These villas have full kitchens as well as a washer and dryer. The ones with savanna views give the added perk of the animals being visible from your balcony. I love all the villas, but I have to say that this one might have gone to the top of my list. Just lovely. About 75% of the space is used by owners, though, so if you want to get in here (and especially if you want a discount) you'll need to book early.
Finally, lunch time at Sanaa… I was surprised that no reservations were needed. That’s not usually the case at a nice Disney restaurant, but if you want to have dinner here then reservations are a must. You access Sanaa from the lobby of Kidani by way of a gorgeous winding staircase down to the lower level. Even the bathrooms here are gorgeous and again, the attention to detail is phenomenal.
We had a short (5 minutes?) wait for our table and then were led to one right next to a big arched window where we could watch the animals throughout our meal. The food is sort of Indian with an African influence. Think curry, Naan bread, Paneer cheese, samosas, etc. We did the Indian Style Bread Service which is a choice of three types of flatbreads and three accompaniments. All three breads (Naan, onion kulcha, Paneer paratha) were wonderful all by themselves, but when paired with the accompaniments (we picked cucumber raita, mango chutney and roasted red pepper hummus) they were out of this world.
We also shared the vegetarian sampler (in our case, stewed lentils and Paneer cheese with Basmati rice) and again, two thumbs up. Not sure you'd like something like this? Before you head to Disney World ask your friends and neighbors for a recommendation on a GOOD Indian restaurant and try it out. (Tell your server you don't want anything too spicy if you can't handle a 5-alarm fire in your mouth.) If you like good Indian food then you'll love Sanaa.
Amazingly, my daughters been gone for nearly a month now so I'll be headed back to Orlando to get her next week. Two nights at Port Orleans Riverside and some more lodging and dining adventures to tell you about soon!"
=================================================
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 4:54 AM
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