AffordableDisney.Com Newsletter
December 15, 2010 Issue #560
Celebrating 14 Years of Disney Discounts!
Copyright © 1997 - 2011
=================================================
Subscribe to AffordableDisney.Com's blog!
=================================================
Hi Everyone!
Dread the hassle of booking your own vacation? Not sure you will get the best possible price?
Beth, our full service Florida travel agent, handles all of our members' reservations. She is familiar with all of our deals and she will continue to monitor your reservations to make sure you are getting the best possible deal. If she finds a better deal, she will switch your reservation to the new deal without any intervention from you! Now that's peace of mind! Click here to learn more about why so many Disney vacationers have become Affordable Disney members over the years.
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:
FREE Disney dining voucher; Discount code for Disneyland Annual Passholders; BIG savings on Disneyland Paris vacation package; BIG sale at this worldwide hotel chain; Affordable vacation packages to London, Australia & New Zealand, Ireland, Greek Islands & Athens; Affordable Transatlantic & Mediterranean cruises; BIG nationwide airfare sale and discount airfare to Dublin; Affordable accommodations in the Caribbean, New Jersey, California, Chicago, Paris, Jamaica, Florida Keys, and New York City; Affordable dining in Vegas; Discount tickets to Holiday Hits, Disney On Ice, Cirque du Soleil, and Disney's The Lion King!
News from around the "World":
(See below for the live links to the following articles.)
* This day in Disney history
* Where to find Santa Claus at Walt Disney World
* New Fantasyland Expansion Update
* Pulled Pork Sandwiches recipe from the WDW Swan and Dolphin
* Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge guests unusual animal ornaments
* Disney takes delivery of its the Disney Dream
* Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage
* Disney Dream slideshow
* Disney Dream Restaurants Magic on the Plate and on the Walls
* Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar
* Universal CityWalk Calendar/Entertainment - December 2010
* Should Discovery Cove charge extra for frozen drinks?
* Santa’s Workshop comes to Orlando Science Center
* Don't Miss: Mannheim Steamroller at Universal Orlando
* Can't use your miles? Give them away!
* Are customized prices next for the travel industry?
* Busch Gardens Cheetah Hunt: Construction Update
* Disney California Adventure: what the future may hold
* Expansion Continues at Disney California Adventure Park
* Disney contest gives away trip to 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
* Is Harry Potter Stealing From Mickey? Beth, our travel agent, responds.
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
Walt Disney World
FREE Walt Disney World/Disneyland CA dining voucher! Save 30 Percent!
--------------------------------
Disneyland California
Disneyland Annual Passholders can book Disneyland hotels starting at $168 with this discount code!
--------------------------------
Disneyland Paris
Save up to 30% on room, park tickets, breakfast and transportation (Eurostar, Flybe or P&O Ferries)!
--------------------------------
2011 Sale at Worldwide Hotel Chain
Travel to over 3,600 properties in 82 countries and receive up to 50% off your stay when you book any weekend, now through the end of 2011!
--------------------------------
DEALS AROUND THE WORLD
# $20.10 Caribbean All-Inclusive Beach Resort at 90% Off!
# $599 London: 6 Nights & Air!
# $89 Vegas Dinner for 2 at Celeb Chef Restaurant, 45% Off!
# $69 Oceanfront Jersey Shore Resort, incl. Weekends!
# $49 California Monterey Bay Fireplace Room w/Breakfast!
# $1699 Luxury 13-Night Transatlantic Cruise incl. R/T Air!
# $3599 Australia & New Zealand 17-Night 4-Star Vacation!
# $104 Chicago Hotel near Michigan Avenue, into April!
# $199-$249 Dublin 2nd Person Flies for $99-$119!
# $199 Paris 4-Star Hotel incl. Breakfast, 60% Off!
# $98 Jamaica All-Inclusive Adults-Only Resort!
# $59-$99 Nationwide Fare Sale (each way)!
# $119 Florida Keys Resort on Private Island (Reg. $269)!
# $699 Ireland in Spring: 6 Nights in Castles, incl. Air!
# $999 Mediterranean Cruise & Barcelona Hotel 9-Nights!
# $169 NYC: Times Square Hotel incl. Breakfast, 45% Off!
# $1199 Greek Islands & Athens Vacation w/Air, Save $400!
# $19 NJ: Broadway Star Sings Holiday Hits (Reg. $47)!
# $13 'Disney On Ice' in Philadelphia, Save up to 55%!
# $49.50 NYC Cirque du Soleil w/Food Voucher, 55% Off!
# $33.75 Disney's 'The Lion King' in Vegas (Reg. $64)!
=================================================
AffordableDisney.Com Members and their families enjoy 24/7/365 access to a veritable Treasure Trove 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!
* Florida Travel agent specializing in Disney travel who is familiar with all our deals and can book affordable vacations for you at Walt Disney World and any where else in the world!
* 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 in Florida!
In addition to the DEALS, DISCOUNTS AND SPECIALS posted at our password-protected members-only site, we also publish many inside tips:
* How can you get a FREE Disney Cruise?
* What dining program should Floridians choose at Disney World?
* Which theme park offers All You Can Eat and Drink?
* How to locate cheap rental homes and condos all over the world?
* How to get FREE 411 service on your cell phone?
* What's the secret of timeshare deals?
* Where can you eat cheap in Hawaii?
* What's the story with FREE companion air tickets?
* How to get Minnie and Mickey Mouse Voicemails at Disney World?
* How do you find out where the toilets are any where in the USA?
* How do you find hotels that accommodate 6-8 people?
* How much does a plane ticket really cost?
* How do I order flowers at Walt Disney World?
* Where are the cheapest gas stations?
* How do I buy gifts for someone visiting Disneyland or WDW?
* How do you book Disney rooms for sold-out nights?
* Where can I rent wheelchairs, ECVs and strollers?
And many more!
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
=================================================
Walt Disney World
This Day in Disney History
Where to find Santa Claus at Walt Disney World
New Fantasyland Expansion Update
Recipe for Pulled Pork Sandwiches from the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge guests can create unusual animal ornaments
Disney takes delivery of its newest cruise ship - the Disney Dream
Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage
Disney Dream slideshow
=================================================
Outside Walt Disney World
Don't Miss: Mannheim Steamroller at Universal Orlando
Should Discovery Cove charge extra for frozen drinks?
Santa’s Workshop comes to Orlando Science Center
Universal CityWalk Calendar And Venue Entertainment - December 2010
Busch Gardens Cheetah Hunt: Construction Update
=================================================
Disneyland California
Expansion Continues at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney California Adventure: A peek into what the future may hold
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
Is Harry Potter Stealing From Mickey??
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
"Over the weekend I read an article that said Universal’s new Harry Potter-themed section of Islands of Adventure was cutting into Disney business. Disney’s become exceptionally good over the years at keeping their onsite guests just that: on site. It was such a big hassle to go try out a non-Disney adventure that it just wasn't worth it to most families. That’s all changed now.
If you've got a Harry Potter fan in your clan they probably don't want to hear about the logistics of how you're going to get your favorite little muggle from Mickey’s world to Harry’s world. All that matters is that you do it.
So how does one pull off such a feat if one completely lacks any sort of magical ability? Well, first, you need to understand what you're getting yourself into. Here’s a primer…
* The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is NOT its own theme park; it’s part of Universal’s Islands of Adventure park (next door to the Universal Studios park).
* Disney has nothing to do with these parks. Universal is roughly 15 miles from the center of Disney property, and it takes about 25 minutes to drive it (depending on traffic).
* There are no Disney-supplied transportation options to get to Universal parks (or Sea World or Busch Gardens or any of the others). you're on your own.
* There are no theme park tickets that include both Disney parks and Universal parks – although there ARE some that include Universal parks, Sea World, Wet n’ Wild, etc. (the non-Disney big boys of the theme park world).
* When you get to Harry’s world you'll find that there are only three attractions. Two of them have been there for years; they were just re-themed. Otherwise, it’s all shops and dining opportunities. they're creative shops and dining, and very true to the Potter stories, but not true attractions. (Good thing that one new attraction is a real winner.)
Once you've made the decision that you're going to go, you have to decide if it’s a day trip or if you want to stay at Universal. You have to stay in one of the three Universal-owned resorts to get early park admission and unlimited front-of-the-line access where applicable. Sadly, the front of the line thing doesn’t apply to the new (and truly awesome) Harry Potter attraction – but that early admission is a huge perk and will get you into it quickly if you can rally the troops and be there on time. You can buy an Express Pass option most days (price varies) if you're not staying in one of their resorts, but that type of Express Pass is only good for one time to the front at each of the attractions that will accept it, not like the unlimited pass that resort guests get.
The three Universal hotels (Royal Pacific, Hard Rick, Portofino Bay) are all considered deluxe resorts and they're expensive. Even parking your car there is expensive - and there are no free airport transfers like Disney has. If you're going to stay at one, I personally think the package that includes room, tickets, and a breakfast is a pretty good deal. (Affordable Disney members should contact Beth for more details.)
If you do NOT want to stay on property then you'll have to get from Disney over to Universal somehow - and back. You can take a cab or, for about the same price, I can set you up with a private driver. There’s also an attraction shuttle (see Mears Transportation’s website), but if you have more than a few people the cab or driver usually costs less and is less hassle. There is also an area transit bus (www.golynx.com) that can be used. It doesn’t cost much, but you have to be really determined to save money because you need to catch the bus and do one or two transfers to get there.
Admission? Well, that is going to cost you. Disney, of course, makes adding extra days (beyond the first three) to their tickets so cheap it’s almost free. If you also need tickets to visit Harry you'll have to buy those separately (if they don't come with your Universal package). A good place to start is www.usf.com; compare that to what you find at Affordable Disney's ticket agent. If you're not staying in a Universal resort, consider the Express Pass add-on as well. You can also buy meal plans, but you can read elsewhere on this site how I feel about those plans. (They really need to use Disney as a model on that item.)
Obviously, spending the day with Harry instead of Mickey isn't as simple as one might think. Do I agree with the article I read? Sure, to a point. I don't see many people doing Harry INSTEAD of Mickey, but I’ve had dozens this year that have given a day or two of Mickey time to Hogwarts. I don't think it will last, though. In the end, there’s still not enough going on at Universal to keep the average family busy for 5-7 days, so maybe they'll jump through the hoops once or twice, until the kids grow out of their Harry phase, but in the end it’s back to Mickey they'll go."
=================================================
Our AffordableDisney.Com Newsletter contains deal alerts, the latest news about Disney and other Florida attractions, and comments from Beth, our travel agent, and subscribers.
To subscribe, send a blank email to:
subscribe-956607225@ezinedirector.net
To read current and past issues of our newsletter, see:
http://www.affordabledisney.com/archive.html
Be sure to add our email address -
johngross@affordabledisney.com - to your safe list so your
email program's spam filter cannot block our newsletter!
=================================================
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:
"Beads of Salvation: Praying the Rosary to Reach Heaven." Rosary prayers drawn from the writings of Saint Alphonsus de Liguori. Click here to read the book for FREE.
"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 - 2011 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
Celebrating 14 Years of Disney Discounts!
Copyright © 1997 - 2011
=================================================
Subscribe to AffordableDisney.Com's blog! =================================================
Hi Everyone!
Dread the hassle of booking your own vacation? Not sure you will get the best possible price?
Beth, our full service Florida travel agent, handles all of our members' reservations. She is familiar with all of our deals and she will continue to monitor your reservations to make sure you are getting the best possible deal. If she finds a better deal, she will switch your reservation to the new deal without any intervention from you! Now that's peace of mind! Click here to learn more about why so many Disney vacationers have become Affordable Disney members over the years.
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:
FREE Disney dining voucher; Discount code for Disneyland Annual Passholders; BIG savings on Disneyland Paris vacation package; BIG sale at this worldwide hotel chain; Affordable vacation packages to London, Australia & New Zealand, Ireland, Greek Islands & Athens; Affordable Transatlantic & Mediterranean cruises; BIG nationwide airfare sale and discount airfare to Dublin; Affordable accommodations in the Caribbean, New Jersey, California, Chicago, Paris, Jamaica, Florida Keys, and New York City; Affordable dining in Vegas; Discount tickets to Holiday Hits, Disney On Ice, Cirque du Soleil, and Disney's The Lion King!
News from around the "World":
(See below for the live links to the following articles.)
* This day in Disney history
* Where to find Santa Claus at Walt Disney World
* New Fantasyland Expansion Update
* Pulled Pork Sandwiches recipe from the WDW Swan and Dolphin
* Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge guests unusual animal ornaments
* Disney takes delivery of its the Disney Dream
* Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage
* Disney Dream slideshow
* Disney Dream Restaurants Magic on the Plate and on the Walls
* Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar
* Universal CityWalk Calendar/Entertainment - December 2010
* Should Discovery Cove charge extra for frozen drinks?
* Santa’s Workshop comes to Orlando Science Center
* Don't Miss: Mannheim Steamroller at Universal Orlando
* Can't use your miles? Give them away!
* Are customized prices next for the travel industry?
* Busch Gardens Cheetah Hunt: Construction Update
* Disney California Adventure: what the future may hold
* Expansion Continues at Disney California Adventure Park
* Disney contest gives away trip to 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
* Is Harry Potter Stealing From Mickey? Beth, our travel agent, responds.
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
Walt Disney World
FREE Walt Disney World/Disneyland CA dining voucher! Save 30 Percent!
--------------------------------
Disneyland California
Disneyland Annual Passholders can book Disneyland hotels starting at $168 with this discount code!
--------------------------------
Disneyland Paris
Save up to 30% on room, park tickets, breakfast and transportation (Eurostar, Flybe or P&O Ferries)!
--------------------------------
2011 Sale at Worldwide Hotel Chain
Travel to over 3,600 properties in 82 countries and receive up to 50% off your stay when you book any weekend, now through the end of 2011!
--------------------------------
DEALS AROUND THE WORLD
# $20.10 Caribbean All-Inclusive Beach Resort at 90% Off!
# $599 London: 6 Nights & Air!
# $89 Vegas Dinner for 2 at Celeb Chef Restaurant, 45% Off!
# $69 Oceanfront Jersey Shore Resort, incl. Weekends!
# $49 California Monterey Bay Fireplace Room w/Breakfast!
# $1699 Luxury 13-Night Transatlantic Cruise incl. R/T Air!
# $3599 Australia & New Zealand 17-Night 4-Star Vacation!
# $104 Chicago Hotel near Michigan Avenue, into April!
# $199-$249 Dublin 2nd Person Flies for $99-$119!
# $199 Paris 4-Star Hotel incl. Breakfast, 60% Off!
# $98 Jamaica All-Inclusive Adults-Only Resort!
# $59-$99 Nationwide Fare Sale (each way)!
# $119 Florida Keys Resort on Private Island (Reg. $269)!
# $699 Ireland in Spring: 6 Nights in Castles, incl. Air!
# $999 Mediterranean Cruise & Barcelona Hotel 9-Nights!
# $169 NYC: Times Square Hotel incl. Breakfast, 45% Off!
# $1199 Greek Islands & Athens Vacation w/Air, Save $400!
# $19 NJ: Broadway Star Sings Holiday Hits (Reg. $47)!
# $13 'Disney On Ice' in Philadelphia, Save up to 55%!
# $49.50 NYC Cirque du Soleil w/Food Voucher, 55% Off!
# $33.75 Disney's 'The Lion King' in Vegas (Reg. $64)!
=================================================
AffordableDisney.Com Members and their families enjoy 24/7/365 access to a veritable Treasure Trove 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!
* Florida Travel agent specializing in Disney travel who is familiar with all our deals and can book affordable vacations for you at Walt Disney World and any where else in the world!
* 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 in Florida!
In addition to the DEALS, DISCOUNTS AND SPECIALS posted at our password-protected members-only site, we also publish many inside tips:
* How can you get a FREE Disney Cruise?
* What dining program should Floridians choose at Disney World?
* Which theme park offers All You Can Eat and Drink?
* How to locate cheap rental homes and condos all over the world?
* How to get FREE 411 service on your cell phone?
* What's the secret of timeshare deals?
* Where can you eat cheap in Hawaii?
* What's the story with FREE companion air tickets?
* How to get Minnie and Mickey Mouse Voicemails at Disney World?
* How do you find out where the toilets are any where in the USA?
* How do you find hotels that accommodate 6-8 people?
* How much does a plane ticket really cost?
* How do I order flowers at Walt Disney World?
* Where are the cheapest gas stations?
* How do I buy gifts for someone visiting Disneyland or WDW?
* How do you book Disney rooms for sold-out nights?
* Where can I rent wheelchairs, ECVs and strollers?
And many more!
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
=================================================
Walt Disney World
This Day in Disney History
Where to find Santa Claus at Walt Disney World
New Fantasyland Expansion Update
Recipe for Pulled Pork Sandwiches from the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge guests can create unusual animal ornaments
Disney takes delivery of its newest cruise ship - the Disney Dream
Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage
Disney Dream slideshow
=================================================
Outside Walt Disney World
Don't Miss: Mannheim Steamroller at Universal Orlando
Should Discovery Cove charge extra for frozen drinks?
Santa’s Workshop comes to Orlando Science Center
Universal CityWalk Calendar And Venue Entertainment - December 2010
Busch Gardens Cheetah Hunt: Construction Update
=================================================
Disneyland California
Expansion Continues at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney California Adventure: A peek into what the future may hold
--------------------------------
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.
=================================================
Is Harry Potter Stealing From Mickey??
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
"Over the weekend I read an article that said Universal’s new Harry Potter-themed section of Islands of Adventure was cutting into Disney business. Disney’s become exceptionally good over the years at keeping their onsite guests just that: on site. It was such a big hassle to go try out a non-Disney adventure that it just wasn't worth it to most families. That’s all changed now.
If you've got a Harry Potter fan in your clan they probably don't want to hear about the logistics of how you're going to get your favorite little muggle from Mickey’s world to Harry’s world. All that matters is that you do it.
So how does one pull off such a feat if one completely lacks any sort of magical ability? Well, first, you need to understand what you're getting yourself into. Here’s a primer…
* The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is NOT its own theme park; it’s part of Universal’s Islands of Adventure park (next door to the Universal Studios park).
* Disney has nothing to do with these parks. Universal is roughly 15 miles from the center of Disney property, and it takes about 25 minutes to drive it (depending on traffic).
* There are no Disney-supplied transportation options to get to Universal parks (or Sea World or Busch Gardens or any of the others). you're on your own.
* There are no theme park tickets that include both Disney parks and Universal parks – although there ARE some that include Universal parks, Sea World, Wet n’ Wild, etc. (the non-Disney big boys of the theme park world).
* When you get to Harry’s world you'll find that there are only three attractions. Two of them have been there for years; they were just re-themed. Otherwise, it’s all shops and dining opportunities. they're creative shops and dining, and very true to the Potter stories, but not true attractions. (Good thing that one new attraction is a real winner.)
Once you've made the decision that you're going to go, you have to decide if it’s a day trip or if you want to stay at Universal. You have to stay in one of the three Universal-owned resorts to get early park admission and unlimited front-of-the-line access where applicable. Sadly, the front of the line thing doesn’t apply to the new (and truly awesome) Harry Potter attraction – but that early admission is a huge perk and will get you into it quickly if you can rally the troops and be there on time. You can buy an Express Pass option most days (price varies) if you're not staying in one of their resorts, but that type of Express Pass is only good for one time to the front at each of the attractions that will accept it, not like the unlimited pass that resort guests get.
The three Universal hotels (Royal Pacific, Hard Rick, Portofino Bay) are all considered deluxe resorts and they're expensive. Even parking your car there is expensive - and there are no free airport transfers like Disney has. If you're going to stay at one, I personally think the package that includes room, tickets, and a breakfast is a pretty good deal. (Affordable Disney members should contact Beth for more details.)
If you do NOT want to stay on property then you'll have to get from Disney over to Universal somehow - and back. You can take a cab or, for about the same price, I can set you up with a private driver. There’s also an attraction shuttle (see Mears Transportation’s website), but if you have more than a few people the cab or driver usually costs less and is less hassle. There is also an area transit bus (www.golynx.com) that can be used. It doesn’t cost much, but you have to be really determined to save money because you need to catch the bus and do one or two transfers to get there.
Admission? Well, that is going to cost you. Disney, of course, makes adding extra days (beyond the first three) to their tickets so cheap it’s almost free. If you also need tickets to visit Harry you'll have to buy those separately (if they don't come with your Universal package). A good place to start is www.usf.com; compare that to what you find at Affordable Disney's ticket agent. If you're not staying in a Universal resort, consider the Express Pass add-on as well. You can also buy meal plans, but you can read elsewhere on this site how I feel about those plans. (They really need to use Disney as a model on that item.)
Obviously, spending the day with Harry instead of Mickey isn't as simple as one might think. Do I agree with the article I read? Sure, to a point. I don't see many people doing Harry INSTEAD of Mickey, but I’ve had dozens this year that have given a day or two of Mickey time to Hogwarts. I don't think it will last, though. In the end, there’s still not enough going on at Universal to keep the average family busy for 5-7 days, so maybe they'll jump through the hoops once or twice, until the kids grow out of their Harry phase, but in the end it’s back to Mickey they'll go."
=================================================
Our AffordableDisney.Com Newsletter contains deal alerts, the latest news about Disney and other Florida attractions, and comments from Beth, our travel agent, and subscribers.
To subscribe, send a blank email to:
subscribe-956607225@ezinedirector.net
To read current and past issues of our newsletter, see:
http://www.affordabledisney.com/archive.html
Be sure to add our email address -
johngross@affordabledisney.com - to your safe list so your
email program's spam filter cannot block our newsletter!
=================================================
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:
"Beads of Salvation: Praying the Rosary to Reach Heaven." Rosary prayers drawn from the writings of Saint Alphonsus de Liguori. Click here to read the book for FREE.
"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
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