AffordableDisney.Com Newsletter
December 22, 2010 Issue #561
Celebrating 14 Years of Disney Discounts!
Copyright © 1997 - 2011
=================================================
Subscribe to AffordableDisney.Com's blog!
=================================================
Hi Everyone!
Donna and I wish all of you a very Merry and Blessed Christmas!
--------------------------------
Looking for a last minute Christmas gift? An Affordable Disney Membership makes a great last minute Christmas gift since access codes are delivered electronically - even on December 25! - and we're including one FREE for a friend or loved one! Click here for details.
--------------------------------
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
Deals and specials:
BIG discount at Walt Disney World Downtown Disney Resort; FREE Bus Tickets; Affordable vacations to Vegas, Punta Cana, Curacao, and Ecuador; Affordable accommodations in NYC, Baltimore's Inner Harbor, California, Boston, Chicago, Orlando, Riviera Maya, and D.C.; Great Fares from the East Coast and to Iceland & Europe; BIG car rental sale; Discounts to Dinner & Drinks in NYC, Radio City Christmas in NYC, Popular NYC Shows, Interactive Comedy in Phil, "Cast of Thousand" and Disney's The Lion King in Vegas!
News from around the "World":
(See below for the live links to the following articles.)
* This day in Disney history
* Waikolohe Stream Will Be an Aulani Highlight
* Families can ring in new year at DisneyQuest party
* Take a tour of the Disney Dream
* Dateline Disney January-February 2011
* Dining Events Added to Online Reservations at WDW
* At 50's Prime Time Café: Elbows off the table!
* Taking a second spin on theme parks rides
* Disney to open family-suites hotel in spring 2012
* New Year’s Eve Disney Style
* New Images: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
* Disney to close Toontown Fair in February
* Disney Christmas has less sparkle for me
* Phineas and Ferb save the Osborne lights
* The District is Zoned for Nighttime Fun Aboard the Disney Dream
* Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar
* How to make the hours fly by waiting at the airport
* Give the Gift of Adventures at Busch Gardens and SeaWorld
* Islands of Adventure indoor "Grinchmas" show is a treat
* Kennedy Space Center releases new plans & space shuttle display
* Universal Orlando to take full advantage of Wizarding World
* 10 things to do at Disneyland Resort in rain
* Delicious Dining Options at Disneyland Resort
* Stay In The Middle Of The Magic At Disneyland Resort Hotels
* Video: How to Make Disneyland's Holiday Tamales
* 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
* Are the giant cruise ships worth the cost? Beth responds.
* Kennedy Space Center coupon
* Andy writes about dinner reservations for a wedding anniversary
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
Walt Disney World
Book today only! An official Walt Disney World Resort with rates starting at $74 (regularly $159)! Book by December 22, 2010.
--------------------------------
NEW DEALS AROUND THE WORLD:
# FREE 200,000 Bus Tickets to/fr the Northeast & Midwest!
# $899 Punta Cana All-Inclusive 7-Night Trip from Philly!
# $519 Curacao 4-Star Vacation from Philadelphia, 50% Off
# $899 Ecuador 7-Night Vacation w/ Tour, Meals & Air!
# $129 Grand Opening: Downtown NYC Hotel w/Breakfast!
# $41 & up Fares from the East Coast on Sale (each way)!
# $79 & up Upgraded Seats over Peak Holiday Dates!
# $37 & up 2-Day Sale: U.S. & Caribbean!
# $389 & up Fares to Iceland & Europe (Roundtrip)!
# $79 Baltimore Inner Harbor Hotel Weekends, 50% Off!
# $99 California: Monterey All-Suite Hotel w/. Breakfast!
# $139 4-Star Boston Hotel, incl. Weekends (Reg. $229)!
# $99 Chicago 4-Star Hotel on Michigan Avenue, 45% Off!
# $228 & up Las Vegas 3-Night Getaway w/Air!
# $342 Orlando 1-Bedroom Condo, 60% Off!
# $79 Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort, Half Off!
# $109 D.C. Hotel near Dupont Circle (Reg. $309)!
# $13.95 & up Car Rentals across the U.S.!
# $69 NYC Dinner & Drinks for 2 at Hot Spot, 55% Off!
# $52.50 A Radio City Christmas in NYC, 50% Off!
# $39 & up Popular NYC Shows, up to 55% Off!
# $15 World Premiere of Interactive Comedy in Phil!
# $56 Terry Fator's "ast of Thousand" in Vegas (Reg. $87)!
# $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
Waikolohe Stream: Journey Along ‘Mischievous Waters’ Will Be an Aulani Highlight
Families can ring in new year at DisneyQuest party
Take a tour of the Disney Dream
Dateline Disney January-February 2011
Events, ‘Dine With an Imagineer’ Added to Online Reservations at Walt Disney World
At 50's Prime Time Café: Elbows off the table!
Taking a second spin on theme parks rides
Disney to open family-suites hotel in spring 2012
New Year’s Eve Disney Style
New Images: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney to close Toontown Fair in February
Disney Christmas has less sparkle for me
Phineas and Ferb save the Osborne lights (and have time for an ad, too)
The District is Zoned for Nighttime Fun Aboard the Disney Dream
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
Outside Walt Disney World
How to make the hours fly by while you're waiting at the airport
Give the Gift of Amazing Adventures This Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and SeaWorld Orlando
Islands of Adventure indoor "Grinchmas" show is a treat
Kennedy Space Center releases new plans including space shuttle display
Universal Orlando ponders how to take full advantage of Wizarding World's popularity
=================================================
Disneyland California
10 things to do at Disneyland Resort in rain
Plenty of Delicious Dining Options Offer Something for Every Guest at Disneyland Resort
Guests Stay In The Middle Of The Magic At Disneyland Resort Hotels
Video: How to Make Disneyland's Holiday Tamales
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.
=================================================
Kennedy Space Center Holiday Gift
Save $5 on admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex with this coupon! Coupon is valid for up to six people on one transaction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Ticket Plaza or online at KennedySpaceCenter.com. Valid through 01/03/11.
=================================================
Andy writes:
"If you were going to reserve dinner for your wedding anniversary at WDW, would you do a 'Sweetheart Dinner for Two' or just a regular reservation (in other words, is there significant value in doing this)? In addition, if you really wanted seafood, would you dine at The Coral Reef in The Seas Pavilion, or Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge (or do you have an even better suggestion for seafood)? Thanks John. you're the greatest!"
Thanks for the complement, but it's Beth who is the greatest! I sent your questions to her for she is more familiar with Disney's restaurants. She writes:
"I'm a big seafood lover - but I don't particularly like fish.
I'm more of a crustacean kind of girl. That poses a problem
because most of the Disney seafood restaurants go heavy on the
fish. Fulton's Crab House in Downtown Disney usually gets my
vote for that reason. Between Coral Reef and Artist Point, AP is
the more romantic of the two - but they aren't as heavy on the
seafood there as one might expect. So they really need to view
the menus first before deciding - and then consider the
transportation time to go to a non-park location, if that makes a
difference.
I only know of two couples that have done the Sweetheart dinner.
Both said it was really nice - but they wouldn't do it again.
Depending on what you order, you probably come out (in most
cases) *slightly* ahead on price, and they do go the extra mile
to make it romantic for you - plus you get to keep the champagne
glasses - but it's still a REALLY expensive dinner, and you
probably could enjoy a nice, romantic meal many other places for
30-50% less. So again, I'd suggest deciding which place on the
list they like the most, and then reviewing the menus and prices
and comparing the price of the Sweetheart Dinner to what they'd
pay if they just went there on their own. (Remember that tax and
gratuity are NOT included in the Sweetheart deal.)"
=================================================
Giant Ships… Are the Worth the Extra Cost?
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
"I recently had a very unique opportunity to compare two ships from the same company back to back. They were Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. Liberty is a member of the Freedom class of ships, previously the largest passenger ships afloat until the Oasis class (to which Allure belongs) debuted last December.
I’ve looked at the deck plans of these classes dozens of times, and booked hundreds of passengers on them. Still, in my head, I was sort of thinking that sailing on them would be very similar. Granted, the Oasis class ships have more bells and whistles, and the interior promenade concept has been expanded to include an outdoor area as well, but I somehow thought more would just be, well, more of the same. I was wrong.
I'll admit I boarded Allure all ready to come away saying she was great, but probably not worth the extra bucks unless the price truly wasn't going to affect your budget much. I don't feel that way anymore, and here’s why.
The Freedom class ships are very similar to the Voyager class ships, and I like both classes very much. About the only thing you'll pick up on Freedom class that Voyager class doesn’t provide is a FlowRider (surfing) which is cool, to be sure, but I wouldn’t let that one thing dictate which ship to choose. I say, whichever one has the right itinerary on the dates you need and has an attractive price is the right one, regardless of whether it’s a Voyage or a Freedom class. If it turns out it’s a Freedom class, great; start working on your balance if you want to try out the surfing.
Oasis-class ships are a whole different world. The standard cabins are about the same, but everywhere you turn there are a zillion upgrades and new ideas made into reality. For instance, there are interior balcony cabins. Some look over the Central Park area while others look over the Boardwalk area (and its carousel). If you're lucky, your Boardwalk balcony will also give you a great view of the Aqua Theatre. Aside from pretty fountain shows, the water shows they do there are totally amazing. We didn't get to see the Broadway musical (Chicago on Allure, Hairspray on Oasis), but we did get to see the new aerial show, Blue Planet. I really can't believe that they can pull that stuff off on a moving ship! Of course, I'm still in awe of the ice skating shows that all three ship classes offer.
We were one of three couples lounging in comfy chairs under the stars one evening in Central Park listening to a violin and classical guitar duo who were fabulous. That giant ship and all those people on board and there were SIX of us all alone in that gorgeous setting! We never searched for a table in the buffet area even once (not true on Liberty), and my boyfriend is now a zip-line addict after twice making the short-but-high slide 9 decks above the Boardwalk area.
The food wasn't the best we've had at sea, but it was B+ or better the whole time, and most of the service (in the dining room and elsewhere) was an A- or better. The children’s areas are amazing, and sure to thrill kids from tots to teens with no trouble at all. And for the adults, dancing, alternative dining, comedy clubs, casino, the spa..… no shortage of activities, from low energy to very high energy.
And here’s the best news… In the last few weeks I’ve seen pricing on the two Oasis-class ships starting around $799 per person for a 7-night cruise. OK, so that’s an inside cabin rather than a posh, 2-story sky loft suite, but who cares? This is one of those cases where it’s all about the ship, not the itinerary or the cabin.
In short, two thumbs up on Liberty of the Seas, three thumbs up on Allure of the Seas. (Am I allowed to do that?) If you've got kids, especially teenagers, if you love big ships or high-energy vacations, if you love being amazed at what architects and engineers can pull off then these ships are for you. Just want to hang at the pool and eat well? they'll work out for you, too. Who should avoid them? Those that prefer traditional cruising and/or smaller intimate ship settings, and perhaps those that are overwhelmed by vast areas of unfamiliar space."
=================================================
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:
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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!
Donna and I wish all of you a very Merry and Blessed Christmas!
--------------------------------
Looking for a last minute Christmas gift? An Affordable Disney Membership makes a great last minute Christmas gift since access codes are delivered electronically - even on December 25! - and we're including one FREE for a friend or loved one! Click here for details.
--------------------------------
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
Deals and specials:
BIG discount at Walt Disney World Downtown Disney Resort; FREE Bus Tickets; Affordable vacations to Vegas, Punta Cana, Curacao, and Ecuador; Affordable accommodations in NYC, Baltimore's Inner Harbor, California, Boston, Chicago, Orlando, Riviera Maya, and D.C.; Great Fares from the East Coast and to Iceland & Europe; BIG car rental sale; Discounts to Dinner & Drinks in NYC, Radio City Christmas in NYC, Popular NYC Shows, Interactive Comedy in Phil, "Cast of Thousand" and Disney's The Lion King in Vegas!
News from around the "World":
(See below for the live links to the following articles.)
* This day in Disney history
* Waikolohe Stream Will Be an Aulani Highlight
* Families can ring in new year at DisneyQuest party
* Take a tour of the Disney Dream
* Dateline Disney January-February 2011
* Dining Events Added to Online Reservations at WDW
* At 50's Prime Time Café: Elbows off the table!
* Taking a second spin on theme parks rides
* Disney to open family-suites hotel in spring 2012
* New Year’s Eve Disney Style
* New Images: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
* Disney to close Toontown Fair in February
* Disney Christmas has less sparkle for me
* Phineas and Ferb save the Osborne lights
* The District is Zoned for Nighttime Fun Aboard the Disney Dream
* Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar
* How to make the hours fly by waiting at the airport
* Give the Gift of Adventures at Busch Gardens and SeaWorld
* Islands of Adventure indoor "Grinchmas" show is a treat
* Kennedy Space Center releases new plans & space shuttle display
* Universal Orlando to take full advantage of Wizarding World
* 10 things to do at Disneyland Resort in rain
* Delicious Dining Options at Disneyland Resort
* Stay In The Middle Of The Magic At Disneyland Resort Hotels
* Video: How to Make Disneyland's Holiday Tamales
* 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
* Are the giant cruise ships worth the cost? Beth responds.
* Kennedy Space Center coupon
* Andy writes about dinner reservations for a wedding anniversary
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
Walt Disney World
Book today only! An official Walt Disney World Resort with rates starting at $74 (regularly $159)! Book by December 22, 2010.
--------------------------------
NEW DEALS AROUND THE WORLD:
# FREE 200,000 Bus Tickets to/fr the Northeast & Midwest!
# $899 Punta Cana All-Inclusive 7-Night Trip from Philly!
# $519 Curacao 4-Star Vacation from Philadelphia, 50% Off
# $899 Ecuador 7-Night Vacation w/ Tour, Meals & Air!
# $129 Grand Opening: Downtown NYC Hotel w/Breakfast!
# $41 & up Fares from the East Coast on Sale (each way)!
# $79 & up Upgraded Seats over Peak Holiday Dates!
# $37 & up 2-Day Sale: U.S. & Caribbean!
# $389 & up Fares to Iceland & Europe (Roundtrip)!
# $79 Baltimore Inner Harbor Hotel Weekends, 50% Off!
# $99 California: Monterey All-Suite Hotel w/. Breakfast!
# $139 4-Star Boston Hotel, incl. Weekends (Reg. $229)!
# $99 Chicago 4-Star Hotel on Michigan Avenue, 45% Off!
# $228 & up Las Vegas 3-Night Getaway w/Air!
# $342 Orlando 1-Bedroom Condo, 60% Off!
# $79 Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort, Half Off!
# $109 D.C. Hotel near Dupont Circle (Reg. $309)!
# $13.95 & up Car Rentals across the U.S.!
# $69 NYC Dinner & Drinks for 2 at Hot Spot, 55% Off!
# $52.50 A Radio City Christmas in NYC, 50% Off!
# $39 & up Popular NYC Shows, up to 55% Off!
# $15 World Premiere of Interactive Comedy in Phil!
# $56 Terry Fator's "ast of Thousand" in Vegas (Reg. $87)!
# $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
Waikolohe Stream: Journey Along ‘Mischievous Waters’ Will Be an Aulani Highlight
Families can ring in new year at DisneyQuest party
Take a tour of the Disney Dream
Dateline Disney January-February 2011
Events, ‘Dine With an Imagineer’ Added to Online Reservations at Walt Disney World
At 50's Prime Time Café: Elbows off the table!
Taking a second spin on theme parks rides
Disney to open family-suites hotel in spring 2012
New Year’s Eve Disney Style
New Images: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney to close Toontown Fair in February
Disney Christmas has less sparkle for me
Phineas and Ferb save the Osborne lights (and have time for an ad, too)
The District is Zoned for Nighttime Fun Aboard the Disney Dream
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
Outside Walt Disney World
How to make the hours fly by while you're waiting at the airport
Give the Gift of Amazing Adventures This Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and SeaWorld Orlando
Islands of Adventure indoor "Grinchmas" show is a treat
Kennedy Space Center releases new plans including space shuttle display
Universal Orlando ponders how to take full advantage of Wizarding World's popularity
=================================================
Disneyland California
10 things to do at Disneyland Resort in rain
Plenty of Delicious Dining Options Offer Something for Every Guest at Disneyland Resort
Guests Stay In The Middle Of The Magic At Disneyland Resort Hotels
Video: How to Make Disneyland's Holiday Tamales
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.
=================================================
Kennedy Space Center Holiday Gift
Save $5 on admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex with this coupon! Coupon is valid for up to six people on one transaction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Ticket Plaza or online at KennedySpaceCenter.com. Valid through 01/03/11.
=================================================
Andy writes:
"If you were going to reserve dinner for your wedding anniversary at WDW, would you do a 'Sweetheart Dinner for Two' or just a regular reservation (in other words, is there significant value in doing this)? In addition, if you really wanted seafood, would you dine at The Coral Reef in The Seas Pavilion, or Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge (or do you have an even better suggestion for seafood)? Thanks John. you're the greatest!"
Thanks for the complement, but it's Beth who is the greatest! I sent your questions to her for she is more familiar with Disney's restaurants. She writes:
"I'm a big seafood lover - but I don't particularly like fish.
I'm more of a crustacean kind of girl. That poses a problem
because most of the Disney seafood restaurants go heavy on the
fish. Fulton's Crab House in Downtown Disney usually gets my
vote for that reason. Between Coral Reef and Artist Point, AP is
the more romantic of the two - but they aren't as heavy on the
seafood there as one might expect. So they really need to view
the menus first before deciding - and then consider the
transportation time to go to a non-park location, if that makes a
difference.
I only know of two couples that have done the Sweetheart dinner.
Both said it was really nice - but they wouldn't do it again.
Depending on what you order, you probably come out (in most
cases) *slightly* ahead on price, and they do go the extra mile
to make it romantic for you - plus you get to keep the champagne
glasses - but it's still a REALLY expensive dinner, and you
probably could enjoy a nice, romantic meal many other places for
30-50% less. So again, I'd suggest deciding which place on the
list they like the most, and then reviewing the menus and prices
and comparing the price of the Sweetheart Dinner to what they'd
pay if they just went there on their own. (Remember that tax and
gratuity are NOT included in the Sweetheart deal.)"
=================================================
Giant Ships… Are the Worth the Extra Cost?
Beth, our travel agent, writes:
"I recently had a very unique opportunity to compare two ships from the same company back to back. They were Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. Liberty is a member of the Freedom class of ships, previously the largest passenger ships afloat until the Oasis class (to which Allure belongs) debuted last December.
I’ve looked at the deck plans of these classes dozens of times, and booked hundreds of passengers on them. Still, in my head, I was sort of thinking that sailing on them would be very similar. Granted, the Oasis class ships have more bells and whistles, and the interior promenade concept has been expanded to include an outdoor area as well, but I somehow thought more would just be, well, more of the same. I was wrong.
I'll admit I boarded Allure all ready to come away saying she was great, but probably not worth the extra bucks unless the price truly wasn't going to affect your budget much. I don't feel that way anymore, and here’s why.
The Freedom class ships are very similar to the Voyager class ships, and I like both classes very much. About the only thing you'll pick up on Freedom class that Voyager class doesn’t provide is a FlowRider (surfing) which is cool, to be sure, but I wouldn’t let that one thing dictate which ship to choose. I say, whichever one has the right itinerary on the dates you need and has an attractive price is the right one, regardless of whether it’s a Voyage or a Freedom class. If it turns out it’s a Freedom class, great; start working on your balance if you want to try out the surfing.
Oasis-class ships are a whole different world. The standard cabins are about the same, but everywhere you turn there are a zillion upgrades and new ideas made into reality. For instance, there are interior balcony cabins. Some look over the Central Park area while others look over the Boardwalk area (and its carousel). If you're lucky, your Boardwalk balcony will also give you a great view of the Aqua Theatre. Aside from pretty fountain shows, the water shows they do there are totally amazing. We didn't get to see the Broadway musical (Chicago on Allure, Hairspray on Oasis), but we did get to see the new aerial show, Blue Planet. I really can't believe that they can pull that stuff off on a moving ship! Of course, I'm still in awe of the ice skating shows that all three ship classes offer.
We were one of three couples lounging in comfy chairs under the stars one evening in Central Park listening to a violin and classical guitar duo who were fabulous. That giant ship and all those people on board and there were SIX of us all alone in that gorgeous setting! We never searched for a table in the buffet area even once (not true on Liberty), and my boyfriend is now a zip-line addict after twice making the short-but-high slide 9 decks above the Boardwalk area.
The food wasn't the best we've had at sea, but it was B+ or better the whole time, and most of the service (in the dining room and elsewhere) was an A- or better. The children’s areas are amazing, and sure to thrill kids from tots to teens with no trouble at all. And for the adults, dancing, alternative dining, comedy clubs, casino, the spa..… no shortage of activities, from low energy to very high energy.
And here’s the best news… In the last few weeks I’ve seen pricing on the two Oasis-class ships starting around $799 per person for a 7-night cruise. OK, so that’s an inside cabin rather than a posh, 2-story sky loft suite, but who cares? This is one of those cases where it’s all about the ship, not the itinerary or the cabin.
In short, two thumbs up on Liberty of the Seas, three thumbs up on Allure of the Seas. (Am I allowed to do that?) If you've got kids, especially teenagers, if you love big ships or high-energy vacations, if you love being amazed at what architects and engineers can pull off then these ships are for you. Just want to hang at the pool and eat well? they'll work out for you, too. Who should avoid them? Those that prefer traditional cruising and/or smaller intimate ship settings, and perhaps those that are overwhelmed by vast areas of unfamiliar space."
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posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 4:22 AM
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