AffordableDisney.Com Newsletter
January 19, 2011 Issue #565
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 gift with Disney dining certificates; Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Promos; Affordable Vacation Packages to Bahamas, Tuscany, China, Mexico, and London; Discount Cruises: Caribbean, Mediterranean, Bahamas, Europe and Hawaii; Affordable accommodations in California, NYC, Connecticut, Florida, Chicago, Cabo, Vegas and Napa; Airfare sale: Philadelphia to San Diego; Nightlife special at NYC cocktail lounge; FREE Admission to National Parks!
--------------------------------
News from around the "World":
(See below for the live links to the following articles.)
* This day in Disney history
* Ypartnership Survey Reveals Anatomy of Kids’ Vacation Memories
* Guest Images Come to Life on Cinderella Castle
* Disney unveils new Fantasyland expansion details
* A look inside the kitchen at Animal Kingdom Lodge
* Disney Dream Christening Ceremony January 19
* Complimentary use of portable phones debuts on Disney ships
* Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun parade at Hollywood Studios
* Animal Kingdom Wild Africa Trek get guests closer to nature
* Honor Your Hero at Walt Disney World or at Home
* First Look Video: Wild Africa Trek
* Small fire doused at Magic Kingdom Tiki Room attraction
* Wild Africa Trek Adventures Begin at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
* "Tangled" play-and-greet at Mk didn’t meet our expectations
* Remy: Exquisite Dining Atop Disney Dream
* High-tech, innovative Disney Stores and renovations announced
* Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar
* Harbor Nights Romantico At Univeral's Portofino Bay Hotel
* Gwazi Opens with New Trains at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
* First Legoland, then wax museum, big wheel?
* Orlando Science Center: "Star Wars" in 2012
* Universal Studios: Mardi Gras concert lineup
* Busch Gardens Insider Tips
* Does the secure flight program mean more money for airlines?
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about Disneyland resort fees
* Try the Tasty New Menu at the Village Haus
* "Family Fun Weekends" Fiestas, Mardi Gras and More
* 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
* Largest Expansion in Magic Kingdom History
* Universal Orlando Resort Kicks Off Biggest, Best Mardi Gras
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Get $25 Disney dining certificates for $3! Plus, a FREE $10 eGift Card with every order! Includes many restaurants at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts and House of Blues at Downtown Disney and 11 other locations! Plus, restaurants in Orlando, near Walt Disney World, in Anaheim, near Disneyland California, and all across the US. Hurry! Offer expires January 24, 2011.
--------------------------------
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO MARDI GRAS OFFERS FOR FLORIDA RESIDENTS
Includes deals on passes, vacation packages and more!
--------------------------------
NEW DEALS AROUND THE WORLD:
Vacation Packages: Save up to 55%! Bahamas, Tuscany, China, Mexico, and London!
Cruises: Save up to $650! Caribbean, Mediterranean, Bahamas, Europe and Hawaii!
Resorts: Save up to 60%! California, NYC, Connecticut, Florida, Chicago, Cabo, Vegas and Napa!
Airfare: Philadelphia to San Diego from $208!
Nightlife: Save $73 at NYC cocktail lounge!
FREE Admission to 100+ National Parks!
=================================================
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
New Ypartnership Survey Reveals the Anatomy of Kids’ Vacation Memories
In a Dramatic New Projection Show, Guest Images Come to Life on Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort
Disney unveils new Fantasyland expansion details
A look inside the kitchen at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney Dream Christening Ceremony January 19
Complimentary use of portable phones debuts on Disney Cruise Line ships
Picture It: Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun parade at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Animal Kingdom: Wild Africa Trek will get guests even closer to nature
Honor Your Hero at Walt Disney World or at Home
First Look Video: Wild Africa Trek
Small fire doused at Disney's Magic Kingdom Tiki Room attraction
Wild Africa Trek Adventures Begin at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
"Tangled" play-and-greet at Magic Kingdom didn’t live up to our expectations
Remy: Exquisite Dining Atop Disney Dream
New high-tech, innovative Disney Stores and renovations announced
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
Outside Walt Disney World
Harbor Nights Romantico At Loews Portofino Bay Hotel At Universal Orlando Set For Friday, February 18
Gwazi Opens with New Trains at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
First Legoland, then wax museum, big wheel?
Orlando Science Center: "Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination" coming in 2012
Universal Studios: Mardi Gras concert lineup includes B-52s, Pitbull, Neon Trees
Busch Gardens Insider Tips
Does the secure flight program mean more money for airlines?
=================================================
Disneyland California
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "The 3 Disneyland hotels used to have a resort fee which was included in the packages, but tacked on as an extra charge to the room bill for room-only reservations. They’ve done away with the resort fee for 2011, but there is still a $15/nt parking fee which covers up to 2 cars."
Try the Tasty New Menu at the Village Haus
"Family Fun Weekends": A New Way to Celebrate Fiestas, Mardi Gras and More, Jan. 14 Through March 6 Only
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.
=================================================
Largest Expansion in Magic Kingdom History Will Nearly Double the Size of Fantasyland
The largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history is underway, a project that will nearly double the size of Fantasyland and deliver a new home for Ariel, new ways to interact with favorite Disney princesses, an exciting new family coaster, a double dose of Dumbo and more.
Scheduled to open in phases beginning in late 2012, the new Fantasyland will immerse guests in Disney stories as never before. Among the highlights planned:
* Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, a major, all-new attraction during which guests will travel with Ariel and her friends through their exciting adventures above and below the waves - all against a musical backdrop of songs from the classic film.
* The castle of the Beast, standing majestically upon a hill just across an old stone bridge from Ariel’s new home. The Be Our Guest Restaurant will feature a lavish dining experience in the elegant ballroom, gallery, and mysterious "West Wing" of the castle. With seating for 550, this magnificent facility will offer "great food fast" service by day and full table service dining in the evening. Nearby in Belle's Village, guests will find the rousing Gaston’s Tavern and Bonjour! Village Gifts.
* Just outside the village is Belle’s cottage and Enchanted Tales with Belle. The adventure begins in Maurice’s workshop, where a magical mirror is the doorway to a captivating new kind of storytelling experience: Guests are transported to the Beast’s library to meet Belle and Lumiere, and share in a lively, interactive, re-telling of the "tale as old as time."
But that’s just the beginning of what guests will discover when the multi-phase project is completed. Here’s more of what’s in store:
* The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will take guests on a rollicking, musical ride into the mine "where a million diamonds shine." The coaster will feature a first-of-its kind ride system with a train of ride vehicles that swing back and forth, responding to every twist and turn of the track. The journey will be accompanied by music from the classic Disney film and animated figures of Snow White and the Dwarfs.
* In Princess Fairytale Hall, Aurora, Cinderella and other Disney princesses, such as Tiana and Rapunzel, will greet guests in their new home, an elegant royal court on the site where Snow White’s Scary Adventures stands today.
* The sound of the calliope will lead guests to the brand new Storybook Circus and not one but two circling carousels of airborne pachyderms on Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Before taking to the skies on this Fantasyland favorite, guests can experience an array of fun-filled family games and interactive wonders for kids of all ages inside the Big Top.
* Next door in Storybook Circus, the classic Barnstormer gets a bright new look as well, featuring Goofy as The Great Goofini. It’s a twisting, turning roller coaster "flight" high above the circus fun. (Source: Press Release, 01/18/11)
=================================================
Universal Orlando Resort Kicks Off Biggest, Best Mardi Gras Celebration Outside Of New Orleans
Top-Name National Music Talent, Authentic Mardi Gras Parade and Cuisine Straight from The Big Easy Make for the Ultimate Street Party Beginning Feb. 12
It is the biggest, best, party in the country - and Universal Orlando Resort brings it straight from New Orleans to you this February 12 through April 23.
Nationally renowned musical acts combine with an authentic Mardi Gras parade, dozens of colorfully costumed performers, authentic Cajun cooking, and hand-picked New Orleans bands to capture the look, feel and fun of New Orleans - all inside Universal Studios Florida.
Universal Orlando has been creating its special Mardi Gras celebration for more than 15 years - bringing the perfect combination of the Big Easy and spectacular theme park entertainment to its guests all for the price of regular admission.
"If you can’t be in New Orleans or if you can’t get enough of Mardi Gras, then Universal Orlando is the place to be," said Jim Timon, senior vice president of entertainment for Universal Orlando Resort. "We bring all of what makes Mardi Gras great together with national-level musical artists to create a family-friendly celebration that fills the entire theme park."
This year’s special Mardi Gras concert line-up features some of the biggest names in Rock, Country, Pop and R&B. Together, the headliners have had more than 100 songs on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart and more than 20 Grammy nominations. Performers include Pitbull, also known as "Mr. 305," who will perform songs from his hit album, "Rebelution," Neon Trees, who will perform their hit "Animal," One Republic and country-super-star Blake Shelton. Also performing will be Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Beach Boys and Ne-Yo.
Along with top-name talent comes the world-famous parade - straight from the streets of New Orleans. One-dozen elaborate, hand-crafted floats designed and built by Blaine Kern Artists - the same company that creates floats for New Orleans Mardi Gras - will make their way through the streets of Universal Studios along with dozens of colorfully costumed performers and hundreds of float riders - all of whom throw beads to eager guests. The parade, with its Fire, Air, Water, Earth theme, also features music and a nightly King and Queen of Mardi Gras.
Nearby, in the Universal Studios “French Quarter Courtyard,” the celebration continues. This area will feature New Orleans-inspired food creations by Universal’s chefs - including jambalaya, Po Boy sandwiches and more. And nearly one-dozen hand-picked, authentic New Orleans bands will perform the best of The Big Easy’s Blues, Jazz and Zydeco.
Universal Studios’ 2011 Mardi Gras Concert Series - Talent Line-Up
Saturday, February 12 The Four Seasons; Big l & The Heavyweights
Saturday, February 19 The B-52s; Lil Malcolm & the House Rockers
Sunday, February 20 KC & The Sunshine Band; the House Rockers
Saturday, February 26 Pitbull John; Lisi & Delta Funk
Saturday, March 5 Lynyrd Skynyrd; Grady Champion
Saturday, March 12 Foreigner; Honey Island Swamp Band
Friday, March 18 Neon Trees; J.J. Caillier & The Zydeco Knockouts
Saturday, March 19 Thirty Seconds To Mars; The Zydeco Knockouts
Friday, March 25 OneRepublic; Soul Project
Saturday, March 26 Blake Shelton; Soul Project
Friday, April 1 Sean Kingston; Lil Brian & The Zydeco Travelers
Saturday, April 2 Ne-Yo; Lil Brian & The Zydeco Travelers
Saturday, April 9 Lifehouse; Rockin' Jake
Saturday, April 16 The Beach Boys; Beth McKee & the Sliders
Saturday, April 23 To Be Announced; Daddy Mack Blues Band (Source: Press Release, 01/13/11)
=================================================
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 gift with Disney dining certificates; Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Promos; Affordable Vacation Packages to Bahamas, Tuscany, China, Mexico, and London; Discount Cruises: Caribbean, Mediterranean, Bahamas, Europe and Hawaii; Affordable accommodations in California, NYC, Connecticut, Florida, Chicago, Cabo, Vegas and Napa; Airfare sale: Philadelphia to San Diego; Nightlife special at NYC cocktail lounge; FREE Admission to National Parks!
--------------------------------
News from around the "World":
(See below for the live links to the following articles.)
* This day in Disney history
* Ypartnership Survey Reveals Anatomy of Kids’ Vacation Memories
* Guest Images Come to Life on Cinderella Castle
* Disney unveils new Fantasyland expansion details
* A look inside the kitchen at Animal Kingdom Lodge
* Disney Dream Christening Ceremony January 19
* Complimentary use of portable phones debuts on Disney ships
* Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun parade at Hollywood Studios
* Animal Kingdom Wild Africa Trek get guests closer to nature
* Honor Your Hero at Walt Disney World or at Home
* First Look Video: Wild Africa Trek
* Small fire doused at Magic Kingdom Tiki Room attraction
* Wild Africa Trek Adventures Begin at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
* "Tangled" play-and-greet at Mk didn’t meet our expectations
* Remy: Exquisite Dining Atop Disney Dream
* High-tech, innovative Disney Stores and renovations announced
* Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar
* Harbor Nights Romantico At Univeral's Portofino Bay Hotel
* Gwazi Opens with New Trains at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
* First Legoland, then wax museum, big wheel?
* Orlando Science Center: "Star Wars" in 2012
* Universal Studios: Mardi Gras concert lineup
* Busch Gardens Insider Tips
* Does the secure flight program mean more money for airlines?
* Beth, our travel agent, writes about Disneyland resort fees
* Try the Tasty New Menu at the Village Haus
* "Family Fun Weekends" Fiestas, Mardi Gras and More
* 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
* Largest Expansion in Magic Kingdom History
* Universal Orlando Resort Kicks Off Biggest, Best Mardi Gras
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Get $25 Disney dining certificates for $3! Plus, a FREE $10 eGift Card with every order! Includes many restaurants at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts and House of Blues at Downtown Disney and 11 other locations! Plus, restaurants in Orlando, near Walt Disney World, in Anaheim, near Disneyland California, and all across the US. Hurry! Offer expires January 24, 2011.
--------------------------------
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO MARDI GRAS OFFERS FOR FLORIDA RESIDENTS
Includes deals on passes, vacation packages and more!
--------------------------------
NEW DEALS AROUND THE WORLD:
Vacation Packages: Save up to 55%! Bahamas, Tuscany, China, Mexico, and London!
Cruises: Save up to $650! Caribbean, Mediterranean, Bahamas, Europe and Hawaii!
Resorts: Save up to 60%! California, NYC, Connecticut, Florida, Chicago, Cabo, Vegas and Napa!
Airfare: Philadelphia to San Diego from $208!
Nightlife: Save $73 at NYC cocktail lounge!
FREE Admission to 100+ National Parks!
=================================================
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
New Ypartnership Survey Reveals the Anatomy of Kids’ Vacation Memories
In a Dramatic New Projection Show, Guest Images Come to Life on Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort
Disney unveils new Fantasyland expansion details
A look inside the kitchen at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney Dream Christening Ceremony January 19
Complimentary use of portable phones debuts on Disney Cruise Line ships
Picture It: Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun parade at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Animal Kingdom: Wild Africa Trek will get guests even closer to nature
Honor Your Hero at Walt Disney World or at Home
First Look Video: Wild Africa Trek
Small fire doused at Disney's Magic Kingdom Tiki Room attraction
Wild Africa Trek Adventures Begin at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
"Tangled" play-and-greet at Magic Kingdom didn’t live up to our expectations
Remy: Exquisite Dining Atop Disney Dream
New high-tech, innovative Disney Stores and renovations announced
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
Outside Walt Disney World
Harbor Nights Romantico At Loews Portofino Bay Hotel At Universal Orlando Set For Friday, February 18
Gwazi Opens with New Trains at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
First Legoland, then wax museum, big wheel?
Orlando Science Center: "Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination" coming in 2012
Universal Studios: Mardi Gras concert lineup includes B-52s, Pitbull, Neon Trees
Busch Gardens Insider Tips
Does the secure flight program mean more money for airlines?
=================================================
Disneyland California
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "The 3 Disneyland hotels used to have a resort fee which was included in the packages, but tacked on as an extra charge to the room bill for room-only reservations. They’ve done away with the resort fee for 2011, but there is still a $15/nt parking fee which covers up to 2 cars."
Try the Tasty New Menu at the Village Haus
"Family Fun Weekends": A New Way to Celebrate Fiestas, Mardi Gras and More, Jan. 14 Through March 6 Only
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.
=================================================
Largest Expansion in Magic Kingdom History Will Nearly Double the Size of Fantasyland
The largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history is underway, a project that will nearly double the size of Fantasyland and deliver a new home for Ariel, new ways to interact with favorite Disney princesses, an exciting new family coaster, a double dose of Dumbo and more.
Scheduled to open in phases beginning in late 2012, the new Fantasyland will immerse guests in Disney stories as never before. Among the highlights planned:
* Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, a major, all-new attraction during which guests will travel with Ariel and her friends through their exciting adventures above and below the waves - all against a musical backdrop of songs from the classic film.
* The castle of the Beast, standing majestically upon a hill just across an old stone bridge from Ariel’s new home. The Be Our Guest Restaurant will feature a lavish dining experience in the elegant ballroom, gallery, and mysterious "West Wing" of the castle. With seating for 550, this magnificent facility will offer "great food fast" service by day and full table service dining in the evening. Nearby in Belle's Village, guests will find the rousing Gaston’s Tavern and Bonjour! Village Gifts.
* Just outside the village is Belle’s cottage and Enchanted Tales with Belle. The adventure begins in Maurice’s workshop, where a magical mirror is the doorway to a captivating new kind of storytelling experience: Guests are transported to the Beast’s library to meet Belle and Lumiere, and share in a lively, interactive, re-telling of the "tale as old as time."
But that’s just the beginning of what guests will discover when the multi-phase project is completed. Here’s more of what’s in store:
* The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will take guests on a rollicking, musical ride into the mine "where a million diamonds shine." The coaster will feature a first-of-its kind ride system with a train of ride vehicles that swing back and forth, responding to every twist and turn of the track. The journey will be accompanied by music from the classic Disney film and animated figures of Snow White and the Dwarfs.
* In Princess Fairytale Hall, Aurora, Cinderella and other Disney princesses, such as Tiana and Rapunzel, will greet guests in their new home, an elegant royal court on the site where Snow White’s Scary Adventures stands today.
* The sound of the calliope will lead guests to the brand new Storybook Circus and not one but two circling carousels of airborne pachyderms on Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Before taking to the skies on this Fantasyland favorite, guests can experience an array of fun-filled family games and interactive wonders for kids of all ages inside the Big Top.
* Next door in Storybook Circus, the classic Barnstormer gets a bright new look as well, featuring Goofy as The Great Goofini. It’s a twisting, turning roller coaster "flight" high above the circus fun. (Source: Press Release, 01/18/11)
=================================================
Universal Orlando Resort Kicks Off Biggest, Best Mardi Gras Celebration Outside Of New Orleans
Top-Name National Music Talent, Authentic Mardi Gras Parade and Cuisine Straight from The Big Easy Make for the Ultimate Street Party Beginning Feb. 12
It is the biggest, best, party in the country - and Universal Orlando Resort brings it straight from New Orleans to you this February 12 through April 23.
Nationally renowned musical acts combine with an authentic Mardi Gras parade, dozens of colorfully costumed performers, authentic Cajun cooking, and hand-picked New Orleans bands to capture the look, feel and fun of New Orleans - all inside Universal Studios Florida.
Universal Orlando has been creating its special Mardi Gras celebration for more than 15 years - bringing the perfect combination of the Big Easy and spectacular theme park entertainment to its guests all for the price of regular admission.
"If you can’t be in New Orleans or if you can’t get enough of Mardi Gras, then Universal Orlando is the place to be," said Jim Timon, senior vice president of entertainment for Universal Orlando Resort. "We bring all of what makes Mardi Gras great together with national-level musical artists to create a family-friendly celebration that fills the entire theme park."
This year’s special Mardi Gras concert line-up features some of the biggest names in Rock, Country, Pop and R&B. Together, the headliners have had more than 100 songs on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart and more than 20 Grammy nominations. Performers include Pitbull, also known as "Mr. 305," who will perform songs from his hit album, "Rebelution," Neon Trees, who will perform their hit "Animal," One Republic and country-super-star Blake Shelton. Also performing will be Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Beach Boys and Ne-Yo.
Along with top-name talent comes the world-famous parade - straight from the streets of New Orleans. One-dozen elaborate, hand-crafted floats designed and built by Blaine Kern Artists - the same company that creates floats for New Orleans Mardi Gras - will make their way through the streets of Universal Studios along with dozens of colorfully costumed performers and hundreds of float riders - all of whom throw beads to eager guests. The parade, with its Fire, Air, Water, Earth theme, also features music and a nightly King and Queen of Mardi Gras.
Nearby, in the Universal Studios “French Quarter Courtyard,” the celebration continues. This area will feature New Orleans-inspired food creations by Universal’s chefs - including jambalaya, Po Boy sandwiches and more. And nearly one-dozen hand-picked, authentic New Orleans bands will perform the best of The Big Easy’s Blues, Jazz and Zydeco.
Universal Studios’ 2011 Mardi Gras Concert Series - Talent Line-Up
Saturday, February 12 The Four Seasons; Big l & The Heavyweights
Saturday, February 19 The B-52s; Lil Malcolm & the House Rockers
Sunday, February 20 KC & The Sunshine Band; the House Rockers
Saturday, February 26 Pitbull John; Lisi & Delta Funk
Saturday, March 5 Lynyrd Skynyrd; Grady Champion
Saturday, March 12 Foreigner; Honey Island Swamp Band
Friday, March 18 Neon Trees; J.J. Caillier & The Zydeco Knockouts
Saturday, March 19 Thirty Seconds To Mars; The Zydeco Knockouts
Friday, March 25 OneRepublic; Soul Project
Saturday, March 26 Blake Shelton; Soul Project
Friday, April 1 Sean Kingston; Lil Brian & The Zydeco Travelers
Saturday, April 2 Ne-Yo; Lil Brian & The Zydeco Travelers
Saturday, April 9 Lifehouse; Rockin' Jake
Saturday, April 16 The Beach Boys; Beth McKee & the Sliders
Saturday, April 23 To Be Announced; Daddy Mack Blues Band (Source: Press Release, 01/13/11)
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