Wednesday, December 21, 2011

AffordableDisney.Com Blog

Celebrating 15 Years of Disney Discounts!
Copyright © 1997 - 2012
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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!

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.
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LAST MINUTE MONEY SAVING DEALS!
These go fast so he who hesitates is lost!


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Dateline Disney: January/February 2012

Sorcerers Invade the Magic Kingdom in Early 2012

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - In an all-new interactive experience, "Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom," Merlin the magician will recruit guests as apprentice sorcerers to undertake missions to subdue villains and ne’er do wells. Armed with magic spells in the form of special cards, guests must search for the magic symbols that lead them to animated villains’ hiding places. By casting different magical spell cards, players can do battle with Yzma, Kronk and other "baddies" hiding throughout the land. From fireballs to frantic frogs and cyclones, there are spells to bring down each and every villain, with a simple flick of the wrist. This immersive role-playing adventure will be included with park admission.

Runners Set Their Sights New Features for Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - The ever popular Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by CIGNA returns Jan. 5-8, 2012 with two new features - a relay option and a new medal.

Runners in the 26.2 mile Disney Marathon can now join a buddy for the Disney Marathon Relay. Unlike other marathon relays, runners at Disney will each run 13.1 miles through Walt Disney World’s four theme parks. The first runner will travel through Epcot and Magic Kingdom, while the second runner goes through Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios before finishing at Epcot. Both runners receive official half-marathon times as well as a combined team time, plus the new Chip and Dale medal - the first new character medal for Disney Marathon Weekend since the Goofy medal was introduced in 2006. The Disney Marathon Relay will be run simultaneously with the Disney Marathon and share the same course.

The Walt Disney World Half Marathon also will offer a new feature - a special edition Donald Duck medal to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the race.

The Disney Marathon Weekend will include a variety of events, including the Disney Family 5k Fun Run (Jan. 6), Disney Kid’s Races (Jan. 6-7), and Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge (Jan. 7-8). There’s also Disney’s Health & Fitness Expo (Jan. 5-8) at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which will feature the latest in running merchandise, equipment and products, plus health and fitness seminars by leading authorities such as renowned marathon trainer Jeff Galloway, the official training consultant for runDisney. For more information, go to www.rundisney.com.

New Exotics Course to Feature High-Performance "Supercars"

Ever imagine getting behind the wheel of your favorite dream car? Beginning around mid-January, Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Resort will feature a brand-new adrenaline rush, the "Exotic Driving Experience." The Exotics Course at Walt Disney World Speedway, a new one-mile circuit custom-built for the attraction, will be home to a riding experience for guests in "supercars" by Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi, and Porsche. Thrill-seekers can get behind the wheel of these epic vehicles or navigate the circuit with a professional driver. Reservations for 2012 can be made at www.exoticdriving.com.

HGTV Seeks One Disney-Loving Family for Fantasy-Filled, Over-the-Top Makeover for the My Yard Goes Disney Series Finale

New York, N.Y. - If your family dreams of a backyard makeover that is worthy of Disney inspired fun and fantasy and even bigger and better than last year’s My Yard Goes Disney creations, HGTV is looking for you. Between now and January 30, 2012 HGTV wants you to submit your compelling story, photos and video in a nationwide search for the perfect family to help create a fantasy-filled backyard inspired by Disney Parks. One family will be selected to transform their outdoor living space into their own year-round recreational resort. If you think you have a compelling story and want to be the family bringing the magic of Disney Parks to your backyard, visit www.hgtv.com/MyYardGoesDisney before January 30, 2012 to find out how to submit your story, photos and/or a video to apply for your chance to receive one of this year’s amazing outdoor spaces based upon favorite Disney Parks inspirations.The family selected for the makeover will be featured in the season finale of My Yard Goes Disney as one of the 11 Disney Parks-inspired makeovers in 2012. In addition, HGTV will take the magical inspiration inside as well in their special, My House Goes Disney, airing in March 2012.

Royal Rooms Make Debut at Port Orleans Riverside

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - An enchanting new hotel offering fit for a prince or princess opens its regal doors at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside in spring 2012.

Behind a special door is a hidden jewel, The Royal Guest Room, with 512 themed rooms where beds are trimmed with dazzling crystals and gold accents and "magical fireworks" swirl about. The new Royal Rooms immerse families in favorite Disney fairytales with fun and engaging features, playful artwork, plus richly appointed drapery and custom linens. Rooms sleep four with rates starting at $198. Call 407-W/DISNEY for reservations.

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend Celebrates Women’s Health, Active Lifestyle

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend brings women of all ages together to participate in a magical event designed just for them. The Disney Princesses are the inspiration for the weekend’s events and focuses on the attributes every princess possesses: commitment, courage, determination, fantasy, perseverance, and strength.

The event will take place at Walt Disney World Resort on Feb. 24-26, 2012 and is set to celebrate the women who prove that anything is possible in life’s fairytale.

The race starts just outside Epcot and runners make their way toward Cinderella Castle inside Magic Kingdom Park. After a run through the Magic Kingdom, they head back to Epcot along World Drive. After a trip past Spaceship Earth and out to World Showcase, runners will complete the course with a finish line crowd cheering them down the home stretch.

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend also will include the Disney’s Princess Half Marathon (Feb. 26, Epcot), Disney Royal Family 5k (Feb. 25, Epcot) and Disney Royal Family Kids’ Races (Feb. 25, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex). The Disney’s Fit for a Princess Expo runs Feb. 24-25 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. For more information, go to www.rundisney.com
And coming soon…

Disney Fantasy Takes Family Entertainment to New Heights New Main Stage Musical "Wishes" Debuts

On the Disney Fantasy, entertainment is designed to charm and bedazzle the entire family. Guests delight to some of the most elaborate original musicals presented at sea, over-the-top deck parties and, bursting above it all, the largest fireworks spectacular aboard a cruise ship.

A new ship means new main stage entertainment at the Walt Disney Theatre, and "Wishes" is a spectacular production debuting on the Disney Fantasy. This signature show is a 45-minute musical journey about three best friends who discover the secret to being a grown-up is staying connected to their inner child.

An enchanting world with a cavalcade of Disney characters, full-scale production numbers and special effects bring excitement to the stage as the cast of "Wishes" performs original songs and classic Disney tunes with a contemporary twist. Notable moments include:

In an over-the-top musical comedy number, the song "I’ve Got a Dream" from "Tangled" sets the scene with Rapunzel, Flynn Rider and a tavern full of hilarious thugs.

In "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride," the stage fills with giant windsurfing sails, kites and surf boards, as performers ride a surfboards, flying atop a giant blue wave silk.

King Louie and the Monkeys perform a high-energy swing band version of "I Wanna Be Like You" from the Jungle Book.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit www.disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent.

The Muppets Debut on the Disney Fantasy

The Muppets make their debut on Disney Cruise Line in a new adventure game aboard the Disney Fantasy, the new Disney ship setting sail in March 2012.

Throughout the Disney Fantasy, guests will discover creative and whimsical technical innovations - whether it’s mealtime, playtime or bedtime. Among the highlights: the Muppets are coming! While playing "The Case of the Stolen Show," guests take an interactive adventure quest around the ship, uncovering clues via more than a dozen pieces of Enchanted Art and physical "evidence."

The adventure begins with Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo, Animal and a cast of Muppets preparing to stage a big performance. But there’s a problem: Kermit’s banjo is missing, Fozzie’s squirting flower has vanished, Gonzo’s crash helmet has gone astray, Animal’s drum sticks have disappeared and the Swedish Chef can’t find his cleaver! All of the props for the big show have been stolen by a cunning thief (or more likely, another Muppet).

Guided by a map and holding a unique game card in front of select pieces of Enchanted Art, guests unveil clues and find missing props. Elsewhere on the ship, guests may check a Muppets message board and find a Muppet-sized stateroom door to discover clues. Their mission is to solve the crime before it’s time to raise the curtain and light the lights on the Muppets’ big show.

"The Case of the Stolen Show" is a self-paced adventure game designed for guests ages nine and older. It features several possible endings and multiple randomized events - so each time a guest plays, they have a different gaming experience. (Source: Press Release)

To book a vacation, Affordable Disney members should log in and contact Beth, our travel agent.
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ENJOY SPECIAL RATES AT SELECT HOTELS NEAR DISNEY!

We've uncovered a source that offers Special Rates at select hotels near Disney! These Special Rates are guaranteed to be the lowest rates. Save yourself the anguish of researching all the hotels in the area. Some include meals. Some provide shuttles to the theme parks. All have photos and descriptions posted online. Click here to check out the prices. Book three or more nights and receive up to a $100 rebate! Click here to access coupon.

Plus! Our source now includes Affordable Disney Vacation Packages!
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Disneyland Celebrates Three Kings Day, Jan. 6-8, 2012

ANAHEIM, Calif. - For the first time, Disneyland Resort will observe Three Kings Day as part of the celebration of holidays. Three Kings Day activities will be held Jan. 6-8, 2012, at Zocalo Park in Disneyland park. The festivities add to all the holiday fun, including beautiful décor throughout the park, nightly snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A., and the special "it’s a small world" Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday attractions.

Disneyland will celebrate Three Kings Day, also known as Día de los Reyes Magos, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 6-8, 2012, with special décor, food and entertainment that showcases this Latin American holiday tradition.

Three Kings Day is celebrated in many Latin American countries as part of the Christmas story. It commemorates the day the three kings (the magi or "wise men") followed the star to Bethlehem and presented their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The Three Kings Day celebration at Disneyland will be centered around Zocalo Park (Spanish for "Town Square") in Frontierland. Walt Disney envisioned Frontierland as a showcase of America’s Western and Mexican heritage and this celebration will continue that vision.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will appear in Fiesta costumes and other characters will join them: The Three Caballeros: Donald Duck, Jose Carioca and Panchito.

Entertainment highlights include folklorico dance along with musical performances by the Grammy-winning Mariachi Divas.

Bilingual activity hosts will join children in face-painting, coloring, crown decorating and other activities.

Special food carts will appear in Zocalo Park for the occasion, serving Three Kings Day treats. The seasonal menu at Rancho del Zocalo restaurant includes tamales and Mexican hot chocolate. (Source: Press Release)
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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!

Plus! FREE online access to all of our other publications:

"Divine Intimacy Rosary"
"Praying the Psalms for the Unborn Child"
"Rosary Poetry: Poems on the Life of Jesus Christ"
"Rosary Meditations: A Bouquet of Roses for Our Lady"
"Beads of Salvation: Praying the Rosary to Reach Heaven"
"100 Prayers of Purity for the Mission of Our Lady of America"
"Achieving Weight Loss through the Prayers of the Divine Office of the Virgin Mary"
"The Divine Word + Sacred Art Rosary: Praying the Rosary with Sacred Scripture and Art"
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NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"

Disney Parks Blog

Walt Disney World News

Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar

Universal Orlando Resort News

LEGOLAND Orlando News

Disney Cruise Line News

Disneyland CA News

Disneyland CA Resort Calendar

SeaWorld Parks Blog

Busch Gardens Tampa News

This week at Disneyland Paris

What's new at Tokyo Disneyland

What's new at Disneyland Hong Kong

This Week in Las Vegas

Branson
Calendar of Events

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Our AffordableDisney.Com Blog contains deal alerts, the latest news about Disney and other Florida attractions, and comments from Beth, our travel agent, and members. Click here to read our blog online or to subscribe.
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LET US PRAY...

As many of you know, I am an author of Catholic prayer books. One of the best ways to know Jesus more intimately and show our love for Him is through prayer. Prayer keeps us focused on the spiritual life and opens a channel for grace so He can make His presence known to us. For further help in forming your prayer life, see my prayer books below that I've written and compiled and posted on the 'Net for FREE. God bless.+

"Praying the Psalms for the Unborn Child." We can interpret the Psalms from a Christocentric point of view. Let us pray with Jesus to the Father for the unborn. Click here to read the book for FREE.

"Divine Intimacy Rosary." Pray the rosary while reflecting on the meditations of the masterpiece of Carmelite spirituality, "Divine Intimacy: Meditations on the Interior Life for Every Day of the Liturgical Year." Click here to read the book for FREE.

"The Divine Word + Sacred Art Rosary: Praying the Rosary with Sacred Scripture and Art." Bible-based meditations for each bead of the rosary. Each Mystery is illustrated with beautiful art masterpieces inspired by God. Click here to read the book for FREE.

"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.
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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.

Let us choose life!: Priests for Life  Choose-Life.org
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See You Real Soon!

John

AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
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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.
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Copyright © 1999 - 2012 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.