AffordableDisney.Com Blog
September 14, 2012
Celebrating 15 Years of Disney Discounts!
Copyright © 1997 - 2012
=========================
Our AffordableDisney.Com Newsletter and Blog contain deal alerts, the latest news about Disney and other Florida attractions, and comments from Beth, our travel agent, and members.
Click here to subscribe to AffordableDisney.Com's Newsletter!
Click here to 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!
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...
=========================
MEMBERS SHOULD LOG IN FOR DETAILS OF THE FOLLOWING DEALS.
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel Package: Stay 4 days/3 nights at Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel including tickets for $93 per person per day, based on family of four. Packages start at $1477. Contact Beth to book.
--------------------------------
SEAWORLD ORLANDO
Kids eat FREE at this popular SeaWorld dining experience!
=========================
ENJOY SPECIAL RATES AT SELECT HOTELS NEAR DISNEY!
We've uncovered a source that guarantees the lowest Internet rates for hotel accommodations outside Walt Disney World. Save yourself the anguish of researching all the hotels in the area. Some are three-star hotels and cost less than $60 per night! Click here to check out the prices.
Plus! Our source now includes Affordable Disney Vacation Packages!
=========================
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
The Most Magical Trick or Treat Celebration in the World at Walt Disney World Resort - Here are the maps of trick or treat locations!
All in the Details: The First Photos from Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid at Magic Kingdom Park
Epcot Photo Flashback: Kitchen Kabaret Cooks! - We miss veggie-veggie, fruit-fruit!
AMC Downtown Disney 24 at Walt Disney World Resort Offers Monthly ‘Sensory Friendly’ Shows Geared Toward Autistic Guests
Nighttime Spectaculars: New ‘Celebrate the Magic’ Images, Expanded Seating for Fantasmic!
A Sip of ‘LeFou’s Brew’ from Gaston’s Tavern in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
THE FORCE IS COMING TO LEGOLAND® FLORIDA - LEGO® Star WarsTM Miniland Cluster Announced as Newest Expansion
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Carthay Circle Lounge Cocktails, Appetizers Elevate Theme Park Eats at Disney California Adventure Park
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Disney Cruise Line Offers Even More Vacation Options with New 2013 Itineraries from Texas
‘Submerge’ Yourself to See the Underwater Beauty of the Caribbean on a Disney Cruise from Texas
=========================
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!
* Our Affordable Disney Newsletter and Blog with deal alerts and inside scoop on the latest news at Disney and other Florida attractions!
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.
=========================
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
=========================
Beth, our travel agent, writes about booking airfare:
"Not a day goes by that someone doesn't ask me if I can do their flights for them. The truth is, I pretty much stopped doing air years ago. You can't imagine the amount of time I used to spend helping people find the right flights, booking them, ticketing them, and then staying on top of the frequent flight changes that followed. It was an easy hour or more of time for each and every trip. And about 20% of those trips would have additional issues... the need to cancel or make a change, a drop in price requiring a ticket reissue and fare refund, you name it. I can't tell you how much I hated doing air.
It did, however, pay well sometimes. The commission was 10% on the base fare (price before taxes and fees). That meant I could make $15-30 per ticket on average, so for a family of 4 or more it was still worth the effort most of the time. Then the commission dropped to 8% - and then to 5%. Finally, commission disappeared completely.
The airlines are no longer willing to pay travel agents for the headaches involved in putting people onto their planes. As such, I'm no longer willing to endure the headaches. I do, however, try to help clients as much as I can in booking air they will be happy with.
Here are my top tips:
1) Check Southwest.com to see if they service your area. If so, see what their flight schedules and prices look like. Even if they aren't currently booking for your dates, you can still get a good idea of what Southwest offers.
2) Compare that to what you find on Kayak.com. Kayak doesn't sell airfare; they just help you compare fares from those that do sell it. They cover nearly every major airline except Southwest. The results filter allows you to easily adjust your arrival and departure times, dates, alternate airports, and more so that you can tweak the results to exactly fit your needs.
3) Once you've found flights that you like, GO TO THE AIRLINE'S OWN WEBSITE to book the flights. You'll avoid booking fees and, if you find yourself in need of a real person to help with a problem down the road, you're going to have a much better shot at a good result when dealing with an airline rather than with Expedia, Travelocity, etc. That's especially true if your flight gets canceled or there is a significant delay.
4) Once you've booked, don't look back. You'll just drive yourself nuts. There's no way to know if the flights will go up or down in price, and these days the change fees are so high that there probably isn't anything you can do about a lower price anyway. Just tuck your confirmation away with your travel documents, check "air" off your list, and move on.
Yes, I can book (domestic) air through Disney as an add-on to your package - and I'll admit that every once in awhile they have a good deal, especially for groups of 10 or more, but it's rare. In the vast majority of cases, I find that Disney air is priced the same or higher (sometimes significantly higher) than what you'd pay online for the same flights. What's more, if you cancel your Disney reservation, nonrefundable air on the reservation is canceled as well and you lose that money. If you booked separately, you'd still have those air tickets to do with as you please. You might be able to pay a change fee and use them for a different trip. I'd be happy to get a price on Disney air for you, but unless they come in significantly lower than what you're finding online, book it separately. Disney will still provide Magical Express airport transfers (from MCO only!).
Speaking of Magical Express, you can get that service regardless of what airline you fly, what time of day you arrive or depart, or how you booked the air. They will even provide transfers for international flights. (You just have to claim your bags and get through customs first.) Disney's optional insurance coverage also covers most air - even if you booked the air yourself! Affordable Disney members can contact me if they'd like to see a PDF copy of their insurance policy.
Finally, be sure to stay on top of the current rules and regulations regarding luggage and other details:
Current list of baggage fees for most airlines.
Current TSA list of what you can pack."
=========================
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.
=========================
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, near Disney. For hotels, click here.
Let us choose life!: Priests for Life Choose-Life.org
=========================
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 - 2012 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
Celebrating 15 Years of Disney Discounts!
Copyright © 1997 - 2012
=========================
Our AffordableDisney.Com Newsletter and Blog contain deal alerts, the latest news about Disney and other Florida attractions, and comments from Beth, our travel agent, and members.
Click here to subscribe to AffordableDisney.Com's Newsletter!
Click here to 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!
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...
=========================
MEMBERS SHOULD LOG IN FOR DETAILS OF THE FOLLOWING DEALS.
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel Package: Stay 4 days/3 nights at Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel including tickets for $93 per person per day, based on family of four. Packages start at $1477. Contact Beth to book.
--------------------------------
SEAWORLD ORLANDO
Kids eat FREE at this popular SeaWorld dining experience!
=========================
ENJOY SPECIAL RATES AT SELECT HOTELS NEAR DISNEY!
We've uncovered a source that guarantees the lowest Internet rates for hotel accommodations outside Walt Disney World. Save yourself the anguish of researching all the hotels in the area. Some are three-star hotels and cost less than $60 per night! Click here to check out the prices.
Plus! Our source now includes Affordable Disney Vacation Packages!
=========================
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
The Most Magical Trick or Treat Celebration in the World at Walt Disney World Resort - Here are the maps of trick or treat locations!
All in the Details: The First Photos from Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid at Magic Kingdom Park
Epcot Photo Flashback: Kitchen Kabaret Cooks! - We miss veggie-veggie, fruit-fruit!
AMC Downtown Disney 24 at Walt Disney World Resort Offers Monthly ‘Sensory Friendly’ Shows Geared Toward Autistic Guests
Nighttime Spectaculars: New ‘Celebrate the Magic’ Images, Expanded Seating for Fantasmic!
A Sip of ‘LeFou’s Brew’ from Gaston’s Tavern in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park
--------------------------------
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
THE FORCE IS COMING TO LEGOLAND® FLORIDA - LEGO® Star WarsTM Miniland Cluster Announced as Newest Expansion
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Carthay Circle Lounge Cocktails, Appetizers Elevate Theme Park Eats at Disney California Adventure Park
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Disney Cruise Line Offers Even More Vacation Options with New 2013 Itineraries from Texas
‘Submerge’ Yourself to See the Underwater Beauty of the Caribbean on a Disney Cruise from Texas
=========================
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!
* Our Affordable Disney Newsletter and Blog with deal alerts and inside scoop on the latest news at Disney and other Florida attractions!
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.
=========================
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
=========================
Beth, our travel agent, writes about booking airfare:
"Not a day goes by that someone doesn't ask me if I can do their flights for them. The truth is, I pretty much stopped doing air years ago. You can't imagine the amount of time I used to spend helping people find the right flights, booking them, ticketing them, and then staying on top of the frequent flight changes that followed. It was an easy hour or more of time for each and every trip. And about 20% of those trips would have additional issues... the need to cancel or make a change, a drop in price requiring a ticket reissue and fare refund, you name it. I can't tell you how much I hated doing air.
It did, however, pay well sometimes. The commission was 10% on the base fare (price before taxes and fees). That meant I could make $15-30 per ticket on average, so for a family of 4 or more it was still worth the effort most of the time. Then the commission dropped to 8% - and then to 5%. Finally, commission disappeared completely.
The airlines are no longer willing to pay travel agents for the headaches involved in putting people onto their planes. As such, I'm no longer willing to endure the headaches. I do, however, try to help clients as much as I can in booking air they will be happy with.
Here are my top tips:
1) Check Southwest.com to see if they service your area. If so, see what their flight schedules and prices look like. Even if they aren't currently booking for your dates, you can still get a good idea of what Southwest offers.
2) Compare that to what you find on Kayak.com. Kayak doesn't sell airfare; they just help you compare fares from those that do sell it. They cover nearly every major airline except Southwest. The results filter allows you to easily adjust your arrival and departure times, dates, alternate airports, and more so that you can tweak the results to exactly fit your needs.
3) Once you've found flights that you like, GO TO THE AIRLINE'S OWN WEBSITE to book the flights. You'll avoid booking fees and, if you find yourself in need of a real person to help with a problem down the road, you're going to have a much better shot at a good result when dealing with an airline rather than with Expedia, Travelocity, etc. That's especially true if your flight gets canceled or there is a significant delay.
4) Once you've booked, don't look back. You'll just drive yourself nuts. There's no way to know if the flights will go up or down in price, and these days the change fees are so high that there probably isn't anything you can do about a lower price anyway. Just tuck your confirmation away with your travel documents, check "air" off your list, and move on.
Yes, I can book (domestic) air through Disney as an add-on to your package - and I'll admit that every once in awhile they have a good deal, especially for groups of 10 or more, but it's rare. In the vast majority of cases, I find that Disney air is priced the same or higher (sometimes significantly higher) than what you'd pay online for the same flights. What's more, if you cancel your Disney reservation, nonrefundable air on the reservation is canceled as well and you lose that money. If you booked separately, you'd still have those air tickets to do with as you please. You might be able to pay a change fee and use them for a different trip. I'd be happy to get a price on Disney air for you, but unless they come in significantly lower than what you're finding online, book it separately. Disney will still provide Magical Express airport transfers (from MCO only!).
Speaking of Magical Express, you can get that service regardless of what airline you fly, what time of day you arrive or depart, or how you booked the air. They will even provide transfers for international flights. (You just have to claim your bags and get through customs first.) Disney's optional insurance coverage also covers most air - even if you booked the air yourself! Affordable Disney members can contact me if they'd like to see a PDF copy of their insurance policy.
Finally, be sure to stay on top of the current rules and regulations regarding luggage and other details:
Current list of baggage fees for most airlines.
Current TSA list of what you can pack."
=========================
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.
=========================
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, near Disney. For hotels, click here.
Let us choose life!: Priests for Life Choose-Life.org
=========================
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 - 2012 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 7:12 AM
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