AffordableDisney.Com Blog
December 17, 2012
Celebrating 15 Years of Disney Discounts!
Copyright © 1997 - 2013
=========================
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!
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our thousands of Affordable Disney members and subscribers who have made up our Disney family over the past 15 years. We thank God for allowing us to serve you through our business. We thank your for your trust and support. May God bless you throughout this wonderful season of Christmas and in the year to come.
John and Donna
And now take small children by the hand, gather all of your belongings, and enjoy the 612th issue of our AffordableDisney newsletter!
=========================
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 save BIG on all your Disney and non-Disney vacations! Be sure to check out our Christmas special before it expires!
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...
=========================
CURRENT DEALS, SPECIALS, DISCOUNTS AND PROMOTIONS!
Here's a sampling:
* Flights to Orlando from $72 R/T. Now through 04/13.
* Holiday Airfare Deals from $88 across USA R/T. Ends 12,2,13.
* Universal Studios Hollywood: a day FREE. Expires 12/31/12.
* Save at SeaWorld's Discovery Cove in 2013. Book by 12/25/12.
* SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Orlando 1 year admission thru 12/31/13.
* SeaWorld CA: 7-Day Ticket for the price of 1. Non-expiring.
* Package With Disney Dining Plan. Book by 12/31/12.
* Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Discount. Book by 12/31/12.
* Walt Disney World Resort and Ticket Discounts for Military.
* Disneyland Resort and Ticket Discounts for Military.
* Disney Miami Cruises Special Rates in 01/13.
* Kids Sail Free on these Disney Cruises. Non-expiring.
* Verandah Offer on Disney cruise: Expires 12/21/12.
* Adventures by Disney Costa Rica Special. 12/22 and 29, 2012.
* Disneyland Paris: great deal for kids. Book by 01/31.
* Disney's Aulani resort discount. Expires 01/15/13.
* Universal Studios Hollywood Discount. Expires 12/31/12.
* FREE tickets for Military to FL parks. Expires 12/31/13.
* Floridians save at park outside Disney. Expires 01/31/13.
* FREE Dining at Florida theme park. Expires 12/21/12.
* SeaWorld: Kids Eat Free at popular dining venue. Ends 12/25/12.
* Universal CA coupon for 2nd day admission FREE. Ends 01/31.
* Wyndham Grand Orlando Deal. Book by 12/31.
* Rental Car Special: FREE double upgrade now through 12/20.
* Norwegian transatlantic cruise deal. Departure 04/30/13.
* Upscale Cruise deal for Police and Firefighters. Non- expiring.
Members should log in for more info.
=========================
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
Disney Cruise Line Sneak Peek: Port Adventures in Rome
Christian Music Legends Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael W. Smith Co-star at 31st Night of Joy
‘Monsier Paul’ Restaurant Debuts December 11 Upstairs at Epcot France Pavilion
Moms Panel Monday: Guests with Special Needs at Disney Parks? Hakuna Matata!
World’s Largest Splitsville Set to Open December 19 at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort
Photo Tour: Visiting Epcot for the Holidays
Disney Cruise Line Announces 2014 Itineraries
Get Ready for Laughter and Lunacy with the Storybook Circus Giggle Gang in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park
Peek Inside The New Test Track Presented by Chevrolet with Imagineers & Chevrolet Design
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to Close January 7 for Refurbishment at Disneyland Park
=========================
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.
=========================
RESOURCES
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
=========================
Q: Does Disney do air? Does everyone have to fly from the same place?
A: Beth, our travel agent, writes: "Yes, Disney will do your air for you, but only if you are getting a package and only if you need domestic air. Sometimes they have better rates than you can get otherwise, but more often the rate is the same or even higher than what you can get otherwise. So it pays to see what Disney can do, and if they can beat or match what you find then great. If not, don't hesitate to do the air separately. And no, not everyone in the room has to fly from the same place, but Disney's online reservation system can't handle multiple origin points so you'll have to go through a travel agent or Disney directly to get the different cities."
=========================
Grand Celebration Opens New Fantasyland, Largest Expansion Ever at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom
The star of “Once Upon a Time” kicked off the “happily ever after” at the grand opening Thursday of New Fantasyland, the largest expansion in the history of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. Ginnifer Goodwin, who plays Snow White on the hit ABC-TV drama, joined pop star Jordin Sparks and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs in ceremonies filled with favorite Disney characters, daytime fireworks and timeless melodies from classic Disney films.
"Walt Disney once promised that Disneyland, and by extension all of our parks, would never be complete as long as there is imagination left in the world," Staggs said. "New Fantasyland is a spectacular addition to the Magic Kingdom that delivers on Walt’s promise. We’re thrilled to take guests beyond the walls of Cinderella Castle to discover new worlds featuring iconic Disney characters and stories in ways that are more imaginative, more interactive and more immersive than ever before."
New Fantasyland features attractions, dining, shopping, character interactions, recreation and more - laid out fairy tale-style amid waterfalls, grottoes, arched bridges, forests and circus big tops. A multiyear expansion project that doubles the size of the existing Fantasyland, the sprawling new area lies just beyond the existing Fantasyland in the shadows of Cinderella Castle.
New Fantasyland consists of the Enchanted Forest and Storybook Circus areas. Walt Disney Imagineers brought to life beloved Disney stories and magical places, putting guests in the middle of Disney classics and new favorites – and making memories to last a lifetime. Here’s just a sampling of the new enchanted areas now open in New Fantasyland:
Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid. Guests riding in clamshells travel with Ariel and her friends through their exciting adventures above and below the waves - all against the musical backdrop of beloved songs from the film. Before the experience, the fun is whimsical and interactive in the queue area under Prince Eric’s Castle. After the attraction and below the seaside cliffs, guests can meet the princess herself in Ariel’s Grotto.
Enchanted Tales with Belle. In a faroff French village, an enchanted mirror becomes the gateway to a new kind of storytelling experience. Through props, costumes and other interaction, guests step right into the story of "Beauty and the Beast" - meeting Belle and Lumiere and sharing in a lively re-telling of the "tale as old as time."
Be Our Guest Restaurant features a lavish dining experience in the elegant ballroom, delicate Rose Gallery and mysterious "West Wing" of the Beast’s Castle. The magnificent space offers "great food fast" - lunch service by day and full-service table dining at night. Both experiences - fittingly for the story of Disney’s "Beauty and the Beast" - feature French-inspired cuisine.
Gaston’s Tavern welcomes guests to a comfy French lodge done in homage to - Gaston himself. The menu of this casual restaurant includes LeFou’s Brew, named for Gaston’s sidekick and a cooling concoction sure to satisfy any thirst.
Dumbo, the Flying Elephant - a Fantasyland icon - has doubled in size. Two Dumbos - one going clockwise and other counterclockwise - take guests circling above Storybook Circus in ride vehicles they maneuver themselves. The two Dumbos are connected to an indoor "big top" allowing guests to enjoy circus-themed activities while awaiting their ride time with the lovable pachyderm.
Aboard The Barnstormer Featuring the Great Goofini, it’s family-style coaster fun as guests dip and soar daredevil-style above the circus grounds. Ride vehicles follow the twisting, turning coaster “flight” of stuntman Goofy.
Beloved Disney characters as aspiring circus stars are on hand to meet their adoring fans in Pete’s Silly Sideshow. Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, Goofy and Donald Duck are decked out in their big top finest to await their big break – and pose for photos with Magic Kingdom guests in the process.
There’s even more in store as the expansion of New Fantasyland continues:
Princess Fairytale Hall (2013) will be the new home for Disney princesses to meet their loyal subjects in the Magic Kingdom. To open in the Castle Courtyard in the center of Fantasyland, the regal space will provide the perfect setting for meeting Cinderella, Aurora, Tiana and the other Disney princesses.
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (2014) will take Magic Kingdom guests on a rollicking, musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” The family-style coaster will feature a first-of-its-kind ride system with a train of vehicles that swing back and forth.
Later Thursday, Test Track Presented by Chevrolet was scheduled to rev up its engines in a new re-imagined version of the Epcot attraction that focuses on guests designing their dream wheels, then putting their design to the test. And on Friday, a media preview was scheduled for Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Downtown Disney West Side. The bowling, dining and entertainment complex is slated to open for guests later in December." (Source: Press Release)
=========================
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.+
--------------------------------
Thought for today...
Donna and I attended a Sandi Patty Christmas concert recently. Jason Crabb, the country singer, was traveling with her. We loved the concert, but were particularly moved by Jason's appeal for us to get involved in World Vision which helps poor children and their families throughout the world. We joined that night. Jason even came to each of us personally to hand us the application papers. We received our info packet this week that introduced us to Nagamma, a 4-year old girl from India, whom we are sponsoring. She is absolutely beautiful and we feel blessed to be able to play a small part in helping her to live a fuller life.
Please visit World Vision's website and see what a difference you can make in the lives of others. Jesus said, "whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name, welcomes me." For only $35 per month, you can change a child's life and grow closer to Christ. Will you accept the Lord's invitation? May He bless you for your generosity.
--------------------------------
"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.
--------------------------------
My daughter, Julie, is a wonderful art teacher and artist. Click here to view her paintings.
=========================
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 - 2013 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
December 17, 2012
Celebrating 15 Years of Disney Discounts!
Copyright © 1997 - 2013
=========================
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!
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our thousands of Affordable Disney members and subscribers who have made up our Disney family over the past 15 years. We thank God for allowing us to serve you through our business. We thank your for your trust and support. May God bless you throughout this wonderful season of Christmas and in the year to come.
John and Donna
And now take small children by the hand, gather all of your belongings, and enjoy the 612th issue of our AffordableDisney newsletter!
=========================
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 save BIG on all your Disney and non-Disney vacations! Be sure to check out our Christmas special before it expires!
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...
=========================
CURRENT DEALS, SPECIALS, DISCOUNTS AND PROMOTIONS!
Here's a sampling:
* Flights to Orlando from $72 R/T. Now through 04/13.
* Holiday Airfare Deals from $88 across USA R/T. Ends 12,2,13.
* Universal Studios Hollywood: a day FREE. Expires 12/31/12.
* Save at SeaWorld's Discovery Cove in 2013. Book by 12/25/12.
* SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Orlando 1 year admission thru 12/31/13.
* SeaWorld CA: 7-Day Ticket for the price of 1. Non-expiring.
* Package With Disney Dining Plan. Book by 12/31/12.
* Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Discount. Book by 12/31/12.
* Walt Disney World Resort and Ticket Discounts for Military.
* Disneyland Resort and Ticket Discounts for Military.
* Disney Miami Cruises Special Rates in 01/13.
* Kids Sail Free on these Disney Cruises. Non-expiring.
* Verandah Offer on Disney cruise: Expires 12/21/12.
* Adventures by Disney Costa Rica Special. 12/22 and 29, 2012.
* Disneyland Paris: great deal for kids. Book by 01/31.
* Disney's Aulani resort discount. Expires 01/15/13.
* Universal Studios Hollywood Discount. Expires 12/31/12.
* FREE tickets for Military to FL parks. Expires 12/31/13.
* Floridians save at park outside Disney. Expires 01/31/13.
* FREE Dining at Florida theme park. Expires 12/21/12.
* SeaWorld: Kids Eat Free at popular dining venue. Ends 12/25/12.
* Universal CA coupon for 2nd day admission FREE. Ends 01/31.
* Wyndham Grand Orlando Deal. Book by 12/31.
* Rental Car Special: FREE double upgrade now through 12/20.
* Norwegian transatlantic cruise deal. Departure 04/30/13.
* Upscale Cruise deal for Police and Firefighters. Non- expiring.
Members should log in for more info.
=========================
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
Disney Cruise Line Sneak Peek: Port Adventures in Rome
Christian Music Legends Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael W. Smith Co-star at 31st Night of Joy
‘Monsier Paul’ Restaurant Debuts December 11 Upstairs at Epcot France Pavilion
Moms Panel Monday: Guests with Special Needs at Disney Parks? Hakuna Matata!
World’s Largest Splitsville Set to Open December 19 at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort
Photo Tour: Visiting Epcot for the Holidays
Disney Cruise Line Announces 2014 Itineraries
Get Ready for Laughter and Lunacy with the Storybook Circus Giggle Gang in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park
Peek Inside The New Test Track Presented by Chevrolet with Imagineers & Chevrolet Design
--------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to Close January 7 for Refurbishment at Disneyland Park
=========================
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.
=========================
RESOURCES
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
=========================
Q: Does Disney do air? Does everyone have to fly from the same place?
A: Beth, our travel agent, writes: "Yes, Disney will do your air for you, but only if you are getting a package and only if you need domestic air. Sometimes they have better rates than you can get otherwise, but more often the rate is the same or even higher than what you can get otherwise. So it pays to see what Disney can do, and if they can beat or match what you find then great. If not, don't hesitate to do the air separately. And no, not everyone in the room has to fly from the same place, but Disney's online reservation system can't handle multiple origin points so you'll have to go through a travel agent or Disney directly to get the different cities."
=========================
Grand Celebration Opens New Fantasyland, Largest Expansion Ever at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom
The star of “Once Upon a Time” kicked off the “happily ever after” at the grand opening Thursday of New Fantasyland, the largest expansion in the history of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. Ginnifer Goodwin, who plays Snow White on the hit ABC-TV drama, joined pop star Jordin Sparks and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs in ceremonies filled with favorite Disney characters, daytime fireworks and timeless melodies from classic Disney films.
"Walt Disney once promised that Disneyland, and by extension all of our parks, would never be complete as long as there is imagination left in the world," Staggs said. "New Fantasyland is a spectacular addition to the Magic Kingdom that delivers on Walt’s promise. We’re thrilled to take guests beyond the walls of Cinderella Castle to discover new worlds featuring iconic Disney characters and stories in ways that are more imaginative, more interactive and more immersive than ever before."
New Fantasyland features attractions, dining, shopping, character interactions, recreation and more - laid out fairy tale-style amid waterfalls, grottoes, arched bridges, forests and circus big tops. A multiyear expansion project that doubles the size of the existing Fantasyland, the sprawling new area lies just beyond the existing Fantasyland in the shadows of Cinderella Castle.
New Fantasyland consists of the Enchanted Forest and Storybook Circus areas. Walt Disney Imagineers brought to life beloved Disney stories and magical places, putting guests in the middle of Disney classics and new favorites – and making memories to last a lifetime. Here’s just a sampling of the new enchanted areas now open in New Fantasyland:
Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid. Guests riding in clamshells travel with Ariel and her friends through their exciting adventures above and below the waves - all against the musical backdrop of beloved songs from the film. Before the experience, the fun is whimsical and interactive in the queue area under Prince Eric’s Castle. After the attraction and below the seaside cliffs, guests can meet the princess herself in Ariel’s Grotto.
Enchanted Tales with Belle. In a faroff French village, an enchanted mirror becomes the gateway to a new kind of storytelling experience. Through props, costumes and other interaction, guests step right into the story of "Beauty and the Beast" - meeting Belle and Lumiere and sharing in a lively re-telling of the "tale as old as time."
Be Our Guest Restaurant features a lavish dining experience in the elegant ballroom, delicate Rose Gallery and mysterious "West Wing" of the Beast’s Castle. The magnificent space offers "great food fast" - lunch service by day and full-service table dining at night. Both experiences - fittingly for the story of Disney’s "Beauty and the Beast" - feature French-inspired cuisine.
Gaston’s Tavern welcomes guests to a comfy French lodge done in homage to - Gaston himself. The menu of this casual restaurant includes LeFou’s Brew, named for Gaston’s sidekick and a cooling concoction sure to satisfy any thirst.
Dumbo, the Flying Elephant - a Fantasyland icon - has doubled in size. Two Dumbos - one going clockwise and other counterclockwise - take guests circling above Storybook Circus in ride vehicles they maneuver themselves. The two Dumbos are connected to an indoor "big top" allowing guests to enjoy circus-themed activities while awaiting their ride time with the lovable pachyderm.
Aboard The Barnstormer Featuring the Great Goofini, it’s family-style coaster fun as guests dip and soar daredevil-style above the circus grounds. Ride vehicles follow the twisting, turning coaster “flight” of stuntman Goofy.
Beloved Disney characters as aspiring circus stars are on hand to meet their adoring fans in Pete’s Silly Sideshow. Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, Goofy and Donald Duck are decked out in their big top finest to await their big break – and pose for photos with Magic Kingdom guests in the process.
There’s even more in store as the expansion of New Fantasyland continues:
Princess Fairytale Hall (2013) will be the new home for Disney princesses to meet their loyal subjects in the Magic Kingdom. To open in the Castle Courtyard in the center of Fantasyland, the regal space will provide the perfect setting for meeting Cinderella, Aurora, Tiana and the other Disney princesses.
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (2014) will take Magic Kingdom guests on a rollicking, musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” The family-style coaster will feature a first-of-its-kind ride system with a train of vehicles that swing back and forth.
Later Thursday, Test Track Presented by Chevrolet was scheduled to rev up its engines in a new re-imagined version of the Epcot attraction that focuses on guests designing their dream wheels, then putting their design to the test. And on Friday, a media preview was scheduled for Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Downtown Disney West Side. The bowling, dining and entertainment complex is slated to open for guests later in December." (Source: Press Release)
=========================
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.+
--------------------------------
Thought for today...
Donna and I attended a Sandi Patty Christmas concert recently. Jason Crabb, the country singer, was traveling with her. We loved the concert, but were particularly moved by Jason's appeal for us to get involved in World Vision which helps poor children and their families throughout the world. We joined that night. Jason even came to each of us personally to hand us the application papers. We received our info packet this week that introduced us to Nagamma, a 4-year old girl from India, whom we are sponsoring. She is absolutely beautiful and we feel blessed to be able to play a small part in helping her to live a fuller life.
Please visit World Vision's website and see what a difference you can make in the lives of others. Jesus said, "whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name, welcomes me." For only $35 per month, you can change a child's life and grow closer to Christ. Will you accept the Lord's invitation? May He bless you for your generosity.
--------------------------------
"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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My daughter, Julie, is a wonderful art teacher and artist. Click here to view her paintings.
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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, near Disney. 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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Copyright © 1999 - 2013 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 7:19 AM
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