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John and Donna Gross "The Full Mickey - At a Discount!" The Wall Street Journal
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What’s Next at Walt Disney World "Main Street Electrical Parade" (summer 2010) - With floats and characters appearing for the first time at Walt Disney World Resort, Disney’s "Main Street Electrical Parade" returns to Magic Kingdom with its joyous sights and sounds. Direct from Disneyland and marking its first engagement in Florida since 2001, the cherished parade will be led by Tinker Bell waving from the basket of a magical balloon aboard a new float. Pinocchio and Snow White also join the parade aboard bright new floats. Premieres in early June. New Dining Experiences for Epcot (fall 2010) - Culinary expansions are under way at the Italy pavilion and Mexico pavilion. In Italy, an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria plans to open in time for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Operated by Patina Restaurant Group, the same restaurateurs who run the pavilion’s Tutto Italia restaurant, the 300-seat pizzeria is inspired by Naples 45, another Patina Restaurant Group pizzeria in New York City. The casual pizzeria will feature wood-burning ovens - and use water from a source that most resembles the water in Naples, Italy, home of some of the world’s best pizza dough. The 14,000-square-foot space will include indoor and outdoor dining. At Mexico, the popular Cantina de San Angel restaurant is expanding, and will feature 400 seats with al fresco seating for lunch. The restaurant will feature south-of-the border creations from the culinary team at San Angel Inn LLC, who have run both the outside eatery and the pavilion’s San Angel Inn for more than 25 years. Luxury Pet Resort (2010) - This one-of-a-kind facility will provide pet hospitality services that will include boarding, grooming and doggy day camp, and amenities such as luxury suites with television and raised bedding. Pet activities will feature nature walks and playgroups, and pampering services will range from ice cream treats to bedtime stories. The facility will be operated by Best Friends Pet Care. Perfecting Paradise - A Magical Makeover for Castaway Cay (summer 2010) - Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise in the tropical waters of the Bahamas, is getting an extra dose of pixie dust. Enhancements include an expanded family beach, a floating water platform featuring two twisting water slides, two fresh-water play areas for guests to cool off, a new teen retreat and 20 new private rental cabanas offering the ultimate in beachside luxury. The additional island amenities are scheduled to be complete by summer 2010, in time for special five-night cruises aboard the Disney Wonder with two stops at Castaway Cay, and the Disney Dream cruise ship which starts sailing in early 2011. New Sailings for Disney Magic and Disney Wonder (2010-2011) - In 2010, the Disney Magic will sail to Europe for an unprecedented five-month season of Northern European and Mediterranean cruises. Book-ending the summer season of 12-night Northern European Capitals cruises, theDisney Magic will once again return to the Mediterranean for 10- and 11-night cruises, with three new ports of call. In addition to popular ports in Italy, France and Spain, theDisney Magic will visit Tunis, in Northern Africa, the island nation of Malta, and Corsica, an island oasis off the southern coast of France. In the summer of 2010, the Disney Wonder will sail four- and five-night cruises to Nassau, Key West and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. In the summer of 2011, the Disney Wonder will sail for the first time to Alaska, with seven-night cruises calling on Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. Star Tours Attraction (2011) - A new 3-D version of the tremendously popular Star Tours attraction will debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2011. Based on the iconic Lucasfilm "Star Wars" films, the attraction will include immersive new elements that will take guests to many familiar places in the "Star Wars" galaxy. Disney Cruise Line Expanding Its Fleet (2011, 2012) - The Walt Disney Company is expanding its successful cruise vacation business by adding two new ships, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, to set sail in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Two decks taller than the existing Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the new 1,250-passenger liners will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line. Now under construction, the Disney Dream will offer new innovations, magical children’s spaces, family entertainment and immersive experiences for which Disney Cruise Line is renowned. The Disney Dream will sail three-, four- and five-night itineraries to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Bowling Center at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex (2012) - A new 100-lane bowling center at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex is scheduled to open in 2012 and is anticipated to be one of the largest bowling facilities in the United States. The United States Bowling Congress will stage 13 events there, with tournaments beginning in 2013. Magic Kingdom Fantasyland Expansion (2013) – The largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom will vastly increase the size of Fantasyland. Guests will be able to: * Visit a Disney princess in her castle, cottage or chateau to share a dance with Cinderella at Dreams Come True with Cinderella; celebrate Sleeping Beauty’s 16th birthday with the Good Fairies during a Birthday Surprise for Sleeping Beauty; or join Belle in an enchanting storytelling performance during Enchanted Tales with Belle. * Dine at Be Our Guest Restaurant, one of three enchanted rooms inside the Beast’s castle. Just outside the castle in Belle’s Village will be Gaston’s Tavern, another themed dining option. * Fly with Dumbo high above brand new circus grounds, twice the size of the existing attraction. Dumbo’s Flying Circus will include a stylized tent where guests can enjoy midway games and other interactive family fun. * Join Ariel on her newest adventure, Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid, a ride-through attraction with melodies from the animated feature. Shopping, Dining and Lodging District (phased construction across 8-10 years) - Announced as part of a Walt Disney World expansion is a 450-acre mixed-use tourist commercial district just outside Disney’s western gateway (Western Way at Western Beltway). Early plans include 4,000-5,000 value-priced lodging units and a pedestrian-friendly dining/retail village. Four Seasons to Anchor New Disney Luxury Resort (TBD) - Also announced as part of the Walt Disney World expansion for the next decade: a 900-acre luxury resort anchored by the prestigious Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. The development, along the northeast border of the property, will include a luxury hotel, 18-hole championship golf course, single- and multi-family vacation homes and fractional ownership vacation homes. (Source: Press Release, 03/10/10)
‘Give a Day, Get a Disney Day’ Reaches Goal – 1 Million
People Inspired to Volunteer in 2010 through the Disney Parks Program
‘Give a Day, Get a Disney Day’ Program Reaches 600,000 Volunteer
Sign-Ups – and Counting!
Disney unveils a mammoth wall of canned goods - destined as a donation
to food banks in Orlando, Miami and Atlanta
Walt Disney World Resort Showcases New Entertainment, Fantasy and Family
Fun By Land and By Sea
Adventures By Disney - 2010 Destinations Overview
Disney releases details on upcoming 'Mobile Magic' parks wait times mobile
app for Verizon customers
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Give a Day of Volunteer Service in 2010, Get a Day of Disney Theme Park
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Disney Planner: Summer 2009 - Attraction to Idol-ize, Hail to the (New)
Chief, What’s "UP" at Downtown Disney and Treehouse Digs Greet Summer
Guests to Walt Disney World Resort
Multi-Platinum Christian Rock Band P.O.D. to Make 2009 Concert Debut in
September at Disney’s Night of Joy
Dateline Disney - March-April 2009
Why Stay at a Walt Disney World Owned/Operated Hotel? Benefits Can Begin
Before Guest Arrives … and Continue 24/7
‘What Will You Celebrate?’ Launches: New Immersive Fun,
‘Techno-vations,’ Delectable Eats, Resort Experiences, Free Birthday
Visits in Store for Walt Disney World Guests in 2009
Walt Disney World Resort and Steve Harvey Inspire Teens Through Disney’s
Dreamers Academy 2009 Class
Immersive Experiences Starring YOU - Guests Become Part of the Show at
Walt Disney World Resort |
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Off the Beaten Path - Discover the Undiscovered at Walt Disney World Resort LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - High-flying elephants and spinning teacups usually take center stage when a guest is thinking of Walt Disney World Resort. But did you know that 9-pound lemons flourish at The Land pavilion at Epcot, or that sunset safaris explore Africa-inspired savannas in the middle of Florida? Guests who take a second - or third - glance will come across countless undiscovered gems within the 40-square-mile Vacation Kingdom. Here’s a sample of "the unexpected": Experiences: Find treasure at The Pirates League at Magic Kingdom - This buccaneer experience in Adventureland features makeovers that turn guests ages 3 and up into savvy swashbucklers. Guests who want to join Captain Jack’s motley crew will receive a pirate identity, be transformed into a pirate by a sea-sailing Pirate Master, gain access to a secret treasure room and unlock clues to more pirate encounters within Adventureland. All three packages include a sword and sheath, earring and eye patch, temporary tattoo, exclusive pirate coin necklace, map case folder, a personalized pirate oath and a pirate portrait. Packages start at $49.95 plus tax (407/WDW-CREW). Take a spin on a Segway Personal Transporter - The Segway PT, originally the "Human Transporter" first displayed to the public at Epcot Innoventions in 2002, is the world’s first self-balancing personal transporter that uses advanced technology, gyroscopes and tilt sensors to emulate human balance. Guests can put these high-tech machines to the test in two tours offered most days at Epcot and also at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. * Around the World at Epcot is a two-hour tour that allows guests to operate the device throughout World Showcase before the area opens to park guests ($99/person not including tax; tours are daily at 7:45, 8:30,9 and 9:30 a.m.). * Simply Segway is a one-hour program that gives guests a product overview, training and indoor riding time at Innoventions ($35/person not including tax; daily at 11:30 a.m.). For both programs, class size is limited to 10 guests (407/WDW-TOUR). * The Wilderness Back Trail Adventure at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort is a two-hour beginner’s tour that allows guests to experience the outdoors first-hand on a Segway X2 Personal Transporter. The program also includes a product overview and training ($90/person not including tax; tours are Tuesday-Saturday 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.). Harmony Barber Shop a cut above the rest - Sit back in the barber’s chair and experience a good old-fashioned haircut at Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom. Located near the Emporium and with a signature candy-striped pole outside, the shop transports guests to a simpler time when barbershop quartets entertained and getting a haircut was a real treat. "First Haircuts," the establishment’s specialty, treats young’uns to pixie dust, bubbles, Mickey Mouse stickers and an extra-special "My 1st Haircut" set of Mouse Ears. Haircuts are $18 for "Baby’s First Haircut;" $15 for children; $19 for adults; first-come, first-serve. Sunset Safari at Disney’s Kingdom Lodge offers up-close encounters with exotic creatures - Guests staying at the lodge can enter a serene animal reserve for an up-close encounter on the Wanyama Safari. Just before sunset seven nights a week, guests board a specially designed vehicle that explores the resort’s three savannas. Guests get picture-perfect views of more than 200 mammals and exotic birds and then partake in a savory South African feast at the resort’s signature restaurant, Jiko-The Cooking Place. The 3 ½-hour experience, including dinner, is $170. For reservations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, call 407/W-DISNEY. The Land at Epcot mixes science and entertainment to grow one-of-a-kind plants - Behind the brightly colored, mosaic façade of The Land pavilion at Epcot sits offices where greenhouse magic takes place. "Horti-tainment," a mix of horticulture and entertainment, creates some of the most visually interesting fruits and vegetables found under one roof anywhere in the world. Among the highlights: a world-record harvest from a single tomato vine (see below); Mickey Mouse-shaped cucumbers, watermelons and pumpkins; 9-pound lemons, and more. ‘Tomato Tree’ sets record with 32,000 tomatoes - The Tomato Tree at The Land pavilion at Epcot has blossomed into a record-setting plant. The tree was recognized as an official Guinness World Record Holder, with a one-year harvest of more than 32,000 tomatoes and a total weight of 1,151 pounds. Guests can spot the tree during the pavilion’s Living with the Land boat ride. Take the ultimate divein a 6-million-gallon indoor aquarium with more than 65 species of marine life, including sharks, turtles, eagle rays and diverse tropical fish. DiveQuest at Epcot offers guaranteed calm seas, no current, unlimited visibility, incredible marine life and bright coral structures. Additionally, you become part of the show. Your family members and friends (with Epcot admission) can view your dive through any of the 56 giant acrylic windows at The Seas with Nemo & Friends. Guest must be at least 10 years of age and must provide proof of SCUBA certification to participate. Price of $175/person (not including tax) includes a limited edition T-shirt, refreshments, dive certificate and a dive log stamp. Call 407/WDW-TOUR for information. Build your own roller coaster at the DisneyQuest CyberSpace Mountain attraction - Bill Nye the Coaster Guy walks guests through the design process where they choose from three different speeds, three world settings (fire, ice or outer space) and an infinite number of track combinations. The roller coaster of your dreams (or nightmares!) can do flips, corkscrews and even wild maneuvers such as a loop that flies off the tracks. A digital card tracks guests’ personal coasters and the simulator re-creates it both visually and physically. Downtown Disney guests must be 51" to ride, 407/W-DISNEY for more information. Learn to hula dance at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, where complimentary classes take place most days in the resort’s lobby. Auntie Kaui, a hula dancer and instructor with 50 years experience, leads most of the classes offered Monday through Saturday at 3:45 p.m., and Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. until noon. Weekday classes are geared toward the younger set, with leis and grass skirts aplenty, while the Saturday morning lessons encourage guests of all ages to do the hula shake. And whether guests stay for five minutes or the full two-hour Saturday classes, they’ll learn a variety of chants and dances from such tropical locales as Hawaii, Tahiti and more. The Archery Experience at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground - Whether novice or expert marksman, an archery guide offers training and tips on how to hit the bulls-eye. Open to resort guests (ages 6 and up) and non-guests alike, the 90-minute experience costs $25 (plus tax) per person, includes equipment and instruction and can be booked up to 180 days in advance by calling 407/939-7529. Offered Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons. Merchandise & Dining: New, stylish boutique at Downtown Disney is sure to turn heads - Tren-D, the newest retail shop at Downtown Disney Marketplace, is packed full of retro, urban-inspired merchandise. With its designer flair and eclectic offerings, the specialty store is a one-of-a-kind destination for fashion-conscious shoppers seeking trendy apparel and novel accessories. Offerings include organic loungewear, embroidered handbags, jeweled sunglasses and hip accessories set among stylish art and unique furnishings. The eclectic environment offers a raw and unfinished feel with jeweled chandeliers, distinct fixtures and mod furnishings. Designers such as Kidada Jones, Tarina Tarantino and Roxy showcase their artistry - blending it with Disney-inspired creations. New, fashionable Mickey Mouse earhats "all the rage" - Trendsetters and fashion gurus can strut their stuff with new Mickey Mouse earhats that come in a variety of vibrant colors and styles to suit guests of all ages. In addition to traditional earhats, there are specially designed ears with character-specific themes. Gal versions don pink veils, jeweled princess crowns or wild cheetah prints. For the boys, pirate scarves and hoop earrings adorn the headgear, plus Stitch-themed offerings and more. And with the Create Your Own Ears option, guests can custom design their own pair. The Mickey Mouse earhats are available in limited quantities at select locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort starting at $11.95. Creative minds are put to good use at Once Upon a Toy in Downtown Disney Marketplace, where kids can build and customize toys in five uniquely themed rooms. The Build Your Own Mr. Potato Head display has customizable options including Mickey Mouse ears, a sorcerer’s hat and a teacup vehicle from Disney’s Mad Tea Party attraction. Guests can also enjoy the Build Your Own Lightsaber display, which is a step-by-step "Star Wars" merchandise experience that invites guests to build custom lightsabers with dozens of unique possibilities. It’s the ultimate toy-store shopping experience where kids and families can play and create together. Walt Disney World guests are put right inside their own fairy tale thanks to the special offerings of the Walt Disney World Florist. From popping the question to a birthday or anniversary to "just because," the choices are endless. Surprise moments can be created during a Disney dining experience. A park-goer can return to a guestroom strewn with rose petals. Or a lover can be surprised, during a carriage ride, with a glass slipper - nestled on a pillow made of flowers, ribbons and pearls. Guests can visit www.disneyflorist.com or call 407/827-3505. In World Showcase, young guests can create their own Epcot souvenirs at the park’s Kidcot Funstops. Craftsmen teach the budding artisans how to create one-of-a-kind masks or musical instruments using their own magical touch. Parents and children alike will love to "travel the world" and discover these activity-filled craft areas at each of the pavilions. Epcot is a World Showcase for art lovers - Epcot World Showcase has been a "showplace" of nations since its grand opening in 1982. But beyond the pagodas in Japan and the longboats in Norway lies a whole other world: treating art lovers to museum-quality galleries. Current exhibitions are located at Norway, China, Japan, Morocco, The American Adventure and Mexico. Admission to the exhibitions is included with general park admission. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge houses a diverse collection of African art sure to impress amateurs and aficionados alike. Sculptures and carvings throughout the resort tell stories that help familiarize guests with Africa and its diverse countries and regions. Among the art is the 16-foot-tall Igbo Ijele mask, a piece created and exported by the Igbo people of Nigeria specifically for use in the lodge. Guests can slurp a sandwich at the 50s Prime Time Café at Disney’s Hollywood Studios where peanut butter and jelly take yummy milkshake form. At this fabulous 1950s kitchenette, the servers holler for guests to take their seats among Formica tables, pull-down lamps and knickknacks, checking in periodically to make sure each person eats their veggies and cleans their plate. Wash it down with a PB&J shake. A popular place to take a break at Epcot is Club Cool, where guests can savor complimentary samples of Coca-Cola products from countries around the world including China, Israel, Italy and Costa Rica. Coca-Cola products are available for purchase, including Frozen Coke, Style My Coke (contour bottle wrappers) and an array of merchandise. The Dole Whip, sold at Aloha Isle in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom, combines pineapple soft serve in a delectable swirl with either vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The tasty, fruit-flavored treat can also be ordered with pineapple chunks or as a dole whip float, all sinfully sweet for a mid-day cool-down, and each for $5 or less. For more information about Walt Disney World Resort, guests can visit www.disneyworld.com or phone 407/824-4321. (Source: Press release, 01/22/10)
Beth, our travel agent, writes about ADVENTURES BY DISNEY: "I’ve mentioned this relatively new Disney endeavor before, but I recently had the opportunity to hear four of the guides speak about the work they do and I was really impressed. For those of you who have never heard of Adventures by Disney (AbD), you need to wipe out every concept you’ve ever had of what a 'tour group' entails and start from scratch. This is, after all, the Disney version. What it is NOT, though, is a chance to travel the world with Mickey. In fact, there isn’t a character involved in these trips at all. The 'Disney' aspect of it is limited to the quality of the tour itself and the caliber of service you get. Think 'Tours by Ritz Carlton' or maybe 'Travel with the Waldorf Astoria'. Also, wipe out the idea that this is travel for families. It can be, but taking kids with you isn’t a necessity. In fact, on some departures, children aren’t allowed! The groups that do have children include special activities for them and even opportunities for the parents to go out while the staff does a little magical babysitting for you. Where does AbD go? All over the place: Australia, China, South Africa, Peru, Costa Rica, Ecuador, multiple North America destinations including Alaska, Wyoming, the Southwest, and mid-Atlantic, and a long list of European destinations as well. Tours generally last six to twelve nights, depending on the itinerary. What makes Disney different from other tour companies? The first thing is the service. Each group consists of about 40 participants, give or take, and they are accompanied by TWO Adventure Guides that are handpicked and trained by Disney to provide a high level or personal attention and service. They really try to get to know each group member and provide an experience that will make the trip special to that person. Most tour groups are way too large to pull off something like that. The activities cover all the 'must do' things for tourists along with many things that the general public doesn’t’ have access to. In addition, every effort is made to eliminate lines. For instance, the groups often bypass attraction lines and go straight in even when there are long lines waiting, and you never have to deal with checking into the hotels. The Adventure Guides are assisted by local experts who not only provide great stories and interesting facts, but also hands-on activities. You don’t just WATCH a farmer milk a goat, YOU milk the goat! (If you want to, of course.) And don’t be surprised if, while traveling the Fairytale Route, Little Red Riding Hood literally runs into you in the street. This is, after all, Disney. I should also mention that your travel is top-notch all the way, from comfy touring coaches to first-class rail cars, and the hotels used are top of the heap as well. You stay in grand lodges, ancient castles, and beautiful hotels. You’ll also receive little surprise gifts along the way to further enhance the experience. Sounds great, right? But you’re thinking it’s probably expensive. Well, it is - in a way….. If you could recreate the same tour on your own (which you can’t) it would cost you substantially more than what Disney charges. Even if you took it down a notch or two you’d pay more. But this IS a first-rate experience all the way, and 5-star trips aren’t free. I can, however, work with you on payment plans, help you find lower-prices departure dates, and get you in on some great offers. AbD vacations are aimed at families with a gross household income of $150,000 or more; however, I’ve booked families on AbD trips who make half that much. Where there’s a will, you know?! Drop me a note and we’ll get working on it."
Beth, our travel agent, writes about Adventures by Disney: "When Disney first announced they were venturing into the world of escorted tours I had a hard time imagining how Mickey was going to fit down the aisle of a bus! Turns out that isn't a problem because there is nary a character to be seen on these tours. And yes, that's a GOOD thing! Disney has proven over the last few years that they CAN compete with the best when it comes to doing guided tours all over the world. They use the very best hotels and restaurants, their guides are fabulously trained, and each itinerary makes sure that all participants will do not only the usual 'tourist' things, but also some things you'd otherwise not be able to do. (When the name Disney is attached to your company you can really work some magic!) And don't be surprised to see little gifts unexpected appearing in your room from time to time. As you'd imagine, these tours are great for families with children, and especially so for multi-generational families. There are opportunities for the adults to have a nice dinner alone while the kids are expertly entertained for the evening, and there are activities specially planned for the kids so they don't get bored while Grandma and Grandpa tour the Louvre or attend a wine tasting. They even keep the kids happy on the bus rides! Amazingly, though, the tours are equally good for adults traveling without children, but if you're still worried about that then you can sign up for one of the many "adults only" departures offered on many itineraries. You all know how much I love Disney World and Disney Cruise Line, but let's face it... Sometimes even the biggest Mouse fans need to do a character-free vacation. What's great about Adventures by Disney is that you get all the attention to detail that Disney is known for, and they somehow manage to make their mark on every aspect of the trip despite the lack of large furry beasts and pretty girls in big dresses. I am so supportive of this new endeavor that I've told my sales rep that I'm aiming to be their top agent for 2009. To that end, I've acquired a domain name for a new website and am currently working on a site that will be JUST for Adventures by Disney. In the meantime, we're trying to develop a number of promotions to run starting this fall that will be geared towards Affordable Disney readers and their friends and families. This is the PERFECT time to be planning your 2009 vacation, so if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to drop me a note!" Note from John: Affordable Disney members can find Beth's contact info on the welcome page - that's the page you're on when you log in. |