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John and Donna Gross "The Full Mickey - At a Discount!" The Wall Street Journal
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.
Jeepers, Leapers! Fantasy on Land and at Sea adds to the Fun for Disney Guests in Leap Year 2012 Family Suites Resort, Royal Guest Rooms Also Bow What leap year brings with it in 2012, besides an extra day, is nonstop fun for Disney guests. At Walt Disney World Resort, they can spin with Dumbo as a new Fantasyland begins stirring to life, luxuriate in new royal guest rooms or family suites, chase down villains in a new interactive game in Magic Kingdom, or get behind the wheel of a Ferrari, Lamborghini or Porsche on a new supercar racing circuit. At sea, the all-new Disney Fantasy of Disney Cruise Line enters service with exciting new shipboard fun. And to all of the above add the exciting mid-year debut of Cars Land at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. Here’s a quick leap around what’s in store in 2012: The Exotics Course featuring "supercars" (January 2012) — 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. Sorcerers invade the Magic Kingdom (early 2012) - 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 is included with park admission. New Fantasyland (early 2012) - The largest expansion project in Magic Kingdom history will open in phases beginning February 2012 at Walt Disney World Resort, featuring attractions and experiences in an area that will nearly double the size of Fantasyland. Among the novelties, guests will be able to fly high with The Great Goofini or with Dumbo the Flying Elephant, "immerse" themselves in Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid and "be our guest" at the Beast’s Castle. Out of the gate in early 2012 will be The Barnstormer coaster, Fantasyland Station and - for the first time anywhere turning counter-clockwise - the first half of the Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction. Completion of The New Fantasyland is scheduled for 2014 with most new experiences open by 2013. Royal Guest Rooms (mid-February 2012) - Imagine waking up in a place where Disney Princes and Princesses have stayed. Beginning mid-February 2012, Walt Disney World guests staying at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - Riverside will discover special treasures left behind by the stars of favorite animated films such as "Aladdin," "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Princess and the Frog." In quarters befitting the young Princes and Princesses of the family (their parents, too!), guests can unwind amid remarkable décor. They’ll be able to watch "fireworks" swirl as they recline in ornate beds, curl up in custom linens and more. It is majesty and fun, rolled into one. Each of the 512 Royal Guest Rooms sleeps up to four guests in two queen beds. Launch of Disney Fantasy (March 2012) - The Muppets leading guests in an interactive detective adventure game around the ship. Guests’ own drawings springing to life and dancing with animated Disney characters. Two new Broadway-caliber, spectacular musical stage shows. A Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for magical princess and pirate makeovers. A fanciful water play area called AquaLab. Disney Fantasy, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, will bring to life these innovations and more, offering a cruise experience from stem to stern that caters to every member of the family. The 4,000-passenger Disney Fantasy will sail week-long Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Fla., with its maiden voyage scheduled for March 31, 2012. For a "boatload" of information about the new ship, go to www.disneycruise.com, click on the Ships & Activities tab and choose Disney Fantasy. Disney Cruise Line Visits New Ports, Offers New Itineraries (beginning May 2012) - For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line will set sail from three new ports in 2012 - New York, Seattle and Galveston, Texas - with several new itineraries planned. Beginning in May, the Disney Magic will sail 20 cruises from New York - including eight-night cruises to the Bahamas, five-night cruises up the New England coast to Canada and two-night weekend cruises. Also beginning in May, the Disney Wonder will sail 14 seven-night cruises from the Port of Seattle to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. Beginning in September, the Disney Magic will sail 12 seven-night cruises from the Port of Galveston to the Western Caribbean. 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. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (May 2012) - A new resort hotel inspired by Disney animation will feature 1,120 family suites themed after "The Lion King," "Cars" and "Finding Nemo," and 864 themed rooms in "The Little Mermaid" wings. Animated scenes will carry throughout building exteriors and room interiors and feature larger-than-life icons from the animated films in courtyard areas. Nemo will be the first wing to open, in May 2012, at the resort hotel — Disney World’s 25th. The "Cars" wing is scheduled to open in late July and "The Lion King" wing in late September. The final wing, themed after "The Little Mermaid," will debut in late 2012. Crowned by a 35-foot-tall model of King Triton, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will be located next to Disney’s Pop Century Resort. Upscale entertainment center (late 2012) - Splitsville, a 50,000-square-foot facility that combines bowling with billiards, dining, music and nightlife, is in development for Downtown Disney West Side. Hit the Road with Mater and Lightning McQueen (summer 2012) — Some of the biggest thrills in the Disney California Adventure expansion are just down the road. Crowning the multi-year expansion project in 2012 will be the opening of Cars Land, inspired by the Disney/Pixar blockbuster "Cars." Cars Land will feature three immersive family attractions showcasing characters and settings from the movie, including one of the largest and most elaborate attractions ever created for a Disney park: Radiator Springs Racers, a twisting turning, high-speed adventure through the town and desert valleys of Radiator Springs. Other Cars Land attractions will include Luigi’s Flying Tires (striking a chord with anyone who remembers the Flying Saucers in Tomorrowland) and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, a spinning attraction with a musical, hoedown theme. Guests also will enjoy "Cars"-themed dining and shopping locations. (Source: Disney Press Release)
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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. |