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Hi Everyone! Beth, our travel agent, provides this Magical Express update: "Still a big mess. The baggage tags are just starting to go out, and many (most?) people traveling this week and next week will do so without getting their baggage tags. I'm told that they will NOT turn anyone away, though. When you get off the plane you will ride the tram to the baggage claim area and when you get off you'll see Disney cast members in blue jackets with big Mickey hands and Magical Express clipboards. They will direct you to the desk where you will provide your baggage claim checks and a description of your luggage. They will then direct you to the correct bus and they will pull the baggage off the line for you just like they would have if your tags had made it in time. The tags come in their own little booklet with directions about placing the tags on your suitcase and where to go when you arrive. There are two or three tags per person, and they are preprinted with your name and flight information and resort. (I've only seen one booklet so far, and I forgot to count how many tags, but at least two per person.) Tags for the return trip will be supplied at the hotel. I also understand that SOME of the tags have a voucher included for a free lanyard and collector pin! I have no idea if this will be a permanent thing, or why some people get them and others don't. More soon!" Now lean back, prop up your feet, and take a Disney break!
Deals and Updates as of May 04, 2005 We continuously update our information and you can find these current specials in our Addenda: WALT DISNEY WORLD
A reminder...
"Hi John, I just joined your affordable Disney group. My wife and I have been planning a trip to Disney World in December. When we ... saw the prices we were just awed." -------------------------------- A reminder... Disney Cruise Line Special! Beth's Travel Agency has just announced the dates for their quarterly Disney Cruise Line promotion, scheduled for Sunday May 1 through Saturday May 7. It's for most 2005 and 2006 cruises. Anyone who makes a NEW cruise or land/sea booking during those dates will receive a cabin credit for $25 - $100 per cabin (depending on the length of trip and type of cabin booked), plus a copy of the "Passporter Guide to the Disney Cruise Line." Please note that this offer is not combinable with any other, nor is it good for existing bookings. -------------------------------- This resort near SeaWorld offers a spectacular setting in the heart of Orlando’s world-renowned attractions. Reminiscent of a seaside Bermuda village, the spacious studios and one and two- bedroom suites are beautifully furnished and decorated. Distinctive amenities include spectacular swimming pools and waterfall features, children’s wading pools, whirlpool spas, the Bermuda Provisions Gift Shop and Deli, a poolside restaurant and bar and Kids Club. The Orlando International Airport is only 12 miles from the resort and more than 94 championship golf courses are in close proximity. Guest Accommodations include large bedroom with queen bed and sleeper sofa, convenient food preparation area with small refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and sink. From now through June 30, 2005, you can enjoy great rates starting at just $99 per night! -------------------------------- DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA 2-Day Park Hopper Discount Coupon saves this group $20.00 on tickets for family and friends! Valid now through mid-June. Disney's Visa Cardholders save 10% at these eateries at the Disneyland Resort. To learn more about Disney's Visa Program, click here. -------------------------------- LAS VEGAS Last minute specials!
1. Enjoy an exotic summer vacation at this luxury Resort & Casino.
Package includes:
Valid select nights May - July, 2005 from $79! Hurry! Book your EXOTIC package by May 6, 2005!
2. Stay at this popular Hotel & Casino on select nights now through
July, 2005 from $79.99 per night! Included with your stay:
Hurry! Book by May 8, 2005. -------------------------------- Affordable Disney Members should log in at our password-protected site (The Disney Reading Room) to access the particulars about the above mentioned specials. If you are not a member, you can join our Disney family here. |
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 Affordable Airfare
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Brenda writes: "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I can not tell you how awesome your website has been. In October of 2004 I was married and had always dreamt of a Disney wedding, which was way out of reach for us. Your website provided us with [the Florida minister's] information and made that dream possible. so on 10/03/04 we were able to get married in a beautiful, reasonablly priced ceremony in Orlando. I can wait to get back on your site. Thanks again!!!!" Thank you, Brenda, for your generous comments! Donna and I are celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary this year. May your marriage be as blessed as ours has been.
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD" Walt Disney World Holiday Tickets Tickets for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party are now on sale: Adult: $37.23; child: $29.77. (Ticket prices are higher on October 31: adult: $42.55; child: $35.10.) To purchase tickets, call 407/W-DISNEY. This group can save 15% on Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets. See our book for details. Tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party are now on sale: $41.49 (adult); $31.90 (child). Tickets prices for Friday nights are higher: $46.81 (adult); $37.23 (child). To purchase tickets, call 407/W-DISNEY. This group can save 15% on Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party tickets. See our book for details. -------------------------------- No new parks in the US for Disney? "Squeezed by rising costs and Wall Street pressures, the Burbank, Calif.-based business is looking for different, more economical ways to grow and focusing on overseas locations for its next parks. The change means Animal Kingdom, which Disney opened in 1998, may be the last major park built by the company in Central Florida. There are no current plans to add another." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/01/05) For the rest of the story, click here. -------------------------------- Disney India? "The Walt Disney Co. denied a report it is planning to build a theme park in India and has lobbied the government there on the matter." (Source: Associated Press, 05/02/05) For the rest of the story, click here. -------------------------------- "Disney fanatics have taken the theme park experience to the extreme. They've adopted it as a lifestyle - quitting jobs, transforming their bodies, purchasing real estate and moving to strange cities based on their need to immerse themselves in the innocence, happiness and community that they feel the entertainment conglomerate gives them." (Source: Associated Press, 04/29/05) For the rest of the story, click here. -------------------------------- 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea at the Magic Kingdom is being turned into Winnie the Pooh's Hundred Acre Wood with fountain and slides. They say it should open in August. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/29/05) For the rest of the story, click here. -------------------------------- Closed for Refurbishment
Magic Kingdom
Disney's Polynesian Resort
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disneyland California New Disneyland 50th Anniversary Tour: Three-and-a-half hour tour covering park history and attractions and shows created for the 50th anniversary. Four tours per day. Entrance to some attractions included, as well as priority seating for the new Parade of Dreams and the new Remember... Dreams Come True fireworks show. Includes a snack, souvenirs, and commemorative photo. $55 per person. Closed for rehab:
Disneyland Park -------------------------------- "Increasingly aware that children today are "born with a mouse in their hands," as one expert puts it, Disney scientists and designers are working overtime to appeal to tech-savvy youngsters raised on computer games, digital effects and iPods..." Case in point: "Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters will bridge the online realm with the physical world in what Disney designers describe as an industry first. Beginning in June, Disney fans sitting in front of their home computers will be able to team up with park visitors to fight the evil Emperor Zurg, shooting at targets and accumulating points." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/02/05) For the rest of the story, click here. Here's an article on Disney's remake of the Submarine ride with characters from "Nemo" added. -------------------------------- Closed for rehab:
Disneyland Park
Disneyland Paris "After a difficult two years blighted by difficult trading conditions and poor attendances, the "cast members" and executives who work for Euro Disney are hopeful the Paris theme-park operator is heading for a more stable future." (Source: ft.com, 04/28/05) For the rest of the story, click here.
Disneyland Hong Kong "HONG KONG Disneyland and the MTR Corporation unveiled the Disneyland Resort Line Train on Monday, which will bring visitors to the heart of China's first Disney theme park, set to open Sept. 12 this year." (sznews.com, 04/26/05) For the rest of the story, click here. The MTR Disneyland Resort Line, which comprises two new stations - Sunny Bay Station and Disneyland Resort Station - and whimsical Disney-themed trains, were exclusively designed by the MTR Corporation in conjunction with Disney's images. The unveiling of the Disneyland Resort Line Train at Sunny Bay Station marks the first train line dedicated for the theme park in the world and will offer Hong Kong Disneyland visitors an exciting and convenient journey." -------------------------------- NOTE: Links to newspaper articles change quickly and without notice. If you receive a "File Not Found" error message, search the newspaper's archives for the story. Certain newspapers require a free registration to view their articles online.
"I thought I knew all the tips for saving money at WDW, even being a member of the Magic Kingdom Club for over 15 years, but just learning about [your ticket agent] saved our family over $300.00! Thanks." Janet Handy, Bel Air, MD "Plenty of roadside outfits in Orlando promise discounted tickets, but most of them really want to rope you into a time-share sales pitch in exchange for vouchers - accept at your own risk. [Affordable Disney's ticket agent], though, is legit." The New York Post, November 16, 2004. NEVER overpay again! Join our Disney family today and keep that extra money in YOUR pocket!
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "Thought I'd start writing up some things from my own recent trip to WDW. We stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge in a standard savannah room with concierge level access. The concierge level was a holiday gift from my inside sales rep, so I had the unique opportunity to evaluate it without thinking about my wallet! First, though, the room... We were on the Zebra Trail about half way down the hall. It's a hike from the lobby if you're way at the end, but half way down wasn't too bad. We were on the fifth floor and had a nice view of everything, but I have to say that I was a little disappointed that we didn't see more animals. Our previous stay was more fruitful in that respect. Not that there weren't any, but they were not as abundant and didn't come as close. Still very cool, though, and I'd stay there again in a heartbeat for the view alone. We had two queen beds for two adults and a child. The room had a comfy chair as well as a table with two chairs, and adequate drawer space in the entertainment armoire for all our "stuff." The double-sink vanity area was plenty large enough for my mother and myself to primp simultaneously, and my mother declared the spray from the shower the most wonderful she's ever experienced. The rooms were kept very clean, and we had turndown service each night. Two thumbs up on the room - especially since the Affordable Disney group pricing was just $149 per night plus tax! The trek to the concierge lounge was just that - a trek. We had to go down the hall, across the bridge that spans the lobby, down another hall, and up to the sixth floor using our specially encoded keys. The elevators in the front near the gift shop are the only ones that go up to the lounge, and our keys didn't work at first, so I had to go back to the front desk to get them fixed, then back across the lobby to the elevators to try again. It worked that time, though. So up we went to the lounge to experience the late afternoon offerings. There were several types of African wines, and the two I tried were very good. They also offered both African and domestic beers, sodas, iced tea, juice - pretty much anything you might want in the way of non-alcoholic beverages. The appetizers were... interesting. We were all in agreement that the lightly salted and baked wheat pita was really different and very good, and a few of the other offerings were OK, but apparently our Americanized palates aren't appropriately appreciative of African flavors. We were impressed with the presentation and quantity of items, but not the tastes. My daughter gave the crustless PB&J tea- sized sandwiches her seal of approval, though. We stopped in later that night (after dinner) just to see what it looked like. We found that most of the desserts were taken straight from the dessert section of Boma, the African buffet restaurant downstairs. There were a number of cordials available for self-service, as well as coffee and cappuccino and various non-alcoholic beverages. All in all, it's a very nice set-up. My only negative comment regarding the late evening offerings is that they are apparently removed at 10:00 PM. Given that people are often not back to the resort by then, you can count on missing out on the desserts at least a few nights of your stay. We didn't get to see the lunch offerings, but we did have breakfast in the lounge all three mornings. Surprisingly, getting a table was never a problem. The traffic flow seems to move pretty well. The continental breakfast was exceptionally good. There were stacks of assorted bagels and pastries, fresh fruits, sliced fresh melons, and lovely strawberries every morning. There were several types of dry cereals and three types of juice. It was all abundant and nicely presented and we were VERY happy to be eating up there instead of down at the Mara food court. A TV tuned to Disney cartoons keeps the little ones busy, and several different newspapers are available for the adults. The concierge desk attendants seem to rotate between doing that job and overseeing the care and replenishment of the food, so that no matter who you ask your questions to, they're likely to have an answer. So we give the concierge service two thumbs up - but not the price. The difference between a standard savannah view room and the concierge level can be as much as $200 a day - plus tax! The difference between a deluxe savannah view and concierge is as high as $110 a night + tax. If budget isn't a concern, go for it, but you'd have to really hate food courts to get your money's worth at those prices! After all, you probably won't get to enjoy it more than 1-2 times a day at most. If, on the other hand, you can get it for maybe $60 more on a promotion and you have three teenagers that eat like linebackers then it's a good deal even if you're only having breakfast there, given the nicer atmosphere. If you can get a nightcap or an occasional snack from it, too, so much the better. We checked into the hotel on this trip right about 3:00 and there was no line at all! It still took them awhile to get it all processed, but my mother went down to the other end to pick up our Candlelight Processional stuff and my daughter watched TV, so it wasn't bad. We never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus to any park, although people told me that their wait for a bus to Downtown Disney was about 30 minutes. The location for waiting for return buses from the parks was good, and the lines were usually not too bad compared to the ones for moderate resorts and other deluxe resorts, but unfortunately, the bus drivers are equally inept at getting scooters and wheelchairs loaded in a timely manner. A bus can hold two of them, and it can take up to 15 minutes each to get them loaded. If you've ever experienced this yourself and feel that Disney needs to look into ways to make this process faster, I encourage you to go click here and send a message. Submitting complaints is the only way they know that there's a problem, so don't hesitate to let them know. They really do listen! One last note... I had three people leave me things at the hotel. One person left an envelope for me and it was slipped under the door within a few hours after I checked in. One person ordered a chocolate sculpture for me through the hotel (and I have to say that is was exquisite). It was delivered on our second night and was waiting in the room when we returned from Mickey's Christmas Party. The third person spent weeks collecting items to put in a basket for the three of us, then wrapped it all up and put my name on it, leaving it at the front desk just hours before we arrived. We never got it. The hotel did, however, give the person that left it a credit for the full value she placed on it. So they managed to get two out of three deliveries right. I was told by the agent that came in after me that she was given a smoking room, not normally a problem, but this one smelled REALLY bad even after they sent someone to clean it with special stuff. Eventually they were able to move the agent and her daughter, but that's not always possible, so be sure to request nonsmoking if it's important to you. Finally, the last agent that stayed left her car with valet parking - and they lost it. Not permanently, but for over an hour. When they finally found the car they couldn't find the keys and suggested that they call someone to rekey the car. The agent insisted that they look harder and they did eventually locate the keys. They offered to pay for the agent's room, but she was there at no charge. She jokingly suggested they pick up her birthday party tab from the previous night at Pleasure Island - around $300 - and they did! In short, the hotel makes mistakes, but they do what they can to make it up to you. More later on the Candlelight Processional and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party."
Disney's Visa® Credit Card from Bank One®
Disney's Visa Card -- a way to take your family on the vacation they've been wishing for sooner and even more affordably than you ever thought possible! For more details, click here.
How does Magical Express handle lost luggage? Disney will ask you how many bags you checked with the airline. If a bag is missing, Disney will check with the airline. If the bag is lost or will take a long time to arrive at WDW, Disney will notify you of the problem. What documents do I need for the Disney Cruise Line? A valid United States passport or an original, state-certified birth certificate with government-issued photo ID. (Source: Promotional email from Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line, 05/03/05)
Have Dinner On Us! For every person you send to our site who becomes a member of our Disney family, we'll send you a $10.00 electronic gift certificate from Restaurant.com! Use your certificate to purchase dining certificates online that are redeemable at thousands of restaurants across the USA, including those in Florida! Have your referral include your NAME AND EMAIL ADDRESS in the comment box when she joins so we know where to send your gift certificate via email. Note: Gift Certificates are redeemable only by residents of the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
Are You Suffering Withdrawal From WDW? You know ... that empty feeling you get when you arrive back home from your vacation at WDW and realize it may be a while before you experience that Disney magic again? We have had that feeling ourselves many times. Yet, we always seem to feel better when we read about the experiences of others who share their trip reports with us. It's almost like being there again. We invite you, our readers, to send us some feedback about your experiences during your latest vacation at WDW. Reports on Disney weddings, honeymoons, cruises, and resort vacations on and off Disney property are all welcome. Send your email to: johngross@affordabledisney.com . Thanks!
Money Saving Tip Ciao Italia Italian Ristorante: I-DRIVE/CONVENTION CENTER. 6149 Westwood Boulevard, Orlando, FL, 32821. 407/354-0770. Authentic Italian cuisine. Family owned and operated with 30 years experience in the restaurant business. Receive 10% off total check. Click here and scroll down for coupon. Offer Expires December 31, 2005.
YOU CAN AFFORD DISNEY WORLD! If you THINK a Disney vacation costs too much ... WE AGREE! That's why we created the ULTIMATE Disney savings site. Save up to 40% on your total trip. Learn about discounts on tickets, food, Disney merchandise, hotels ON Disney property, travel, parking, and MUCH more. Too much to list here. See it all at here. "We just got back from a great trip ... and thanks to you and your great advice, [we] saved money and time! ... In total we saved about $3,000.00 for our group of 6. We are going back within a year to use our passes again, and think our per person cost will be in the $150-200 range, flights and all." Michael Barrett, Wisconsin Rapids, WI
All for the price of a fast food
Well, that's it for now. THE DISNEY NEWS is a free service provided by
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See You Real Soon! John
http://www.affordabledisney.com
Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the accuracy of information contained in The Disney News. Always check to be sure. The views and opinions expressed by others in The Disney News do not necessarily reflect the views of AffordableDisney.Com. Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and other companies mentioned on our site and in our newsletter are registered trademarks of their respective companies. The use of these trademarks is for editorial reasons only. No endorsement by the Walt Disney Company or any other company is implied. |
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