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Hi Everyone! Beth, our travel agent, writes: "I now have a PDF file of the revisions to the dining plan. They've added back all the great World Showcase dining, and more importantly, it only takes one table credit! Even Le Cellier, which they briefly changed to two credits, has gone back to one. Also added are two dining locations at Coronado Springs, including the Pepper Market which counts as a counter service location. My hubby had the steak there for dinner one night, and with beverage, dessert, tax, and the automatically-added gratuity it came to nearly $30! With the dining plan, you'd pay $35 per adult per day and would still have a table service meal and a snack left! So the dining plan has gone back to being a GREAT bargain for people that love Disney restaurants, especially if your children are under age 10. Although the PDF file may not be representative of the plan details for when you are traveling (since they are subject to change), I'd be happy to send it to anyone that asks." (Affordable Disney members should log in for Beth's contact info to request Disney's Dining Plan.) Now... lean back, prop up your feet, and take a Disney break!
Deals and Updates as of May 11, 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." -------------------------------- Members of this group should be on the lookout for an Email Vacation Package Special! The email contains PIN codes for July and August. The code is good for a 5-night package at certain resorts in July and August, and the dining plan is thrown in for FREE! You have to be the recipient of the email to get that deal, though. If you DID get it, contact Beth, our travel agent, with your needs AND the PIN code and she'll grab you a room. (Members of this group who do not receive the email or who don't want a package, can also save on WDW rooms July 5 - August 27, 2005. It's $25 off value resorts (per night), $50 off moderates, and various deluxe resort rates starting at $124 per night + tax.) -------------------------------- Residents of this state can save $25 off value resorts (per night), $50 off moderates, and $75 off deluxe resorts. Valid 04/17/05-07/04/05. -------------------------------- Cirque du Soleil Discount! Now through 9/30/05, this group and up to three guests can save 25% on Category 2 tickets for La Nouba. --------------------------------
Stay at this Downtown Disney Resort and get the 5th Night FREE plus 4-day
Disney Park Hopper passes. Rates from $259/nightly. Save up to 40%! Valid
now through Sept 08, 2005. Plus, enjoy complimentary transportation to Disney
Theme Parks, preferred tee times at five Walt Disney World 18-hole PGA
championship courses, fabulous resort cuisine, shopping and entertainment
at the Downtown Disney area. Offer Includes:
-------------------------------- DISNEY CRUISE LINE Beth writes: "The new and improved Disney Cruise Line website is now up and running. Whether you made your own reservation or went through a travel agent, you can now sign in and make your Palo, tour, spa, etc. reservations online. You will need to register for the site (if you haven't already) and then have your reservation number and the date of birth of one person in the cabin when you go there." Look for the "log in" link. DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA Magic Anniversary Offer! Stay at this resort hotel in Orange County, California near Disneyland from $104! Plus! Receive a $50 voucher at check-in to be used toward the purchase of multi-day Disney park passes. This offer is available for a two-night minimum stay until August 31, 2005. MORE DEALS CONTINUE BELOW
Colleen from Canada writes: "Hi John, I just wanted to drop you a line to tell you that your site has saved us over 250.00 on a mini van rental. We just came back from Disney last week and I couldn't believe how much your website can save. We are planning another trip to Orlando in October and definitely checking your site weekly..... Thanks for your help." Thanks again, Colleen, for the great feedback! Readers can check out the great rates on rental cars here.
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MORE DEALS DISNEY VACATIONS IN HAWAII AND WYOMING Beth writes: "Remember awhile back the news story that said Disney would be offering vacations to Hawaii and Wyoming this summer? Well, it's a "go" for July and August (only), but they are not aggressively advertising it. It's called Adventures by Disney, and it's a tad pricey - about $8000 plus airfare for a family of four to Hawaii, but a VERY good value given the very high quality of hotels and all that's included. Wyoming adventures are booked solid, but there are still several departure dates for Hawaii left. An amazing list of activities is included in the price, as are ground transfers and flights between the islands, breakfast and one other meal per day, and more. I'm sure if and when they get around to promoting this endeavor in future years they will charge a lot more for it, so if you're thinking about a Hawaii vacation this summer drop me a note and I'll tell you more." (Affordable Disney members should log in for Beth's contact info to request more details about Disney's Hawaii and Wyoming vacations.) OTHER VACATION SPECIALS Community Appreciation Fares! Special savings on cruises to the Caribbean, Canada, New England, Europe and South Pacific for Teachers, Firefighters (including volunteer), Hospital Volunteers, Police Officers and Active Military. Valid on select dates now through November 17, 2005. Featuring spacious, elegant ships, gracious, unobtrusive service, worldwide itineraries, extensive activities and enrichment programs, and sophisticated five-star dining. 7 to 35-day cruises from $599 are per person, based on double occupancy. Sail 10- to 11-Day Caribbean Cruises from $899! Valid for select dates now through 04/04/06. This cruise line is the leader in longer itineraries. They offer a choice of four award-winning ships, with the most spacious staterooms and suites in the Caribbean, sailing nine unique 10- and 11-day itineraries. Also, you can choose to sail roundtrip from four convenient homeports: Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa in Florida, Norfolk, Virginia and beginning in 2006, sail roundtrip New York. -------------------------------- 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.
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD" "Bankrupted by poor management, battered by hurricanes and outpaced by more modern theme parks, Florida's historic Marineland attraction is undergoing a multimillion-dollar transformation... Visitors will be able to swim with its dolphins, snorkel in its oceanariums and make educational forays into rich surroundings that include oak hammocks, marshes, estuaries, rivers and the ocean." (Source: Orlando Sentinel. 05/09/05) For the rest of the story, click here. -------------------------------- "Walt Disney Co. is searching "all over Asia" for another theme-park location, but don't look for anything to open this decade, Jay Rasulo, president of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, said Friday. In the most sweeping statement yet on his vision of overseas expansion, Rasulo said in an interview that even South Korea might one day see a Disney park, and he did not rule out India [yes, Disney just denied any interest in building a park in India!], along with mainland China." (Source: Orlando Sentinel. 05/07/05) For the rest of the story, click here. -------------------------------- Walt Disney World Disney gives to help kids: This month: $1 million + to a Central Florida's Boys & Girls Club
Last month:
-------------------------------- For "behind-the-scenes nuggets," click here. -------------------------------- "A team of Walt Disney World officials and more than 20 renowned scientists will spend two months in the Himalayas this fall, gathering geological and cultural data that they'll use to authenticate Disney's newest Animal Kingdom attraction, Expedition Everest... By studying the region -- and its insects, birds, plants and people -- Disney officials say they'll be better equipped to give visitors an accurate portrayal of the Himalayas." (Source: Orlando Sentinel. 05/06/05) For the rest of the story, click here. -------------------------------- While in Orlando on Wednesday, Disney executives discussed their planned expansion in Asia. Click here. -------------------------------- "Disneyland's 50th-birthday bash kicks off around the world this week -- and big crowds are expected -- but some of the company's faithful fans will be sitting it out in Central Florida." (Source: Orlando Sentinel. 05/04/05) For the rest of the story, click here. -------------------------------- Closed for Refurbishment
Magic Kingdom
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disneyland California Disney kicks off 18-month celebration! "Legendary entertainer Art Linkletter, who presided at Disneyland's opening in 1955, walked slowly onstage to applause at Disneyland once again and helped kick off the festivities... With the same twinkle in his eye and smile that endeared him to generations of children and families, the 92-year-old Linkletter declared: Over the years, it's been wonderful to watch Walt's dream spread." (Source: Orlando Sentinel. 05/06/05) For the rest of the story, click here. -------------------------------- "Beneath drizzling skies that even Walt couldn't have controlled, Disneyland launched its 50th anniversary celebration Thursday, drawing a crush of fans and underscoring the enduring magic of the cultural landmark... Disney's California Adventure also has a new parade, filled with characters from Pixar films such as 'Toy Story' and 'The Incredibles.' 'Turtle Talk With Crush,' an exhibit that will allow visitors to interact in real time with the 'Finding Nemo' character, opens in July, executives announced Thursday. A ride based on 'Monsters, Inc.' will open in January." (Source: Orlando Sentinel. 05/06/05) For the rest of the story, click here. -------------------------------- Disneyland 50 Years Ago. "Back then, a lot of people thought that Walt Disney, the animator, was -- as my Southern family would say -- a little touched. He'd spent $17 million on an amusement park -- $122 million in today's money -- and he'd built it in Anaheim, which was somewhere beyond the sticks for the Los Angeles elite." (Source: Orlando Sentinel. 05/04/05) For the rest of the story, click here. -------------------------------- Closed for rehab:
Disneyland Park
Disneyland Hong Kong "Hong Kong's Disneyland will reportedly throw out guests who smoke or spit in a bid to educate visitors on etiquette at its newest theme park... Disney is worried the millions of mainland Chinese who are expected to visit to the park will bring with them cultural habits that may offend the American sensibilities of the company." (Source: Yahoo! News, 05/02/05) For the rest of the story, click here. -------------------------------- 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!
A subscriber writes: "In our group we will have one that will be 7 1/2 months pregnant, one 86 yr. old with limited vision, one 3 year old and 4 other adults. I know we need to plan days or 1/2 days for 3 to rest so I'm very confused on how I need to purchase tickets and if it is worthwhile to buy meal packages for at least two meals a day. Just how much should we push to do? We would like to go to Circus de soleil, would a three year old enjoy it and how long are the performances and which performance would you recommend?" I don't buy meal packages. I would spend too much time getting to and from the restaurant and waiting to be seated. However, Disney's meal plan is getting better and if you have the time and choose wisely, you can save money. We cover that topic in the book. With an 86-year old you need to take a day off every other day and return to your hotel during the day. Our book includes customized tours of the parks so you know which rides and attractions to skip. Cirque du Soleil's La Nuba is about two hours long. A 3-year old may stay a wake if he hasn't been walking through the parks all day. Go to the cheapest performance on your off day. See book for details.
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.
Jim writes: "Forgive me for sounding urgent, but I am soooo excited I could squeak! Just an old CM (castmember), still covered in Pixie Dust. Last night we received our Disney Visa Cards, made and paid our flight w/ American Airlines through OneTravel ...saved $830.30 from AA's daily price, ON THE SAME FLIGHT!!!!! Affordable Disney has afforded us so much more than money also. The hint section gave us the idea to forget the helicopter ride we always take, and ride in a balloon at dawn. So Cool! By the way, the longer balloon adventure is far better for us, than the shorter and far more expensive helicopter ride. Beth has offered us a car and driver for the two trips away from WDW property. We want to visit our old Kissimmee home, and go to Universal. Thank You for your willingness to do so much. I appreciate all your time and energy." Thanks, Jim, for the feedback! Great savings on airfare! The Affordable Disney team is happy to be of service.
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 Tips Friday's Front Row Sports Grill: 8126 International Drive, Orlando, FL, 32819. 407/363-1414. Orlando's #1 Sports Entertainment complex. Full menu and banquet facilities available. 13 giant screens and more than 40 TVs, satellite, NTN, QB1 and more. Receive $5.00 off any $25.00 food purchase plus double points on your gold points card. Dine in only, one per party per visit. Not valid on alcoholic beverages or in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Tax and gratuity not included. Click here. Scroll down for coupon. Offer Expires December 31, 2005. Affordable Disney Books: Disney and other new books 50-90% off the list price. Hundreds of books under $1.00! Plus! Over 700 videos have been marked down to $1.99. Exclusively for Affordable Disney Readers: Save $5.00 on an order of $35 or more! Coupon code: bookcloseouts; Coupon password: bargainbooks. Expires December 31, 2005. Click here to check out the bargains.
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
AffordableDisney.Com. Please forward our newsletter to your friends and family.
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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