THE DISNEY NEWS Updates From Affordable WDW Vacation January 13, 2005 - Issue #250 Copyright © 1999 - 2005 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. ================================================= H O W TO U N S U B S C R I B E If you would like us to remove you from our subscription list, send an email to: remove-956607225@ezinedirector.net ================================================= To read this newsletter in HTML format - as a web page - send a blank email to: disneynews@affordabledisney.com ================================================= Hi Everyone! As many of you know, Donna and I are supporters of the Make- A-Wish Foundation®. Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children who are facing life-threatening medical conditions. The wish of many of these children is to visit Walt Disney World. We made our last contribution in December, 2004. Make-A-Wish writes: "Few things are more exciting than a child's wishes and dreams. Together we make these wishes come true for children who face life's greatest challenges. Thank you for your donation, which is helping make wishes come true today. The need for support is urgent, and you have made a difference." Not only we, but all of you, have made a difference! Donna and I will continue to offer our support to this wonderful organization in 2005. Now... Lean back, prop up your feet, and take a Disney break! ================================================= AFFORDABLE DISNEY CRUISE SPECIALS FOR OUR MEMBERS Beth, our travel agent, writes: "Our first DCL promo of the year will be the week of January 30. Most 2005 and 2006 cruise and land/sea vacation dates are included. All members that book a NEW Disney cruise or cruise vacation that week will get: * A copy of the Passporter Guide to Disney Cruise Line * A stateroom credit to be used as they see fit: 7-night cruise or land/sea: $75 credit for categories 8-12; $100 credit for categories 1-7 3- or 4-day cruise: $25 credit for categories 8-12, $50 credit for categories 1-7 (Credit is one per cabin and not combinable with other offers or promotions.) Plus! We have group space blocked on the 3-night Disney Wonder cruise sailing DECEMBER 8, 2005. Regardless of the cabin category booked, participants will get $50 off the normal cabin price. This is NOT combinable with the promotion above, but I will still send out a Passporter guide to those that book the group cruise during the promotion. We hope to have a nice, big group of people joining us on this cruise. We only have limited space, though, so don't wait long!" Members should log in for details. Not a member? You can join our Disney family here: http://www.affordabledisney.com/ ================================================= DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM! Disney offers special deals to Disney's Visa cardholders. Plus, you'll get 25 Disney Dream Reward Dollars FREE after your first purchase! For more details, see: http://www.ncsreporting.com/LinkTrack/Redirect.asp?LinkID= B1D10862 (If the address is broken into more than one line, copy and paste all lines.) Universal offers special deals to Universal Entertainment MasterCard cardholders. Apply now and receive a movie ticket with your first purchase! For more details, see: http://www.ncsreporting.com/LinkTrack/Redirect.asp?LinkID= CHU10862 (If the address is broken into more than one line, copy and paste all lines.) ================================================= We continuously update our information and you can find the latest additions in our Addenda: WALT DISNEY WORLD: * A new money saving benefit for Annual Passholders! DISNEYLAND, CALIFORNIA: * Kids fly free to Disneyland on this airline! Log in today. Not a member? Join our Disney family at: http://www.affordabledisney.com/ ================================================= NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD" "Ms. Cayz spent four months at her favorite vacation destination, when she interned with the Walt Disney World College Program in Orlando... She said the Walt Disney World College Program helped her develop skills that are useful in her field." (Source: newszap.com, 01/10/05) For the rest of the story, see: http://www.newszap.com/articles/2005/01/10/dm/central_delawa re/dsn05.txt -------------------------------- Disneyland Paris is adding new attractions to increase attendance. "The theme park has announced the opening next year of the Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast attraction, based around one of the star characters of the animated film Toy Story... In 2007, the park will launch a Toon Studios attraction allowing visitors to "experience the magical workings of Disney animated films from an insider's point of view". (Source: Times On Line, 01/11/05) For the rest of the story, see: http://business.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,9070-1435331,00.html -------------------------------- "Disney Mobile, part of the Walt Disney Internet Group, is now offering consumers an extensive array of character voice ringtones featuring the voices of their most popular Disney and Disney/Pixar characters. The ringtones are currently available to customers of major carriers nationwide for a fee of $2.50 per ringtone." (Source: Walt Disney Internet Group, 01/10/05) -------------------------------- "The technology behind Epcot's new Turtle Talk attraction may represent the wave of the future." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/10/05) For the rest of the story, see: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl- cfbparks10011005jan10,1,5261429.story ---------------@@--------------- A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR Our Ticket agent has DISCOUNT TICKETS not available at the gate or Disney's website! Plus! Great prices on tickets to other Florida attractions! NOTE: Disney's new ticket prices kick in January 2, 2005, but you still have a chance to purchase tickets at 2004 prices! Omar writes: "We will have plenty of 4 and 5 day hopper Plus passes and 5 day regular hoppers at the old system and price. Disney will be honoring them... I should have them for a couple of weeks after January 2nd until we sell out." "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!!! Thanks." Janet Handy, Bel Air, MD Details on how to purchase these special passes will be provided with your Disney access codes as soon as you join our Disney family. See: http://www.affordabledisney.com/ ---------------@@--------------- "[George] Millay, 75, is from an age when a California restaurateur with no experience in the amusement-park business could become a pioneer with two kinds of parks. Before he opened Wet 'n Wild in Orlando, the first park of its kind in the world, he created SeaWorld, the first modern marine park, in San Diego." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/09/05) For the rest of the story, see: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl- subizaquaman010905,1,6821592.story?coll=orl-business- headlines -------------------------------- Disney Imagineers are creating concept art for a "Pirates of the Caribbean" themed water park! (Source: Jim Hill Media, 01/06/05) For the rest of the story, see: http://www.jimhillmedia.com/mb/articles/showarticle.php?ID= 1252 -------------------------------- "The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation has contributed $1,000 to the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture to support an exhibit at Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The display is called 'The Great American Farm' and will present information about the importance of farming and ranching to everyone's lives... The Great American Pizza Game, a game show in the exhibit's theater, is the biggest hit. The object is to match states with pizza ingredients. Guests are divided into two teams - Thin Crust and Deep Dish. The team that ends up with the most ingredients on its virtual pizza is the winner." (Source: Wisconsin Ag Connection, 01/06/05) For the rest of the story, see: http://www.wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.cfm?Id= 34&yr=2005 -------------------------------- Here's a not too flattering article on security at Disneyland, California: http://www.dailynorthwestern.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2005/01 /05/41db743673553 What do you think about the article? -------------------------------- Disney is now equipping the Deluxe and Moderate resorts with coffee makers and providing free coffee and condiments! On April 10, the Princess Storybook Breakfast will be replaced with the Princess Storybook Dining at Restaurant Akershus at the Norway pavilion in Epcot. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served. Guests at WDW can now download their digital photos to CD at the parks' camera centers. It will eventually be available at the hotels as well. Consequently, Disney has eliminated its film processing! "ESPN The Weekend" will take place at MGM February 27, 2005. Fans will get to see their favorite athletes. Closed for rehab: The Trinidad North quiet pool at the Caribbean Beach Resort is closed January 4 - February 7, 2005. DISNEYLAND Disney's 2005 Romance Package includes candlight dinner, spa treatment, souvenir gift and limited edition pins. The package can be added on to any Disney vacation package. With hotel and tickets, the price comes to $325 per couple. Closed for rehab: Splash Mountain: January 10-14 and January 18 - March 17 (Source: Promotional email from Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort, 01/11/05) ================================================= 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. If web addresses are broken into more than one line, copy and paste all lines. Certain newspapers require a free registration to view their articles online. ================================================= Beth, our travel agent, continues her discussion about free Disney bus transportation: "To use the luggage pre-check service you must stop by the special desk at the hotel between 6AM and 2PM (and at least 2.75 hours before the flight). You will also receive boarding passes for your flights home, thus eliminating the need to stand in a check-in line at the airport. You just go straight to security! This is great for families that have flights leaving later in the day. The airlines that participate in baggage pre-check and boarding passes are American, United (and TED), Delta (and SONG) and Continental. You can't check-in for a flight more than 12 hours prior to the flight time. If you're not using one of these airlines then you can still get the free trip back, but can't use the baggage pre-check and boarding pass service. * You CAN do a one-way transfer. * You CAN add the return trip once you're at the resort (if you didn't have it already) * You CAN use the transportation even if you aren't on one of the airlines listed. You just won't be able to pre-check your bags and get boarding passes for the return portion. You'll have to stand in line at the airport like you always have. * Gratuities for the bellmen delivering the luggage on arrival are taken care of. If you use bell services for departure, though, you do need to tip them. * You CAN add the service to reservations that were made prior to January 2. (Email me if I did your reservations.) * You CAN use the remote check-in process without using the bus transportation if you want to. * You CAN use the return transportation service for international flights, but not the remote check-in service. * You CAN'T book this service at the airport. It must be added at least 10 days prior to arrival day. * You CAN'T have just your luggage transported. * You CAN'T use the transfers to go to any non-Disney hotel (including Swan/Dolphin). * You CAN'T use the return check-in service unless you're a Disney resort guest (must show room key). The airport check-in service is operated by a TSA-approved company (not Disney) and all the usual rules apply. Everyone needs to come to the desk to check in and passports and/or photo ID are needed for everyone. If you lock your bags they may have to break the lock at the airport to look inside unless you use the new TSA-approved locks that they can get into. To reserve your transportation space you must provide your Disney room/package reservation number (unless the transportation is booked at the same time), the airline and flight #s, the city of origin for the flight coming into Orlando, and the destination city for your departing flight. Again, you can't add this until after January 2, and it is only for reservations starting May 5, 2005 or later. Buses will make 3-4 stops, so it's not necessarily a real time-saver; and they will not stop at a grocery store like the private drivers. Still, to save $100 or so, it's going to be worth it for most folks. The service will run 24/7 and they will be tracking flights so even if you arrive late they will wait for you and ensure that you get to the hotel. If you miss your incoming flight for some reason, but your bags make it, they will hold the bags at the airport until you physically arrive in Orlando. If you get to your room and one or more of your bags doesn't show up, then you contact the Magical Express deck at your resort and they will assist. If you check your bags at the hotel and then fail to appear at the airport for the flight, federal regulations require that your baggage be pulled off the plane. This can cause delays and everyone on the plane will hate you." ================================================= WANT YOUR NEWS FASTER? JOIN AFFORDABLE DISNEY'S BLOG! We publish important time-sensitive notices right away to our blog, so you don't have to wait until the newsletter arrives! To join Affordable Disney's Blog at Bloglines, see: http://www.bloglines.com/sub/http://affordabledisney.blogspo t.com/atom.xml (If the address is broken into more than one line, copy and paste all lines.) Or copy and paste the following URL into your RSS Reader: http://affordabledisney.blogspot.com/atom.xml ================================================= MONEY SAVING TIP Planet Hollywood - Downtown Disney West Side: 407/827-7827. Three NEW coupons! * Get $5 off Merchandise Purchase of $20 or more in the Planet Hollywood Gift Shop. * Get $5 off any Food or Nonalcoholic Drink Purchase of $20 or more. * VIP SEATING! Skip waiting in line! Get First Available Seating. Coupons expire 12-30-05. See: http://www.destinationcoupons.com/Florida/Orlando/dine_plane t/coupons.asp (If the address is broken into more than one line, copy and paste all lines.) ================================================= 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: http://www.affordabledisney.com ================================================= ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Affordable Disney Books Disney and other new books 50-90% off the list price. Hundreds of books under $1.00! Shop now for an additional 50% off their already low prices on over 2500 titles. Items will sell out fast. Don't miss out. Plus! Over 700 videos have been marked down to $1.99. To check out the bargains, see: http://www.bookcloseouts.com/default.asp?rid=disney -------------------------------- Got Coupons? The 2005 Edition of the Orlando Entertainment Book is now available for purchase. Order today and get $5.00 off and Free Shipping! For details, see: http://service.bfast.com/bfast/click?bfmid=30719175&siteid= 38605757&bfpage=free_04_book (If the address is broken into more than one line, copy and paste all lines.) -------------------------------- Affordable Accommodations Get the guaranteed lowest prices at the Downtown Disney Resorts as well as at hotels, condos and vacation rentals outside Disney property. Plus! Receive up to a $100.00 rebate! For hotels, see: http://www.180096hotel.com/cgi-bin/pickcity?SID=ADI&LKF=ADI -------------------------------- Affordable Car Rental Just enter in your travel dates, select the kind of car you want, and receive a list of car rental prices at over 12 companies starting with the cheapest price! See: http://partner.onetravel.com/go/go.cfm?GoID=1786 Cheryl writes: "I saved over $200.00 on my mini van rental!!!" -------------------------------- Affordable Airfare This service delivers as many as 230 flight options in a single search - more options than any other travel site. It's possible to save as much as 80%! To compare prices, see: http://partner.onetravel.com/go/go.cfm?GoID=15263 ============================================= To read excerpts from our book online, go to: http://www.affordabledisney.com/excerpts.html ============================================= To read past issues of THE DISNEY NEWS, see: http://www.affordabledisney.com/archive.html ============================================= 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. To subscribe, send an email to: subscribe-956607225@ezinedirector.net See You Real Soon! John AffordableDisney.Com johngross@affordabledisney.com ============================================= Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the accuracy of information contained in THE DISNEY NEWS. Always check to be sure. 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