THE DISNEY NEWS Updates From Affordable WDW Vacation March 16, 2005 - Issue #259 Copyright 1999 - 2005 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. ================================================= * To UNSUBSCRIBE... Send an email to: remove-956607225@ezinedirector.net * To read our newsletter in HTML format, see: http://www.affordabledisney.com/issue_259.html ================================================= Hi Everyone! We are pleased to announce two new Affordable Disney Specials for our members! AFFORDABLE DISNEY MEMBER SPECIAL AT WDW NOVEMBER 2005 Beth, our travel agent, writes: "We have blocked space in standard rooms at Port Orleans French Quarter for November 2 thru 22 (inclusive) - 20 rooms per night. The price on these rooms is $99 per night INCLUDING TAX for up to four person of any age per room. Given that the "rack rate is $149 PLUS tax, and the AAA discount is $126.65 PLUS tax, we are thrilled about being able to offer you these rates. AFFORDABLE DISNEY MEMBER SPECIAL AT WDW DECEMBER 2005 We have blocked standard rooms at Port Orleans French Quarter and Wilderness Lodge for November 27 thru December 18 (inclusive) - 30 standard rooms at Port Orleans for $99 per night INCLUDING TAX, and 20 courtyard view rooms at Wilderness Lodge for $199 per night INCLUDING TAX. Given that Disney is obviously planning on being much stingier this year with promotional rates for the general public, I believe these to be excellent rates; however, if Disney offers a better rate to the general public they will honor it for us as well, so you don't really have anything to lose." Beth works for one of the largest travel agencies in the country. She will take good care of you! Space will be assigned on a first come-first served basis. So members should log in today for contact info and more details. If you are not a member, you can join our Disney family here: http://www.affordabledisney.com Now... Lean back, prop up your feet, and take a Disney break! ================================================= We continuously update our information and you can find these current specials in our Addenda: WALT DISNEY WORLD: * Stay at this resort in Orlando and get TWO (2) FREE TICKETS good for unlimited admission to both Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure! Travel must be completed by 12/23/05. March 18 - April 2, 2005 excluded. * WDW Resort Special for residents of this state. Sample Rates: Value Resorts - from $74 Moderate Resorts - from $109 Wilderness Lodge/Animal Kingdom - from $139 Contemporary - from $174 Villas - from $189 Beach/Yacht/Boardwalk - from $234 Polynesian - from $254 Grand Floridian - from $294 * News about a new Disney email promotion! * Kids Discount at Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede! * "Magic Your Way" package from $245 per night at this Downtown Disney hotel. Includes two adult three-day park hopper tickets and a standard room. A scheduled shuttle to all Walt Disney World Resort theme parks is included. This offer is available until May 31, 2005. * Free Nights In Orlando! Book one of these hotels and Get a 4th night or 5th night free! Save up to an additional $1,800.00 with these extras: >> two for one admission to Arabian Nights dinner theater >> coupon book from Lake Buena Vista Mall >> savings booklet from the Mall at Millenia >> Planet Hollywood preferred seating and $10 coupon >> two for one admission to Wild Waters water park >> two for one admission to Silver Springs Park >> one day of free parking at Park n' Fly for 3-6 nights >> Bucks Bonus Card from Belz Factory Outlet >> Festival Bay Advantage Card Plus! Book 5 nights or longer, rent an Avis intermediate or larger size car, and receive a free tank of gas! You must book by March 31, 2005 for travel through May 15, 2005. DISNEYLAND, CALIFORNIA This group can save 10% at the Alice in Wonderland Easter Basket Buffet at the Disneyland Hotel Easter Sunday. Features an all-you-can-eat meal with Alice and her friends! VEGAS * NEW ULTIMATE ESCAPE PACKAGE at this famous resort & casino! Starting at $79 per night based on double occupancy. Includes: >> $35 dining credit >> 15% off spa services >> 2 for 1 spa facilities admission >> Free Tower Deluxe Premium View Room Upgrade >> Valid select nights March through May, 2005. Hurry! Book by March 25. * Room Rates start at $79 at this resort & casino! Book select nights through June 18, 2005 and receive: >> Tower Deluxe Upgrade >> 2 for 1 Breakfast Buffet >> 2 for 1 Frozen Cocktails >> 2 for 1 Breakfast >> Souvenir Mug -------------------------------- Affordable Disney Members should log in at our password- protected site (The Disney Reading Room) to access the following: * our book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney WorldŽ Vacation" - 215 printable pages! * deals and current updates to our book - 86 pages (and growing!), including: >> Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disney's Vero Beach and Disney's Hilton Head Resorts - 22 pages >> Universal and other Florida attractions - 15 pages >> Disneyland California - 21 pages >> Disneyland Paris - 15 pages >> Las Vegas and Carnival, Holland America, Celebrity, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines - 13 pages * contact info for our ticket agent and travel agent * discount codes and particulars about all our deals, including the above mentioned specials * hundreds of travel tips and money saving strategies virtually unknown to the general public! If you are not a member, you can join our Disney family here: http://www.affordabledisney.com ================================================= DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT! 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.) ================================================= NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD" Crush 'n' Gusher now open! "Just in time to attract spring break crowds, Walt Disney World launched a new water slide at Typhoon Lagoon on Tuesday -- a splashy, coaster-like ride that drew oohs and aahs from children and adults at the water park... Three 420-foot-long chutes offer different routes with twists and turns, and water jets propel riders on inflatable rafts uphill in a few cases, simulating the feel of a roller coaster... riders who tried it Tuesday said it should be plenty entertaining for a range of ages, starting at about 5 or 6 years old, based on the 48-inch minimum height requirement." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 03/16/05) For the rest of this story, see: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl- bizdisney16031605mar16,0,4764805.story?coll=orl-home- headlines -------------------------------- WALT DISNEY WORLD Disney Reservation Center is now open until 10 PM. Closed for refurbishment: Disney-MGM Studios: Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage!: 04/04/05-04/10/05 HONG KONG DISNEYLAND Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel: 400 rooms; rates start at $205 Disney's Hollywood Hotel: 600 rooms; rates start at $128 To book, call 852-1-830-830 DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA Buzz Light Year Astro Blasters (same as in WDW) opens March 17. (Source: Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, 03/15/05) -------------------------------- Central Florida spas failed to show up on the list of the 10 most requested spas at Spafinder.com. The construction of Soarin' Over California at the Land pavilion at Epcot should be completed by the end of April, with a soft opening around then and the official opening early May. Passengers will soon be able to take Ted, the discount airline, from Chicago, Denver and Washington to Florida. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 03/14/05) For the rest of these stories, see: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl- cfbtourism14031405mar14,1,1821300.story?coll=orl-business- headlines -------------------------------- Here's a beautiful photo tribute to our men and women currently protecting us in Iraq: http://www.clermontyellow.accountsupport.com/flash/UntilThen.swf May God keep them safe and bring them back home to us soon. -------------------------------- Discount airline Jetsgo ceased operations abruptly Friday, stranding 17,000 passengers. "Jetsgo, Canada's third-largest carrier, was hobbled by rising jet fuel prices. It also is under investigation by Canadian regulators. In announcing its shutdown, the company cited "competitive pressure in the Canadian airline industry." It filed for protection from creditors in Quebec Superior Court and will try to reorganize." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 03/12/05) For the rest of the story, see: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl- bizjetsgo12031205mar12,1,5675241.story?coll=orl-business- headlines ---------------@@--------------- A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR Our Ticket agent has great prices on tickets to Walt Disney World and other Florida attractions! "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 "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. FORGET paying too much for your Disney tickets! Keep that extra money in YOUR pocket! Join our Disney family today. See: http://www.affordabledisney.com/ . ---------------@@--------------- DISNEYLAND PARIS Here' a site dedicated to the new Space Mountain: Mission 2: http://www.spacemountain2.com/ -------------------------------- Consumer Alert: Petty Fools Its Customers "If you have driven a car at the Richard Petty Driving Experience [at WDW's Wide World of Sports] or are considering doing so, you're about to get some bad news. To some it will be a shock. To others, it will confirm suspicions. Racecars don't have speedometers, so Petty's customers don't know how fast they are going. After driving, however, Petty gives each customer a computer printout that is claimed to be a lap-by-lap record of their drive, including lap times, engine rpm and maximum speed reached. The bad news is that the rpm and speed reported are false, with the reported speed being significantly overstated." (Source: drivetech.com) For the rest of the story, click on the link "NEWS" at http://www.drivetech.com/ or see: http://www.drivetech.com/pettyfools.htm . In reference to the Walt Disney World Speedway specifically, drivetech.com writes: "New video on Petty website called "Drive the Experience at Walt Disney World" says you'll go 145 mph. They forgot to mention "when pigs fly." On tracks of this size and shape, even real Nextel Cup cars only reach speeds in the 150 mph range. The obviously speeded-up Petty video wouldn't fool a kid. In reality, Petty customers drive their replica cars at about 100 mph. If you want undoctored video, see Drivetech's video page." To see an actual report from the Walt Disney World Speedway, see: http://www.drivetech.com/wdw.htm We report, you decide! For a special offer at Drivetech, see the coupon in our "Money Saving Tip" below. -------------------------------- HONG KONG DISNEYLAND "The Hong Kong Disneyland theme park set to open in September has already booked 10,000 room reservations for its hotel since it opened a customer call center three weeks ago, officials said Wednesday." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 03/09/05) For the rest of the story, see: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/sns- ap-hong-kong-disneyland,1,6086196.story -------------------------------- DISNEYLAND'S CLUB 33 "Tucked away in New Orleans Square behind a tasteful but inconspicuous door, just next door to the Blue Bayou, is the entry to a little joint called Club 33... Club 33 was first conceived of by Walt Disney himself. He wanted a place where he could entertain personal friends and VIPs and show off his beloved Disneyland... Club 33 membership is within the reach of anyone who is willing to pay the annual dues, and wait... new openings are few and far between!" For information and application, write: 1313 Harbor Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92802 Attention: Club 33 (Source: Disney Insider, 03/09/05) For the rest of the story and the recipe from its restaurant for White Godiva, Dark Chocolate Celebration, see: http://disney.go.com/inside/issues/stories/v050308.html -------------------------------- 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. If web addresses are broken into more than one line, copy and paste all lines. ================================================= Margie writes: "Dear John, I just wanted to write you a short note about the travel agent that works with you. I have read several letters sent to you by "satisfied customers", and this is definitely another one. She is someone who goes above & beyond "the call of duty". Beth is a great communicator & works very hard to get everyone the best deals she can get. I know this from personal experience. She always takes the time to answer any questions (from the most common to the bizarre). Beth is very busy, but treats each client like they are her one & only. My family & I (total of 7) recently visited WDW. We were staying at a condo that I was able to get through a friend of mine & three nights at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Beth helped me with just about everything except the condo. Two days before we were to leave for Florida, I called the condo to get their exact address so I could print out a map from the airport. Well, to my surprise, the condo was hit by the hurricane & no one called me to tell me that my reservations were cancelled. Basically, I had seven people arriving in FL in less than two days & no where to go. I called Beth in a panic. She dropped everything to help me find the best deal she could. She was wonderful! Fortunately I was able to get another condo (which I was originally told I couldn't) & everything worked out. She spent a couple of hours working on this for me, booked me a place, & then I needed to cancel it. Needless to say I felt terrible doing that to her, but my condo was paid for. She even cancelled the reservations for me with a smile in her voice. I can't express enough what a wonderful person Beth is. She is very professional, but personable as well. Kudos to you Beth! I would recommend her to anyone. Thank you for recommending her to me through your newsletter. I hope this note helps someone else choose to do the same. Thanks Again!" ================================================= 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 Want to automatically be notified when Affordable Disney has posted a new item? Bloglines provides a little notifier that sits at the foot of your screen and lets you know whenever we create a new posting. Cool! ================================================= 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 ================================================= MONEY SAVING TIP Drivetech Racing School http://www.drivetech.com/ 3401 Old Polk City Road Lakeland, FL 33809. 800-678-8864 or 863-984-7311 About 30 minutes West of Disney World Drive a NASCAR racecar without a lead car to hold you back! Passing allowed. Includes classroom and radio instruction with in-car video. Get 10 extra laps of racecar driving or an eight-lap racecar ride (each $95 value) with purchase of 24-lap racing school. See: http://www.orlandomeetinginfo.com/coupons/ 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: http://www.affordabledisney.com ================================================= ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Got Coupons? Here's a great deal on the 2005 Edition of the Orlando Entertainment Book, which can save you thousands on travel, groceries, shopping, movie tickets, and more! For a limited time, all 2005 Entertainment books are 50% OFF their retail price or just $12.50 a book! Now you can buy two books for the price of one and save even more! You could buy one for Florida and one for your local area! Offers in the 2005 books are valid through November 1, 2005. For details, see: http://service.bfast.com/bfast/click?bfmid=30719175&siteid= 38605757&bfpage=dynamic_links (If the address is broken into more than one line, copy and paste all lines.) -------------------------------- 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 -------------------------------- 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 current and past issues of THE DISNEY NEWS, see: http://www.affordabledisney.com/archive.html * To SUBSCRIBE... Send an email to: subscribe-956607225@ezinedirector.net * To read excerpts from our book online, see: http://www.affordabledisney.com/excerpts.html ============================================= Well, that's it for now. THE DISNEY NEWS is a free service provided by AffordableDisney.Com. Please share our newsletter with your friends and family! Have them send a blank email to: disneynews-textversion@affordabledisney.com . 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. The views and opinions expressed by others in THE DISNEY NEWS do not necessarily reflect the views of AffordableDisney.Com. =============================================