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Our Magically Speaking authors have been out researching resorts for you again. In this issue, Linda Norton will explore the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It's a wonderful and very unique Disney resort and Linda's account is sure to answer some questions and spark some dreams! And when we aren't out exploring resorts, we're busy researching the Disney Dining Plan (we have grueling jobs!). Stephanie Rouse offers some options and ideas on Getting the Most for Your Dining Plan Buck! Even a pre-paid plan can be optimized to ensure an enjoyable and affordable vacation. Don't miss our new contest! Refer a friend to our newsletter and you will both get rewarded. Keep reading for details! If you have a tip to share (we mean a pointer, not the monetary kind!) or a question to ask, please send it along. You can always reach us at magicallyspeaking@themouseforless.com. We love to hear your ideas. If you would prefer to view the HTML newsletter online, just click here: Thanks for reading! Carol and Erica In This Issue
You already know about the great Disney travel information in Magically Speaking, but have you told your friends? Well, we have an incentive for you if you refer a friend to sign up for the newsletter. Beginning today (August 28) through September 4th, if you refer a new subscriber to Magically Speaking, you will be entered into a drawing for a $25 Disney Store gift card. All you have to do is have your friends, family, etc. sign up for Magically Speaking at http://www.themouseforless.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi. Then, email us at magicallyspeaking@themouseforless.com with their email address and you will be entered. You can enter as many times as you wish. All new subscribers during the contest time will be verified. Good luck! By Linda Norton
My family and I just returned from a long Disney trip – 11 nights! The objective of this trip was to try new things. It is getting difficult for us to find new things to do after 24 trips in five years, but Disney changes enough so we usually manage to find something new rather than fall into our usual Disney rut. Disney is not your typical vacation destination where you sit around and relax at a pool; it is an escape from reality into the world of make-believe. This world of make-believe also extends to the many themed Disney resorts. From the Value resorts which just scream “FUN”, to the quiet elegance of the Grand Floridian, a Disney resort can help you escape the mundane and live in another time or place, if just for a little while. Being frequent Disney visitors, we pretty much know all about the Value and Moderate resorts as we have stayed at all of them at least twice (or three times, or even four). I’ve also stayed at the Contemporary twice, most recently in March of this year. It was time to try something really new at Disney for our long family vacation and spend some money doing it. Going to Disney frequently means using the “For Less” techniques—and I am a pro at not spending a lot of money at Disney unless I absolutely must do so. Splurging for a deluxe resort meant I would need to plan on actually being in the room. Since I was working while at Disney, I figured this would be a good opportunity for Animal Kingdom Lodge in a Savannah View Room. Plus I would be able to cross it off my list of places to stay at Walt Disney World.
We had been to Animal Kingdom Lodge many times to dine at Boma, one of the best buffet restaurants on property. Then again I visited when I went to EarMarked Agent Travel School at Disney in March; we had a detailed resort tour of most of the Disney properties. Part of our tour was seeing rooms, and when I saw the room at Animal Kingdom Lodge, I knew I absolutely had to stay there. I really loved the décor and this place really took me somewhere that I had never been or never would likely go: an African safari lodge, done Disney style. Prior to checking in to Animal Kingdom Lodge, my husband and I had spent two nights at Pop Century, and then the kids came over and we were at the Beach Club for two nights. (Yes, we did three resorts in 12 days). Normally I am a pretty low-maintenance Disney guest and am not picky where I stay. I’m the person who likes to be in the back of the resort, away from everything with a longer walk. No pool views or preferred locations for me; I don’t want to hear my neighbors on the other side of the wall. But I had splurged for a Savannah View room and had two kids with me for a long stay. I had some “wants” for this trip: bunk beds in the room and giraffe outside. These items were indicated on my reservation, along with the words “please” and “thank you.” (When making room requests it always helps to remember manners and be nice to the cast members when discussing the reservation). We had Bell Services at the Beach Club Resort pick up our 10 items (four suitcases and six cases of water) and they indicated it would be at Animal Kingdom Lodge no later than 1pm. I no longer can go anywhere without my computer and didn’t want to send it with the luggage. Our first available bus from the Beach Club was heading to the Magic Kingdom so that is where we decided to transfer. After a short wait at the MK we had a bus show up going to Animal Kingdom Lodge. It was a mere 14 minutes. Considering Animal Kingdom Lodge is so far away I thought that was a pretty good time from the Magic Kingdom. As one arrives at Animal Kingdom Lodge, there is a distinctive feeling that this resort is like no other at Disney. The theming, architecture, landscape and interior recreates a South African wildlife reserve lodge. The resort follows the kraal African village design, which is a semi-circle giving the majority of the guest rooms a balcony view of hoofed animals and birds on one of the property’s three private savannahs. (Note: the architect for Animal Kingdom Lodge was Peter Dominick, the same individual who designed Wilderness Lodge.) The roof is authentic thatching, done by African craftsmen.
Find out about the details of this wonderful resort here. Compiled by Joy Johns, Amy Clauss, Theresa Heppner and Deb Niarhos WALT DISNEY WORLD First Female President of Walt Disney World Announced Another promotion was also announced on the same day - Jim Lewis was promoted from Senior Vice-President to President of the Disney Vacation Club. Changes to List of Participating Restaurants in Disney Dining Plan for 2007 New Option for Guests Using Disney Dining Plan
It is suspected that Disney has made these offers due to the extreme popularity of their "free dining" offer with certain vacation packages. Any guests who are traveling to Walt Disney World during this time frame would be well advised to make Advanced Dining Reservations for any table service meals to ensure that they will not be disappointed. Test Buffet Dinner at Tomorrowland Noodle Station No More Grab'n'Go Sandwiches and Salads Kim Possible Test Run at Epcot Sword in the Stone Ceremony Discontinued Disney Vacation Club Features "Welcome Home Wednesdays" Walt Disney World Triathlon Scheduled for Sept. 22-24, 2006 Temporary Closure of Hess Gas Station Walt Disney World Closures and Rehabs
Upcoming Events at Walt Disney World
Castle Getting A Makeover Tomorrowland Terrace Returns Closures and Rehabs at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure
Upcoming Events at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure
DISNEY CRUISE LINE The Muppets Go Cruisin’ and More BEYOND THE DISNEY PARKS Pluto Demoted to Dwarf Planet, Seven Dwarves Complain Tony Jay, Voice Artist, Dies
We get lots of questions here at Magically Speaking. We love to answer those questions, so, hey, it's a great fit! One of the most common questions we get asked is how to get the most 'bang' for your buck when enjoying the Disney Dining Plan. First off, let me say, writing this article has been fun, but at times very painful! You see, when it is months (or years) until your next Walt Disney World vacation, looking at all of the menu selections the World has to offer, well, let's just say it can make you really crave that next trip! Since Disney debuted the Dining Plan way back in January of 2005, it has gained tremendous popularity with people traveling to Walt Disney World. One reason for that seems to be the appeal of having most meals paid for ahead of time. Another is that the dining plan can allow travelers to sample restaurants that, without the plan, they may not have budgeted into the trip. In this article we are going to look at some of the best ways to utilize the plan and get the most value out of it. Let's start with the facts. The dining plan allows each member of your party one snack, one counter service meal (a beverage, an entree or combo meal, and a dessert), and one table service meal (an appetizer, an entree, a dessert and a non-specialty beverage, plus tip). The cost for the plan runs approximately $40 per day for each adult (ages 10 and up) and around $12 per day per child (3-9). Now that we know our basic facts, let's begin looking at our options! Explore the best of snack, counter service and table service options!
---Niki K. ---Chrissy C. Do you have a travel or Disney tip that you would like to share? Then send it to the editors at magicallyspeaking@themouseforless.com and we will consider it for publication. Please make sure you put "Worldly Tip" in the subject line. We are looking for tips from any Disney park or surrounding area. In each issue we like to answer questions from you. Are you wondering about a certain attraction? Are you curious about a resort or cruise? Do you have some nagging little trivia question that you are just dying to know the answer to? If so, please send them to us. We have a great team of Disney experts and sleuths that would love to answer your questions! If you have a question, send it to us at magicallyspeaking@themouseforless.com. Q. We will have our first trip ever to Walt Disney World this May, so we are very, very excited! We just have been to Disneyland Resort Paris... and now, we will see the 'Big Brother.' Wow! Because it is our first time... there are still so many questions we have! But one is the most important for us! We will stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge and would like to have a romantic view over the savannah - maybe to have the chance to see the sunrise. It will be the birthday of my girlfriend while we are there... so I would like to give her the best holidays ever :-) What do you recommend? (Submitted by Thomas H.) A. Animal Kingdom Lodge is definitely a romantic resort, and we are sure you will find you enjoy your time there. As for which area to request, while Disney will not guarantee a specific area, they do take into consideration your requests. You, or your travel agent if you are using one, should ask Disney Reservations to note your requests on your reservation. Always list the most important request first. Also, let them know the reason for the request. For example, in this case, let them know that your are celebrating your girlfriend's birthday and you would really like it if they can put you in a room with a romantic, sunrise view. The room assigners at Disney know the resorts inside and out and if they know what you are looking for, they can find the room that fits your needs. Also, we have found that there is not a whole lot of animal activity on the savannah at sunrise. It's actually when the staff is starting their day, and you may see them caring for the savannah and animals. The animals can be hard to predict and are free to roam on their own schedule, which sometimes means they may not be active at sunrise. We don't want to scare you, but just wanted to prepare you for the possibility. We are sure that you will be happy with your Savannah View Room. Q. Do you have to pay to park at the Contemporary Resort if you are staying off property? We wanted to have breakfast at Chef Mickey's and thought we could sneak away without paying parking for the day if we took the monorail from the Resort to the Magic Kingdom. (Submitted by Rachel F.) A. Who doesn't like to save money while at Disney World? Unfortunately, this isn't a route we recommend. When you dine at Chef Mickey's you will have to check in with the security booth and they will then give you a "parking pass" for the resort. The parking pass is only good for a certain amount of time. You cannot park at the Contemporary and then go to the Magic Kingdom to spend the day. If your reservation isn't too early, you can park at the Magic Kingdom and ride the monorail over to the Contemporary so that you don't have to worry about moving the car. Q. What day of the week typically has the smallest crowd size? Which has the most? (Submitted by Sara King) A. It really depends on a few factors. Disney offers Extra Magic Hours now every day of the week, some of them being mornings and others being evenings. Generally speaking, the Extra Magic Hour park of the day will be more crowded than others. Unless you are planning on taking advantage of the Extra Magic Hour attractions, it is usually a good idea to steer clear of that park! Also, take note of any groups that will be in certain parks on certain days. If you find out a group has designated "Monday" as their "Epcot" day you may want to be in Animal Kingdom that day. You can also take a look at Disney's schedule of hours for the time you will be there. If you notice, for instance, that Magic Kingdom closes at 9 every night except for, say, Wednesday, in which it closes at 11pm, then that's a good indication that the Disney officials are expecting Wednesday to be heavier in crowds. Other than that, there are really no hard and fast rules for which days have the most or least attendance. Did you know that you have a batch of FREE Disney e-cards at your disposal? Click here http://www.themouseforless.com/postcard/index.shtml to pick out your favorite and start sending!!
Disney Cruise Line Specials
To book any of these specials, visit:
http://www.themagicforless.com/formsquotes/tmflform.shtml Now you can receive up to $300 in onboard credit when you book with The Magic for Less. This is not a check you receive after you sail, this is an onboard credit you will be able to use and enjoy on your cruise. ~~~~ Exclusive Magic For Less Travel Disney Cruise Line Offer ~~~~ Receive an onboard credit on your next Disney cruise when you book with The Magic for Less Travel. This is not a rebate or check you will receive after you cruise, this is an onboard credit you can use on your cruise! Use your credits for shopping, shore excursions, spa treatments and more. More onboard credit means more fun for you! Cruises Priced at $1000 or above we offer a $50 Onboard credit* Cruises Priced at $2000 or above we offer an $85 Onboard credit * Cruises Priced at $3000 or above we offer a $100 Onboard credit * Cruises Priced at $4000 or above we offer a $150 Onboard credit * Cruises Priced at $5000 or above we offer a $200 Onboard credit * Cruises Priced at $6000 or above we offer a $250 Onboard credit * Cruises Priced at $7000 or above we offer a $300 Onboard credit* Terms and Conditions: **For new reservations only. Onboard credits can be used to pay for spa treatments, drinks, shore excursions and other onboard activities. When determining your onboard credit, the credit is calculated on the base price of your cruise and is the price BEFORE taxes, transfers, port charges, air tickets, the land portion of a land/sea package and any non-commissionable options and fees. The Magic for Less Travel DCL offer is not good on select group cruise sailings. Ask your counselor for more details. Walt Disney World Specials Special Packages available Travel Dates:10/01/06-12/23/06 Book by: 9/30/06 Special discounted Magic Your Way Packages are available for 10/01/06-12/23/06. travel dates. This discount is available for Magic Your Way packages that include the dining plan too. The numbers of rooms available with this special are limited and must be booked by 9/30/06. Deposit must be made using your Disney Visa Card at the time of booking. FREE Luxury Pixie Dust Pack- available only through The Magic for Less Dates: All 2006 MYW packages Book by: 9/30/06 >>>>>>Exclusive Magic For Less Travel offer <<<<<< The Magic for Less Travel will offer a FREE Luxury Pixie Dust Pack to all guests who book a new Magic Your Way package priced at $3500 or more. The Luxury Pixie Dust Pack offers an excellent assortment of gifts and includes a sling-style back pack, a copy of Cara Goldsbury’s Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World, a neck wallet, a water bottle caddy, a special Disney gift item, a subscription to TourGuideMiKE's Automated Vacation Planner, and some other magical Disney surprises.* As soon as your deposit is paid, we will start your TourGuideMiKE Automated Vacation Planner subscription, and the other gifts will be mailed to you with your final documents. *Pack contents may vary. FREE TourGuideMiKE Automated Vacation Planner Dates: All MYW package dates Book by: 9/30/06 >>>>>>Exclusive Magic For Less Travel offer <<<<<< When you book a package for $2000 or more with the Magic for Less Travel, you will receive a subscription to TourGuideMiKE's Automated Vacation Planner (a $25 value). Make your Disney vacation the best ever with the TourGuideMiKE Automated Vacation Planner. You'll benefit from the expertise that comes from years of giving VIP Tours at Disney World. With the exclusive TourGuideMiKE A.V.P., you'll receive Walt Disney World vacation time-saving tips, attraction reviews, planning advice, helpful vacation articles, and notification when it's time to make your dining arrangements. Disneyland Specials 4th Night Free Your can add an extra night when you stay in the magic*! By staying a minimum of 3 consecutive nights at any of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort for arrivals 10/1/06 – 12/17/06 you s can get a 4th night of magic -- FREE! Travel must be completed by 12/21/06. Make your vacation dreams come true! Block-out dates are 11/22/06 – 11/25/06 and restrictions apply *Upon a minimum of three (3) paid consecutive-nights’ stay at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort, a fourth (4th) free night will be added and must be sequential to the three nights stayed. This offer is limited to one (1) free night per package/reservation. Block-out dates are 11/22/06 – 11/25/06 and restrictions apply. Not combinable with additional discounts or savings.
Magical Adventures Hot Air Balloon Rides offering MFL members and MS readers a 10% Discount. Radisson Resort Orlando - Celebration (formerly Radisson Resort Parkway) Great Summer Specials Extended! For more details or to book a room using this rate, you must click Exclusive Discount on TourGuideMiKE's Automated Vacation Planner Now, armed with extensive knowledge of the Walt Disney World® Resort destination, Michael has "uploaded" all of his secrets into an Automated Vacation Planner that we all can afford. You are sure to love this interactive web site that makes planning your Walt Disney World® Resort Vacation a breeze!!! MFL readers can get a great discount of $3 off the price of $21.95 for TourGuideMiKE's Automated Vacation Planner. To get our discount, simply type in A82E8-2AH as your Promo Code during checkout or use the following link to make your purchase: Sign me up for TourGuideMiKE Automated Vacation Planner ************************** Sunray Transportation Offers MFL Discount
Click here for more information ****************************** Special Offer from The Disney Movie Club
3 Disney Movies for $1.99 each plus Free Shipping at Disney Movie Club! With membership. The Disney Movie Club features a wide selection of Disney's greatest hits - including preschool, live action and animated movies, recent releases, and hard-to-find classics. Plus we are adding new titles at great prices all the time. Everyone heading through Africa in Animal Kingdom must be pretty busy heading towards the safari ride. The door in last issue's photo is directly across from Tusker House, by the restrooms. We thought the writing on the door might be a clue, but this was a tough one! So tough, in fact, that even though a few of you made some valiant guesses, no one actually got it right! So, we'll just throw the pin back in for next time. Our photographer accidentally took this picture below as she was stowing her camera for a hand-clappin', foot-stompin' show in a theme park. What is this picture showing, and where was she heading?
If you think that you can help her out, please e-mail us your answer to magicallyspeaking@themouseforless.com. To see a larger view, click on the picture. If you think know where picture was taken, send in your guess by September 8th. Try to be as specific as possible, noting not only the park or resort, but what section or attraction the picture was taken. For instance, instead of saying, "Epcot," say "At Epcot in the Leave a Legacy monoliths" (which, by the way, isn't this week's answer.) One random entry from all correct entries received will be selected to receive a trading pin. Are you interested in advertising in Magically Speaking? We have some great opportunities to reach thousands of Disney fans! Contact us at magicallyspeaking@themouseforless.com for more details! |
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