Thursday, April 21, 2011

April 22, 1998 Disney's Animal Kingdom Opened

Disney celebrates Earth Day each year with special events. This year a new movie, Africa n Cats will be released and proceeds will go to help protect the African Savanna. In 1998 the big celebration was the opening of Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park.

Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park is one of 4 Theme Parks at Walt Disney World Resort and it is full of attractions, adventures and entertainment that reflect Walt Disney's dedication to nature and conservation, and in doing so, the Park leads the way in animal care, education and research.

Home to more than 1,700 animals from 250 species and sprawling across 500 acres of lush landscape, Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park is the largest animal-themed park in the world!

Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park is divided into 7 areas:

•Oasis
•Discovery Island® area
•Camp Minnie-Mickey
•Africa
•Rafiki's Planet Watch® area
•Asia
•Dinoland, U.S.A.® area

Within each area, encounter real and fantastic animals. Get close enough to pet some of them, or ask for their autograph! Exciting attractions await, as does live and wild entertainment—like Broadway-style musical shows and parades that invite you to be part of the excitement.

Guest Services

Guest Services at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park cover such topics as what to wear, what to bring, what attractions use the FASTPASS ticket system and where to find Disney character merchandise, souvenirs and maps.

Attractions

Attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park include exciting expeditions and wild adventures with animals. Get close to creatures, from the whimsical to the mighty, from feathered to fanciful. Use Disney's FASTPASS system on popular attractions to reduce wait times.

Entertainment

Entertainment at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park includes elaborate parades, performances that feature nearly 20 species of birds and big-as-Broadway musical-stage shows and Disney Character meet and greets. For show schedules, check the Park calendar or Times Guide.

Dining

Dining at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park means sampling American, African and Asian-inspired cuisines for breakfast, lunch and dinner in restaurants that offer a range of experiences from quick-service to Character Dining to wildly themed.

Shopping

Shopping at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park means finding authentic African art and imports—like baskets, masks and jewelry—as well as staples and souvenirs, such as film, sunscreen, plush toys, postcards, Disney Character merchandise and family apparel.

Tours

Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park offers several unique animal-related special experiences, including the Backstage Safari Tour, the Wild By Design Tour and the new Wild Africa Trek—where you can get closer to the animals than ever before!

Transportation

Transportation to and from Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park is available via bus throughout Walt Disney World Resort, and is complimentary for Walt Disney World Resort hotel Guests. For Park Guests choosing to drive, convenient self-parking is also available.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

La Nouba

La Nouba is a mesmerizing and extraordinary avant-garde circus spectacle performed by Cirque du Soleil exclusively in the Downtown Disney West Side area at Walt Disney World Resort.

La Nouba is performed at an exceptional theater built especially for Cirque du Soleil. The show's international cast of acrobats, athletes and performance artists—including more than 65 artists representing 15 countries—delights and mystifies with daring acts of grace.

La Nouba translates to English as "to party, to live it up," and this theme is evident in the energetic performances, the colorful costumes and the moving live music.

Join the thousands of fans who leave this Cirque du Soleil performance in awe of the glorious feats and the inexpressible beauty they have witnessed, carrying with them its memory as an inspiration to celebrate life. It truly is a show that makes "the impossible, possible."

See the magic up close for yourself when you attend a performance of La Nouba!

2011 Performance Times
Tuesday through Saturday, 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Performances will be available on Monday, December 26, 2011

Buy your tickets online or call 407-939-7600 for more information.

No performances on Sunday and Monday, or on the following dates:

•January 18 - 22, 2011
•March 22, 2011
•May 17 -22, 2011
•May 24 - 28, 2011
•July 26, 2011
•September 20 - 24, 2011
•November 22, 2011

Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba in Downtown Disney West Side is must-see evening entertainment. Along with opulent sets, brilliant choreography, theatrical lighting and provocative music, La Nouba features a mix of mesmerizing high wire and flying trapezes, stunning acro-gymnastic performances and other dynamic displays of coordination and strength.



Cirque Ticket Prices - you can get them online before your trip - they have a place on their website to sign up for the Cirque Club for free and are currently offering a 25% discount! http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/



Front and Center USD$124.00
Category 1 USD$109.00
Category 2 USD$87.00
Category 3 USD$71.00
Category 4 USD$57.00

*Prices exclude live entertainment tax and service fee.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Fort Wilderness Fun


Fort Wilderness Resort is the older brother to the Wilderness Lodge. It was there when Disney World opened; it was a product of Walt Disney's own imagination.

Fort Wilderness is huge and sprawling, and offers its own mini-culture as a result. Guests can rent golf carts to get around the property, and there is a huge system of bus transportation within Fort Wilderness itself to shuttle guests between the front (check-in) and back (dining, boat dock, general store, etc.) of the resort.

And because of Fort Wilderness' size and tenure at Disney World, they've incorporated dozens of fun and interesting activties into their daily agenda:

Carriage Rides: Private carriage rides cost $45.00 and take guests throughout Fort Wilderness and the adjacent trails. Call 407-wdw-play to book. Starts at 5:30 PM and are every 1/2 hour

Wagon Rides (Like a hayride): 45 minute rides depart from the back of Fort Wilderness from 7pm and 9:30pm. Adults are $8, kids are $5. Children under 3 are free.

Campfire Sing-a-Long and Movie with Chip and Dale: This is one of the only places in Disney World where you'll get interaction with characters without buying a meal or a park ticket. That's right--this is absolutely free! Take the yellow internal bus line to the "Settlement," and ask the driver to drop you off at the campfire (it is near the Meadows Trading Post area). The sing-a-long usually begins around 7, with marshmallow roasting (bring your own or buy a smores kit at the campfire snack bar for $5) and a movie following.

Archery: Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 2:45pm guides lead wannabe archers through the basics of archery, followed by some target practice. Call 407-wdw-play for reservations.

Segway Tour: The Wilderness Back Trail Adventure gives guests the chance to try their hand at a Segway and explore Fort Wilderness at the same time. Call 407-wdw-tour for more information.

Mickey's Backyard BBQ: Mickey, Minnie, and their friends picnic, dance, and have a general good time with you at the BBQ Pavilion! This is at the back of Fort Wilderness, next to the Boat Dock. It occurse on Thursdays and Saturdays from March through December, and can be booked through Disney Dining at 407-wdw-dine up to 90 days in advance. There is a fee for cancellations.

Hoop Dee Doo Revue: This is usually folks' first experience with Fort Wilderness, and it's a great one! It's a dinner show, serving all you can eat barbeque with the fixin's. Showtimes are 5pm, 7:15pm, and 9:30pm. Book up to 90 days ahead (we suggest you book early!) by calling 407-wdw-dine.

Horseback Riding: For $46, you can take a guided ride on horse back from the Tri-Circle-D Ranch through the Sherwood Forest of Fort Wilderness. Riders must be 9 years old, at least 48 inches in height, and weigh less than 250 lbs. Book up to 90 days ahead by calling 407-wdw-play. This isn't for anyone who's a whiz on horseback--but perfect for us newbies! Ride Times: 8:30 am 10:00 am 11:30 am 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm

You can book any of these by calling 407-wdw-play. You do need to book in advance - if you wait to do it the day of you have to actually go to Ft. Wilderness to book.

Also not listed on this site but available for Ft. Wilderness is Golf Cart Rentals and boat rentals.

Rentals in the Bike Barn at Ft. Wilderness:

Bike Barn Phone: (407) 824-2742
Operating Hours 9 am to 5 pm

BIKE BARN RENTAL RATES
(10 am until 5:00 pm)

Electric Carts $59 - $62.84 w/ tax per day - can seat 4 people
Bicycles $18 per day $7.51 per hour
Canoe/Pedal Boat/Kayak $6.50 - per 1/2 hour $11 - per hour
Cane Poles $8.31 - per day $3.75 - per hour
Rod and Reel $8.93 - per day $5.16 - per hour
Boston Whaler & Pontoon $45 per 1/2 hour
Speed boats $32 per for 1/2 hour $40 - for 1 hour $45 - for 1 1/2 hours

The rentals at the Bike Barn are on a first come basis so you don't have to plan an exact time. 12 years old and older can drive the Speed Boats and they can sit two people. They are small little boats you sit in, so it has the power of a seadoo but you don't get wet unless it is extremely windy.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Beauty and the Beast Stage Show Opened on Broadway April 18, 1994

Beauty and the Beast is a musical with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice and a book by Linda Woolverton, based on the 1991 Disney film of the same name. Seven new songs were written for the stage musical.



Beauty ran on Broadway for 5,464 performances between 1994 and 2007, becoming Broadway's eighth-longest running production in history. The musical has grossed more than $1.4 billion worldwide and played in thirteen countries and 115 cities. It has also become a very popular choice for high school productions.


Although it is no longer on Broadway, you can see Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage! is a Broadway-style musical at the 1,500-seat Theater of the Stars, on Sunset Boulevard, at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World. It is based on the popular animated film Beauty and the Beast, including many of the original songs and characters.


Two versions of the show have been presented since opening night. It is currently the longest running stage show at a Walt Disney World Theme Park.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Characters In Flight

Characters in Flight operated by Aérophile takes you up in a giant tethered balloon 400 feet above Downtown Disney Area! Ascend in the sky for approximately 8 to 10 minutes and experience a breathtaking, 360–degree view of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. And you'd know those silhouettes anywhere — it's Mary Poppins, Aladdin, Dumbo and other characters from some of Disney's most famous films! See them across the surface of the internally illuminated balloon that rises above you! It's a special design just for the Walt Disney World Resort. This whimsical balloon — the Aéro30 — was built by Aérophile S.A., a company with headquarters in Paris, France. It's the world's largest tethered gas balloon! The balloon itself is attached to a gondola that is 19 feet in diameter and holds up to 29 Guests and the pilot at a time. Guests board from a specially designed platform and then, once in the air, revel in a spectacular view of vistas up to 10 miles away! Weather permitting, the hours of operation are every day from 9 a.m. to midnight. Ticket Prices:

  • $18 Adult (tax included) - Guests ages 10 and up

  • $12 Children (tax included)

  • Guests ages 3 - 9 Free

  • Guests 2 and under


  • Tickets may be purchased at the attraction's ticket window.


  • Guest Policies

  • Guests under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Gondola is wheelchair accessible with assistance. Guests must transfer from an Electric Convenience Vehicle (ECV).

  • Weather conditions determine the number of Guests who may board the gondola in any given flight.

  • All flights and times subject to change due to inclement weather.

Location: Downtown Disney Area West Side


Height Requirement: Any Height


Category: Fun for Everyone Recent Additions Outdoor


Wheelchair Accessible - ECV transfer


Fun Facts The gas balloon created for Characters in Flight Operated by Aérophile has a volume of 210,000 cubic feet, a diameter of 72 feet, a circumference of 240 feet, and a height of 105 feet.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Customized Maps

Order Free Customized Maps online at http://customizedmaps.disney.go.com/ Highlight your family's favorite Park activities and attractions and then have them delivered to your door! This is one of my favorite things to do to get in the mood for my Disney Vacation! You can create special keepsake Maps of all 4 Parks that highlight your favorite attractions and entertainment. Please note that you must be 18 years or older and live in the United States to order Customized Maps for home delivery. All Guests may create and print Maps at home. Creating your map is simple!

  1. Log in or Register to start creating your customized maps.

  2. Explore all 4 Walt Disney World Theme Park maps, finding information about the areas that interest you and your family.

  3. Begin with our top Favorites for your travel party or start from scratch and customize your maps with your favorite attractions and entertainment.

  4. Select the theme to give your map a unique look and feel.

  5. Order your FREE keepsake-quality set of 4 full-color maps or print your customized maps now from home.

  6. Your Maps will arrive in 2-4 weeks.

  7. A confirmation email will be sent when your order is shipped

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, a high-speed roller coaster for big kids, teens and adults, is amplified by the driving beat of a soundtrack recorded by the rock group Aerosmith specifically for this attraction. With the force of a supersonic F-14, accelerate from a stand-still stop to high speeds—then swoop into 3 inversions and discover a new twist on viewing Los Angeles: upside-down! Step into the G-Force Record studio where you see the 5 members of Aerosmith wrapping up a practice session before their big concert on the other side of town. The show starts soon, the band's late and their manager is trying to get them on the road. You're invited to come along. But how's everyone going to get to the big bash? The solution: a super-stretch limousine that races across 3,400-feet of roller coaster tracks past Southern California landmarks and slices through the toughest of traffic on the LA freeways. Each "car" is furnished with a 125 speaker, 24 sub-woofer, 32,000 watt, onboard audio system—built to blast. Careen through the neon-filled streets of Tinseltown, the rock 'n' roll adrenaline pumping through your veins, your body feeling the force from launch to loop at zero to 60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds. This is one limo ride you'll always remember! Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is sponsored by Hanes®, and is located next to The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction in the Sunset Boulevard area of Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park. Guest Policies

  • Due to the nature of the experience, service animals are not permitted on this attraction.

  • Guests with young children may take turns experiencing attractions. See a Cast Member for additional information.

  • For safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure.

  • Guests must transfer from motorized scooter or ECV to an available wheelchair, then from the wheelchair to the attraction/ride vehicle.

  • Expectant mothers should not ride.

Location: Disney's Hollywood Studios Theme Park Sunset Boulevard Height Requirement: 48 inches (122cm) or taller Category: Thrill Rides Indoor FASTPASS Service Rider Swap Pal Mickey Wheelchair Accessible - must transfer


Fun Facts Aerosmith worked with Walt Disney Imagineering to create special music for the ride, which they synchronized to 3-D graphics before construction on the roller coaster was completed.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Golf at Disney

Complimentary Golf Club Rental Guests staying at a Walt Disney World® Resort hotel will enjoy complimentary Titleist and Cobra club rental when they purchase a full round of golf at any of the 4 Disney Championship Golf Courses.

Walt Disney World® Golf offers: 2008-2009 Silver Medal Golf Resort as awarded by Golf Magazine



  • Beverage cart service available on all courses except Disney's Oak Trail

  • Full-service pro shops

  • Golf instruction from a full PGA Professional Staff, available by appointment

  • Four championship courses

Disney's Palm Golf Course


Disney's Palm Golf Course offers tree-lined fairways, elevated tees and greens, and it boasts more than its share of water and sand with nine water holes and 94 bunkers. Disney's Palm Golf Course plays host to the Pro-Am competition during the Golf Classic at the Walt Disney World® Resort. Experience the natural beauty of the Florida woodlands that makes this majestic course one of America's premier resort destinations. This Joe Lee masterpiece features sparkling lakes and tropical sand, all in a gorgeous golf landscape populated with strategically placed palms. Played each year as part of the PGA TOUR's Children's Miracle Network Classic, Disney's Palm offers plenty of challenges for the novice and seasoned pro alike.


Course Information: 4 out of 5 stars, as rated by Golf Digest. The beauty of the Florida woodlands makes the Palm not only a pleasure to play, but also one of Disney's toughest. Rated by "Golf Digest" as one of "America’s 75 Best Resort Courses," this course plays a modest 6,461 yards from the middle tees and boasts more than its share of water and sand. On the 18th, golfers will be challenged by a hole that's been rated the fourth toughest on the PGA TOUR®.


Disney's Magnolia Golf Course


Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course is the longest of the Disney courses. Designed by Joe Lee in classic PGA TOUR style, the wide fairways invite you to hit the ball, and hit it hard! But beware -- 11 of the 18 holes boast water, and 97 bunkers dot the landscape and guard the medium-to-large, undulating greens. More than 1,500 magnolia trees dot this course designed for big hitters. As the setting for the final round of a PGA TOUR® event, this beautifully manicured course has all the earmarks of a golfer's paradise. The par-3 sixth hole even pays tribute to Mickey Mouse with a bunker shaped to form his silhouette.


Course Information: 4 out of 5 stars, as rated by Golf Digest. Step onto the first tee and into the shoes of champions. Power your way down the fairways at this home to the final rounds of the PGA TOUR's Children's Miracle Network Classic. These beautifully manicured links, designed by Joe Lee, are named for an abundance of fragrant Magnolias. Elevated tees, spacious greens, rolling terrain and tranquil water hazards on 10 of the 18 holes immerse you in a natural setting fit for a fulfilling round of championship golf.


Disney's Osprey Ridge Golf Course


Tom Fazio designed Disney's Osprey Ridge Golf Course to be in unity with the environment, but this trek through nature is no walk in the park. The course rolls through stands of majestic oaks and pines, while large bunkers, glistening lakes and rolling greens deliver all the excitement, magic and fun you can handle. This walk on the wild side provides a Disney golf experience like no other. A beautiful tropical wilderness creates a serene atmosphere, but with a uniquely styled course that challenges the player from the moment they step onto the first tee by offering dramatically elevated tees and greens, nine water holes, and more than 70 strategically placed bunkers.


Course Information: 4 out of 5 stars, as rated by Golf Digest. Tom Fazio, who in 1989 was voted "Golf Course News" "Architect of the Year," has designed a course that is totally unique to this area. This links-style course is designed by mounds and ridges framing the large greens and rolling fairways. The course plays 6,680 yards from the middle tees and winds its way through a tropical wilderness!


Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course


Styled in a classic country club setting, Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course meanders through dense pine forests. Characterized by small, slightly elevated, well-bunkered greens, the course demands accurate shot-making. Add an island green on the 7th, and it all adds up to a great golfing experience. Styled in a classic country club setting, the Lake Buena Vista course plays 6,268 yards from the middle tees. This challenging course, which meanders through dense pine forests, is characterized by small, well-bunkered greens that demand accurate shot-making. It all adds up to a golf experience that truly reflects the philosophy of the course's designer, Joe Lee.


Course Information: 4 out of 5 stars, as rated by Golf Digest. Enjoy a meandering course that winds its way through pastel villas, pine forests, palmettos and sparkling lakes. Experience the pleasures of a classic country-club course with a distinctive atmosphere. Tee off next to boats and canals and enjoy views of an enchanting lighthouse. Golfing here is, in the words of course architect Joe Lee, "exciting, challenging, yet fun to play."


Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course


Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course, our nine-hole, par 36 walking course, is noted for the small, undulating greens and elevated tees. Surrounded by thick vegetation and wildlife, it is perfect for those who enjoy walking a course and soaking up the scenery. Shots shouldn't be approached too casually, however, as Disney's Oak Trail greens have been labeled some of the most challenging at the Walt Disney World® Resort. The 9-hole, par-36 walking course features small, undulating greens and elevated tees. Playing to 2,913 yards from the middle tees and surrounded by thick vegetation and wildlife, it's perfect for those who enjoy walking a course and soaking up the scenery.


Course Information: Enjoy a delightful time at this retreat that is home to a pleasurable nine-hole, par-36 course. Play the excellent, undulating target greens. This design is for everyone, with holes ranging from 132 to 517 yards from the back tees. It's perfect for the developing golfer or the experienced player. Ideal for a family outing or getting in a quick nine, Oak Trail is a great place to relax.

Monday, April 11, 2011

The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh opened April 11, 2003 in Disneyland

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is a ride that is perfect for little ones in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom theme park. Climb aboard Pooh's Hunny Pot for a slow-moving ride right into the pages of an A. A. Milne storybook. On a very blustery day in the Hundred-Acre Wood, join Winnie the Pooh and all his friends including Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet, Owl, Rabbit, Gopher, Kanga and Roo. Bounce along with Tigger, float through a floody place with Piglet and drift through the mysterious dream world of Heffalumps and Woozles. Little kids will delight in this popular attraction, which seats 4 Guests per ride vehicle and features creative lighting effects and playful music to bring Pooh's exciting adventures to life. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh contains some elements such as a storm that could be a little scary for very small children, but overall it's a willy nilly silly good time! Winnie the Pooh: © Disney. Based on the "Winnie the Pooh" works by A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard Guest Policies



  • Guests with young children may take turns experiencing attractions. See a Cast Member for additional information.

  • Flash photography not allowed.

  • Guests must transfer from their motorized scooter or ECV to an available wheelchair to experience the attraction.

  • Disney's FASTPASS service, a reservation system that reduces time spent in line, is available for this attraction.

  • Handheld Captioning is available at this attraction. Please visit Guest Relations to obtain a device.

Location: Magic Kingdom Theme Park - Fantasyland Height Requirement: Any Height Category: Fun for Everyone - Fun For Little Ones - Indoor FASTPASS Service Pal Mickey Rider Swap Wheelchair Accessible Hearing Disabilities Visual Disabilities


Fun Facts The characters from The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh were created by English humorist and author A. A. Milne in a series of stories about a boy, Christopher Robin, and his stuffed bear.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Disney and Partners Break Ground on Shanghai Disney Resort

The Walt Disney Company and Shanghai Shendi Group, its joint venture partner in China, have broken ground on the Shanghai Disney Resort following approval from the Chinese central government in Beijing. Both companies marked the start of construction on the first Disney resort in mainland China at a groundbreaking ceremony held April 8, 2011. "Today marks a significant milestone in the history of The Walt Disney Company," said Robert A. Iger, President and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. "Our Shanghai resort will be a world-class family vacation destination that combines classic Disney characters and storytelling with the uniqueness and beauty of China. Working with our Chinese partners, the Shanghai Disney Resort will be both authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese." "We're incredibly excited to build a Disney resort in Shanghai, one of the world's most vibrant cities," said Thomas O. Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "We are hard at work designing Shanghai Disneyland, which when complete will be a special place where guests of all ages will discover a world of imagination, creativity, adventure and thrills." The groundbreaking ceremony paid homage to the culture and people of China. Traditional Chinese drum music, a female soloist singing in Mandarin, a 40-voice Shanghai children's choir and Mickey Mouse dressed in a traditional Chinese costume were on hand to mark this special occasion. Following the entertainment and remarks, Iger and Staggs were joined by Shanghai Party Secretary Yu Zhengsheng and Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng to officially break ground on the project. The new Shanghai Disney Resort is slated to open in approximately five years. The Shanghai Disney Resort will be home to Shanghai Disneyland, a Magic Kingdom-style park that will blend classic Disney storytelling and characters with all-new attractions and experiences tailored specifically for the people of China. The park will feature several themed lands complete with exciting, iconic Disney attractions and experiences. At the heart of the park will be an interactive Disney castle that is truly an attraction unto itself with entertainment, dining and performance experiences that will be unique to Shanghai Disneyland. The park will also contain other large-scale entertainment venues, indoor and out, that can be used for various purposes throughout the year. A beautiful, 11 acre (46,130 square meter) green space at the center of the theme park will differentiate Shanghai Disneyland and reinforce the themes of sustainability and nature that will be integrated throughout the park. The space will also be a place where friends and family can enjoy local cultural celebrations and customs together. On Opening Day, the Shanghai Disney Resort will be located on a 963 acre (3.9 square kilometer) site in Pudong, Shanghai, with additional room to expand in the future. At opening, the resort will include Shanghai Disneyland, two themed hotels, a large retail, dining and entertainment venue, recreational facilities, a lake and associated parking and transportation hubs.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Sams Club Gift Card Promotion

Sams Club has a HOT Disney gift card promotion. If you buy a Disney gift card valued at $100 for just $98.87, you also get a $10 bonus Disney Store gift card for free! That’s like getting $110 for just $98.87. Here are a few things you need to know:

  • The Disney gift card can be used anywhere credit cards are accepted. That means you can use it to pay for your Disney vacation packages, hotel reservations, meals, souvenirs at the parks, or even at DisneyStore.com. Plus the card never expires!

  • The bonus $10 Disney Store gift card is only valid at Disney Store locations or online at DisneyStore.com. It is not valid in the parks.

  • There doesn’t appear to be a limit to how many cards you can buy.

  • You need to purchase your Disney gift cards at your local Sam’s Club stores. There are displays with the cards.

  • Some stores accept only Discover credit card. My stores do. I was not able to charge this on my Disney Visa and get reward dollars too. Bummer!

Posted on www.couponingtodisney.com

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

New Itineraries and Ports for 2012

For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line® will set sail from three new ports in 2012 – New York, Seattle and Galveston – making the Disney family cruise vacation more accessible to your Clients around the country. There are also more itinerary choices than ever before, including one special voyage to Hawai‘i. As an exclusive benefit to you, Clients who are Platinum/Gold Castaway Club Members, bookings will open via phone at 8 a.m. EDT on Thursday, April 7, 2011. All other Clients can book beginning at 8 a.m. EDT on Friday, April 8, 2011. New York Sailings Beginning May 25, 2012, the Disney Magic® will sail a total of 20 cruises from New York.

  • 8-night Bahamian cruises include a day at Disney’s Castaway Cay and a stop at Port Canaveral, gateway to the Walt Disney World® Resort. As part of this itinerary, your Client will receive a one-day Park Hopper® Ticket and roundtrip transportation between the ship and resort.

  • 5-night Canadian/New England cruises will visit Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick.

  • 2-night cruises are perfect for Clients looking for a quick getaway at sea over a weekend. Seattle Sailings Beginning May 28, 2012, the Disney Wonder® will sail a total of 14 cruises to Alaska from the Port of Seattle, Wash.

  • 7-night Alaskan cruises will call on Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan plus Victoria, British Columbia. Galveston Sailings Beginning Sept. 22, 2012, the Disney Magic will sail 12 cruises from the Port of Galveston, Texas.

  • 7-night Western Caribbean cruises will visit Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, as well as Grand Cayman. Los Angeles Sailings In addition to 7-night Mexican Riviera cruises, the Disney Wonder will set sail on Disney’s first-ever voyage to Hawai‘i on April 29, 2012.

  • 15-night Hawaiian cruise departs from the Port of Los Angeles and includes stops at Hilo; Kahului, Maui; Honolulu, Oahu; Nawiliwili, Kauai and Ensenada, Mexico.

  • 7-night Pacific Coast cruises will call on San Francisco, San Diego and Ensenada, Mexico.

The Disney Dream™ will continue to sail 3-, 4- and 5-night Bahamian cruises. The new Disney Fantasy™ will offer Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, beginning with the maiden voyage on March 31, 2012. Sail dates for both ships are now available through December 2012.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Sounds Like Summer

Summer just isn't summer without great tunes. So all summer long, Epcot® has your ears covered with great entertainment from some of the world's greatest tribute bands, courtesy of the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series. Dance to classic hits under the skies of the open-air America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase. This summer concert series features a lineup of rockin' bands playing tribute to timeless tunes from U2, The Bee Gees, Janet Jackson, Bon Jovi and many more. Get the family together and groove to the songs you all know and love! Sounds Like Summer Concert Series 2011 Performers •June 12 – June 18: Hotel California — A Salute to the Eagles •June 19 – June 25: Stayin' Alive — A Tribute to the Bee Gees •June 26 – July 2: Slippery When Wet — The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute •July 3 – July 9: Little Queen — The Music of Heart •July 10 – July 16: Frontiers — A Tribute to Journey •July 17 – July 23: Karin Lawson — A Tribute to Janet Jackson •July 24 – July 30: 2U — A Tribute to U2 Please note: Entertainment is subject to change without notice. Showtimes Showtimes are scheduled for 5:45 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 8:15 p.m.—except on July 4. On July 4, showtimes are scheduled for 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. For the latest information and updated showtimes, please check the Entertainment Guide you receive when you enter Epcot theme park.

Monday, April 4, 2011

DCL News

Dining, Show Times Change on Disney Dream ---------------------------------------------------------------- To better accommodate Clients, Disney Cruise Line® is adjusting both dining and show times onboard the Disney Dream™. Main dining will begin at 5:45 p.m., with second dining beginning at 8:15 p.m. There are now only two evening performances in the Walt Disney Theatre: at 6:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. You can attend the performance that best complements your assigned dining time. In addition, there are special matinee performances of two popular shows – Villains Tonight! and Disney’s Believe. Check the daily Personal Navigator for any updates throughout the cruise. Magical Announcement from Disney Cruise Line -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for supporting Disney Cruise Line®! Please chart a course back to this page for a big announcement on Wednesday, April 6, 2011. (Hopefully it will be more information on the 2012 routes - fingers crossed for Galveston!) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also, check back on Friday morning, April 8, for more news from Disney.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Summer Room Offer


Save Up To 30% On Select Deluxe Resorts This Summer

You can beat the heat this summer by staying at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels. Save up to 30%* for stays most nights June 15 – Aug. 13, 2011, at select Disney Deluxe Resorts and Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts.


Just add Theme Park tickets and you can take advantage of all the summer fun.


Offer Details:

For stays most nights June 15 – Aug. 13, 2011:


  • Save 25% at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Disney's Polynesian Resort

  • Save 30% at other select Disney Deluxe Resorts

  • Save 30% at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

Book by May 28, 2011. Ask about other great rates for stays most nights May 1 – June 14, 2011.


For example, weekday rates starting at*:



  • Disney's Wilderness Lodge - $233

  • Disney's Old Key West Resort - $238

Ask about rates for other resorts and rates for travel 4/22 – 4/30/11. Book by 4/30 for stays most nights 4/22 – 5/28/11. Book by 5/28 for stays most nights 5/29 - 6/14/11.


Booking Information:


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