Welcome to the MouseSavers Newsletter!
The past couple of weeks have been very busy, with Disney releasing a huge amount of information for 2008 vacations. The 2008 room rates (
http://www.mousesavers.com/roomrates2008.html) and vacation packages for Walt Disney World (
http://www.mousesavers.com/packages.html#2008) were finally released. In addition, Disney published information on its vacation packages for
Disneyland (
http://www.mousesavers.com/dlpackages.html#2008) and the Adventures by Disney program (
http://www.mousesavers.com/adventures.html#2008). Click on the links above for more details.
On August 5, all Disney World ticket prices went up. A rumor of the impending increases came to me from a pretty reliable source on August 2, so I was able to put up a home page notice at MouseSavers.com warning readers that they should consider buying tickets soon. The price increases were absolutely confirmed in the late afternoon of August 3, so I sent out a Hot Deals e-mail, letting subscribers know they had only a short time to grab lower-priced tickets. The discount ticket broker I recommend, Undercover Tourist, sold out its remaining lower-priced ticket stock by the end of the day on Saturday, August 4!
If you missed out on this notice because you don't currently get the Hot Deals e-mails, it's easy to add them to your subscription:
http://www.mousesavers.com/newsletterhelp.html#hotdeals
A side note: like most companies, Disney usually sends out news releases about unpleasant/unpopular things like ticket price increases on Friday afternoons. This is a good reason NOT to subscribe to the MouseSavers Newsletter and Hot Deals e-mails at work -- you could miss something important that needs to be acted on over the weekend.
Disneyland (California) tickets follow a different pattern, with the increases tied to the calendar year and announced well in advance. The 2008 ticket prices for Disneyland can be found here:
http://www.mousesavers.com/dlticketprices.html
Well, there's lots of new information out there to digest -- enjoy planning your 2008
Disney vacations!
- Mary
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If you are able to receive e-mails that display graphics, you should really consider switching your newsletter registration to "HTML" e-mail. The MouseSavers Newsletter looks a lot better that way and is much easier to use. It's simple to do: just go to the bottom of this newsletter and click on the link that says "To unsubscribe or update your subscription" - you can make the change in a few seconds.
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In this issue:
* Newsletter Exclusive Disney World Ticket Discounts
* Special Offer at Radisson Resort Orlando Celebration
* Exclusive Offer at Doubletree Guest Suites in the Walt Disney World® Resort
* Exclusive MouseSavers Newsletter Offer from Owners Locker
* New Fall Package Discounts for Walt Disney World
* Walt Disney World Resort Room-Only Discounts for Annual Passholders and Florida Residents
* Sue Says: What is a
Disney Cruise Line Group Rate?
* Disney Movie Rewards
* Save on Disney Stock
* Discounts on Disneyland (California) Tickets
* Fantastic Offer at Hilton Anaheim
* Refurbishment/Closure/Update Schedule at Disneyland in California
* New High School Musical 2:School's Out! show in Disney's California Adventure
* Disney's HalloweenTime brings Tricks & Treats back to Disneyland Resort
* Refurbishment/Closure/Update Schedule at Walt Disney World
* Correction: Birthday Parties at Walt Disney World
* New Name, More Magic to Transform Disney Theme Park
* Healthier Eating Options at Walt Disney World
* 12th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Coming September 28 - November 11
* Radio Personality Steve Harvey to Reach Dreamers for Program at Walt Disney World Resort in January
* Dining Changes at Disney's Animal Kingdom
* Disney Vacation Club Opens "Doorway" to New Preview Center in Suburban Chicago
* Walt Disney Company Plans to End Cigarette Smoking in Disney-Branded Films
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Newsletter Exclusive Disney World Ticket Discounts
The offer listed below is EXCLUSIVE to readers of the MouseSavers Newsletter and not available to the general public. Please don't post information about it in public discussion forums (i.e. the DIS or AOL forums) or publish this information anywhere else. Thanks!
MouseSavers newsletter subscribers can get exclusive, extra discounts on selected Walt Disney World tickets sold by UndercoverTourist through the special "secret" link below.
UndercoverTourist is a Disney parks USA Selected Ticket Seller - Disney's authorized program for ticket resellers. It is contracted, licensed, and authorized by Walt Disney World and other attractions (including Universal Orlando, SeaWorld and the major dinner shows) to sell discounted tickets that are new and genuine. Thousands of MouseSavers.com readers have bought and used tickets from this very reliable ticket broker.
The prices available through the link below are not available to the general public and are not accessible through Undercover Tourist's regular web site. You must use the "secret" MouseSavers Newsletter link below! Be sure to use the link EACH time you visit the site to insure that you get the MouseSavers Newsletter rates.
UndercoverTourist offers FREE shipping to the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Netherlands and Australia! UndercoverTourist prices include tax.
Buy now through this special link:
http://www.undercovertourist.com/united-states/florida/orlando/attractions/tickets/?pid=1OO732
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Special Offer at Radisson Resort Orlando Celebration
Radisson Resort Orlando - Celebration, one of the MouseSavers Preferred Hotels, is located very close to Walt Disney World. This resort-style property on 20 lavishly-landscaped acres features three pools (including a fabulous waterfall pool with slide) and two spas. It is a beautiful, up-to-date property with clean white duvets on the beds and FREE High Speed Internet access in all guest rooms.
Daily activities for kids of all ages are scheduled poolside and around the resort. The resort provides scheduled shuttle service to Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios through its private bus. Enjoy the Children Eat FREE Program for kids 10 and under. To see my full review of the hotel, please visit:
http://www.mousesavers.com/radisson.html
Limited time offer for MouseSavers.com readers:
* Stay at least 3 nights at the beautiful Radisson Resort Orlando - Celebration between now and 12/25/05 for only $79* per night.
* PLUS you will receive a $50 Resort Credit towards the balance of your bill! This $50 can be applied to room, taxes or food & beverage items charged to room account during your stay. Resort credit is only applicable with a 3-night consecutive stay at the resort.
Act quickly you must book your reservation by 8/31/07!
To book the MouseSavers rate use this special link:
http://orlando.guestselectresorts.com/default_intaffid_48.html and enter your dates in the green box in the upper right-hand corner. You don't need to enter a promo code.
*Daily rates do not include tax or $10/night Services Fee. This offer applies to NEW bookings only. If you already have a reservation you may not cancel and re-book this special. Reservations must be made by 8/31/07. There are no blackout dates, but rates are subject to availability.
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Exclusive Offer at Doubletree Guest Suites in the Walt Disney World® Resort
Doubletree Guest Suites in the Walt Disney World® Resort is located on Disney property, close to Downtown Disney. It is unique among the Downtown Disney properties because every unit is a suite that can accommodate up to six people. To see my full review of this hotel, visit
http://www.mousesavers.com/dtguestsuites.html
For a limited time, Doubletree Guest Suites in the Walt Disney World® Resort is offering fantastic deals exclusively for MouseSavers Newsletter readers:
* For stays between August 19 - August 23 (check out by August 24), August 26 - 30 (check out by August 31), September 2 - 4 (check out by September 5) or September 8 - 22 (check out by September 23), enjoy a rate of just $89/night plus tax** for up to six guests in a standard suite, plus a complimentary welcome amenity (tin of Doubletree cookies + two bottles of water).
* PLUS, if you stay at least seven consecutive nights in September 2007, you will receive a certificate for one complimentary night free night during another seven night stay in September 2008!
This offer includes the MouseSavers.com special FREE daily continental breakfast for up to two adults and two children staying in the suite, plus a 20% off coupon for other meals!
These rates are not available to the public and are not available through the regular link on the MouseSavers.com web site. To book the special, go to this link:
http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/reservations/index.jhtml?hotel=MCOFHDT&corporateCode=0560064645
(If the link doesn't work, visit
http://www.doubletree.com - find Doubletree Guest Suites in the Walt Disney World® Resort, go to the reservations page and enter 0560064645 in the space for Corporate Account #. This special code must be entered to get the exclusive Hot Deals rate!)
**Listed rate is based on single or double adult occupancy and does not include tax. Children 17 and under stay free with paying adult. There will be an additional charge if more than 2 adults stay in the suite.
At check-in, you will receive a MouseSavers coupon for continental breakfast for each night of your stay, valid for up to two adults and two children in your party. Please present coupon to server to receive the complimentary continental breakfast. MouseSavers exclusive 20% off coupon for Streamer's Restaurant at the Doubletree Guest Suites is valid for lunch and/or dinner, for the entire length of your stay. Beverages are not included in the discount.
These exclusive rates are subject to availability, offered for a limited time and subject to change without notice. Offer cannot be booked by phone; available only by booking online using the link above. This offer cannot be combined with other offers or discounts.
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Exclusive MouseSavers Newsletter Offer from Owners Locker
If you are a regular visitor to Walt Disney World, you really should look into a new service called Owner's Locker -- it could make your vacations a lot more convenient.
* Owners Locker allows you to store your vacation gear between visits, which means less packing, less hassles, less hauling and less stress!
* Owner's Locker provides you with a container to store personal items that you regularly use at Walt Disney World, such as toiletries, an air bed, a water filter, your favorite liquor -- just about anything that makes your stay more pleasant.
* Owner's Locker picks the container up from your resort when you check out and stores it in a climate-controlled warehouse until you return.
* Here's the great part: Owner's Locker will have your container waiting for you at your resorts bell stand when you come back!
Your one-time membership fee includes the initial delivery and pick-up of your container. You then pay an annual fee that includes one delivery and pick-up, with a modest fee for any additional visits during the year.
Exclusive offer for MouseSavers Newsletter readers: get $10 off the one-time Owners Locker membership fee!
To get the discount visit
http://www.ownerslocker.com -- click on the "Sign Up Now!" tab and select "I heard about it on MouseSavers" on the order form pull-down menu under How did you hear about Owners Locker? then click on "Recalculate Order." Discount will appear.
You must sign up by 8/31/07 to qualify. Not traveling for awhile? No problem. Sign up now, get charged later! Owners Locker doesnt charge you for the service until 30 days prior to check-in.
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New Fall Package Discounts for Walt Disney World
Disney Rewards Visa cardholders can now book discounted Walt Disney World vacation packages for check-ins most nights between 9/30/07 and 12/23/07.
I anticipate that a similar package will become available for the general public on August 16. Go here for details and updates:
http://www.mousesavers.com/packages.html
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Walt Disney World Resort Room-Only Discounts for Annual Passholders and Florida Residents
Annual Passholders can get discounts on rooms at select Walt Disney World resorts for check-ins now through 9/29/07. Blackout dates may apply, and some resorts may be sold out. To see details and get the necessary booking code, visit:
http://www.mousesavers.com/disneyresorts.html#ap
Florida Residents can get discounts on rooms at select Walt Disney World resorts for check-ins now through 9/29/07. Blackout dates may apply, and some resorts may be sold out. To see details and get the necessary booking code, visit:
http://www.mousesavers.com/disneyresorts.html#states
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Sue Says: What is a
Disney Cruise Line Group Rate?
By Sue Pisaturo, Owner of Small World Vacations
Did you know that even if you are traveling alone as a couple or a family, you still can get a group rate on Disney Cruise Line?
Heres how. Some travel agencies hold "group blocks" at the lowest available price offered for that sailing. Unlike Disney Cruise Lines prices, which typically increase as stateroom inventory is depleted, these group rates are locked in. If you choose one of the group block sailings organized by that agency, you can often save a lot of money. You don't have to buy more than one stateroom and you don't have to participate in any group activities -- you simply get the benefit of the agency's buying power!
Heres how we can help you. Small World Vacations has locked-in the lowest group rates possible on over 100 sail dates in 2008. Plus, we have secured connecting Category 10 secret porthole rooms on most 3-, 4- and 7-night Disney Caribbean cruises in 2008!
Below is a chart listing which of our exclusive sail dates currently offer the best savings. We compared our group rates to current prices directly from Disney Cruise Line. Savings listed were compiled on August 5, 2007:
2008 Sail Date Cruise Length Stateroom Category Approx. Savings for 2 Adults
6/15/08 4 Night Category Six $555
6/29/08 4 Night Category Six $555
7/6/08 4 Night Category Six $675
7/13/08 4 Night Category Six $675
7/20/08 4 Night Category Six $675
8/3/08 4 Night Category Six $675
1/19/08 7 Night Eastern Category Six $578
3/8/08 7 Night Western Category Six $528
4/26/08 7 Night Eastern Category Six $528
5/13/08 7 Night Western Category Ten $505
(Savings vary according to party size, stateroom category and sail date. All prices are for reference only, limited availability and subject to change until deposit is paid.)
For a complete list of Small World Vacations exclusive 2008 sail dates, visit:
http://www.wdwvacations.com/DisneyCruisesGroups08.htm
At Small World Vacations, our goal is to start the magic for you at home. We want to exceed your expectations and make you happy. We are all about saving you money, helping you with all the details and decisions.
Here are more great reasons to contact Small World Vacations about your Disney Cruise today:
1. Small World Vacations is pleased to offer you a fantastic 5% Cash to You check with ZERO cap on any new three, four or seven night Disney Caribbean Cruise booked August 15 21, 2007 (by 5pm EST). On August 22, 2007 our Cash to You program will revert back to the $200 cap. Click here for exact details on this incredible promotion:
http://www.wdwvacations.com/CashtoYouNoCap.htm
2. Group Cruise Bonus. Receive a special bonus discount of $25 - $100 per cabin on one of our locked-in sail dates. (On select Summer 2008 sail dates there may be no group cruise bonus.)
3. On select sail dates you can combine the 5% Cash to You check with ZERO cap with up to $100 onboard credit! Take advantage of an exclusive $25 - $100 onboard credit from Small World Vacations for new reservations booked August 15 21, 2007 (by 5pm EST) for travel completed by December 31, 2008. (Some dates are excluded and this cannot be combined with certain discounts including group rates.) We can only offer this special onboard credit a few times each year and this week is one of those rare occasions! For exact details visit
http://www.WDWVacations.com/onboardcredit.htm
Small World Vacations agents are ready to get the magic started for you today. Click here for a price quote on your new 3, 4 or 7 night Disney Caribbean Cruise:
https://commerce29.pair.com/sueyblah/dcl.html
Due to the anticipated overwhelming response to this promotion, serious inquiries are greatly appreciated. Please be mindful of the agents time and efforts.
2008 Repositioning, California/ Mexican Rivera Cruises and previously booked Disney Cruises are NOT eligible for this promotion.
Bon Voyage!
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Disney Movie Rewards
If you ever buy Disney DVDs or go to Disney movies, this FREE program offered by Disney is for you!
Just sign up and submit codes from qualifying Disney DVDs, or send in theater ticket stubs from qualifying movies. You'll get points you can redeem for FREE stuff!
Most DVD codes are worth 75 or 100 points. Movie ticket stubs are usually worth 50 points each. Get rewards for as few as 150 points!
Join Disney Movie Rewards now at
https://register.go.com/bvhe/disneymovierewards/register?BAC-707acqFAN&att=msavers
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Save on Disney Stock
Disney's stock certificates are really beautiful -- they make a great framed art piece. The certificates feature Disney characters and a drawing of Walt Disney. They are a perfect gift for Disney fans -- and kids!
You only have to own ONE share of Disney stock to receive all the perks a major stockholder would get. Shareholders get no discounts, but you will get the corporation's annual report, an opportunity to vote in the annual corporate elections, and the ability to attend the Annual Meeting of shareholders. Plus, you'll usually get a small dividend check at the end of the year!
Take advantage of an EXCLUSIVE discount offer for MouseSavers.com readers: Save $10 on a share of Disney stock! Click here for details:
http://www.mousesavers.com/merchandise.html#stock
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Discounted Disneyland (California) Tickets
Need tickets for your Disneyland trip? ARES Travel is a great resource for discounted Disneyland tickets.
For discounts on 2-day to 5-day Disneyland Park Hopper tickets valid through 1/15/08, visit
http://www.mousesavers.com/dltickets.html#2007advance to go straight to the best deal.
ARES Travel also sells discounted tickets for other Southern California attractions such as Universal Hollywood, SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego Zoo and
LEGOLAND. Visit
http://www.mousesavers.com/otherparks.html to learn more about discounts at non-Disney theme parks and attractions.
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Fantastic Offer at Hilton Anaheim
If you're heading to Disneyland in California and looking for a full-service hotel nearby, you'll definitely want to look into the Hilton Anaheim. Located within just a few blocks of Disneyland, this hotel has it all: multiple restaurants, a fabulous fitness center and tons of other amenities.
MouseSavers.com readers get the best available refundable/changeable rate at the Hilton Anaheim, plus kids eat breakfast FREE!
Some restrictions apply. To see my full review of the Hilton Anaheim and learn how to take advantage of the special MouseSavers offer, visit
http://www.mousesavers.com/hiltonanaheim.html
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Refurbishment/Closure/Update Schedule at Disneyland in California
Refurbishment information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available at
http://www.disneyland.com
Current
* Carnival games on the Boardwalk (DCA) closed through 10/20/07 for refurbishment.
* Disney Gallery (Disneyland) closed 8/1/07 - 1/4/08 for refurbishment.
* Riverbelle Terrace and Bengal BBQ restaurants (Disneyland) closed 8/19/07-December 2007 for a major transformation.
Upcoming
* Haunted Mansion (Disneyland) closed 9/4/07 - 9/20/07 for holiday changeover.
* Casey Jr. Circus Train (Disneyland) closed 9/4/07 - 10/5/07 for refurbishment.
* Golden Dreams (DCA) closed 9/11/07 - 9/20/07 to install the Halloween show and 11/1/07-11/2/07 to remove the Halloween show.
* Alice in Wonderland (Disneyland) closed 10/8/07 -11/20/07 for refurbishment.
* it's a small world (Disneyland) closed 10/22/07 - 11/8/07 for holiday changeover.
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New High School Musical 2:School's Out! show in Disney's California Adventure
A brand new High School Musical 2: Schools Out! show will spring to life in Disneys California Adventure beginning Saturday, August 18.
Reprising their singing and dancing roles in the movie sequel are: Zac Efron as star athlete Troy Bolton, Vanessa Hudgens as brainy transfer student Gabriella Montez, Ashley Tisdale as drama club diva Sharpay Evans, Lucas Grabeel as her brother and on-stage partner Ryan Evans, Corbin Bleu as teammate and best friend Chad Danforth and Monique Coleman as academic decathlete Taylor McKessie. Also returning are Alyson Reed as Ms. Darbus, Chris Warren, Jr. as Zeke Baylor, Olesya Rulin as Kelsi Nielsen, KayCee Stroh as Martha Cox, Ryne Sanborn as Jason and Bart Johnson as Coach Bolton. Mark L. Taylor joins the cast as the country club manager, Mr. Fulton.
In the contemporary movie musical High School Musical 2, the Wildcats are back. This time, school's out and East High School hoops star Troy Bolton, A-student Gabriella Montez and the rest of the Wildcats are getting ready for a fun summer vacation. But that all changes when scheming drama queen Sharpay Evans uses her dad's connections to get Troy a job at Lava Springs, their ritzy country club, and a chance at a college basketball scholarship.The catch? He'll have to turn his back on his friends and pair up with Sharpay in a musical extravaganza for the club's annual talent show. But when Gabriella and the Wildcats start making plans without Troy, he must decide where his loyalties truly lie.
High School Musical 2 premieres Friday, August 17 (8:00 pm, ET/PT) on Disney Channel US, and will be featured Saturday and Sunday, August 18 and 19, in online and on-air programming events hosted by the movie's cast. It will also premiere on Disney Channels around the world beginning in September.
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Disney's HalloweenTime brings Tricks & Treats back to Disneyland Resort
Following up on the success of its inaugural season last year, Disneys HalloweenTime will return to the Disneyland Resort this fall with a lively mix of Disney characters in seasonal costumes, whimsical décor, decked-out attractions, themed shows and tasty treats designed with the whole family in mind. This inviting interactive Halloween experience at Disneyland and Disneys California Adventure will begin a week earlier this year starting Friday, September 21, and continuing through Wednesday, October 31.
All new this Halloween season, the Sunshine Plaza in California Adventure will become the site of Candy Corn Acres, where Mickey Mouses pal Goofy will set out to grow the Wests biggest and most unusual candy corn: candy corn coconuts, candy corn carrots and candy corn pumpkins, among other delicious produce offerings. The Plaza will be overgrown with the fruits of Goofys labor.
Also expanded will be Mickeys HalloweenTreat, a separate-ticket nighttime event which gives kids and their families the opportunity to dress in their Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat throughout Disneys California Adventure after it has closed to day guests. This years HalloweenTreat will offer tricksters of all ages more treat locations along with fun character encounters (including an all-new nightly cavalcade), interactive games, and spirited music with DJ Mickey. Older kids and parents will want to experience the heart-dropping Twilight Zone Tower of Terror® and meet the hotels ghostly staff members who materialize only during the Halloween season.
This year, additional nights have been scheduled for Mickeys HalloweenTreat: Thursdays and Fridays beginning October 4 plus Monday-Wednesday, October 29-31. Tickets went on sale August 1.
During regular park hours at Disneyland and Disneys California Adventure, Disneys HalloweenTime will offer parents and children lots of not-so-scary fun in addition to the parks many popular Year of a Million Dreams adventures. HalloweenTime experiences will include special Halloween shows, meet-and-greets with Disneyland characters in their Halloween costumes and spooky-silly holiday themed decorations which guests begin to spot as soon as they reach the entrances to the parks.
Jack-o-lantern creations resembling Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto and Goofy will adorn the top of the main entrance to Disneyland park. Across the Esplanade, at the entrance to Disneys California Adventure park, guests will see the iconic 11-foot-tall CALIFORNIA letters transformed into giant pieces of candy corn.
Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland will once again be decked out for the Main Street Pumpkin Festival. Guests will be greeted there by Miss Cobbler, Queen of the Pumpkin Festival, and Constable Jackie OLeary. More than 300 jack-o-lanterns will peek out of shop windows, while festive orange and yellow bunting will grace the quaint Victorian buildings. The whimsical 12-foot tall Mickey Mouse jack-o-lantern, complete with pumpkin ears, will return to highlight Town Square, smiling at guests as they enter Main Street and giving them a playful wink when they depart.
The Central Plaza of Disneyland, near Sleeping Beauty Castle, will also be specially decorated with Disney character-inspired jack-o-lanterns surrounding the famous Partners statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse. Additionally, the Disney characters themselves will get into the spirit of the occasion, wearing their favorite Halloween costumes, while meeting and greeting guests.
Woodys Halloween Roundup once again will take over Big Thunder Ranch in Frontierland. The Roundup fun will include a visit with the animals in the Petting Boo, crafts and musical activities including a Halloween Hoedown and a spooky interactive sing-along version of Old McDonald Had a Farm featuring black cats, ghosts and werewolves. Woody, Jessie and Bullseye from the DisneyPixar Toy Story movies will appear throughout the day on stage in comic adventure tales hosted by a guitar playing, storytelling cowboy. The Roundup will also feature an array of tasty treats to satisfy the most monstrous of appetites, including cotton candy in Halloween colors and Creepy Cookie Critters that guests create themselves.
Returning to Disneys California Adventure will be the spooky Hollywood Tower Hotel staff members who haunt the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror during the Halloween season, and Golden Screams, where Disney villains roll out the black carpet for an awards ceremony Best Scream, Best Act of Villainy held daily inside the Golden Dreams Theatre.
Favorite Disney villains, including Cruella De Vil from 101 Dalmatians, the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, Captain Hook from Peter Pan and others, will roam both Disneyland and Disneys California Adventure for HalloweenTime meet-and-greets with park guests.
Throughout the Disneyland Resort during Disneys HalloweenTime, families can enjoy unique Halloween-themed food items including Zeros Ghostly Ghoulash, a favorite of Jack Skellingtons pet in Haunted Mansion Holiday, and merchandise including Disney costumes, collectible pins and coins, and a special set of Halloween-themed Mickey Mouse ears resembling a Mickey jack-o-lantern.
And no Halloween celebration at Disneyland would be complete without the return of Jack Skellington and his friends to transform the Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square into the popular seasonal Haunted Mansion Holiday. Inspired by the innovative animated film Tim Burtons Nightmare Before Christmas, Haunted Mansion Holiday depicts the holiday mayhem that occurs when Halloween and Christmas traditions collide.
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Refurbishment/Closure/Update Schedule at Walt Disney World
Refurbishment/closure information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available at
http://www.disneyworld.com
Current
* Astro Orbiter (Magic Kingdom) closed through 8/25/07for refurbishment.
* O Canada! (Epcot) closed through 08/31/07 for installation of new movie.
* The Haunted Mansion (Magic Kingdom) closed through 9/12/07 for refurbishment.
* Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki Restaurant, Matsu No Ma Lounge and Tempura Kiku (Epcot) closed through 9/15/07 for refurbishment. They will reopen as Teppan Edo and Toyko Dining.
* American Heritage Gallery (Epcot) closed through 9/26/07 for installation of a new exhibit, "National Treasures." The continuously changing exhibit will showcase the contributions of great Americans and feature items such as the microscope used by George Washington Carver, Thomas Edison's cylinder phonograph and motion picture projector, and one of Abraham Lincoln's actual stovepipe hats.
* Lake Buena Vista Golf Course closed through 9/28/07 for refurbishment.
* 1900 Park Fare (Grand Floridian Resort) closed through 9/29/07 for refurbishment. Grand Floridian Café will host the Supercalafragilistic Breakfast and Cinderella's Gala Feast during this time.
* Francisco's Lounge (Coronado Springs Resort) is under construction through 10/12/07 for expansion purposes.
* Spaceship Earth (Epcot) closed through 11/13/07 for refurbishment.
* Innoventions: Too Small To See Exhibit (Epcot) closed through 1/11/08 for updates.
* Innoventions: Opportunity City Exhibit (Epcot) closed through 2/1/08 for updates.
* Animal Kingdom Villas will be under construction through 4/30/09. The construction will occur in phases. During this time, guests will hear and/or see construction staff and equipment inside the resort as well as in the external areas of the property during the daytime hours.
Upcoming
* Big River Grille Restaurant (BoardWalk) closed 8/18/07-9/1/07 for refurbishment.
* Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm (Magic Kingdom) closed 8/20/07-8/24/07 for refurbishment.
* Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery (Animal Kingdom) closed 8/20/07-11/16/07. It will reopen as a window take out only.
* Tusker House Restaurant (Animal Kingdom) closed 8/20/07-11/16/07 for changeover to full service restaurant.
* All Star Sports Resorts' Surfboard Bay and kiddie pool closed 8/27/07-10/4/07 for refurbishment. The Grand Slam Pool will remain open. Guests can also take advantage of the four other pools offered at Disney's All-Star Music Resort and Disney's All-Star Movies Resort.
* Donald's Boat (Magic Kingdom) closed 9/4/07-9/18/07 for refurbishment.
* Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (Disney-MGM Studios) closed 9/4/07-10/4/07 for refurbishment.
* Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue (Ft. Wilderness Resort) will not be shown Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9/4/07-10/24/07.
* Astro Orbiter (Magic Kingdom) closed 9/9/07-9/22/07 for refurbishment.
* Liberty Square Riverboat (Magic Kingdom) closed 9/17/07- 9/20/07 for refurbishment.
* Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba will not be shown 9/23/07-10/1/07 and 11/25/07-11/27/07.
* Official All Star Cafe (Disney's Wide World of Sports) closed 9/23/07-11/19/07 for refurbishment.
* Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom) closed 10/1/07-10/24/07 for refurbishment.
* Typhoon Lagoon water park closed 10/28/07-1/5/08 for annual refurbishment.
* Tony's Town Square Restaurant (Magic Kingdom) closed 1/5/08-1/27/08 for refurbishment.
* Blizzard Beach water park closed 1/6/08-3/8/08 for annual refurbishment.
* 50's PrimeTime Cafe (Disney-MGM Studios) closed 1/20/08-2/2/08 for refurbishment.
* Food and Fun Center (Contemporary Resort) expected to close soon and remain closed approximately through 8/14/08 and Concourse Steakhouse (Contemporary Resort) expected to close permanently approximately March or April 2008. Major changes are planned the resort's restaurants. A table service location called The Wave will open in the old Food and Fun Center location approximately March or April 2008. A new counter service restaurant will open in the old Concourse Steakhouse location approximately 8/14/08. During all this construction a temporary counter service location (Tempo Grab and Go) will be open near the Outer Rim Lounge on the 4th floor.
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Correction: Birthday Parties at Walt Disney World
I received a few complaints about inaccuracies in the July 15 newsletter article about birthday celebrations at Disney World. The information came directly from a recent Disney press release, but one paragraph, about the birthday fireworks cruises, contained outdated material.
Here is the corrected information:
Guests of all ages can book a Birthday Celebration Cruise that lets them set sail on Disney's waterways aboard a pontoon boat and a VIP viewing of a fireworks spectacular -- either Illuminations at Epcot or Wishes at Magic Kingdom. The cost is $300 (including tax) for a boat that accommodates up to 10 people. The package includes a driver, light snacks (bags of chips, pretzels and popcorn, water and soft drinks), plus themed decorations (banner and balloons). These boats can be booked for pick-up from the Contemporary, Fort Wilderness, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge or Yacht and Beach Club marinas. If you want other food or beverages, including birthday cake, you can order them at additional cost through the resort's Private Dining department. Call (407) WDW-BDAY (939-2329) for more information.
For more information on birthday parties and other celebrations at Walt Disney World, visit
http://www.mousesavers.com/otherwdw.html#occasions
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New Name, More Magic to Transform Disney Theme Park
In the Walt Disney World theme park famous for all things Hollywood, its curtain up on the launch of new attractions, new looks, new breakthrough experiences
and a brand-new name. Disney-MGM Studios will be renamed Disneys Hollywood Studios, effective January 2008.
Plus, check out these new attractions and experiences, coming soon to Disney's Hollywood Studios:
* In Toy Story Mania!, guests get sporty in a new, interactive Toy Story competition inspired by DisneyPixars Toy Story films and hosted by characters like theyve never before experienced. Past a queuing area featuring a giant Mr. Potato Head, guests grab 3-D glasses, board fanciful ride vehicles and zip into a world of exciting midway-style games hosted by many of their favorite Toy Story characters including Woody, Hamm and Rex. Once inside Andys Toy Box, the competition heats up. Who can rack up the most points? Using spring-action shooters, guests launch darts at balloons, rings at aliens, eggs at whimsical barnyard targets. Toy Story Mania! takes the interactive ride-game experience to infinity and beyond. (opens Summer 2008)
* Play, party and dance as Disney/Pixar film pals present Block Party Bash, the wildest, most interactive parade in Disney history. New to Disneys Hollywood Studios, Block Party Bash will invite guests to rock to retro tunes, be dazzled by high-flying acrobatics and join in the fun as more than 20 partying DisneyPixar Film Pals fill the theme park streets. This immersive rolling spectacle will feature favorite characters from The Incredibles, Toy Story 2, Monsters, Inc. and A Bugs Life. (opens Spring 2008, replaces Disney Stars and Motor Cars parade)
* A whole new cast of friends from Playhouse Disney fills the popular Playhouse Disney stage. Children will be on their feet singing, clapping and dancing to performing stars from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins, Handy Manny and more. (Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage! will be dark most of January 2008, reopens February 2008)
* High School Musical 2: Schools Out! - With new songs and a rollicking new spirit, the Disney Channel Original Movie High School Musical 2 comes to life on the streets of Disneys Hollywood Studios. It's interactive fun as high-energy performers on a traveling stage invite all ages to catch Wildcat fever by singing and dancing. (opens Fall 2007, replaces High School Musical Pep Rally)
* Disney Channel stars JoJo and Goliath and the Little Einsteins welcome guests in the Animation Courtyard next to Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage! and will be joined for the first time by Handy Manny later this year. (opens November 2007)
*Holidays at Disneys Hollywood Studios will have a special sparkle this year as the park hosts the Harlem Gospel Choir November 30-December 25, 2007.
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Healthier Eating Options at Walt Disney World
Kids' menus at Disney slowly have been evolving, but recent changes make healthier choices the standard instead of the "alternate." Carrot sticks are now offered in place of French fries and 1 percent milk or bottled water instead of soda, for instance. Guests must request fries and sodas.
The revised menus require that no more than 35 percent of calories can come from fat - saturated fat and sugar must account for no more than 10 percent of the meal's calories.
Additonally, over the next year, Walt Disney World Resort is removing all added trans fats from food served in parks and resorts. All partially hydrogenated oils also will be phased out.
Constantly looking for ways to improve the nutritional profiles and tastes of popular entrées, Disney instituted other changes including a new guest-tested hamburger with fat content less than 20 percent and buns with 10 percent whole wheat, and new pizzas with lower bread and lower-fat cheese.
Disney is working with manufacturers to reformulate recipes for candy, packaged food and bakery items sold in the parks, or identifying replacement products. Portion-controlled snacks and treats and packaging to promote nutritious food are part of the changes.
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12th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Coming September 28 - November 11
It is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival September 28 through November 11 at Walt Disney World Resort.
Epcot guests can explore the nuances of great wines from around the world and sample blissful bites from dozens of countries against the backdrop paintings inspired by food and wine. The paintings are served up from the palettes of artists in China, Italy, France and beyond as a fitting accompaniment to first-rate food, wine and beer that spotlight regional experiences from Turkey to Chile to Scandinavia during the six-week-long festival.
More than 25 international marketplaces serve tapas-sized portions of regional specialties and recommended wines and beers available at each kiosk make for picture-perfect pairings. Exciting new marketplaces this year include Oklahoma, Dominican Republic and Peru.
Meanwhile, daily seminars offer complimentary tastes of wine, beer and food from around the world. In addition, a series of special culinary programs features a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers participating in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools. Beer aficionados can raise their steins at several tasting locations, including Germany's Biergarten, which specialize in brews from light to dark.
Musical entertainment pairs well with culinary fun during the nightly Eat to the Beat! concert series featuring a varied lineup of classic rock, oldies, jazz and funk hit-makers. Concerts are performed three times each evening at America Gardens Theatre. This year's scheduled lineup includes appearances by Jon Secada, Little Richard, Sheena Easton, David Cassidy, The Village People, Chubby Checker & the Wildcats and 10 additional crowd-pleasing acts.
Other festival highlights include:
* The Festival Welcome Center, with a Champagne and Wine Bar, complimentary wine seminars and book signings, and festival keepsakes including exclusive festival pins and the official festival cookbook.
* Some 250 Disney chefs and guest chefs conducting culinary demonstrations and hosting elegant dinners and tasting events. Guest chefs appearing this year include Cat Cora, Alan Wong, Jeff Henderson, Roy Yamaguchi, Todd English, Gerry Garvin, Keegan Gerhard, Colette Peters, Warren Brown, Robert Irvine, Suvir Saran and many others.
* Mireille Guiliano, author of bestsellers French Women Don't Get Fat: The Secret of Eating for Pleasure and French Women for All Seasons: A Year of Secrets, Recipes and Pleasure, will sign books and participate in special culinary programs during opening weekend.
* Special exhibits along the promenade, featuring authentic cuisine, entertainment and traditional crafts. New exhibits include Oklahoma featuring chuck wagon and Native American cooking and culture in celebration of the state's centennial; Pearville Fair showcasing the variety and flavor of these favorite fruits; Peru showcasing an array of recipes and marketplace selections; Dominican Republic highlighting diverse culinary and cultural offerings; and an Andean Wine Bar offering a selection of varietals from Argentina and Chili.
*The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting event presented by Vanity Fair, with tempting tasting stations and featuring entertainment by Cirque du Soleil La Nouba.
Included with Epcot Admission:
Wine and beer seminars, cooking demonstrations, Eat to the Beat! concerts, culinary exhibits and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.
Special Programming by Reservation:
The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting, Food and Wine Pairings at Epcot restaurants, Exquisite Evenings at Epcot dinners, Regional Feasts, Epcot Wine Schools, Cheese Tastings, Sweet Sundays and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate admission.
Guests can call (407)WDW-FEST (407-939-3378) for information and to make reservations for special events and programs. Festival details are available at the Web site:
http://www.disneyworld.com/food
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Radio Personality Steve Harvey to Reach Dreamers for Program at Walt Disney World Resort in January
Disney's Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey, an enrichment event with a special appeal for African American high-schoolers, was announced jointly today by Disney and by national radio personality Steve Harvey. It invites inspired teenagers to pack their bags -- and their dreams -- for Walt Disney World Resort in 2008. One hundred teens from across the United States with the potential for greatness and the courage to dream will be tapped for the Dreamers Academy weekend January 17-20, 2008.
Harvey said Disney's Dreamers Academy "is very important to me because it gets to the heart of what my foundation is all about. It's about the education of our young people who are oftentimes slighted and don't have the chance to be exposed to a variety of job skills and job sets and meet with people in the fields they're interested in. We want to give our young achievers the tools to become overachievers -- to take their dreams stratospheric."
Sessions will also include interactive workshops, motivational talks with sports and entertainment celebrities, and discussions led by Disney cast members and executives sharing their blueprint for success. Workshop topics will feature everything from business to architecture/engineering, animation to set design, show production to culinary arts, to learning the business behind sports. There also will be free time to enjoy the Walt Disney World theme parks and recreation.
High school students from around the country can be nominated to participate. The lucky participants will be selected from among young dreamers nominated by their parents, legal guardians, their school, church, social organization, youth program - or even themselves. A select panel of judges including Steve Harvey, key African American community leaders and Disney representatives will choose the 100 finalists.
Participants in the program must be enrolled in high school. Disney's Dreamers Academy is designed for students who show promise - but may need a little motivation - and share one common trait: the power to dream.
Nomination forms and more details about Disney's Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey can be found at
http://www.steveharvey.com/disneysdreamersacademy
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Dining Changes at Disney's Animal Kingdom
This November, guests who travel to the land of Asia in Disney's Animal Kingdom will get a real taste of that exotic part of the world with Yak & Yeti Restaurant. Inspired by the western Himalayan foothills in India and Nepal, this Asian-fusion establishment will offer table-service dining and a full-service bar, as well as quick-service food and beer-garden options, and retail offerings from Pan-Asia ranging from silk purses, incense and saris to fine teapots. It will seat 250 inside for table-service dining and 350 in a quick-service courtyard.
Tusker House Restaurant in Disney's Animal Kingdom reopens in November, converted to a buffet restaurant that includes a character breakfast, Donald's Safari Breakfast. Hours are 8:00 am - 10:30 am and 11:30 am until the park closes. The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating. (Donald's Breakfastosaurus at the park's Restaurantosaurus closes November 5, but Restaurantosaurus remains open daily from 10:30 am until park close as a quick-service restaurant.)
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Disney Vacation Club Opens "Doorway" to New Preview Center in Suburban Chicago
Disney Vacation Club, the innovative vacation-ownership program that helps families enjoy flexibility and savings on decades of future vacations, is officially opening the doors to a first-of-its-kind preview center. Located at the Woodfield Mall in the greater Chicago area, the preview center, called Disney's Doorway to Dreams, celebrates its grand opening on Saturday, August 4.
Once inside the preview center, guests will experience an interactive family vacation discovery zone, comfortable discussion areas and a supervised children's play area within its approximately 6,300 square feet of retail space. Also incorporated within the preview center is a full-scale model of a two-bedroom vacation home. The design of the model vacation home represents accommodations available at Disney Vacation Club's eighth resort, Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas at the Walt Disney World Resort, which opened its first phases earlier this summer.
Designed to create a fun and immersive experience, Disney's Doorway to Dreams will catch the attention of Woodfield Mall shoppers even before they enter the preview center through a whimsical portal playfully shaped in the form of the familiar Disney silhouette of Mickey Mouse. Disney's Doorway to Dreams will be among the first retail environments in the country to utilize a technologically advanced visual display system. An eye-catching, flat panel screen will feature holographic-like 3-D video images appearing as a glasses-free 3-D display at the storefront.
Disney's Doorway to Dreams is the first Disney Vacation Club sales center located offsite from Disney theme park properties. For more information about Disney Vacation Club and "Disney's Doorway to Dreams" preview center, please visit
http://www.disneysdoorwaytodreams.com
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Walt Disney Company Plans to End Cigarette Smoking in Disney-Branded Films
The Walt Disney Company recently made a commitment to US Representative Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts, Chairman of the House Telecommunications and the Internet Subcommittee, that it will discourage depictions of cigarette smoking in its films and will place an anti-smoking Public Service Announcement (PSA) on DVDs of any future film that does depict smoking. Further, Disney will work with theater owners to encourage the exhibition of an anti-smoking PSA before the theatrical exhibition of any such film.
In a letter sent to Representative Markey, Disney President and CEO Robert A. Iger said, ... we expect that depictions of cigarette smoking in future Disney branded films will be non-existent.
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That's all for this month! Look for the next MouseSavers Newsletter on September 15th!
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. This is my 10th cruise and I really just want to relax , lay back and not worry about packing formal or getting my hair all done up. I LOVE seeing everyone else dressed up and I think that will have to be good enough for us this year.
Saving us from PAGE TWO
, and could only go to the track on Friday. Saturday morning was spent in the local ED. Mom and I went to the big race on Sunday. He went to his regular MD today, and had his antibiotic switched. I took some cleaners with me, and detailed his antique boat Saturday morning after we got back to the cottage. With help, I'll try to post a photo of his boat. 
has been giving me brief nightly updates. I hope all are well. 
