Thursday, January 29, 2009

25 Ways to Save Money at Disney in 2009

Believe it or not, you can live it up at Walt Disney World Resort in 2009 – whether you plan on visiting Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Disney’s Animal Kingdom – without making a huge dent in your wallet. By planning ahead, seeking out the best online deals and following the money-saving tips listed below, you can enjoy significant savings on your Walt Disney World Resort vacation getaway – without sacrificing any of your family’s comfort or enjoyment.

1. Take advantage of Disney’s “Celebration Vacations” promotion and enjoy free entrance to Walt Disney World Resort on your birthday in 2009. To receive free admission to one of the theme parks at Disney World, just bring valid ID, including proof of birthdate.

2. If possible, plan your Walt Disney World Resort trip during the off-season and you will usually discover significantly lower airfares and hotel/resort rates.

3. If you are staying at a Disney World resort, take advantage of complimentary transportation to all Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks and Downtown Disney Area.

4. Shop at area factory outlet stores such as Orlando Premium Outlets, which sells Disney merchandise at significantly lower prices than you will find at stores within the Disney World theme parks.

5. Check out some of the free things to do at Disney World such as strolling around Disney’s Boardwalk and Downtown Disney Area, or hiking through the Disney Wilderness Preserve.

6. Take the family to one of the all-you-can-eat buffets that lie just outside Disney World property such as Bill Wong’s Famous Buffet, Sweet Tomatoes, Boston Lobster Feast, Golden Corral, Ponderosa, Sizzler or Angel’s Lobster & Seafood Buffet.

7. If you don’t mind staying off Disney property, you will discover numerous accommodation choices within a five- to 10-minute drive of the main entrance to Walt Disney World Resort. For instance, you can find incredible deals on spacious villa rentals at Westgate Resorts properties that provide convenient access to Disney World theme parks such as Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas.

8. Look for free publications such as I Love Orlando magazine, which contain a multitude of discount coupons to Disney area attractions, restaurants and specialty shops.

9. Before you book a hotel or motel, check if they offer guests a complimentary continental or full breakfast each morning.

10. Check out comprehensive online guides to Disney World such as Orlando, Florida Guide for in-depth information on finding the best deals on Disney World tickets, accommodations and vacation packages.

11. For larger families, reunions or any other get-together at Disney World, it may make better financial sense to look into renting a spacious villa (see No. 7) or vacation home, many of which offer enclosed garages, private backyard pools and washer/dryers.

12. If you are visiting one of the Disney World theme parks with young children, don’t forget to bring along a backpack with some snacks or juice boxes.

13. If you are an active or retired member of the U.S. military, you may obtain one complimentary 5-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” ticket with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More options. This ticket is valid for five days of admission into the four Walt Disney World theme parks, plus a total of five visits to a choice of Disney Water park, DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park or certain other attractions. All tickets and options are nontransferable and must be used by December 23, 2009.

14. Instead of spending a fortune at a Disney character breakfast, take your kids to Town Square at Main Street, U.S.A. in Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park for autograph and photo opportunities with Disney characters.

15. Choose the appropriate Disney World ticket deal based on your family’s length of stay in Orlando and remember not to overdo things – you will want to schedule time for rest and relaxation during your trip.

16. If you choose to eat at the Disney World theme parks, try to make lunch your big meal of the day when prices are considerably lower than for dinner (especially at Epcot’s World Showcase).

17. Whenever you leave one of Disney World’s theme parks, make sure to get your hand stamped. Then after you rest awhile and enjoy a cheaper dinner off site, you can head back to the park after the crowds have thinned out.

18. You may want to schedule your Walt Disney World vacation around one of Disney’s highly acclaimed annual events and festivals, many of which are included with the price of admission such as the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Star Wars Weekends, Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Festival of the Seasons, Festival of the Masters and Holidays Around the World.

19. Carry your own water bottle into the Disney theme park and you can fill it up at any of the abundant water fountains throughout the day.

20. Establish a budget for Disney World souvenirs and stick to your budget (no matter how many cool gifts you see as you stroll through Epcot’s World Showcase!).

21. If you are an AAA or AARP member, take advantage of any special rates or discounts that are available during your Disney World vacation.

22. Check to see if your hotel and motel features an onsite restaurant that offers a “Kids Eat Free” deal (one child eats free per paying adult).

23. Purchase such necessities as film and sunscreen before you arrive at Disney World, since prices at the theme parks are more expensive for such items.

24. If you are staying at one of the Disney resorts, take advantage of Disney’s Magical Express, which provides complimentary shuttle service to and from the Orlando International Airport (reservations are required for Disney’s Magical Express).

25. If possible, try to avoid Disney World during holiday weekends and Spring Break when prices are higher and the theme parks are most crowded.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Disney Prepares for 2009 ESPN The Weekend

Billed as the "ultimate ESPN fan fest," the 2009 ESPN The Weekend at Disney's Hollywood Studios™ will feature star athletes, live entertainment, ESPN broadcasts and plenty of interactive activities for all ages! Presented by Dick's Sporting Goods and benefiting The V Foundation for Cancer Research, 2009 ESPN The Weekend will take place February 27-March 1, 2009.

Highlights of 2009 ESPN The Weekend at Disney's Hollywood Studios will include ESPN Live Telecasts & Tapings, ESPN Radio Live Broadcasts, Celebrity Appearances, Inside ESPN, Motorcades and Conversations with famous athletes, Dream Job - The Experience, Stump the Schwab All-Star Game, ESPN Sportszone, live editions of the Mike and Mike in the Morning radio broadcast, ESPN The Weekend 5K Race (new for 2009!), Atlanta Braves at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex and much more.

Sports celebrities scheduled to appear at 2009 ESPN the Weekend include Tedy Bruschi, Joba Chamberlain, Donnie Edwards, John Franco, Matt Garza, Ricky Henderson, Steven Jackson, Brandon Jacobs, Shawn Johnson, Maurice Jones-Drew, Jim Kelly, Bill Laimbeer, Misty May-Treanor, Warren Moon, Jim Palmer, Scottie Pippen, Aaron Rodgers, Curt Schilling, Charles Tillman, Hines Ward, Kurt Warner, Brian Westbrook, Roy E. Williams and Adam Vinatierie.

ESPN personalities scheduled to appear at the 2009 ESPN The Weekend include John Anderson, Skip Bayless, Colin Cowherd, Jay Crawford, Peter Gammons, Mike Golic, Mike Greenberg, Dana Jacobson, Al Jaffe, John Kruk, Chris McKendry, Steve Phillips, Karl Ravech, Howie Schwab, Stuart Scott, Mark Schlereh and Trey Wingo.

While attending 2009 ESPN The Weekend, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy all of the great rides, attractions and live shows at Disney's Hollywood Studios such as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, The American Idol Experience, Star Tours, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, Toy Story Mania!, Walt Disney: One Man's Dream, Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage, High School Musical 3: Live on Stage and Fantasmic!

Looking for great deals on spacious villa rentals during your stay in Orlando for 2009 ESPN The Weekend? Visit www.orlando-florida.net for information on Westgate Resorts properties, including Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas.

Note: Appearances subject to change without notice. 2009 ESPN The Weekend is included with the regular theme park admission to Disney's Hollywood Studios™. Online registration at disneyworldsports.disney.go.com for the 2009 ESPN The Weekend 5K Race will close Sunday, February 22, 2009, or when registration reaches capacity.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Atlanta Braves Spring Training at Disney

The Atlanta Braves will return to Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex for their 12th-annual Spring Training at Champion Stadium in March 2009. Home game tickets will go on sale on January 10, 2009, at 10 AM. Visit disneysports.com for more information.