[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]I had to cut some of it down.... [/FONT]
here it is:
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]ALL EARS® Weekly Newsletter[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Walt Disney World News and Information[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]August 1, 2006 Issue #358[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Established September 1999 Library of Congress ISSN: 1533-0753[/FONT]
<HR align=left>
<HR align=left>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
THIS ISSUE SPONSORED BY:[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Making Walt Disney World Vacation Memories 2006[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[URL]http://allearsnet.com/aefinal/mm2006.jpg[/URL][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
http://www.arondaparks.com<WBR>/AllEarsNet80106.htm[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Here's what you'll find in this issue:[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Feature Article: Anita Does the Dining Plan, Part I[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Tips of the Week: Mini Photo Album Souvenir; Group T-Shirts; Postcard Bargains; Budgeting with Online Savings Account[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
News Bites: Food and Wine Festival Special Events; Cinderellabration to End; Personal Check Policy Changes; Rehabs and Refurbishments; Tri-Circle-D Ranch Wins Award; Pirate Sculpture Series Debuts[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
ALL EARS® Hears -- LETTERS FROM OUR READERS: Thank You to Cast Members; More on Kim Possible; Traveling with Dietary Restrictions[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
FROM OUR EARS TO YOUR EYES! What's New on AllEarsNet.com?[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Mousy Mindbogglers: Brain-teasing Riddles about WDW![/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Enjoy the issue![/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Deb Wills, Editor-in-Chief[/FONT]
<HR align=left>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
FEATURE ARTICLE[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Anita Does the Dining Plan[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Part 1: Single Style[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]by Anita Answer[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]AllEarsNet.com Columnist[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
My friend Flo and I recently got back from a week-long trip to the Orlando area. When it was announced that Disney Vacation Club members could purchase the Magic Your Way Dining Plan when staying on points, we knew we would have to try it! Since our trip was divided into three parts, beginning with four nights at the Old Key West Resort, we thought that would be a perfect length of time to give it a whirl.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
The first thing we noticed was that it removed quite a bit of the spontaneity from our trip. We had to call for Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) two months in advance of our trip, when we had no idea what park we would even be in on those days. If we changed our minds when we got there, chances were good that we could not get other ADRs due to the popularity of the plan. Our normal plan for a trip might include one or two ADRs at restaurants that we wanted to try, and the rest would be left up to our whim of the day. The Dining Plan now makes that style of touring impossible. Even if we were not on the Dining Plan, it would be next to impossible to get reservations on the spur-of-the-moment because they're already booked months in advance.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
So, with that in mind, the restaurants we chose for our table service dinners were Tony's Town Square in the Magic Kingdom, the Rose and Crown in the UK pavilion in Epcot, Raglan Road at Downtown Disney and the '50s Prime Time Cafe at Disney-MGM Studios. Since Animal Kingdom has no table service restaurants inside the park, we chose a place in each of the other parks plus a Downtown Disney restaurant for a good cross-section of locations. Once we decided where we wanted to eat, we had to plan our park touring so that we would end up at the right place at dinner time. For guests who don't have a car and must rely on Disney transportation, or who do not have "hopper" type tickets, this will take some creative planning![/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
We made our second observation at our very first table service meal at Tony's: The amount of food you are able to order on the plan is far more than we would ever normally eat. Luckily, the plan is fairly flexible and we were able to share our appetizers and desserts with three other friends who were not on the plan. We still could not finish it all. Our conclusion was that the plan is a good value, but we ate much more than we should have and still wasted a great deal of food. We both gained weight on this trip as well.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Most menu items are included, and we had no trouble with anything we ordered not being available on the plan. At the Rose and Crown, I was allowed to order a fruit and cheese plate for dessert when it is actually an appetizer item. At Tony's, we wanted to share an order of spaghetti and a steak entree. No problem -- the server had the kitchen divide the portions and plate them accordingly. We were even allowed to order both meatballs and sausage with our spaghetti. Add-ons, such as crab legs at Cape May Cafe or lobster tails at other places are not covered on the plan, and neither are alcohol or specialty beverages. However, you may use the Disney Dining Experience card (available to Florida residents and Annual Passholders for a yearly fee) for a 20% discount on those items.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
The structure of the snack credit recently changed, and we were allowed a wider variety of items to choose from. It now includes most items under $4. At self-service places such as the Contemporary's snack bar, the items in the refrigerator case are clearly marked as plan snacks. By day four, we still had three snack credits left, so we had to make an effort to "spend" those. We were always so full from the huge meals, snacks were not usually necessary. Most of my snack credits went to bottled water.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Service: We saw no difference in the level of service between when we were on the plan and when we came back four days later and were not on the plan. Service at Tony's and the Rose and Crown was excellent; service at the 50's Prime Time was uneven at best, and Raglan Road was downright dismal. The servers at the latter two places were very nice, just not particularly attentive. Also, if you dine at Raglan Road, expect to sign two separate bills, as it is not Disney-owned or operated. I thought that was rather strange, but I guess they need two copies.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Menus: It seems like the menus have been trimmed down a little since the advent of the plan; also, menu selections at restaurants other than the "Signature" places seem to have become more pedestrian. There are fewer interesting selections and more "meat and potatoes" type items. 'Ohana at the Polynesian Resort, for example, has redone its menu and removed anything that made it worth going there for. Those wonderful fire-grilled shrimp are gone and the fresh pineapple with caramel sauce has been replaced with that fine traditional Hawaiian dessert, bread pudding (?). Meanwhile, over at Olivia's at the Old Key West Resort, they've removed the signature conch fritters from the menu. Dull, dull, dull![/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Convenience: Having all your dining credits tied to your Key to the World card is very convenient. Each receipt will print out the number of credits you have left for that type of restaurant, so you can keep track. Also, you can check with your resort's Lobby Concierge desk for a printout of your usage. All restaurant Cast Members we encountered knew how to use the plan and we had no trouble anywhere.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
The Downside: When it is necessary to make dining reservations months in advance just to make sure I'll actually have a place to use my Dining Plan credits, it takes quite a bit of the fun out of my trips. I'm more of a spontaneous kind of person, and that's the way I like to vacation. Even if I was not on the plan, I would still have to call for reservations well in advance or I might not get in anywhere. I really don't like this aspect of the plan at all! Then there's the weight gain and the wasted food. Doggie bags are available, but who wants to drag food all over the parks if you're not going straight back to your room?[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Value: At $38 per night per adult, it's a great value if you like to eat large amounts of food, don't mind gaining weight, and if you like to eat at table service restaurants, which can take away a large chunk of your park touring time. If you like to eat light and on the fly, the plan is not for you. Also, if your children are 10 or older, they'll pay adult prices. If they're not big eaters, you'll end up paying a lot of money for the kids' menu mac and cheese.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Would I use the plan again? Yes. In fact I'll be using it again with my family soon. Look for "Anita Does the Dining Plan, Part 2: Dining Plan with the Family Man" in a couple of months.[/FONT]
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
RELATED LINKS:[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Magic Your Way Dining Plan and Participating Restaurants: http://allearsnet.com/pl<WBR>/packages06a.htm[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Read Anita Answer's weekly column here: http://allearsnet.com/aa/anita<WBR>.htm[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
The Disney Dining Plan has been recommended by 100% of our reviewers. Read their comments and provide yours too! http://allearsnet.com/reviewpos<WBR>t/showproduct.php?product=324<WBR>&sort=8&cat=81&page=1[/FONT]
<CENTER>
<HR>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
FEATURED SITES[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[URL]http://allearsnet.com/aefinal/mft_ae.jpg[/URL][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Walt Disney World® Resort - Save up to $265[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Marathon - Jan 4-8, 2007 - 4 nts & gift card from $170* pp[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]If this doesn't quite fit your needs, ask us about customizing your stay![/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
To get more info or to request a quote, please visit our website at:[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]www.MouseFanTravel.com[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
*Rates per person/dbl occ - Click for details CST207807440. As to Disney artwork/properties: ©Disney[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
ALL STAR Vacation Homes[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[URL]http://allearsnet.com/aefinal/asvhc.jpg[/URL][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Break the Hotel Habit! ALL STAR Vacation Homes offers[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]more than 130 homes within 4 miles of Disney World.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Any AllEarsNet.com reader will receive $175 off Estate Homes or[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]$125 off any other home, with 7 night stay - see website for details[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Select your Orlando vacation home at: www.allstarvacationhomes.com[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
http://www.allstarvh.com/all<WBR>_ears.asp?ovchn=OTHER&ovcpn<WBR>=Listing&ovcrn=Aug+1&ovtac=AD[/FONT]
<HR>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
http://allearsnet.com/aefinal/sorchat.gif[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]TIPS OF THE WEEK![/FONT]
</CENTER>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Kimberly Lawton shares: I recently returned from a Disney trip and wanted to let everyone know about a souvenir I brought home. It is the littlest photo album I have ever seen! It is on a key ring and holds 12 pictures, sized about 1.5" X 1.5". It has a cover with a picture of Mickey on the front and the castle and fireworks with Tinker Bell on the back, and it says "My Disney Vacation." It was very reasonably priced at about $4! There was at least one more style with Stitch on it. What a great way to keep 12 of your most magical memories with you all the time![/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Amy writes: My sister, her family and I took a trip to WDW, and before we left my brother-in-law thought it would be neat if we bought T-shirts that everyone would all wear one day. We decided to purchase The Incredibles red logo T-shirt for everyone. It was a success. We wore them on our Magic Kingdom day and everyone kept saying, "Look! The Incredibles!" or "Hey, where did you all get the shirts?" I am sure they probably sold the shirts somewhere on property but we bought them at The Disney Store before we left home. It also helped keep track of everyone. We are now in the process of finding another style of shirt for everyone to wear one day on our upcoming October trip.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]EDITOR'S NOTE: For even more magical fun, check to see if the character you are wearing has a Meet and Greet in the park that day -- this makes for a great photo op![/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Janice Dion says: If you plan on sending postcards, take advantage of the pack of 10 postcards sold throughout Walt Disney World and in resort gift shops. On our last trip in October, a pack of the Magic Kingdom cards cost $4. This is much cheaper than buying individual postcards. If I have leftovers, I just save them for our next trip since the images are standard fare (castle, characters, Splash Mountain...). I believe that there are different packs for each of the parks, too. I'll be returning to WDW next week with six postcards in hand.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Jon Pat writes: I save all my change and some dollar bills, but instead of holding them for expenses, I periodically cash them in and deposit them to an online-only savings account, which is now up to 4.35 percent interest. Being online only, I have very little access to my money, but it grows at an incredible rate! I transfer most of it back to my regular checking account a week before I leave. The last thing I do is to use my Disney Visa from Chase if I HAVE TO charge purchases. The Disney Dream Reward Dollars it pays are good toward a lot of things.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Submit your Tip of the Week to: allearsnet@yahoo.com[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]And don't forget to check our searchable database of reader tips:[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]http://allearsnet.com/rta/tips<WBR>.php[/FONT]
<HR>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
http://allearsnet.com/aefinal/news.jpg[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]NEWS BITES[/FONT]
<CENTER>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
The exclusive wine and culinary programs (such as Party for the Senses, Food and Wine Pairings, Vertical Wine Tastings, etc.) to be held during Epcot's 2006 International Food and Wine Festival were announced last week. There are several new offerings, including Wine and Cheese Pairing Workshops and Food and Wine in Balance Workshops, as well as many returning favorites, like the Exquisite Evenings and the Epcot Wine Schools. Advance reservations for these events are required and go fast -- in fact, reservations started being taken yesterday and we've heard that several events (like the New England Brewer's Dinner on November 2) are already SOLD OUT! (Some readers have told us that they have been directed to send an email requesting to be placed on a waiting list if an event is already sold out. The email address to write to is: wdwfoodandwinewaitlist@disneyon<WBR>line.com) Make your reservations early by calling 407-WDW-FEST. For a list of these premium events, along with descriptions and prices, visit http://allearsnet.com/tp/ep<WBR>/fw06/fw06a.htm[/FONT]
</CENTER>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Cinderellabration stage show, performed several times daily on the Forecourt Stage in the Magic Kingdom, will give its final performance on Saturday, September 16. The stage will then undergo a short rehab to prepare it for a new offering that will be introduced during Disney's "Year of a Million Dreams," which kicks off October 1, 2006.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]http://allearsnet.com/tp/mk<WBR>/cinder.htm[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]As of July 30, the Walt Disney World Resort began to phase out the acceptance of personal checks at all merchandise locations. You can continue to use travelers checks, credit cards, resort ID cards, Disney gift cards and cash.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Fantasia Pool at All-Star Movies will be closed for an extensive rehab from September 11 - December 11, 2006. All-Star Movies guests can use the "quiet" pools at the resort, as well as the main pools at the other All-Star Resorts.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
The Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground recently received the American Paint Horse Association's (APHA's) Legendary Achievement Award in recognition of 35 years of showcasing the American Paint Horse. The APHA award also recognized several hundred Tri-Circle-D Cast Members for their continuing work in introducing American Paint Horses to park visitors through daily trail rides. Besides Paint Horses, other breeds at the ranch include Appaloosas, Arabians, Belgians, Clydesdales, Percherons, Quarter Horses, and Shetland and Welsh ponies. The ages of the horses typically range from 4 to 10 years. Tri-Circle-D is home to about 75 horses, and offers five rides a day with a maximum of 12 people on each ride. During the ranch's busier times, additional rides are scheduled. Two trail guides accompany each group, and the rides last about 45 minutes. The riders enjoy the scenery on the wide trails that traverse Fort Wilderness, which is home to wildlife such as deer, armadillos and raccoons.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
http://allearsnet.com/acc/faq<WBR>_fw.htm[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
The first in a new series of Pirates of the Caribbean sculptures will debut at Walt Disney World on October 7. The new sculpture, a "helmsman (skeleton) pirate" inspired by the work of Disney legend Marc Davis, was sculpted by artist Jacqueline Perreault Gonzalez as part of this new Walt Disney Classics Collection. The Open Edition sculpture measures 8 1/4" tall and retails for $299. It will also be available at Disneyland beginning October 14. For a photo of the sculpture and more details, visit the Official Fan Site for Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean Movies at http://www.keeptothecode.com<WBR>/2006/07/disneys-pirates-of<WBR>-caribbean-sculpture.html[/FONT]
<HR align=left>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
http://allearsnet.com/aefinal/hears.jpg [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]ALL EARS® HEARS[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]... from Niki K.: Once again, after a wonderful 2-1/2 weeks in WDW, I'd like to say THANK YOU to those Cast Members who go the extra step to make someone's day a bit brighter. From the hotel staff that bring extra towels and lot of Mickey soaps, to Mark in Off Kilter who always dedicates a song to my little girl who is one of his biggest fans, to the server at the Crystal Palace who will give us an extra cup full of pixie dust... THANKS to all of you who make our day a little more magical and our trips unforgettable![/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]... from Tom Benedict, who sheds a little light on last week's item about an upcoming "Kim Possible" interactive experience that's apparently in the works: We recently attended the Undiscovered Future World Tour. During the tour we were taken to the upper floor of Journey into Imagination where they had interactive games years ago. They are currently refurbishing the area and we were told that in a short time they will be opening a Kim Possible meet and greet area there.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
... from Nadine Kurtz: AllEarsNet.com is a wonderful website for first-time travelers. I am currently planning our first family trip to Walt Disney World (my husband's third time, and the first for my children and me). Planning the perfect trip is always stressful; however, this year was even more so for us. My husband has recently been diagnosed with Celiac Sprue Disease. AllEarsNet.com has reassured me that traveling to Disney with dietary needs for my husband will be a snap. Thank you for providing such a vast range of information regarding Disney and especially the dietary information. Because of AllEarsNet.com we will travel to Disney with great ease, knowing that my husband can enjoy the food selections as well as the entertainment offered at Disney. My family and I appreciate all the time and effort you put into this wonderful website.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
... from ALL EARS® Team Member Linda Mac: There are two special purchase offers around Walt Disney World right now. The first is available at the parks -- If you purchase $70 worth of merchandise, you can buy a special Pirates of the Caribbean watch for $10. Also, you can get a special Walt Disney World Resort photo frame for $5 with a purchase of $40 or more at any resort hotel. In both cases, the promotional item must be purchased during the same sales transaction and the qualifying purchase based on pre-tax, post-discount single transaction amount. The promotion does not apply to the purchase of tickets or passes or the Walt Disney World Shopping and Dining Card or Gift Card. The photo frame promotion is also valid at Disney's Hilton Head Island and Vero Beach Resorts.[/FONT]
