Conference koolit::disney

    One of the things you should receive when picking up your Magic Kingdom
    Club card is  the membership quide which describes the various vacation
    packages available.  Since  I  have only been to WDW and not Disneyland
    or Tokyo Disneyland I just talk about WDW packages.
    
    On my last 2 trips  to  WDW  I  stayed  at  the Treehouse Villa and the
    Disney Inn using the World Vacation  plan.    This is by far one of the
    best ways of going to WDW and staying in style.  One of the benifits is
    almost everything is paid in advance (minus personal service,  alchohol
    and gifts) so you don't need to bring alot of  money.  Other things are
    the ability to rent a boat and not to have to worry when your half hour
    is up etc.  The plans include x number of days admission  to the parks,
    3 meals a day including dinner shows.  If you are planing to  stay at a
    high  cost  hotel  outside of WDW, planning on eating 3 meals a day and
    see the  various dinner shows then I would highly recommend you look at
    one of these.
    
    Claude
    
    
    

    For 1989 x=5, that is all the packages are for 5 days, 4 nights.
    You may supplement with additional days/nights.
    
    Besides the World Vacation Plan, which includes EVERYTHING, there
    is the Vacation Kingdom Plan which includes admissions, four breakfasts
    or lunches (including character breakfasts), two dinners (including
    dinner shows), and one recreational activity.
    
    At the other end of the scale for '89 there is The Grand Plan. 
    It includes accommodations at the Grand Floridaian, everything in
    the World Vacation Plan, and then some.  Airport transfers, private
    golf or tennis lessons, use of a camcorder, strollers and wheelchairs,
    and (this is the one I liked) up to six hours per day of baby sitting.
    Staying at the Grand Floridaian is not the only reason it is called "The
    Grand Plan". 

    All the vacation plans include a copy of the Birnbaum Guide (one
    per party).

    
    
    	Does anyone know of a package offered by Delta (official
    	airlines of Disney) or perhaps one they accidently
    	discovered which allows RT airfare, use of a car and
    	a small package of Disney goodies (admissions, discounts,	
    	etc.) but with NO hotel?!
    
    	I know this sounds rather silly, but my girlfriend works
    	for Disney in Florida and I wouldn't be needing a hotel
    	(or the admission stuff either, but I'm willing to take
    	it if it's cheaper!)
    
    	Thanks!!
    	Tigg~~~
    	(Kim)
    

    re: 20.3
    
    It sounds like all you need is a cheap airfare and a car rental
    discount.

    Delta offers MKC members 10% off airfare when flying to WDW.  Of
    course restrictions apply. Digital has discount agreements with
    Avis and National that you can use for vacation travel.  There may
    be better car rental deals available. Orlando has one of the largest
    rental car fleets in the country.
    
    Why don't you call the Magic Kingdom Club Travel Center and see
    what you can work out.  The number for airline and car reservations
    is (800) 334-4017.

    
    
    
	RE: Why don't you call...
    
    	I'm not a member of the MKC Travel Club.  )^8
    	I'm not a DEC employee (YET!) either.  I am still 
    	contracting for an outside agency here, but I will keep
    	those suggestions in mind!
    
    	Thanks!
    	Tiggg~~~

    When I went down to Employee Activities to pick up my card they didn't
    seem to particular about if I was an employee or not.  They didn't ask
    to see a badge or anything. 
                                                           
    Remember that the MKC is a PROMOTIONAL tool for Disney.  Sort of
    like BJ's Wholesale Club, making it seem exclusive is mostly hype.

My wife and I were in Disney World last week (Washington's Birthday to
Friday).  The crowds were *BIG*, but we were able to negotiate the lines
quite well.  (Mr. Birnbaum's book was *most* helpful!!)  Generally speaking
we had a great time, but our accomodations left quite a bit to be desired.

I purchased a package from Eastern Airlines which included airfare from 
Boston to Orlando, a rental car, lodging, and a 1-day pass to either Epcot
or MK.  My advice:

DO NOT PURCHASE A VACATION PACKAGE FROM EASTERN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In summary, 

o The rental car was from a company called GENERAL.  They're not located
  anywhere near the airport and do not have a booth inside the airport
  (like all the other rental companies do).  This caused major hastles both 
  picking up the car and dropping it off.  The lines were long, the vans
  to and from the airport *packed*, and the service generally poor.

  My biggest gripe was the additional insurance they wanted me to buy.  
  Despite telling them my insurance company covered me in case of an
  accident they put *high pressure* sales tactics on when I picked up the
  car, stating I couldn't leave the state if I was in an accident until
  I'd settled with them and that I'd also have to pay a "loss of use fee"
  to them for revenue they loose while the cars being fixed.  This
  item amounted to $14 p/ day ($56 for the week)!!!  (I took my chances and
  declined anyone.)  I don't know if it was because I declined the insurance
  or not, but the car we ended up with was a Chevy Sprint, which did run
  well but was about the size of a matchbox.

  Another thing that got me steamed was when I returned the car.  There are
  *absolutely* no signs telling you how to get to their ridiculously 
  located return point (again, all the other companies return their cars
  right at the airport).  It took me almost 1/2 hour to find the place.
  By the time the van dropped us off at our airline we were running late
  and dashed off without saying anything.  The van driver (who had a large
  sign which said "TIPS APPRECIATED" next to him) yelled out "YOUR WELCOME!"
  to us ...  
  

o Our hotel accomodations were questionable at best.  They put us at the
  Days Inn - Universal Studios, which they said was "9 miles from Disney
  World.  In short, it was taking us 1/2 hour to get there from our hotel.
  The room was clean, but old and "beat-up".  (i.e. cigarette hole in the
  bed cover, broken lamps, worn carpet, etc) 


The bottom line is YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.  I would strongly recommend
making your own reservations with the help of a reputable travel agent.

Hope this helps someone!  

- Chris
    

    
    Probably and "additional" reason why Eastern "used to be" but is
    no longer the official Airline of Disney.
       
    MDH

	This is from a trip I took in July of 1986 using the Magic Kingdom
        Club and the Gold Key card package. There were two adults and
        three kids. 

	 I used the Magic Kingdom Club to arrange all the details of my trip
	to "The World" (as we in the know call it). You can join by contacting
	your personnel rep and filling out the form. Once you are a member you
	can call the number that is supplied with the card and get all the
	information and prices that you need. They will even help you set up
	your flight reservations.
	 I would recommend using the plan that I did. I stayed right in the
	polynesian resort hotel. I have stayed in the contemporary as well
	and of the two I prefer the polynesian. I would recommend the hotels
	instead of the other villages because of the easy and quick access
	to the park. The central monorail runs right through the hotels so 
	there is no need to drive anywhere or wait in traffic (of which there
	is plenty). The time saved is well worth the extra expense. The cost
	at first looked a little high until I found out what it included...
	everything! Upon registration we were all presented with a Disney
	World "credit card". This card was used for everything from admission
	into both Epcot and the Theme park everyday with unlimited access to
	all transportation in the "world" and all our meals. Now the meals were
	really something to write home about. They included all dinner shows
	and anything on the menu. No special menus, all the top stuff. We never
	ate a hamburger or hot dog the whole trip. It was shrimp and filet 
	mignon and exotic fare at every restaurant. Another big bonus was that
	the meals included all the places at Epcot and by planning out our
	itinerary we were able to use the concierge in the hotel to make both
	lunch and dinner reservations for us a couple of days in advance. 
	Normally in Epcot you can only make reservations on that same day and
	they are always full at the best restaurants. We ate the best and the
	bill for 2 adults and 3 kids was never under $60.00 even for breakfast.
	And it was all included (even the tip) except for alcohol. Of course
	you could always eat chili and hamburgers for a few bucks after
	waiting in line for a while. After figuring out the cost of the room
	and meals and dinner shows and admissions and time lost in travel and
	rental car costs it is really worth it to go this way if you only want
	to go to the world. The five of us got the top reservations package at
        the Polynesian Hotel for 6 days and 5 nights for about $2,400.00 not
	including plane fare or transportaion to/from the airport. But tips
	at the hotels and restaurants were included.
	 The Theme park takes from 2 to 3 days to really see depending on the
	crowds and Epcot can take about the same amount of time. If you have
	small kids then expect it to take more time (they don't walk as fast
	or like to wait in lines as much). All in all the lines were not that
	bad. The best time to go is early in the morning and later in the 
	evening. During the summer months the park is open very late and has
	some very good nighttime parades and shows. The hotels also have built
	in babysitters for a small fee.
	 I hope that this helps you out a little. If you do decide to go they
	will send you a tour book that will explain everything about the park.
	It is very good and you should read it before you go to help you plan
	your trip. I hope you have a great time.


						sincerly

						   Bob Adams

 	P.S. To really get the most out of your days make your plane
	     reservations to arrive there early in the morning 
             and depart late in the evening.

                                            

rep to < Note 20.8 by GENRAL::HIMES "Close Encounters of the Disk Kind" >

>                    -< Eastern, here yesterday, gone today >-
>    
>    Probably and "additional" reason why Eastern "used to be" but is
>    no longer the official Airline of Disney.

    Eastern had a long  term  contract (due to sponsoring attractions etc),
    otherwise they'd probably would have been replaced sooner.    I  recall
    reading  the current Delta contract being for 10 years.    Eastern  has
    been going downhill long before Texas Air and Frank Lorenzo  arrived, I
    remember back in '82 when I used Eastern, the food was  so  so  and the
    stewardesses  had lousy attitudes.  I seem to also recall one of  their
    union's having difficulty in settling a contract and were threatening a
    strike, in fact it seemed like every year you'd hear about some type of
    strike threat.  I  hated  going to San German PR on work to only return
    late Saturday on Eastern, since  they  be  using  one  of  the  Eastern
    Shuttle plan's, cramped, no personal lighting,  (only 2 setting for the
    whole cabin, light were either to bright or to dim)

    I  feel sorry for anyone who has booked through Eastern lately for  any
    plans or flight's to go  to  WDW in the coming weeks/months, especially
    if it's their first time, nothing takes  away  the  magic  more  from a
    vacation than to start(or finish) on the wrong foot.
    
    Claude

The last time we went we used the package that included two dinners and
four lunches/breakfasts, which worked out well for us.  We found our
kids (then ages 4 and 6) especially didn't feel like eating more than one big
meal a day, so we were glad we didn't pay the extra for the Gold Card
Package.  The package was for four nights, but I see in the pricelist that
it can be expanded to include additional nights.  Does anybody know if
the additional nights under this plan includes any meals, or it is only
for the room.  It seems a little high to be just a room.

thanks,

Ed

rep to < Note 20.11 by TOMCAT::MARINO >

>                          -< Question - Extra Night >-
>The last time we went we used the package that included two dinners and
>four lunches/breakfasts, which worked out well for us.  We found our
>kids (then ages 4 and 6) especially didn't feel like eating more than one big
>meal a day, so we were glad we didn't pay the extra for the Gold Card
>Package.  The package was for four nights, but I see in the pricelist that
>it can be expanded to include additional nights.  Does anybody know if
>the additional nights under this plan includes any meals, or it is only
>for the room.  It seems a little high to be just a room.

    Ed

    For the Caribbean Magic, Vacation Kingdom  Holiday,  Camping  Jamboree,
    Village Holiday and Familly Getaway plans for  WDW, it's just the price
    per room/night (not per person) and doesn't include,  meals,  admission
    or tax according to the guide I currently have.   Other  wise the World
    Vacation and A Grand Plan describe what the extra's are (lodging, meals
    admission  etc.).    Who said cost of a room at Disney wasn't expensive
    ;^).
    
    Claude

    
      I saw a note somewhere on a Employee Activities vacation package
    to WDW somewhere, and now I can't find it. Does anyone know where
    this info is located ?
    
    Thanks,
       George

    I wasn't sure were this belongs here or Typhoon Lagoon. Feel free to
    move it.

    I called WDW to see if Typhoon Lagoon was open. They said yes. I asked
    will it be included in the World Vacation package and to my dismay they
    said as of right now no. Well I could not believe this. I read the part
    of the package discription that said "unlimited use of WDW recreational
    activies and facilities" and she said that she was sorry but it has not
    been determined yet. So I asked "do you have any idea as to when this
    will be determined". She asked me to hold on and when she got back I
    got the same answer. I was talking to the CRO office not the people who
    make the reservations. I find this disturbing for two reasons one, they
    cannot tell me if it is included or not and second, there is a
    possibility that it won't be include. I'm paying enough all ready and
    I'm thrilled with the thought of putting out more money for the 5 of us
    to used this new park.

    Just thought you'd like to know.

    Norb - 40 days left.

re: .15
    
    It does seem inconsistent, since River Country *IS* included.  I
    wonder about Pleasure Island too.
    
    Exactly who did you speak to, The Central Reservations Office (CRO),
    (407) W-DISNEY; WDW Information, (407) 824-4321; or Magic Kingdom
    Club Travel Center, (407) 824-2600?  I would expect that the MKC
    would have the best information, since they are the ones who are
    selling the package.
    
    They probably just haven't made up their minds yet.
    
    I'll see if I can check it out with my MKC contacts.

    I called CRO and MKC Travel Center. They both gave similar answers. I
    been asking this question for about 3 weeks now and have had answers
    from no to no info yet to yes defintely (yes was from the Info office
    and I could not get anyone else to verify). Seem strange to get so many
    different answers from WDW.

    norb 40 days left
    

    Well I just called the Poly and talked to Hiedi in Guest Services (my
    wife Marice suggested I call the Poly<she watching me so i have to give
    her credit>). Hiedi said Typhoon Lagoon is included on the World
    Vacation. I even told her about the conflicting info I got yesterday
    and she said that guest were using the Gold Key card to get in. She
    also said it was AWESOME. Well I guess I will be able to spend all my
    afternoons there!!!! 


    Norb (39 days left and time is slowing down)
    

    The following are the prices and dates for a couple of the plans
    listed in the Magic Kingdom Club 1990 Membership Guide.
    All dates are 1990(given below), all prices are for 2 adults each.
    
    4 Night World Vacation Plan

    4 nights at the resort of choice

    5 days use of transportation system

    5 days admission to all attractions in the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, & MGM 

    Breakfast, lunch & dinner at a "wide variety" of WDW restaurants, including
    gratuities.

    5 days of WDW recreational activities including Pleasure Island clubs

                                     
                    Polynesian           Contempory        Disney Inn
                  GV/P  GV/G Pool  GW/P  GW/G GW/L Tower   G/G  Pool
    super saver   742   756  778   728   749  764  799     721  735
    club saver    798   816  842   781   807  825  869     772  789
    Value  A      873   895  928   851   884  906  961     840  862
    Regular A     917   939  972   895   928  950 1005     884  906

                             Polynesian  
                    Lagoon Marina Lagoon/Concierge
    Value  B        928     950    994         
    Regular B       972     994   1038          

    -------------------------------------------------------------------
    4 Night Kingdom Holiday Plan

    4 nights at the resort of choice

    5 days use of transportation system

    5 days admission to all attractions in the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, & MGM 

    FOUR Breakfasts or lunchs and TWO dinners at a "wide variety" of 
    WDW restaurants. (No mention of gratuities.)

    One evening admission to Pleasure Island clubs

    One Fun N Sun activity

                    Polynesian           Contempory        Disney Inn
                  GV/P  GV/G Pool  GW/P  GW/G GW/L Tower   G/G  Pool
    super saver   547   561  583   533   554  569  604     526  540
    club saver    603   621  647   586   612  630  674     577  594
    Value  A      678   700  733   656   689  711  766     645  667
    Regular A     722   744  777   700   733  755  810     689  711

                             Polynesian  
                    Lagoon Marina Lagoon/Concierge
    Value  B        733     755    799         
    Regular B       777     799    843          

                                Grand Floridan
                  Garden Pool/Marina Lagoon Lodge Concierge
    Value  B      733     777        810     887   986  
    Regular B     777     821        854     931   1030 

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    Difference between the two plans is $195 for all locations and dates.

    Super Saver dates (35% discount)  Value A dates     Value B dates      
    Sept 4 - Oct 4                    Apr 29 - Jun 8    Jan 2 - Feb 10     
    Nov 25 1990 - Dec 18              Nov 17 - Nov 24   Apr 29 - Jun 8     
                                                        Nov 17 - Nov 24    

    Club Saver date (20% discount)    Regular A         Regular B dates 
    Jan 2 - Feb 10                    Dec 19 - Jan 1    Dec 19 - Jan 1     
    Aug 19 - Sept 3                   Feb 11 - Apr 28   Feb 11 - Apr 28    
    Oct 5 - Nov 16                    Jun 9 - Aug 18    Jun 9 - Aug 18     

    -------------------------------------------------------------------
    4 Night Grand Plan at the Grand Floridan

    4 nights at the Grand Floridan

    5 days use of transportation system

    5 days admission to all attractions in the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, & MGM 

    Breakfast, lunch & dinner each day at a "wide variety" of WDW restaurants, 
    (including in room private dining), including gratuities.

    5 days of unlimited use WDW recreational activities and facilities,
    including Pleasure Island clubs, private gold and tenis lessions and 
    use of the health club.

    round trip airport transportation, if needed.

    Special room gift, seperate check-in area, use of VCR camera.

                  Garden Pool/Marina Lagoon Lodge Concierge
    Value  A      1188    1232       1265    1342  1441
    (per couple)  2376    2462       2530    2684  2882
    
    Regular A     1232    1276       1309    1386  1485 
    (per couple)  2464    2552       2618    2772  2970 
    
    Value dates      Regular dates   
    Jan 2 - Feb 10   Dec 19 - Jan 1   
    Apr 29 - Jun 8   Feb 11 - Apr 28  
    Aug 19 - Dec 18  Jun 9 - Aug 18   

    The difference between the Grand plan and the Holiday plan 
    is $455 per person. ($910 per couple)

    As mentioned in 39.* the "wide variety" of WDW restaurants for the
    meals does not include eating inside the theme parks. Just to make
    sure, does this also exclude the EPCOT restaurants? 
    The extra $195 seems mostly in food, is it worth it when you 
    have to leave the theme parks to eat the meals? 

    How much is the extra 4 days of Pleasure Island worth? 
    (from #96.2 & 6.17 the admission price is 13.50*4= $54) 
    Would/could you really go five times? How long does it take 
    to go from the resort hotels to  Pleasure Island at closing time?

    Do annual passes change the price of the package?

    What is the Gold Key plan? (seen in #39.78)

    An earlier note (52.3) claimed the grand plan covered everything,
    including snacks at the park. This 'grand plan' does not seem to cover
    such incidental expenses. Are there two plans? Did the plan changed? Or
    did I just misunderstand?

    thanks,
           mike

rep to                       <<< Note 28.99 by TOHOKU::TAYLOR >>>

>    As mentioned in 39.* the "wide variety" of WDW restaurants for the
>    meals does not include eating inside the theme parks. Just to make
>    sure, does this also exclude the EPCOT restaurants? 
>    The extra $195 seems mostly in food, is it worth it when you 
>    have to leave the theme parks to eat the meals? 

    As far  as  I  know  the  World  and  Grand  plan do indeed include the
    restauraunts in the Parks. Holiday is limited if I remember right.
    
>    Do annual passes change the price of the package?

    You will have to call the MKC # to find this out, please see 2.0
    
>    What is the Gold Key plan? (seen in #39.78)
    
    World Vacation plan  and possible Grand.  I know I've already explained
    this as a reply  here.  It's basicly a credit card, you prepay for when
    you pay for the package.   Each Meal/Tickets etc is charged against the
    account.  If you overspend what you pay you win, if you don't you lose.

>    An earlier note (52.3) claimed the grand plan covered everything,
>    including snacks at the park. This 'grand plan' does not seem to cover
>    such incidental expenses. Are there two plans? Did the plan changed? Or
>    did I just misunderstand?
    
    I think you misunderstood, because I  believe it includes snacks in the
    room, but not in the parks.
    
    Claude

    Over the weekend I received the "Magic Kingdom Club 1990 Vacation
    Guide".  Last year this brochure offered a free Roger Rabbit poster by
    clipping a coupon and turning it in at the Magic Kingdom.  This year
    there is even a better deal.

    If you book a MKC vacation plan that meets the following conditions,
    you can receive up to 100 Disney Dollars "free" at check-in:

    o	You must arrive between August 19, 1990 and December 18, 1990.

    o	You must book a Magic Kingdom Club Vacation Plan.

    o	You must make your reservations before May 31, 1990.

    Free Disney Dollars per party are as follows:

    Grand Plan 			DIS$ 100
    World Vacation		DIS$ 100
    Vacation Kingdom Holiday	DIS$  75
    Caribbean Magic		DIS$  50

    For further information or reservations please call:

    MKC Travel Center - (407) 824-2600, Ask for Extension 72.

    (Chapter number must be given at time of booking.  This special offer
    available only through the Travel Center number listed above.)

    

    Since I had already booked a Vacation Kingdom Holiday for this period,
    I called to see if I would be entitled to the DIS$ 75.  After being put
    on hold for a few minutes, the said that the would add the special to
    my record.  I asked if they would have done that if I had not called,
    and was told no.  So... If you have a MKC package booked for the fall,
    I would suggest you call soon.

    I took the plunge this weekend and  called about Carribean Magic, as
    outlined in .23.  I received a package of 4 nights,  2 4-day passports,
    4 meal coupons (2 each for lunch or dinner), 2 tickets to Pleasure
    Island, 2 tickets to any recreational activity, $5 Disney dollars each,
    and the Birnbaum Guide for $742.  And of course the extra $50 Disney
    dollars for calling ex 72 (which is a code for this offer, not an
    actual extension).  BTW, this is for the most expensive rooms at the
    Carribean Beach Resort, at the Value Season Rates.
    
    The problem is, I'm going with my 7-year-old nephew.  This is a lot of
    money, and after I made the reservations, I added everything up and
    came up with a minute savings over booking everything separately.  My
    nephew cannot swim, so Typhoon Lagoon and River Country are both out,
    cutting cost savings even more.  One of the meals must be at a certain
    restaurant (I don't remember the name); it sounds like an expensive,
    gourmet style spot.
    
    My question is, is any of this worth it with a 7-year-old?  The extra
    $60 won't buy us that much food in Disney World, really.
    
    What do you think.  Len and Claude, you've both been on these packages. 
    Are there extras I don't yet know about?  Or is it your opinion that I
    would be better off staying in an Orlando Hotel to save money and using
    the savings on food a 7-year-old would eat?
    
    
    Susan
    

    Thanks, Len!  I just noticed the Eastern special for kids, and was
    noticing the increased rates, so I'll figure some things again.
    
    Yeah, Pleasure Island was the other point I forgot to make.  We
    wouldn't use that portion of the package.
    
    I gather from your reply that the coupons aren't worth a specific
    dollar amount, but are for any meal?  I didn't realize they could be
    used for one of the dinner shows (that hadn't entered my mind!).
    
    (Sigh!)  Decisions, decision!  Maybe I'll be writing in the Anxiety
    note soon!
    
    Susan

    KEY: B = Breakfast
         L = Lunch
         D = Dinner
         * = Except Sunday Brunch
         + = Reservation Required for Character Breakfast or Dinner


    Disney's Contemporary Resort

         Fiesta Fun Center Snack Bar (B,L)
         Top Of The World (B,L)*
         Dock Inn (L)
         Concourse Grill (B,L,D)
         Contemporary Cafe (B,L,D)

    Disney's Polynesian Resort

         Barefoot Snack Bar (B,L)
         Coral Isle Cafe (B,L)
         Papeete Bay Verandah (B,L,D)*
         Tangaroa Terrace (B,D)
         "Polynesian Revue" (D)+

    The Disney Inn

         Garden Gallery (B,L,D)
         Sand Trap (L)

    Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

         Trail's End (B,L,D)
         Chip and Dale's Country Morning Jamboree (B)+
         Campfire Snack Bar (L)
         Pop's Place (L)
         Crockett's Tavern (D)
         "Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue" (D)+

    Disney's Grand Floridian Beach Resort

         1990 Park Fare (B,D)
         The Grand Floridian Cafe (B,L,D)
         Flagler's (B,D)*
         Narcoosee's (L,D)+

    Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

         Old Port Royale (B,L,D)

    Disney's Village Marketplace and Resort

         Character Breakfast (B)+
         Fisherman's Deck (L,D)
         All American Sandwich Shop (L)
         Lakeside Terrace (L)
         The Pompano Grill (B,L,D)*
         Village Clubhouse Snack Bar (L)
         Steerman's Quarters (L,D)
         Villa Snack Center (B,L)
         Chef Mickey's Village Restaurant (B,L,D)

    Pleasure Island

         The Fireworks Factory (D)+
         Portobello Yacht Club (D)+

    Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park

         Brown Derby (D)+
         50's Prime Time Cafe (D)+
         Hollywood & Vine (D)

    EPCOT Center (Dinner Only)+

         Akershus (Norway)
         Biergarten (Germany)
         Bistro de Paris (France)
         Coral Reef Restaurant (Living Seas)
         Le Cellier Restaurant (Canada)
         Les Chefs de France (France)
         L'Orignale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante (Italy)
         Mitsukoshi Restaurant (Japan)
         Tempura Kiku (Japan)
         Teppanyaki Room (Japan)
         Nine Dragons Restaurant (China)
         Restaurant Marrakesh (Morocco)
         Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room (United Kingdom)
         San Angel Inn Restaurante (Mexico)
         Land Grill Room (The Land)

    Fun 'n Sun Recreation Coupon
         Choice of:

         Typhoon Lagoon
         River Country/Discovery Island Combination
         Horseback Trail Ride
         Watersprite (one-half hour's use)
         Sailboat (one hour's use)
         Tennis (one hour's play)
         Tennis Practice Lane (one-half hour's use)

    Len,
    
    First .... Thanks for letting us all know about the special !
    I called MKC yesterday and they've added the $75 Disney Dollar
    bonus to my Vacation Kingdom Plan for September.  Now that I've 
    done this, I was hoping that I didn't need a coupon or something
    to validate the offer.  I haven't been able to locate the section 
    of the 1990 Vacation Guide that you mentioned either.  Is the vacation
    guide the brochure that lists vacation plans/prices etc. ? Also, is 
    this offer only available to stock holders or with a Gold MKC card or
    any other special requirements like that ?
    
    Thanks for the help !
    Diane
     

    Let me answer the second question first.  I have two different brochures
    from the MKC that discuss the vacation plan.  The first is the
    "Magic Kingdom Club 1990 Membership Guide".  That's the one that has
    all the prices and describes in detail all the benefits of belonging to
    the MKC.  I got this one from DEC Employee Activities.

    The second is called the "Magic Kingdom Club Vacation Guide".  It
    pitches Disneyland and WDW, and describes the packages, but without
    prices.  It also has the special Disney Dollar deal.  This came in the
    mail in early spring.  I got one last year too, the deal then was a
    coupon for a free Roger Rabbit poster redeemable at the MK.  I like the
    DIS $75 better.

    When I called to add the Disney Dollar deal to my reservation they sent
    me a new confirmation.  The only difference was a "DD" in the comment
    field.  I expect that is all that is needed to validate the deal.  When
    you check-in on a Vacation Package they have a large wad of coupons,
    passports, etc., with the serial numbers carefully noted, waiting for
    you.  I expect the Disney Dollars will be in the package at check-in.

    The deal is available to any MKC member.  I think they only send the
    Vacation Guide to their "active" list though.  I'm not sure what makes
    me "active", but I subscribe to the Disney News, and use my MKC card a
    lot, both at WDW and the Disney Stores.

    I have been trying to work with corporate Employee Activities to get
    them to forward me information on special MKC deals that come up from
    time to time, so I can post the details in this conference.  So far
    they have not been too eager to help out.

    Thanks for the information, Len !  I used to be on their active 
    distribution list but haven't been to MK or Disneyland for about 3
    years and haven't used my MKC card since then either.  I've probably 
    been deleted.  That would be nice if somehow Employee Services could
    let us know about specials that come up like this.  If I hadn't read
    this notes file, I would have never known about the special.  Many 
    thanks again for giving me that extra $75 worth of Disney Magic.
    
    Diane
    

    
    Another thank you ....
    
    I called and had them add the Disney dollars for my trip in September.
    It makes the Vacation plan look better and better.
    
    Joan
    

    RE:  Vacation Plans.
    
    I noticed in several replies comments were made regarding dinners
    using coupons did NOT include alcohol?  We used our two dinner coupons
    last summer for the HOOP-DE-DOO and Polynesian Revue.  At BOTH places
    we asked if the alcohol was included in with dinner coupon, and were
    told YES.  Now, we had understood that drinks were not included also,
    and we even waited after the show to see if we would receive a bill,
    NEVER did.  Maybe we had new servers?
    
    Carla
    

    re: Dinner Shows/Vacation Plan coupons/Gold Key
    
    The  Beer/Sangria  at  the  Hoop-Dee-Doo  and  the    Poly's    Luaua's
    Complementary drinks (I think they called it that,  was a rum punch and
    a  frozen drink or some such, if memory serves me right) were  included
    in the Past, but the Drinks at the Top Of The World were extra $'s.  If
    you wanted your typical drink 7&7 etc at the Luaua then I remember them
    being  extra  $'s,  only   Beer  and  Sangria  were  available  at  the
    Hoop-Dee-Doo and definetely part of the Menu.
    
    Drinks at Epcot and other  restaurants  at  the hotels etc.  were extra
    $'s as well.
    
    Claude

    PS, this was back in '84 and '87, so this may/could have changed.
    

    That would make sense...ie, mixed drinks, or something OTHER than what
    was served.. which was Beer and Sangria at Hoop-de-doo and that was
    in 89.  Thanks for the responses.
    
    Carla
    

    We are thinking of doing a World Vacation Plan or Grand Plan next
    January or February and I have a couple of questions:
    
    1) Has the 1991 MKC Membership Guide come out yet? Personnel in CXO
       doesn't have any guides at all. I'm wondering if prices have 
       changed significantly since the 1990 guide came out, and also if
       the new resorts (Yacht and Beach) are included in the plans.
    
    2) Does a World or Grand plan have any provision for upgrading to an 
       annual passport? 
    
    3) For anyone who's been to WDW in the time frame we're contemplating
       (Jan/Feb), is that a good time to go? What kind of hours do the
       parks open? What's the weather like?
    
    Thanks,
    
    Jack 

>    Rep to <<< Note 20.37 by CSC32::J_PARSONS "George Stark: Not A Very Nice Guy" >>>

    Jack,
    
>    We are thinking of doing a World Vacation Plan or Grand Plan next
>    January or February and I have a couple of questions:

    If you  haven't  made  your  reservation  by now, do so, you can always
    select the plan you want later on.  The important  thing  is to get the
    dates you want.
        
>    1) Has the 1991 MKC Membership Guide come out yet? Personnel in CXO
>       doesn't have any guides at all. I'm wondering if prices have 
>       changed significantly since the 1990 guide came out, and also if
>       the new resorts (Yacht and Beach) are included in the plans.

    No, they come  out late November or Early December, your best bet is to
    call and request a  new  membership  guide  from the MKC when they come
    out, they will mail one to you. (they did for me last time)
        
>    2) Does a World or Grand plan have any provision for upgrading to an 
>       annual passport? 

    Don't know, you could always call WDW Info to find out,  or ask the MKC
    # when you make your reservation.
        
>    3) For anyone who's been to WDW in the time frame we're contemplating
>       (Jan/Feb), is that a good time to go? What kind of hours do the
>       parks open? What's the weather like?

    Jan/Feb is the least crowded  as  such  these tend to be the times that
    the parks are operating on reduce  hours,  no  electric parade etc.  As
    far as hours of operation the your  best  bet is while you have the MKC
    on  the  line  ASK,  as to wheather, see  the  topic  in  here  on  the
    historical weather data, forget the topic, but a dir/key=weather should
    find it for you.

    Claude

>    3) For anyone who's been to WDW in the time frame we're contemplating
>       (Jan/Feb), is that a good time to go? What kind of hours do the
>       parks open? What's the weather like?

Been twice in Jan. (Before you ask :-) didn't know about Trip Reports the first 
time and went down with appendicitis shortly after the second and never got
around to it again! I still have to transfer the videos...) Thought it was a
great time to go; warm, not crowded and not humid. The earlier closing didn't
bother me. It forced me to look at other parts of the area instead...

I was going to give next year a miss and wait for '92 but...

Gavin

    Has anyone received the 1991 MKC Membership Guide yet? I know the 1991
    package rates are set, per a phone conversation with someone on the
    reservation line just the other day. However we've yet to receive
    anything from MKC in the mail (they claim to have mailed out
    packages to everyone who has 1991 package reservations, but it might
    take a while longer to get to Colorado). 

    The '91 MKC guide is available, I got one yesterday in MRO2.
    
    Two questions:
    
    1) I have reservations for my family in May at the CBR for the Vacation
    Kingdom Holiday plan, plus three extra nights.  Is the plan admission
    coverage the same as the Five-Day Plus Super Pass?  Thus, on days
    6 and 7 or our stay, do we still have admission rights at Typhoon
    Lagoon, for example?
    
    2) For the meals that are included, do they give you generic vouchers,
    or are the vouchers specific to the individuals?  For example, instead
    of all of us using a voucher for a meal, where the kids (3,  and 6
    year old twins) won't eat quite as much as an adult (usually!), could 
    we pay cash for the kids' meals and use their vouchers for another meal
    for the adults?                                            
    
    Thanks,
    Ken
    

>    1) I have reservations for my family in May at the CBR for the Vacation
>    Kingdom Holiday plan, plus three extra nights.  Is the plan admission
>    coverage the same as the Five-Day Plus Super Pass?  Thus, on days
>    6 and 7 or our stay, do we still have admission rights at Typhoon
>    Lagoon, for example?

    It wasn't in the '90 package.  We got 5-day non-super passes.  When the
    '90 package was defined and priced there were no super passes.  This
    may have changed in the '91 version of the plan.

    Also note that the coupons, (both for meals and activities), are not
    dated so you can use them whenever you want during your stay, or even
    after.  For admissions they give you a regular passport.  We booked one
    non-plan day, but took our "day off" in the middle of the week.  This
    is different than the World Vacation Plan where you use your DATED
    gold-key card for admission to the parks, meals, and activities and
    obviously can't use it once it expires.

>    2) For the meals that are included, do they give you generic vouchers,
>    or are the vouchers specific to the individuals?  For example, instead
>    of all of us using a voucher for a meal, where the kids (3,  and 6
>    year old twins) won't eat quite as much as an adult (usually!), could 
>    we pay cash for the kids' meals and use their vouchers for another meal
>    for the adults?                                            
    
    The coupons are punched for "Guest" or "Child", otherwise they are the
    same.  In a full service restaurant it would be pretty hard to get away
    with using the child vouchers for an adult meal, even though they will
    allow the children to order anything they want -- even off the adult
    menu.  In a cafeteria type place, they can't tell who is going to eat
    what, so you can tell them that the most expensive meals are for the
    kids.  We did this in Le Cellier in Canada.

    Note that a meal is defined as an appetizer, entree, desert, and
    non-alcoholic beverage.  Most places are very tolerant about sharing,
    we never ordered anything for our two-year-old, he just helped himself
    to some of every one else's meals.  There is no charge for under 3's at
    any of the buffets or dinner shows.  

    When you tell you waiter or waitress you are using coupons are anxious
    to point you to the best and most expensive items on the menu.  You can
    eat very well on the Vacation Kingdom Plan, but it takes some planning
    on when to use your vouchers to maximize their value.

    When I made my reservations recently, they told me the passes on the
    plans (both WVP and VKH) are Super-Passes.  In the case of the VKH
    plan, the passes can be extended extra days, but not on the WVP plan
    because of the all-inclusive nature of the WVP.
    
    I haven't decided for sure yet, but I think we're going to go with the
    VKH plan since we have a 10 year old and a 2 year old.
    
    -Ken

re: 20.42 When you tell you waiter or waitress you are using coupons are 
          anxious to point you to the best and most expensive items on the menu.

    Given that they get a flat 15% it is in their best interests to point
    out that the coupons include appetizer, desert, and 1 speciality
    (non-alcoholic) drink as well as the entrees in the top half of the
    menu. However their recommendations did seem to based more on what I
    said I liked rather than the most expensive item. I also noticed that
    Disney menues did seem to inflate the top half of the menu to make it
    seem like you were getting for your coupon. 

    mike

    The Vacation Kingdom Holiday passes are not only NOT super passes,
    Super passes are being discontinued after 5/1/91!  It's a long story,
    but after changing my reservations to non-plan rooms upon learning
    that the passes for anything other than the theme parks run out
    after 4 days, I bought 5-day plus Super Passes.  I just got them
    and the small print on the back says that the extra attractions
    piece (Typhoon Lagoon, Pleasure Island, etc. is good until May 1,
    1991.  I called the MKC travel center last night to find out what
    the story is, since the same person at MKCTC who sold us the passes
    made our reservations, and sure enough, they are NOT valid for when
    we'll be there!!!! (Mid-May).  They agreed to take them back and
    refund our money, but CAN'T tell us what they WILL be able to offer
    after May 1st.  I am not a happy camper...
    
    Ken
    

                <<< CLOSET::W7_:[NOTES$LIBRARY]DISNEY.NOTE;1 >>>
                       -< The Disneyphile's Disney File >-
================================================================================
Note 20.46            Magic Kingdom Club Vacation Packages              46 of 46
TYGER::GIBSON                                        29 lines  15-AUG-1991 16:03
                         -< Disney's Jolly Hollydays >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    In the Summer 1991 issue of the MAGIC KEY NEWSLETTER for Gold Card
    holders (the one with the trivia questions, Mike) is an offer for 
    travel packages in early December called "Disney's Jolly Hollydays".
    I just called the number ((800)446-5365) for more information. 
    
    The packages are offered from December 1 through December 20 at the 
    Grand Floridian, Yacht and Beach Clubs, Contemporary, Disney Inn, and 
    Port Orleans hotels. Included are 4 nights at the selected hotel, a 5 
    day superpass, a character breakfast, a small Christmas gift, and tickets 
    to the new "Disney's Jolly Hollydays" Christmas dinner show. I was quoted 
    $469 per person at the Yacht and Beach Club. It's about what you'd get
    for a passholder's special:
    
                  5 day superpass          $154.50
                  Dinner show       approx.  30.00 ??
                  Character bkfst.  approx.  15.00 ??
                  Christmas gift    approx.  10.00 
                                           ---------
                  Room for 4 nights        $209.50  or $52.37/night + tax
    
    
    We will be there Christmas week, after the specials are all over.  I 
    asked if the show would be continued during that week. The MKC operator 
    said no. 
    
    
    Linda
    

    Does anyone know when the MKC 1992 Vacation Packages will be 
    announced?
    
    Thanks,
    
    Tracy

I talked with MKC reservations about a week ago and got quotes on the Vacation 
packages for next April. I was told that the prices are available in the computer,
but that the brochures, etc. are still being printed.

Steve

    Here are some things I've noted regarding the MKC Vacation Packages for
    1992. For more info pick up your 1992 MKC Vacation Guide.
    
    There are 7 basic plans. They all start at your basic 4-night package.
    They are:
    
    Vacation Kingdom Holiday
    
    Village Resort, Disney Inn, Poly, FW, GF, Vacation Club Y&BC, and CR.
    A new feature is "One MAgic Morning Breakfast Feature" which looks like a
    character breakfast inside a theme park an hour before opening.
    
    
    World Vacation
    
    Like '91 but you also get besides the "One MAgic Morning Breakfast
    Feature" a framed lithograph from "Beauty and the Beast" and  "Wonders
    of Walt Disney Worls" Learning Programs.
    
    
    Admiral Plan/Grand Plan
    
    This plan is for the GF and DB & YC. It's like GF's '91 Grand Plan. But
    you get those extras I mentioned above.
    
    
    Festival Fun
    
    For all you CBR, PO, and DL fans. That character breakfast mentioned
    earlier is included. 
              
    
    Dolphin/Swan Spendor
    
    These two resorts are offerred in this package. After the
    accomodations, and the 5-day Super Passes there ain't much else here.
    
    
    Village Holiday
    
    You guessed it....same as Dolphin/Swan Spendor except you get to stay
    in a Village Resort Hotel. There's a 25-30% difference in price.
    
    
    Family Getaway
    
    Further away from the parks. Holiday Inn, Sheraton-Lakeside, and Hyatt
    Orlando. Prices start around $300.
    
    
    Something new. We all know about Value and Regular Season rates. Well
    make way for Super Club Saver Dates. Let me explain.
    
    
    Rate Type              Savings                    Dates
    
    Reg. Club Saver Dates  10% off Reg. Season Rates  12-23-91 - 01-04-92
                                                      02-09-92 - 04-25-92 
                                                      06-07-92 - 08-15-92
                                                      12-20-92 - 01-02-93
    
    Value Club Saver Dates 10% off Value Season Rates 04-26-92 - 06-07-92
    
    Super Club Saver Dates 30% off Value Season Rates 01-05-92 - 02-08-92
                                                      08-16-92 - 12-19-92
                                                      01-03-92 - 02-06-92
    
    These are generally the dates that they are using. They do not hold for
    all the resorts. The CBR, PO, and DL do not fall in these categories.
    That's right, there are no longer any off-season value dates for these
    three resorts. They fall into the C Category which means year-round
    rates.
    
    Have prices changed? I think so, but maybe for the better.
    
    For instance, in 1991 a 4-night package at the CBR started at $444
    (Regular Dates). In 1992 a 4-night package will start at $354. Is there
    something missing? Yes, instead of getting one breakfast and two
    dinners (that you got in '91) you get that special Character Breakfast
    I mentioned earlier in this note. And you don't get your $5 in Disney
    Dollars.
    
    By the way all packages include a 20th Anniversary Surprise.
    
    * * *
    
    A comment:
    
    It looks like all the packages have been slightly trimmed, including
    the prices. Apparently the recession has impacted park attendance and
    price reductions in these packages may help to turn this around.
    
    Mike

I am interested in hearing from the recent visitors (past year or so) if they
have been using the MKC package plans (Vacation Kingdom, World Vacation, ...)
for their visits.  Or have you found a more economical route for staying onsite
at WDW.  

I do not have the 1990 brochure to compare overall cost against 1992 but I 
noticed that Disney has reduced the "Breakfast/Lunch" coupons from 4 to 1.  
My wife and I had lunch at Narcoossee's three times with each bill over $100 
for every meal.  One of the facts that helped justify using the MKC. 


Bill 

    I used the World Vacataion Plan in March. But, I don't do it to be
    economical. I go on th package so that I don't have to count money
    and worry about how much I'm spending. This is a personal preference
    and worth every penny to me. The first time we did it (we've gone on
    the world vacation 3 times now) we kept all receipts so we could figure
    it out at the end of our vacation. With three kids we more than used
    the money spent. I don't think I will go any other way. As mentioned
    part of my being on vacation is not worrying about what I can and can't
    afford. If I pay up front I don't worry.
    
    Marcie

    My husband and I used the all inclusive plan (World Vacation??) in
    Sept. of '90 for our honeymoon.  It definitely WASN'T "economical", but
    we did get our money's worth by eating three meals a day, every day as
    well as taking advantage of the "free" golf, tennis, waterskiing, water
    sprites, etc.  If I was paying for each separately I wouldn't have
    eaten in the same restaurants or done any of the extra activities.  I
    wanted to think of it as a true vacation and not worry about every
    dollar spent.  Paying up front was the right choice for us.
    
    Joan

    I'm a recent visitor....Haven't finished the trip report yet.
    
    We used 2 different plans this year. Spent first 5 days under the World
    Vacation and second 4 days under the Vacation Kingdom Plan.
    
    Yes, the V.K.P. cut the number of Breakfast/Lunch coupons but then
    added a special early breakfast feature. They THEN changed the
    breakfast feature since the parks were open early anyway. They just
    added another breakfast coupon back.
    
    This was our second trip under the "plan". After the first trip my
    wife informed me that this is the only way she'll go. 
    
    MY PERSONAL OPINIONs :
    ---------------------------
    If we went without the plan we would definately spend LESS
    money...BUT... we would also do less !!!  I think that unconsciously
    we would skip doing some things just because of the price.... The plan
    can help you have a really 1'st class resort type vacation IF,IF,IF
    you plan ahead. Advanced planning helps you take advantage of dinner
    shows and reservations that are needed ahead. Advanced planning helps
    plan which days will lend themselves to GOLF or Neverland club or
    really expensive 1'st class meals. The kind of things that add up
    big dollars and are great fun ...but the kind of things I might not
    pay for out of my pocket. I know I've already paid for them but it's
    not the same as taking greenbacks out of my pocket each day.
    
    Oh Yeah.... Going in the middle of summer when the parks are open LATE
    helps rack up the money also.... Those long hot days give you plenty of
    time to take long lunches, and boat rides....
    
    This year in the 5 days of the World plan... 3 adults and 2 children
    racked up $2300 worth of food and activity's, not counting park
    admissions and hotels.  "Can you say '2 1/2 pound lobster please'" ?
    
    Pasco
    ps... I gained 0 pounds.
    

    RE: -1
    
>    We used 2 different plans this year. Spent first 5 days under the World
>    Vacation and second 4 days under the Vacation Kingdom Plan.

     I like that idea! 
   
>    Yes, the V.K.P. cut the number of Breakfast/Lunch coupons but then
>    added a special early breakfast feature. They THEN changed the
>    breakfast feature since the parks were open early anyway. They just
>    added another breakfast coupon back.
 
	   
>    This was our second trip under the "plan". After the first trip my
>    wife informed me that this is the only way she'll go. 
 
     Do you feel it was still worth the money for the V.K.P. with the changes
     or worth it because of overall family satisfaction.

     My wife's comment was very similar to your's about using the package
     plan.  
   
>    Oh Yeah.... Going in the middle of summer when the parks are open LATE
>    helps rack up the money also.... Those long hot days give you plenty of
>    time to take long lunches, and boat rides....
    
     We both liked the 2hr/$130 lunch at Narcoossees during the afternoon
     heat.  I also enjoyed the yard of beer.

>    This year in the 5 days of the World plan... 3 adults and 2 children
>    racked up $2300 worth of food and activity's, not counting park
>    admissions and hotels.  "Can you say '2 1/2 pound lobster please'" ?
 
     Where did you have the lobster??  On the Empress Lily's Fisherman's Deck??

     My wife and I ate at the Steerman's Quarters for dinner and the menu 
     included a piece of beef any size you wanted.  When I asked what the
     size limit was the waiter said that I could order a "side of cow" if
     I wanted.  I settled for a 20oz. filet mignon.
  
    Pasco
>    ps... I gained 0 pounds.
 
     Did you miss a digit in front of that zero??


Bill   

    re: questions from earlier reply.
    
    The 2 1/2 pound lobsters were eaten at.... Coral Reef Rst. at EPCOT
    This was under World plan...Under Vacation Kingdom "only" the 1 1/2 
    pounder was allowed.
    
    
    Was Vacation Kingdom worth it ?  I'm undecided.  I would do the
    2 plans again but next time put the cheaper plan first. When we first
    get started we want to spend LOTS more time in the parks. With the
    VKP you don't get any of the recreation like golf or fishing or boats.
    BY using VKP first you could get all the PARKS out of your system
    and then settle down to some serious dollar spending during the WORLD 
    PLAN . Golf is $75 per person for the cheapest of the 18 hole courses. 
    Fishing was $110 for a 2 hour guided trip.....
    
    No typo.... I gained NO weight although I ate like a grizzly bear 
    		before hibernation.
    
    Pasco
    

    
    Does anyone have a recent listing of the packages prices, and what they
    include????
    
    It seems the packages can cost more than do it individually, but it
    depends on how much or how well you eat.  
    
    January can't come soon enough...

    There are 10 packages offered for '93 and they are all listed in the 
    '93 Membership Guide. They vary so much that it's hard to list them 
    in here. 
    
    Variables such as length of stay, guest configuration (how many adults,
    how many juniors, etc.), where you stay, when you go, and what package 
    you select makes for a zillion combos.
    
    Besides the packages are Super Club Saver Dates, Regular Club Saver
    Dates, and Value Club Saver Dates.
    
    I'd wait a few months and get the '94 Guide if I were you.
    
    Of course if someone has the time they can put all the package info in
    here.
    
    Mike

    I don't know which one was dropped but I do know that there are now
    just nine (9) MKC Vacation packages for 1994.
    
    For the Grand Plan, Deluxe Magic, and Resort Magic packages they have
    added an opportunity for you and your family to take a photo with 
    Mickey or one of his friends.
    
    They've also added a "Disney Food 'N Fun Card" to some packages. This
    card includes daily use of all WDW recreational activities and
    facilities plus breakfast and dinner at select WDW restaurants.
    
    This card can be added to packages not including this feature. The
    per-person rates for this card are as follows:
    
                4-nights/5-days (minimum)
    
                Adult $201.00
                Child $ 58.40
    
    The card must be extended when you purchase extra nights with certain
    packages.
    
    In other words...they've added more stuff to confuse
    everyone.....making it even more desirable to go a la cart.
    
    Mike
    
    

    
    My wife and I are thinking of planning another trip to Disneyworld, but
    of course, we lost our MKC Membership Guide (the one they send when you
    renew your membership).
    
    Anyone out there have a copy they could photocopy for me?
    
    Thanks!
    Steve    

    I just read in the Digital Notes file that the Discount Disney tickets,
    (I am assuming the Magic Kingdom club) is being discontinued at
    Digital.  Can anyone verify this?  Also, does this mean our current
    cards are no longer Valid?  
    
    If this is true, I'm pretty bummed. 
    
    Rose East 

    Rose, 
    
    See discussion in note 2.*. 
    
    Linda

I just got off the phone with the Magic Kingdom Club Travel Center.  The
packages for 1995 have finally been defined!  I don't have all the information,
but I'll tell you what I found out about during the conversation.

First, all packages are now available for as little as 3 nights and 4 days.
This year the minimum was 4 nights and 5 days.

The old 'Festival Fun' package is now the Classic Plan.  It includes x nights
stay, x+1 days admissions to the 7 parks, all transportation, use of bicycles
and non-motorized boats, and one breakfast for each person.  This is at the
lower priced resorts -- CBR, PO, DL at least.  If you do this package at
higher priced resorts (the Beach Club is where I was asking about), it also
includes a photo session with Mickey and a Birnbaum guide.

The old 'World Vacation' is now the Deluxe Plan.  It sounds pretty much the
same as the old plan did.  The Grand Plan is also still available at the 
Beach Club (and I assume at the Yacht Club and the Grand Floridian).

I asked whether Blizzard Beach will be included in these packages when it
opens, and got a big "I don't know".  The cast member said it probably 
would be decided the night before it opened. :-)

						Tracy

I got the 1995 Magic Kingdom Club Membership Guide in the mail the other day.
There are a couple of unclear / misleading / wrong statements in it that I 
called the travel center to clear up.  Here they are :

  Both the Deluxe Plan and the Classic Plan list "Use of Walt Disney World
  recreational activities and facilities (valid for duration of the Plan)"
  as a feature.  When I called to ask about this I was told that the
  Classic Plan still only includes non-motorized stuff, e.g.  pedal boats 
  but not water sprites.  The Deluxe Plan includes the motorized stuff
  as well.  

  The Food 'n Fun Plan lists as a feature "Breakfast and dinner each day
  at a wide variety of selected Walt Disney World restaurants (including
  tax and gratuity)".  But when I called, I found out that you only get 
  dinner on the first day and only get breakfast on the last day.  So for
  a 7 day package you're really only getting 6 breakfasts and 6 dinners
  instead of 7 of each.

On the other hand, for the Classic Plan you are only supposed to get a 
Birmbaum Guide if you book one of the fancier hotels.  When I made my
reservation for the CBR, the cast member said that my Guide would be 
in the mail shortly.  I didn't complain ;-).  We'll see if it really
comes or not...

						Tracy

    Tracy -
    
    	How long did it take to get your MKC membership guide... 
    	or did you get yours without requesting it?  I called
    	 in early December & they said it would take until 
    	Christmas to get it - well it's now mid-Jan., & still
    	haven't gotten it... so I was curious if you had the 
    	same trouble.... I hope it comes soon.. I can;t wait
    	much longer (can I call you to get info??).
    
    thanks. 

I don't think I explicitly asked for a brochure, but I had booked rooms
through the MKC Travel Center for May.  I got the brochure a few days ago
with a letter urging me to change my straight room reservations into 
package reservations.  In fact, the letter seemed to indicate that I had
to do so by February 15th.  I couldn't imagine why there was such an
early deadline for a May booking, and when I called the MKC Travel Center
the person there couldn't imagine why either ;-).  

Anyway, I have the information, and if you'd like to give me a call, my
DTN is 297-2265.  If fact, that's my DTN even if you wouldn't like to give
me a call. :-)

						Tracy

Hello Mouseketeers,

I just got my MKC card and membership guide and I have a few questions for
all you knowledgeable folks out there.  First some "family" details :
Our family consists of Mom, Dad, Sister Lindsay (8.5 yrs) and Brother
Billy ( 2.0 yrs in June ).  We've been toying with the idea of a "last 
minute" trip to DisneyWorld this fall.  Now that I've seen the guide I
realize that after next year both kids will graduate to the next price
level, so the timing is perfect ( albeit short on planning time ).  My
questions are regarding the resort packages ...

1.  Are we crazy to even try to pull off a trip this year at this point ??

2.  Page 19 of the guide lists a Fall Fantasy 3 night package starting
    from $149 per adult at a "selected Disney Resort hotel".  Does anyone
    know which resorts these packages usually are booked to ?

3.  Page 15 lists 2 new resorts, Boardwalk Villas & Boardwalk Inn.  It doesn't
    really give too much detail however.  I'm especially interested in
    what mode of transportation you'd need to use to get to the parks.  Would
    any of you gurus know about this stuff ?

    Also, the price range for the Classic Plan (room & admission/no meals)
    is from $381 to $586 for a 3 night stay.  What are the typical differences
    between the $381 and the $586 room ?

4.  Prices for all the vacation plans are for 3 night/4 day stays.  It mentions
    that there are 4,5,6 & 7 night plans available.  Would a 6 night plan
    most likely be a little cheaper that two 3 night plans ?


5.  Page 9 lists resort hotel discounts for MKC members.  Depending on the
    resort/time of stay it goes up to a 30% discount.  Would this discount
    apply to the vacation plans as well, or just ala carte hotel reservations ?

Thanks for your patience and any information you can provide.  

Sharon

RE .66-

>1.  Are we crazy to even try to pull off a trip this year at this point ??

Nah, give it a shot!  I made reservations only about 3 or 4 weeks ago for a 
trip at the end of August.  Though I think the 25th anniversary celebration 
starts this fall (October?), so that may make a difference in availability, 
depending on when you want to go.

>2.  Page 19 of the guide lists a Fall Fantasy 3 night package starting
>    from $149 per adult at a "selected Disney Resort hotel".  Does anyone
>    know which resorts these packages usually are booked to ?

The All Star Resorts, certainly.  I and two friends stayed at All Star Music
on a Fall Fantasy package last October.  For other resorts, you'll probably
have to check with the Travel Center (and the prices would be higher).

>3.  Page 15 lists 2 new resorts, Boardwalk Villas & Boardwalk Inn.  It doesn't
>    really give too much detail however.  I'm especially interested in
>    what mode of transportation you'd need to use to get to the parks.  Would
>    any of you gurus know about this stuff ?

They are opening in July and are located near EPCOT, across the lake from the
Yacht & Beach Club Resorts.  I expect there'll be boats to EPCOT and MGM 
and busses to the rest.  Not sure whether EPCOT will be walkable from there 
because the International Gateway will be on the other side of the lake from 
the Boardwalk resorts.

>4.  Prices for all the vacation plans are for 3 night/4 day stays.  It mentions
>    that there are 4,5,6 & 7 night plans available.  Would a 6 night plan
>    most likely be a little cheaper that two 3 night plans ?

A person at the Travel Center could help you with this.  If you ask them directly
I assume they'd tell you; they don't necessarily volunteer information, I've
heard (though I talked with a most helpful person when I made my reservations a
few weeks ago - see below).  FWIW, I just told them how many days and nights we'd
be there and the representative came up with a Classic Plan that encompassed the
time.

>5.  Page 9 lists resort hotel discounts for MKC members.  Depending on the
>    resort/time of stay it goes up to a 30% discount.  Would this discount
>    apply to the vacation plans as well, or just ala carte hotel reservations ?

It applies to the plans also, or at least to the Classic Plan.  When I made my
reservation, the person I talked to gave me the standard price for the
Classic Plan, then a bit later in the conversation asked whether I was a MKC
member.  When I said I was, she gave me a discounted price (I think 10%).  Note
that I didn't explicitly ask about a MKC discount (I assumed that since I was
calling the Magic Kingdom Club Travel Center they would automatically assume I
was a MKC member - duh...).  Also, the MKC price isn't necessarily available for
all types of rooms at a resort.

Hope this helps.

-- Nina

    Nina,
    
    Thanks for all the info. I knew I could count on this notesfile for
    super help !  Since my daughter got wind of our discussions the other
    night, I guess there's no way we're not going to try and plan this
    trip now !   Once we nail down a time frame, I'll give the MKC number
    a call.  Thanks again for the quick response.  I fill in the details
    as I get them.
    
    Sharon

    Just thought I'd save everyone some time and money by letting you guys
    know that the MKC rates will not be available until mid to late
    November.
    
    So it's not worth making the call just yet.
    
    Mike

    Mike, that's odd.  I called the other day and was told only the room
    rates weren't available yet.  Package prices were out, my sister was
    quoted them for February '97 and April '97.
    
    Julie
    

    Julie,
    
    It seems strange that package rates are available and the room rates
    aren't. Some room rates are available...it's just that not all room
    rates for all the 1997 seasons have been set. For instance, you could
    probably get a room rate the DL for June '97 but you may not be able to
    get the rate for a room at the WL for October '97 until this coming
    November.
    
    Beats me.
    
    Mike

    I just called looking for prices on the Jolly Holiday package for
    early December. The prices I was quoted for room and a dinner show
    seemed really high to me. I already had standard room reservations
    at relatively standard prices : 4 nights Wilderness Lodge ~ $750.
    
    The Jolly Holiday for four nights was $992 or $1100 based on view.
    Is the dinner show really worth $250 for four people? 
    
    I assumed that since the package was in the MKC brochure, that any
    discount would be applied. Should I have asked for the discount?
    
    Thanks,
    Sue
    

>    I assumed that since the package was in the MKC brochure, that any
>    discount would be applied. Should I have asked for the discount?

(Hi, Sue!)  Couldn't hurt to ask.  When I called the MKC Travel Center last 
May for reservations in August, I got one quote, then was fortunate enough
to be asked by the representative whether I was a MKC member (see my reply
.67 in this string), who then gave me another (lower!) quote.  

I was kind of surprised because I figured that I'd get the MKC-discounted 
quote automatically -- I was, after all, calling the *MKC* Travel Center,
and isn't everyone who calls there a MKC member? :-)  

- Nina

    (Hi Nina!) I called back to make sure there weren't any MKC discounts,
    and that they had the number of nights right! Turned out the rate they
    quoted matched the earlier rate.  Then I checked out the website again, 
    and noticed the room rates took a rather large leap. So, in this case,
    I think that booking early saved me some money in the long run (of
    course, I waited too long on the plane fares, so they've gone up a 
    little. Easy come, easy go!)
    Sue
    

>    of course, I waited too long on the plane fares, so they've gone up a 
>    little. Easy come, easy go!)

If you hear of fare sales between now and the time you leave, check back
with your travel agent (or I guess the airline if you booked with them
directly) to see whether the fares for your particular flights might've
gone down.  If they have, you can get a refund (or credit on the airline).
This has happened to us a couple of times (one time a fare went down by
almost $100!), though I can't remember whether it was for flights to
Florida.

Note that you have to take the initiative - they're not about to let you
know that their fares have gone down! :-)

- Nina