It seems like each day another Fortune 500 company releases disappointing quarterly earnings, but then again, what do you expect? Thursday, Disney was no exception, as the company reported that earnings had fallen about 13 percent in the fiscal fourth quarter.

Things were down in pretty much all areas of their business--including about a four percent drop specifically at theme parks. Overall, they still posted a profit of $760 million, but when everyone expects you to beat last year, that’s still not good enough.

In hopes of filling Disney World to the brim, the Disney officials have started a new vacation promotion in addition to their birthday deal. The new deal promises three nights of tickets and hotel for free when you buy a four-night package. Finally, if your trip takes place between January and March they’ll also throw in a $200 gift card--for your own Sarah Palin-style spending spree on all the best Mickey merchandise.

Related Stories:
· Slowdown Begins to Show at Stalwart Disney [NYT]
· Affordable Disney Vacation Packages [Disney World]
· Theme Parks coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Joe Shlabotnik]]]> kjb 2008-11-07T12:00:09-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/10/3/71030/9762

In addition to the decorations at all the parks and ubiquitous pumpkins, October brings Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party to Disney World. This after-hours event takes place at the Magic Kingdom on selected nights this month.

Advance tickets are $43, and it's a good chance to get into the park without paying the usual $70 or so for a one-day admission.]]> kjb 2008-10-03T14:00:38-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/9/28/132646/439

Sometimes it seems like Disney will never stop growing, and there's really no part of the tourism market that it won't eventually dominate. Case in point: the company is planning a 100-lane bowling center in their recently-renamed ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando, the latest salvo in an effort to expand further into the growing sports tourism market. ]]> Victor Ozols 2008-09-28T13:26:46-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/9/24/21251/0084

Forget "Top Chef." If you're looking for some serious cooking contest drama, get yourself to Disney World this weekend for the semi-finals of the Bocuse d'Or.

The so-called Olympics of cooking, the Bocuse d'Or finals are held every year in Lyon, France, and for global gastrophiles, this contest carries serious weight. (Check out the over-the-top website intro--these people clearly think this is much bigger than the Olympics.)

Unfortunately, America's track record is far from golden. In the 20 years the competition has been held, Team USA has never placed in medal position--in fact, they've never come close, with their best finish a lowly sixth in 2003.]]> BS 2008-09-25T09:48:34-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/9/19/72332/4844

If the recent price hikes at Disney World have put the brakes on your trip to see Mickey and his posse, then we have some good news. As part of the park's 2009 "What will you celebrate?" promotion, the park is handing out free one-day, one-park tickets to either Disneyland or Disney World on your birthday. Just show your ID at the gates on your birthday and you'll be good to go.

Although for a family of four, a one-ticket discount doesn't represent a significant discount, it might be just the thing to give attendance a boost. Regardless of how you feel about the "deal," it's certainly better than nothing.

So far this promotion is only available at the Disney parks in the US. Too bad, as a little freebie promotion could definitely help one overseas park in particular.

Related Stories:
· Coming Soon: Free Admission to Disney on your Birthday [BT]
· Free on Your Birthday-What Will You Celebrate? [Official Site]
· Theme Parks coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo of an excited Donald Duck: Savannah Grandfather]]]> kjb 2008-09-19T11:30:30-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/9/4/7128/99792

The end of summer usually means the end of amusement park season, too. But if you have one last opportunity to hit up a coaster or two, check out the best of the best as featured in Amusement Today's 2008 Golden Tickets awards.

This year the best amusement park honor went to Cedar Point in Ohio, which is known for its large roller coaster population. The best overall steel coaster award went, fittingly, to Superman: Ride of Steel at Six Flags New England; we can tell you from personal experience that it deserves the prize.

The Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort in Texas was named best place to get wet. And Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana was the big winner overall, with the best wooden coaster, The Voyage, the friendliest staff and the cleanest park. Surprisingly, Walt Disney World only received one award for the Illuminations fireworks show at Epcot, which was named the best outdoor night show production.

Related Stories:
· Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Awards [Official Site]
· Theme Parks coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: ewige]]]> kjb 2008-09-04T15:00:21-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/8/25/72157/7464

When it comes to special events at Walt Disney World, the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is the one to attend. Celebrating its 13th anniversary, the festival runs September 26-November 9, and it's the perfect opportunity to take in the Disney version of world culture while drinking!]]> kjb 2008-08-25T10:45:16-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/