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             PassPorter News

 

   News, Announcements, Updates, and Tips

 

       January 11, 2007 * Issue 7.2

 

  PassPorter.com - http://www.passporter.com

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Welcome to PassPorter News, an online newsletter

about PassPorter travel guidebooks, the

Walt Disney World Resort, and Disney Cruise Line.

 

PassPorter News is available by free subscription

to all readers and friends of our labor of love --

PassPorter Travel Guidebooks.

Learn all about them:

http://www.passporter.com/aboutpassporter.htm

 

 

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In This Newsletter:

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From the Authors: PassPorter's Sidekick

 

Travel Feature: The Poconos

 

Disney Feature: Animal Trekking at Animal Kingdom

 

Updates: What's New and Changed

 

Tips:  Hook It Up, Stateroom Signs, Bring Bingo

 

Captain's Corner: Tanks a Lot!

 

Q&A: How important are dining reservations at Disneyland?

 

 

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FROM THE AUTHORS: PassPorterÕs Sidekick

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Hi, {{user("firstname")}}! 

 

There's always something new cooking here in the PassPorter office. Here's our latest batch of news:

 

New E-Book: The last few days have brought a flurry of final activity on our latest e-book, PassPorter's Sidekick to the Walt Disney World Guidebook. This 109-page Adobe Acrobat (PDF) file is bursting at the seams with new planning worksheets (including eight "Stuff To Do Before You Go" pages), journal pages in a variety of designs, an electronic version of PassPorter Walt Disney World's Web Site Index (so you can click the links and go), duplicates of every planning worksheet and checklist in PassPorter Walt Disney World, luggage tags, and much more! What's really exciting (at least, to us) is that many of these pages are completely interactive -- you can type-in your information and check-off your check list items on your computer, than print-out the filled-in pages to insert in your PassPorter. As with all our e-books, these pages are formatted to be printed-out to fit a PassPorter deluxe ring binder, and will fold and fit neatly in your PassPorter's PassPockets. Get all the details at http://www.passporter.com/wdw/sidekick.asp

 

Cruise Guide Arriving Earlier: The new edition of PassPorter's Field Guide to the Disney Cruise Line is so close, we can taste it! The book is coming off the press earlier than expected, and we hope to start shipping pre-orders next week! This is the biggest edition ever, with more than 70 brand-new pages, most of them dedicated to this summer's Mediterranean itineraries. To be among the first to get your copy, pre-order now at http://www.passporterstore.com/store/dcl2007.aspx

 

Bestseller's List: Sales of PassPorter Walt Disney World 2007 are setting new records in the bookstores! For the first week of 2007 our little baby was #18 on the Bookscan Travel Bestsellers list, which measures actual in-store book sales. The list, compiled by the A.C. Nielsen Company (famed for its TV ratings), includes guidebooks, map books and travel narratives (like Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods"). If you subtract the literature and road atlases, we come in at #9. Pretty darned cool!

 

15,000th Board Member: Sometime when we weren't looking, the PassPorter Message Board signed-up its 15,000th member, and the community's friendly members have made nearly 1.5 million posts! You aren't a member? Please, pop on by! It's a great place to get your travel questions answered, share your own knowledge, and hang out with a great bunch of folks. Visit us at http://www.passporterboards.com

 

PassPorter Public Appearance Calendar

 

Friday, January 26, 2007  1:10 pm -- PassPorter co-author Dave Marx will be a guest on The Charlie Profit Radio Show, on WXCT AM 990 in Southington, Connecticut

 

In this issue of the newsletter, PassPorter message board Guide Sue Kulick extolls the virtues of her home turf, Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains, and Cheryl Pendry dons her pith helmet to take us Animal Trekking at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Enjoy!

 

Jennifer and Dave

PassPorter Authors and Publishers

 

 

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TRAVEL FEATURE: The Poconos: Not Just For Honeymooners

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by Sue Kulick, Guest Contributor and PassPorter Message Board Guide

 

Surely you've heard of the Pocono Mountains, nestled in the heart of Northeast Pennsylvania? A beautiful and scenic area, the Poconos gained a reputation in the 50s and 60s as the "Honeymoon Capital of the World." And the resorts that peppered the green and tranquil landscape bore out that identity; from heart-shaped hot tubs to champagne glass-shaped spas, from signs proclaiming "Dears Crossing" to the entrance proclaiming, "Welcome to the Land of Love." As the years went by, the honeymoon glow faded, and the resorts that were once the heartbeat of the Poconos' tourist industry took on a faded and slightly antiquated look. The resorts needed to adapt and change with the times. Some became family resorts, like Caesar's Brookdale, others became housing developments, like Penn Estates, and some, like Echo Lake Farms and Birchwood Resort, closed their doors forever.

 

The Poconos were in serious need of a makeover. The 80s brought a multitude of changes, including the sale of large chunks of land to be turned into housing developments. The Poconos of the 80s and 90s became little more than a suburb of larger cities like New York and Philadelphia. It was time for the Poconos, much like Orlando in the 70s, to reinvent itself in order to survive!

 

As with any change, it brought, and still brings, challenges and resistance. But what started out as pure destruction of the landscape for the reason of profit has slowly evolved into a thriving and growing community.

 

The Poconos still has a lot of scenic, natural beauty. In addition to the beautiful open spaces, many protected by legislation and history, we offer Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. This is a National Park, offering hiking, boating, biking, camping and relaxing, all along the beautiful Delaware River. Spend a lovely afternoon at Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, or enjoying the trails at Bushkill Falls. You can pack a picnic lunch and go to any of these places for a look at nature's beauty!

 

How about a little history? Take a step back in time at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm. This living, working farm depicts life as it was in the early 19th century in Pennsylvania. Or take a trip to The Pocono Indian Museum and learn how it all got started in the Poconos! Take a relaxing drive up Route 191 into beautiful Barrett Township, where small town life is still abundant!

 

Maybe you're looking for something a little more urbane? Do you like shopping? Well, the Poconos has come a long way from the little Mom and Pop stores that sold a little of everything. Oh don't worry, we still have those! Try East Stroudsburg Hardware Store for a slice of Americana, or Gary's Meat Market for the freshest cuts of meat. For a really local shopping experience, you can't beat our candle shops, Pocono Candle Shop and American Candle Company. These stores provide rooms and rooms full of ... no, not just candles! Pocono Candle has a huge selection of decorations for every room in your house, as well as a large variety of collectibles. And American Candle has a whole room devoted to ... CANDY! You can buy it by the bag, by the pound or just a few pieces to eat right there.

 

Still want more to do? How about the ever- growing Stroud Mall? You can shop at Sears, Bon Ton, JC Penney, New York and Company, Deb Shop, Foot Locker...;in fact there are over 50 stores to choose from. And you'll notice that small town hospitality in a big town mall. If outlet shopping is your thing, you've got to try The Crossings Premium Outlets. Set against the backdrop of Camelback Mountain, you can get anything from shoes to clothes to china to chocolate. Bring your walking shoes and prepare for a day of fun!

 

So, maybe you're the adventurous type? In the late 60s, the Pocono's began to evolve in yet another direction -- as a ski area. It started when a group of businessmen purchased a mountain, and a dream was born. Now Camelback Ski Area is one of the biggest ski resorts in the area, followed closely by Shawnee Mountain Ski Area. You can play, stay and have winter fun and in the summer, Camelback is open as Camelbeach Waterpark, a fun filled family water park.

 

So, is all of this activity making you hungry? There is no shortage of good restaurants here, catering to every taste and palate. Italian? Try Peppe's. Irish? Try Siamsa Irish Pub. Good old-fashioned cooking? Try Mollie's! Best diner food in the area? Try the LandMark Restaurant! Steak? Try  Bailey's Steakhouse! Of course, there are several of the usual chains - Friendly's, Garfield's, Ruby Tuesdays, Perkins and KFC, to name a few. You will never go hungry in the Poconos!

 

The change from a sleepy little honeymoon resort area to a full-scale vacation destination and year round thriving community is still a work in progress. But with each new chapter, progress and the environment are learning to work side by side, and the result is a new and wonderful Poconos. Drop by and see us... we'd love to have you!

 

About the Author:  Sue Kulick is a resident of the Pocono Mountains and an avid Disney fan. She and her husband, Steve, live in a log home with their Golden Retrievers, Cody and Belle and their cat Tigger.

 

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Did you enjoy this article? Have questions? E-mail us at news@passporter.com or visit http://www.passporterboards.com to discuss your Disney travel plans. Also check out our Article Collection at http://www.passporter.com/articles for more great information!

 

 

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CST207807440  - As to Disney artwork: ©Disney

  

 

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DISNEY FEATURE: Animal Trekking at DisneyÕs Animal Kingdom

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by Cheryl Pendry, Guest Contributor and PassPorter Message Board Guide

 

 

Animal Kingdom. It's a simple enough name and tells you everything you need to know about the fourth theme park at the Walt Disney World resort - you're going to find animals there. Amazing then, that so many people who head for this park end up bypassing attractions that are home to some of the planet's most beautiful animals.

 

It's probably fair to say that nearly everyone who visits Disney's Animal Kingdom makes a beeline at some point during the day to Kilimanjaro Safaris. They set out on their "two week" trek into the African savannah, see hundreds of amazing animals and then as they leave the safari, they completely miss the signs for the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail -- or worse, choose to ignore them. As with everything else Disney does, it's no accident that the signposts are there. They're encouraging you to continue with your expedition, and this is quite some expedition!

 

A walking trail suitable for everyone, the Pangani Trail first takes you past the okapi, a striking and stripy animal, similar to Zebras. A beautiful deep brown color, the white stripes are on their legs, but perhaps the most stunning thing about these animals is their tongues! Stand there long enough and you may be lucky enough to see it flip out, although these are shy animals, so you may have to be patient.

 

From there, you head into a research building and the highlight here is the Naked Mole Rats, of Kim Possible fame. You may be able to see them burrowing around in their underground habitat. Then it's into the aviary area, one that I will confess, we used to walk through quickly. At first glance, you probably won't be able to spot anything, but keep looking and something will move -- maybe on the ground, maybe above your head -- and you'll realize that it's one of the beautiful birds that lives here.

 

 Now for something that everyone comes to see. As you see the glass with the water beyond, you might first wonder what is contained in the murky depths, but when you see a bulky shape move, you realize what it is -- a hippo! If you ever wonder why you can never see these beautiful animals, this underwater viewing area gives you the answer. Hippos spend most of their time in the water and they're quite a sight.

 

Your next stop will undoubtedly include delighted cries of "Timon" from children, as they spy the meerkats, which can usually be found happily basking in the sun. These guys make for some delightful photos.

 

As you'd expect, Disney saves the best for last. Your final stop takes you to the Gorilla Research Camp. The first time we visited, we were mesmerized by the glass-protected viewing area and couldn't believe how close we could get to the gorillas. You'll usually find Cast Members here who can answer any questions you have about the gorillas. It took us a while to realize that we could move on and enjoy more sightings around the corner on the swaying suspension bridge -- although watch out for energetic youngsters who seem to enjoy bouncing you around on this!

 

There's so much to see on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail that you should allow at least 30 minutes to take it all in. The time will fly once you start spotting the animals and it's easy to stand in one section for 10 minutes, without realizing it. If there's a long wait for Kilimanjaro Safaris, it might be worth grabbing a FastPass and checking out the Trail while you wait for your FastPass time to roll round.

 

But this isn't the only animal trail that this park has to offer. Head to Asia and you'll find the Maharajah Jungle Trek, where you can wander through ancient ruins and encounter animals on the way. Of the two, this is perhaps the better themed and we always stop to take time to look at all the Asian architecture and artifacts around us.

 

The first animals you'll come across are the gibbons, members of the ape family. Just around the corner is the first animal viewing area. This is one area where you may have to search for your prey. The Komodo Dragon, the world's largest lizard, is not always the most camera-friendly beast, but it's very rewarding when you find him. The striking Tapir is also worth searching out and with half of him white and half black, he's easier to find in the undergrowth.

 

Next is an area that I can guarantee you'll either love or want to avoid altogether -- the bat viewing area. These guys don't do a lot for me, so we usually hurry past them, but there's a good collection of Asian fruit bats if you're a bat lover.

 

Perhaps the real reason I want to hurry past this section is because I know what's coming up next -- Tiger Forest, complete with some beautiful pools for them to drink or play in.  Whatever time of the day you visit, you can usually find the tigers somewhere, so if they're not at the first viewing spot, keep going to the next one. Fortunately, even when these big cats are tired, they usually manage to pick an area right by the glass-protected viewing areas for a sleep, giving you amazing views of them. If you see them active by the pool though, stay put -- it's worth it if they head into the water to play, as that's a stunning sight and, as someone near us commented,  "They're just like my cats at home... only a bit bigger!"

 

This isn't the final stop on the Jungle Trek. You'll see Elds Deer and Blackbuck next and then you'll head into the free-flying bird aviary. Again, it's worth taking your time here, as that thing that you originally thought was a leaf could turn out to be a rich green-colored bird.

 

As with so many of Disney's attractions, there are two ways to enjoy the trails in the Animal Kingdom. You can hurry through, perhaps only stopping to see the most obvious of animals, such as the tigers and the gorillas, or you can linger and explore it more fully. Nearly always your patience will be rewarded and you'll find a whole new world of animals that you hadn't previously realized even existed.

 

So while Expedition: Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris or the Festival of the Lion King may be calling your name when you visit the park, try and find time in your schedule to stop by and enjoy the animals that gave their name to this wonderful Disney Kingdom.

 

About the Author: Cheryl and husband Mark live in Kent and love to travel, especially to America. Their most recent visit to Walt Disney World was in November 2006 and they are currently planning their next visit over Christmas 2007

 

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Did you enjoy this article? Have questions? E-mail us at news@passporter.com or visit http://www.passporterboards.com to discuss your holiday plans. Also check out our Article Collection at http://www.passporter.com/articles for more great information!

 

 

 

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UPDATES: What's New and Changed

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Here's a few relevant news items:

 

The elevator that helps guests with mobility issues at Cinderella's Royal Table will be closed for repairs April 15 - 28, 2007. During this time guests must climb 40 steps to access the restaurant.  Please make note of this before making Advanced Dining Reservations!

 

 Annual Passholders, Florida residents and Disney Vacation Club members who purchase a regular price Pleasure Island multi-club admission from January 1 through March 31, 2007 will be receive unlimited visits to Pleasure Island until June 1, 2007. Guests who purchase a Pleasure Island Annual Pass will receive an additional three months admission, making the Annual Pass a "15 month" Pass. Guests must be 21 or over to purchase the tickets.

 

 The Annual Passholder preview of the new Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor Comedy Club that had been scheduled for January 19 - 21, 2007 has been cancelled. The opening of this attraction is now listed as Spring 2007. New preview dates have not been announced.

 

Our thanks to http://www.allears.net from which we get some of our news leads.

 

>Things To Do: Hear some news? Send it to us at

news@passporter.com

 

 

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DISNEY TIPS FROM FELLOW READERS

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Our readers are a wealth of information! Here are the winners in this month's tip contest:

 

HOOK IT UP

"3M makes a variety of Command Strips reusable hook-type items. I use them during Christmas to hang up our stockings. While hanging up my stockings this year I realized we could take them to Walt Disney World on our next trip. We can use them to hang up towels, shower poufs, wet washcloths, etc. Those of you who go during the holidays can use them to hang up lights and/or stockings. They are easy to use and can attach to just about any surface without damaging it. It can make your hotel room more organized."

 -- contributed by Shelby J.

 

STATEROOM SIGNS

"Many cruisers decorate their stateroom doors with homemade signs. Sometimes these artistic pieces identify a family reunion or a group of Internet pals; other times they just offer personal expression (or a way to help the kids locate the stateroom when they all look the same!) We have started a tradition of making a new, destination and date-specific sign to go along with our original "who we are" sign we recycle for each voyage. The "who we are" sign shows our Disney history (met at Disney Institute, honeymooned at Walt Disney World, etc.) For the destination sign, we use photos of our own mingled with pictures, stickers, place names and icons cut from Disney or destination travel brochures. Peel and stick magnets help the signs cling neatly to our stateroom door. Because we use a sheet of 12x12 scrapbook paper for our sign and laminate it, after the cruise it becomes the cover page of our vacation scrapbook! We always notice people admiring our signs, and they are great conversation starters to meet your neighbors."

 -- contributed by Denise P.

 

BRING BINGO

"After Christmas the Disney Store has lots of stocking stuffers for $1 or less. I pick up about 10 of the stocking stuffers (candy, washcloths, pins, etc) and put them away for our upcoming trip. I also have a Disney Bingo game that we bring on every trip with us. Every time we cross into a new state we get to play one game of bingo. Since the bingo caller is on DVD, everyone but the driver can play (the adults love it as much as the kids). Whoever wins the game, gets a Disney stocking stuffer. It builds the excitement and keeps the "how much longer until we are at Disney?" at bay. Now I hear "how far until (fill in state name here)?" Driving in peace, gotta love it!"

 -- contributed by Kyle L.

 

>Notes: Send us your tips! You may see them in this newsletter and win a copy of PassPorter! Visit:

 http://www.passporter.com/wdw/tipsandstories.htm

 

>>Want more Disney tips? For Walt Disney World fans, we've collected 500 of the best tips submitted by readers over the past six years. All have been edited for accuracy and categorized. For details, visit the PassPorter Disney 500 info page at http://www.passporter.com/wdw/disney500.asp

 

>>For Disney Cruise Line fans, we have an e-book with 250 cruiser tips, as well as a special cruise line comparison section and seven customized packing lists. For information, visit the Disney Cruise Clues info page at http://www.passporter.com/dcl/cruiseclues.asp

 

 

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CAPTAIN'S CORNER: Treasure Hunting Game

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Play our fun and quirky treasure hunting game, hosted by Captain Jack Skatt from our book, "PassPorter's Treasure Hunts at Walt Disney World." 

 

The Captain makes a study of the delightful details -- sometimes hidden, sometimes in plain sight but often overlooked -- at Walt Disney World and aboard the Disney Cruise Line. Using notes from his journals, he will lead you to this "treasure" at Disney with clues, questions, photos, or riddles. Your challenge is to discover the answer by searching your memory, visiting Disney, or even just looking really hard on the Internet. If you think you've found the answer, e-mail it to jackskatt@passporter.com -- the first person to correctly submit the FULL answer will receive a free PassPorter enamel pin or PassPorter name badge pin.

 

Here is this weekÕs journal entry:

 

"Alas, my hunt for a new journal to replace my current one is going exceedingly bad. Not only did I find no suitable journals at the Writer's Stop at Disney-MGM Studios, but I've struck out everywhere else I've looked to date. While I continue my search for a journal, I've decided to snap a few more photographs -- it will help me preserve what little journal space I have remaining. Here's a particularly fun photograph I took while on a walkabout yesterdays. I wonder if the "Tanks a Lot Dive Shop" has journals?"

 

Photo: http://www.passporter.com/news/signpost_large.jpg

 

Where is this signpost?

 

Send your full answer to jackskatt@passporter.com -- the winner will be notified by e-mail and announced in the next newsletter, along with the correct answer!

 

Congratulations to Kerry Moroney who was the winner of last week's treasure hunt game! Kerry correctly identified the writer's shop as the Writer's Stop at the Disney-MGM Studios. To view the original clue, see http://www.passporter.com/news/news010407.htm#captain

 

If you enjoy treasure hunts, we've got an entire book with over 100 distinct treasure hunts and over 1500 questions, complete with clues and contributions from Captain Skatt.  Get details on ÒPassPorter's Treasure Hunts at Walt Disney World" at http://www.passporterstore.com/store/1587710269.aspx

 

 

 

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Q & A WITH JENNIFER & DAVE

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EmpressLizBunny asks: "How important is it to make Priority Seatings at Disneyland since they don't have the Dining Plan? When should I make them?"

 

Dave & Jennifer answer: "Since there are relatively few table service theme park restaurants, Priority Seatings (PS) are still a good idea, since there are relatively few tables to go around. PS for Blue Bayou is strongly recommended whenever you visit. For other park restaurants, use your judgment. However, if you want to dine anywhere in the New Orleans Square area on a night when they have Fantasmic, definitely get PS.

 

Dining in the hotel restaurants is more variable. Certainly yes for any character meals and for the most popular spots -- Napa Rose and Storyteller's Cafe in particular. Even if it's not actually essential, I'd make PS at the resort restaurants simply because it can be a long walk to an alternative restaurant if it turns out the wait is particularly long."

 

Have a question? Check out our new "Ask PassPorter" Q & A blog at http://ask.passporter.com . We're still working on getting the blog ready for prime time, but we welcome your comments and questions! You can also post questions at http://www.passporterboards.com/ -- and if you're lucky, you may find that folks have already asked and answered the same question that's on your mind!

 

 

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WANT TO GET PUBLISHED?

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PassPorter News is published weekly, and this means we need more articles than ever! We're on the lookout for guest columnists who want to contribute articles to this newsletter. No professional writing experience necessary, just a desire to share your experience with others! Not only is this a great way to give something back to the PassPorter community, but you get to see your name in "print" and receive a $25 gift certificate.

 

 

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Copyright (c) 2007 - MediaMarx, Inc. / PassPorter Travel Press, PO Box 3880, Ann Arbor, MI  48106