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PassPorter News
News, Announcements, Updates, and Tips
April 24, 2003 - Issue
3.8
*Special E-Ride Announcements Issue*
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:
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In This Newsletter:
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* From the Authors: Happy 5th Birthday, Animal Kingdom!
* Epcot Feature: Mission: SPACE Launch Sequence Commencing
* Animal Kingdom Feature: Expedition EVEREST Announced
* Disney-MGM Studios Feature: Tower of Terror 4
* Cruise News: "Golden Mickeys" Show, Castaway Cay Excursions
* Updates: What's New and Changed (Pop Century, Pal Mickey)
* Tips: Trip Tracking, Concierge-Style For Less, Magical Haircuts
* Q&A: Cruise Dining Rotation, Monthly Temperature Averages
* Contest Winner Announcement
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FROM THE AUTHORS: Happy 5th Birthday, Animal Kingdom!
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Hi, friends!
This past Tuesday, April 22, was the fifth anniversary of Disney's Animal Kingdom. My, how time flies! To mark the occasion, Disney invited the local media (and a few out-of-towners) to a one-day celebratory and informational event. Birthdays weren't the only thing on Disney's agenda, though Disney Cruise Line representatives were happy to toot the horn for the cruise line's own, upcoming fifth birthday. We were also promised a "surprise announcement," a preview of the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, and (drumroll, please) a sneak peek at Mission: SPACE, the new thrill ride opening later this year at Epcot. Along the way, we had lots of opportunities to interview Imagineers and other Disney notables; enough that we can promise fascinating articles for many more editions of this newsletter.
Attending the event on PassPorter's behalf were PassPorter co-author Dave Marx; and PassPorter contributor and expert peer reviewer Debra Martin Koma, best known as Senior Editor for the ALL EARS newsletter. See a report from Deb on the new and improved Tower of Terror sequences later in this newsletter. Also watch for reports from Deb in the next All Ears Newsletter on Tuesday, April 30 (subscribe at http://www.allearsnet.com ).
This newsletter is jam-packed with news -- even a few surprises you probably haven't heard anywhere else yet -- so take your time with it. Exciting times, indeed!
Your friends,
Jennifer and Dave
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EPCOT FEATURE: Mission: SPACE - Launch Sequence Commencing
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by Dave Marx
The big drawing card at the media event for this reporter was a first look inside Mission: SPACE, the new thrill ride opening next to Test Track, in Epcot's Future World. Reporters were escorted through the attraction, in the company of the Imagineers who designed and are building the ride.
The mood for the preview was set by Walt Disney World President Al Weiss, who announced that the attraction would "soft open" on August 15, and would officially open in October (during a soft opening the ride may open or close without notice). Mr. Weiss apologized for the fact that the Press couldn't actually ride the attraction until August 15, but confided that he did have a chance to ride (its good to be President). He reported (with the genuine excitement and delight of a kid) that he thinks this will be one of the greatest attractions in the world, and we don't think he meant just Walt Disney World.
The story of Mission: SPACE takes us about forty years into the future, when Disney and space program experts hope that space flight will be routine for ordinary citizens. Guests will become trainees at the International Space Training Center (ISTC). After a quick course in space flight the trainees are briefed on their training mission and embark on a mission to Mars! Theyll experience all the sounds and sensations of a shuttle launch, including high g-forces and some simulated weightlessness. When they come back to Earth, trainees can move on to the interactive experiences in the Advanced Training Lab, or head out back into the bright Florida sunshine. The Advanced Training Lab is also a haven for everyone (including small children) who has bypassed the thrill portion of the ride (all guests, whether they ride or not, must go through the queue and pre-show areas).
To continue your tour of Mission: SPACE, click below to
read the entire, full-length article -- complete with photos --at PassPorter.com:
http://www.passporter.com/articles/missionspace.htm
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ANIMAL KINGDOM FEATURE: Expedition EVEREST - The Secret Revealed
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by Dave Marx
This may be the worst-kept secret in Disney history. While "leaks" and rumors from Disney cast members are fairly common, how often does the company's Chairman spill the beans? Michael Eisner did just that at Disney's annual stockholders meeting back in March.
Yes, rumors of a new thrill coaster (or even an entire thrill "land") for Animal Kingdom have been circulating for a while, but many of us were astounded when Eisner volunteered the information from the podium. When Eisner then asked Disney President Robert Iger whether he should have said something, Iger replied, "Youve just made a couple hundred people on the Internet happier than they have ever been in their life!" However, when this reporter called Disneys Media Relations office to confirm Eisner's statement, Disney representatives firmly denied that anything resembling Expedition EVEREST had been officially announced.
"What about Mr. Eisner's statement?"
"Nothing has been announced officially."
"Is that the 'surprise announcement' you'll be making at Animal Kingdom on April
22?"
"No comment."
So, the Media gathered eagerly at 9:30 am, Tuesday April 22, to mark the fifth anniversary of the opening of Disney's Animal Kingdom. After a musical, character-filled introduction, Walt Disney World President Al Weiss stepped to the podium. Naturally, the parks anniversary celebration came first, so after appropriate words and ceremony from Weiss and the parks vice-president, Dr. Beth Stevens, the big "surprise" finally arrived. A mountain began to rise behind the stage, like a volcano rising from the sea. Perched atop the flat, fabric cut-out mountain was a terrified Mountaineer Goofy. As the mountain and The Goof rose higher into the air, blustery, snow-filled winds began to buffet the peak.
Want to read more? The full article is available at
PassPorter.com:
http://www.passporter.com/articles/everest.htm
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STUDIOS FEATURE: Something Smells Funny: Tower of Terror 4
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by Debra Martin Koma, ALL EARS Senior Editor
There's an old saying: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Apparently it's a motto the Walt Disney Imagineers haven't heard -- thank goodness! -- because just a few months ago they changed one of Walt Disney World's most popular attractions, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, a *fourth* time.
If you talk with Theron Skees, show producer for Disney-MGM Studios, you'll find that the most recent changes, which include even more speed, drops and special effects, were made to "bring guests an even more physical experience."
What could be more physical than the feeling of dropping 13 stories repeatedly? Would you believe the addition of other-worldly effects ranging from eerie spectral visions to unexpected gusts of cold air to a specially created smell?
"Yes, we wanted to create a different feeling to this ride," Skees says. "For example, we didn't want just any smell, like burning rubber, we wanted a special smell that was uniquely the Tower's. We actually toyed with quite a few things until we came up with the scent we wanted." Skees notes that his own nose did much of the testing before the "right" combination of scents was settled on. And, he adds, all that sniffing paid off -- Cast Members who tested Tower of Terror 4 a few months back were fooled into believing that "something" was wrong with the ride after detecting the newly engineered "musty" odor.
The "new" Tower of Terror now boasts two totally different ride systems with completely different elements, Michael Tschanz, principal software engineer, explains further. "The ride profiles are different -- sometimes you go up before you drop down, sometimes you don't," he notes. "And the various elements are randomly selected by the Tower ride system itself -- even we don't know which ride you're going to get, which special effects you're going to experience."
Since the Tower has consistently been one of Walt Disney World most popular attractions since it debuted in 1994, one might wonder why the Imagineers feel the need to tinker with it every few years, as they have done.
"We had the new technology, so why not do something with it?" Skees says. "Especially for the real serious fans of the ride, the ones who ride it again and again, and the ones who go on the internet and talk about it, we wanted to give them something more unpredictable."
"Now, with Tower itself actually choosing the various elements randomly, we like to say that the Tower is in Control."
(Editor's Note: Smells like a winner to us! Our thanks to
Deb for that savory article. In exchange for this article, Dave will contribute two short
articles about Mission:SPACE and Expedition EVEREST to next week's edition of ALL EARS
newsletter -- watch for 'em.)
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CRUISE NEWS: "Golden Mickey's Show, Castaway Cay Excursions
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by Jennifer Watson
Buried among the reams of press releases Dave toted back to the office today was a simple press release marking Disney Cruise Line's 5th Anniversary on July 30, 2003. Upon closer inspection of the press release today, we found some buried treasure within it -- two very short mentions of a new show debuting this fall and new Castaway Cay excursions. Here's the scoop:
GOLDEN MICKEYS SHOW TO DEBUT FALL 2003
A brand new, live stage show begins production on the Disney Magic this autumn. The new
show, called "Golden Mickeys," is in rehearsal now. Our contact at Disney Cruise
Line had no clue as to the new show's storyline, but some digging about on the web
revealed a casting call with some hints. From what we understand, a female character named
"Ensign Benson" starts the show as the nervous and awkward stagehand. During the
show, famous Disney characters such as Tarzan, Pocahontas, Belle, Peter Pan, Nala,
Hercules, Quasimodo, Prince Charming, Cinderella, Snow White, and Wendy show up. By the
show's end, Ensign Benson transforms into the confident and glamorous star of the show,
the Disney Cruise Line's "leading lady." The new show isn't expected to replace
any of the current stage shows, but it's possible it will take the place of one of the
variety shows. Disney is not yet sure when the show will make its way to the Disney
Wonder.
NEW CASTAWAY CAY EXCURSIONS
Four new adventures have been recently added to the roster of Castaway Cay shore
excursions. The exact date they were introduced is unclear -- they weren't available on my
March cruise, nor have we seen any discussion of them by cruisers online. Here are the new
excursions:
- Seahorse Snorkel Adventure -- Take a 40 min. trip aboard a 63 ft. catamaran to
prime snorkeling waters. Don your gear (provided), get a brief orientation, and snorkel
for an hour in 3-25 ft. deep water. Rum punch, bottled water, canned soda, and snacks are
provided after the snorkel. Two restrooms are available onboard. Cost is $49 (ages 10+)
and $29 (ages 5-9).
- Walking & Kayak Nature Adventure -- Take a 40 min. walk with a nature guide
around Castaway Cay and over to the kayak launching area. Paddle about for one hour in
two-person kayaks (life jackets provided). Afterwards, swim at a secluded beach for a half
an hour. Then take another 20 minute walk back to the tram. Cost is $60 (ages 10+). Note
that there are no restrooms along the tour.
- Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Voyage -- Board a 46-foot, glass-bottom trawler for a
one-hour ecotour of the barrier reefs that protect Castaway Cay. The trawler has covered
seating, but is one level only and has no restrooms. Bottled water provided. Cost is $25
(10+) and $20 (under 10).
- Scuba Dive Adventure -- Certified divers can enjoy dive two sites near Castaway
Cay. The first dive is 60 feet deep, the second is 40 feet deep. Equipment is provided;
wet suits can be rented for $10/person. Guests ages 12-17 must be accompanied by a parent.
Cost is $95 (ages 12+).
Full descriptions of these new shore excursions are available at DisneyCruise.com at http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/disneycruiseline/funonshore/excursiongroupingindex?id=PortCastawayCayExcGrping
Alas, the news we were hoping for -- some special event to
mark the cruise line's 5th anniversary -- wasn't among the tidbits in the press release.
Disney says they're not doing anything special, but if you hear otherwise let us know at
cruising@passporter.com.
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UPDATES: What's New and Changed
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PAL MICKEY
Whos 10 inches tall and is destined to become the most popular tour guide at Walt
Disney World? Pal Mickey! Pal Mickey is Disney Imagineerings latest, plush
innovation, a soft, loveable toy that plays games wherever he goes, and becomes an instant
tour guide whenever he enters a Walt Disney World theme park. (Read the full article at
PassPorter.com: http://www.passporter.com/articles/palmickey.htm
)
NEW SHOW AT THE DIAMOND HORSESHOE SALOON REVUE
Tuesday we learned that the Diamond Horseshoe Saloon will re-open on July 1, 2003. The
Magic Kingdom-based attraction closed on February 1, 2003 for refurbishment. When it
re-opens, the attraction will have a new name which has yet to be announced and a
new show. Character interaction will be a big part of the new show, and audience
participation is a definite. We hear that Goofy will be featured in the show, and it may
even be named after him. Note that the attraction will not serve food, as it did prior to
2003.
POP CENTURY TO OPEN (FINALLY!)
Walt Disney World president Al Weiss announced Tuesday that the new Pop Century Resort is
now taking reservations for its opening on December 14, 2003. Pop Century was originally
scheduled to open in late 2001, but its debut was delayed due to the drop in travel after
9/11. First to open will be the Classic Years section, which celebrates the decades of the
1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. Standard rooms are $77/night
and preferred rooms are $87/night (preferred rooms are in the two buildings located
nearest to the main building, the 1960s). Weve visited the resort several times
during construction, and expect the resorts facilities and decor will receive a very
enthusiastic welcome. Rumors are already circulating that one of the All-Star resorts may
close for refurbishment once Pop Century opens, presumably after the busy holiday season.
In the meantime, dont panic. Its just a rumor.
>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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TRACK YOUR TRIP THROUGH PHOTOS
"We came up with a neat idea for our upcoming trip to keep track of our days in the
parks, all without writing anything down. We will take a photo of either one of us (or
both) as we enter each attraction. That way, we will have a record of the rides we rode
and in what order, as well as also refresh our memories when writing our trip
report!" -- contributed by Maureen Austin (mokevaustin@earthlink.net)
CONCIERGE-STYLE FOR LESS
"We discovered a marvelous way to get *pampered* equally or better than *concierge*,
and very privately, I might add. It's called *room service*! For approximately another $30
per day we ordered coffee and danish or bagels in the morning, and tea, crackers, fruits
and cheese at night before retiring. No having to get dressed or get out of bed before
having our morning coffee, and being able to relax with a wonderful cup of tea at night
before bed on our balcony was sheer luxury! All this for under $200 per night! Concierge
on the other hand, costs upwards of $550 or more! I might add that room service is *open*
24 hours a day, too. " -- contributed by Margaret (ladymarganne@the-beach.net)
MAGICAL HAIRCUTS
"This past November we took our grandchildren, Patrick 9 and Martina 6, to Disney
World. One of their best memories is having their hair cut at the barber shop in the Magic
Kingdom. By the time the barber was finished with Patrick, his once blonde hair was gelled
an electric purple with a Mickey Mouse head stamped on the back of his head. In addition
he was pelted with pixie dust several times, much to his enjoyment. Martina got the lovely
lady barber who trimmed her hair and French braided her locks, then she put golden gel in
her hair and showered her with pixie dust several times also. My husband and I, much
to our surprise, got the royal pixie dust treatment as well. This royal treatment was the
bargain of the day. My granddaughter's do was only $12.00 and my grandson's was only
$15.00. Since they had their hair cut first thing in the morning, they were the center of
attention everywhere we went. Needless to say, the Bigler family left a trail of pixie
dust throughout the park. By the way, the hair cuts were first rate!" -- contributed
by Linda Bigler (cajun@udel.edu)
>Notes: Send us your tips! You may see them in this
newsletter and win a copy of PassPorter! Visit:
http://www.passporter.com/customs/contest.htm
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Q & A WITH JENNIFER & DAVE
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In this column we answer your frequently asked PassPorter and Disney questions.
Carolyn asks:
"We're trying to figure out which dining rotation we'll have for a 7-night Eastern
Disney Cruise departing June 14. We have one 6 year old boy. We've seen things that
indicate two different rotations. Which is the most likely? We're trying to plan our
evening at Palo."
Dave replies:
"The dining rotation (which restaurant you'll be in on which night of your Disney
cruise) isn't divulged until you receive your Key to the World card (when you check in at
the cruise terminal, or when you check into your resort on a Land/Sea package). However,
you can learn whether you're on the early or late seating now. Just call Disney Cruise
Line at 888-325-2500. They can usually switch your seating, too. They may also be able to
tell you which rotation you're likely to be assigned to, but they can't promise any
particular rotation. With a six-year-old you're more likely to start in Animator's Palate,
then go to Parrot Cay, then Lumiere's. Rotation isn't as big an issue with the seven-night
cruises as it is with the shorter itineraries--you've got plenty of nights for Palo.
However, if you'd like to make a change in seating or rotation once on board, you're free
to try--there's normally a food-and-beverage staff meet-and-greet the afternoon you sail
(sometimes it's held in the same place they'll be taking Palo reservations, sometimes in
the Sessions lounge), and you can also talk to your dining room Head Server at any
time."
Lama asks:
"I am looking for average monthly temperatures for the Orlando Florida area for the
following months: December 2001 & 2002, January, February and March of 2002 &
2003. I have found sites that will give me daily temperatures but not monthly
average temperatures. If you have this information please send it to me or fax it
and let me know where I can go to get this information in the future. Thank you."
Dave replies:
"I haven't been able to find a year-by-year listing of monthly average temperatures,
only month-by-month historical averages (averaged over a 40-year period). You can get
daily historical data from
http://www.wunderground.com/history/airport/KORL/1995/5/28/DailyHistory.html
. Another great resource is http://www.dca.state.fl.us/bpr/EMTOOLS/WX.htm#Other
, which is an excellent collection of weather data resources. I suspect you'll have to
download the daily data from http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/climatedata.html#MONTHLY
, input it into a spreadsheet, and derive the monthly averages for yourself."
Have a question? Post it 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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NEWSLETTER CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT
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drivethrumom@... (full e-mail address concealed for privacy)
If you recognize this e-mail address as yours, send an e-mail to news@passporter.com to claim your $10 gift certificate to use anywhere in the PassPorter Travelers Store at http://www.passporter.com/store
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