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             PassPorter News

 

   News, Announcements, Updates, and Tips

 

       October 12, 2006 * Issue 6.39

 

  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: We're Back!

 

Travel Feature: Vero Beach

 

Disney Feature: Adventures by Disney: Wyoming

 

Updates: What's New and Changed

 

Tips:  Pass On Pictures, Stop Those Seagulls, Love Those Links

 

Captain's Corner: Rain, Rain, Go Away (Clue #2)

 

Q&A: Where can we view the fireworks at Fort Wilderness?

 

 

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FROM THE AUTHORS: WeÕre Back!

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Hi, {{user("firstname")}}! 

 

Well, we returned home from our Mediterranean research trip Monday night. What a trip! We took well over 3,000 photos, packed our PassPockets full of useful information, took countless notes, and will undoubtedly be sharing tales of our adventures for a long time to come. At the moment, our thoughts are filled with memories of Barcelona, where we stayed two extra nights following the cruise. It's a fabulous city, and despite two and a half full days of exploration we barely managed to scratch the surface. If you'll be cruising the Mediterranean with Disney next summer be sure to allow yourself extra time in Barcelona! You can probably count on seeing at least one article from us about Barcelona in upcoming editions of this newsletter, and we are working on a full report of our cruise to be posted soon. Watch this newsletter for details!

 

Just a reminder: Some of our older edition PassPorters on close-out are either out of stock, or about to be -- so now's the time to get your cheap books. These close-outs are available from 65% - 95% off the list price -- a great deal! To see what we have available, visit the PassPorter Store at http://www.passporterstore.com/store/closeouts.aspx

 

We don't want to jinx things, but PassPorter Walt Disney World 2007 is currently chug-chugging across the Pacific from Hong Kong, right on schedule. If all continues to go well, we just may start shipping the new books well in advance of the announced release date. As you undoubtedly know, if you pre-order your copy it'll be on its way to you within days after it hits our warehouse. Pre-orders are available at http://www.passporterstore.com/store/2007.aspx

 

MouseFest just keeps getting bigger and better. New communities and attendees are being added to the list all the time - nearly 1500 attendees have now registered! If you'll be on the December 3 sailing of the Disney Wonder and/or at Walt Disney World between December 7 and 11 please visit http://www.MouseFest.org to check out all the great events (nearly all are free), and to register to receive the MouseFest newsletter. See you there!

 

In this issue of the newsletter Susan Crawson takes us on a relaxing visit to Disney's Vero Beach Resort on Florida's Atlantic coast, and Denny and  Doris Thompson share their their recent Adventures by Disney tour of Yellowstone country. Enjoy!

 

Jennifer and Dave

PassPorter Authors and Publishers

 

 

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DID YOU KNOW?

 

If you book your vacation with MEI & Mouse Fan Travel by Oct 31, we'll make a donation to Deb Wills fund for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

 

~ Walt Disney World Resort¨

Nov to Dec Magic Your Way Package

5 nights from $369* - Book by 10/31/06

Valid most nights 11/1/06-12/23/06

 

Visit us at: http://www.mousefantravel.com/?apid=ptp

 

*Per person/double occupancy, subject to availability CST207807440. For full details, visit http://www.mousefantravel.com/?apid=ptp . As to Disney artwork: ©Disney

 

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TRAVEL FEATURE: Vero Beach

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by Susan Crawson, Guest Contributor

 

 

Did you know that you can enjoy a Disney resort experience in Florida without setting foot in Walt Disney World? DisneyÕs Vero Beach Resort, located about 100 miles from Orlando, opened in 1995 yet it still remains unknown to many Disney fans. A stay at Vero Beach is a wonderful way to unwind after a few days at Disney World, but it also makes for a perfect vacation on its own.

 

DisneyÕs Vero Beach resort is a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) property, but you donÕt have to be a DVC member to stay there. Guests can book available rooms and pay cash rather than use DVC points. The main building, The Inn, has rooms that are similar to those at Deluxe Disney resorts. There are three villa buildings housing studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, and six three-bedroom cottages. Most rooms face the ocean or have at least a partial ocean view. Beautifully landscaped grounds maintain some privacy between the buildings.

 

ThereÕs very little Disney-themed dŽcor. The most ÒDisneyÓ spot on the property is the pool area. The pool itself is a very large free-form Mickey head with a lighthouse slide. Although Playful Pastimes, the listing of daily activities guests receive at check-in, indicates that thereÕs only a DJ at the pool on weekend afternoons, thereÕs usually music playing in this area, and there are often pool games and other activities throughout the day. The pool is the daytime hot spot of the resort.

 

Hair braiding, miniature golf, and shuffleboard are all available in the pool area. Bikes and other sporting equipment can be rented poolside at Eb & FloÕs. Tennis, archery, basketball, horseshoes, and barbecue grills are available across the street at the resortÕs lakeside facility, which can be reached via car, or by walking or biking through an underground tunnel.

 

The childrenÕs wet deck at the pool has the Tiger Lily, a miniature pirate ship, with water cannons and a small water slide. ItÕs not for the littlest of kids, though, and there is no wading pool. However, there are wide stairs in both ÒearsÓ of the Mickey-shaped main pool, and thatÕs where toddlers and their parents can hang out and splash around without getting in the way of other swimmers.

 

DonÕt forget the beach. Beach chairs, umbrellas, cabanas, and some water sports equipment are available for rent on the beach, which is usually pretty quiet. The tide brings in a lot of shells and youÕll likely come back from walk on the beach with a pocketful of pretty ones you just couldnÕt resist. The shop in the Inn lobby sells pail and shovel sets, but before you buy them, check out the playground at the pool. It seems that a lot of people leave behind the pails and shovels purchased onsite, and it's fine to take them to the beach as long as you return them.

 

The resort has a poolside bar and grill, and a lounge where staff emphasize that kids are welcome. The lounge has live entertainment many nights. The two full-service restaurants, Shutters and SonyaÕs, share a kitchen. Shutters, the more casual of the two, is open daily and hosts a character breakfast with Goofy and his son Max a few times a week. SonyaÕs hosts a Sunday brunch and is open Thursday through Sunday for dinner. For guests staying in quarters with kitchens, thereÕs a Publix supermarket an easy 10-15 minute drive from the resort. 

 

What shouldnÕt you miss at DisneyÕs Vero Beach Resort? For guests of all ages, a walk on the beach, the sing-along campfire, and relaxing on the beach or poolside will do the trick. Our preschooler preferred the pool, the poolside playground, and the activities for younger children. There are nonstop organized activities and programs for children from three years old up until their teens, with quite a few activities limited to kids age 12 and over, with something to capture almost any childÕs interest. Active guests wonÕt want to miss the fitness center, tennis, and other water sports. For those who venture off-property, there are private and public golf courses nearby as well as Dodgertown, the spring training home of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the summer home of the minor league Vero Beach Dodgers. Nature lovers will be interested in the turtle hatching on the beach and can join the Turtle Patrol (in season) or attend a Sea Turtle Information Session. 

 

The resort isnÕt just for families with children. There are plenty of things that adults will enjoy. A poolside massage, breakfast on the balcony of an ocean view Inn room while watching the sunrise, or a wine tasting might just hit the spot. Shortly after we visited the resort as a family, my brother and his wife spent some couple time there, and all of us had the same reaction Ð we wished we had spent more time at DisneyÕs Vero Beach Resort and we will definitely be back.     

 

About the Author:  Susan Crawson made her first trip to Disney World as a preschooler in the spring of 1972. She's been back to Disney World and to Disneyland many times and is looking forward to her first Disney Cruise Line experience in October 2006. She lives with her husband and two children in New England.

 

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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.

 

 

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DID YOU KNOW?

 

Great Disney Cruise rates are available from MouseEarVacations.com

 

Disney Cruise Line¨ Special Offer

 

April 21, 2007 - 7 night - W. Caribbean

Save up to $496* per cabin compared to current Disney pricing.

Other dates available at http://www.mouseearvacations.com/mevdclspecials.php?cpe=Y3A9RW1haWxlciAxMC85LzA2JnM9UGFzc3BvcnRlcg%3D%3D

 

To get a quote for April 21, 2007, visit http://www.mouseearvacations.com/dclquote.php?id=sevenwestern&dates=2007-04-21&cpe=Y3A9RW1haWxlciAxMC85LzA2JnM9UGFzc3BvcnRlcg%3D%3D

 

*Savings based on double occupancy. Ships' Registry: The Bahamas

 

CST2058090-40 http://www.MouseEarVacations.com 800-886-8601

 

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DISNEY FEATURE: Adventures By Disney: Quest For the West

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by Doris & Denny Thompson, Guest Contributors and members of the MouseEarVacations.com team

 

[Note: Adventures by Disney is Disney's new guided vacation travel organization, currently offering a dozen different tours in North and Central America, and Europe. To learn more, visit www.adventuresbydisney.com or contact your Disney Specialist travel agent. - Ed.]

 

 

Day 1 Ð Wyoming Welcome

 

After weeks of waiting we were finally on the plane approaching Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The view of the mountains as we arrived at our destination was beautiful and heightened the anticipation of the adventure to come. Upon arrival at the airport, we headed to baggage claim where we were met by one of our adventure guides, Chris, who accompanied us to the historic Wort Hotel.

 

The hotel is breathtaking with its stone fireplaces and grand lobby. Our room was everything we were hoping for and so much more! With lodge pole pine furniture, goose down comforters, western fabrics & dŽcor as well as signature bathrobes, we were in heaven. This room was so comfy that we didnÕt want to leave, but leave we must because our welcome reception and dinner are next on the agenda. The reception buffet dinner was laced with Ògetting to know youÓ type events and before the meal was over we were all fast friends. So now it was time to relax, put up our feet and get ready for day two!

 

Day 2 Ð Grand Teton National Park

 

Normally this morning would start with a hearty breakfast and an eight-mile bike ride through old riverbeds and breathtaking landscapes in the Grand Teton National Park. But due to inclement weather (a very cold drenching rain overnight) the bike ride was shortened to 6 miles on paved roads for our group. With our camera ready, we were on our way! The Grand Tetons peeked through the cloud cover on occasion and we were able to get a few shots for our scrapbook, but we kept our fingers crossed for at least one good clear shot before we had to leave. We were rewarded for our effort when we came upon a herd of over sixty bison. Fall is a wonderful time of year for this adventure (weather aside) because the deciduous trees are turning their autumn colors and are in stark contrast to the green of the pines that dot the hills. Simply beautiful!

 

After lunch, guests can choose either a gentle float trip along the base of the Grand Tetons (float trip not available on next yearÕs itinerary) or a whitewater adventure over class II and III rapids! Unfortunately, the raft trips had to be canceled due to the heavy rain. Instead we had a choice to either spend the afternoon shopping or we could visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art. We chose the museum and were glad we did - the paintings, sculptures, weavings and other assorted mediums were interesting and educational.

 

Day 3 Ð Yellowstone Journey

 

Following a leisurely breakfast, our Quest for the West continues. We said goodbye to Jackson and boarded our motor coach bound for Yellowstone. But Yellowstone would have to wait until after our boat ride across Jenny Lake and the hike in the Grand Teton National Park.

 

Upon arrival we ferried across the lake. As we start our hike we encounter a gradual climb that takes us by spectacular views of streams, rapids, waterfalls, and letÕs not forget the beautiful colors of the fall foliage. The high altitudes and thin air are new to everyone in our group so we stop often for rests and photo ops on our way to the top of the mountain. For those hearty enough to hike the last leg (very steep, rocky switchbacks) the reward is a panoramic view of Jenny Lake from the top of Inspiration Point. Breathtaking!

 

By this time itÕs spitting snow and we still have much to see, so back down the mountain we go (which by the way was much easier than going up!), ferry across the lake and board our motor coach.  Normally at this point our guides, Jennae and Chris, would present us with a picnic lunch but weather has dictated a change in plans. Instead of a picnic we opt to eat in the nice warm bus while we move toward Yellowstone.

 

Beautiful, spectacular, breathtakingÉthese words all seem inadequate when trying to describe the views and vistas along our route. There are just no words that do justice to the Tetons and the wildlife that we saw on this afternoon drive. The moose, elk, and mule deer we spot along the road seem oblivious to the towering mountains that surround us. After all, this is just home to them, but to us itÕs like nothing weÕve ever seen before! We have a few photo op stops and on to Yellowstone West Thumb Basin for a tour of the paint pots and mud pots. Next stop, Yellowstone Snow Lodge, our home for the next two nights, but we have no time to dawdle - Old Faithful is scheduled to erupt in just a few minutes. IÕm sure everyone has seen Old Faithful on TV but itÕs so much better in person. You hear and feel the rumble before and during the eruption and our cold temps increased the steam surrounding the water flow. Just fabulous!

 

No rest for the weary, our day wasnÕt over yet. The Snow Lodge and Adventures by Disney had arranged a private dinner just for our group. Our dining room has a great view with a wall completely full of windows, so when the snow finally arrived we were dining in the warmth while we watched it snow outside. Wonderful & relaxing!

 

Day 4 Ð Trail Blazers

 

Another chilly Wyoming morning and another day of adventure! We start our day with a morning viewing of Old Faithful. Stan, a park tour guide, was to travel with us today and enlighten us with interesting park details, trivia, and stories of the area. The geyser basin walkways loop around the Old Faithful area and provide great viewing for a combination of paint pots and geysers. Although Old Faithful is the most frequent erupting and well-known geyser, itÕs not necessarily the most majestic geyser. The highlight of the morning tour was the eruption of Castle Geyser. This geyser only erupts about every 12 hours but its well worth the wait. Once the eruption started it lasted well over a half hour and was as picturesque as anything weÕve seen to date!

 

We had another hike scheduled this afternoon so we boarded our motor coach and were off to another geyser/paint pot/mud pot field. Dinner this evening was an adult-only time at the Old Faithful Inn while Jennae and Chris joined the children for a special dinner and evening activities.

 

 

Day 5 Ð Untamed Nature

 

TodayÕs morning hike was my favorite to date. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone was our destination for a hike at the rim and viewing of the upper and lower falls. This was a moderate hike with many viewing and photo op spots that culminated at Artist Point. Walt Disney World fans will recognize the name Artist Point as the table service restaurant at DisneyÕs Wilderness Lodge. Now you know the origins of the name. From the Artist Point lookout we could see back along the canyon to the lower falls and the view was spectacular! The hike is followed by a picnic lunch and then we were off to the dude ranch.

 

We arrived at the ranch around 4:00 pm and were given our cabin assignments. Yes, thatÕs right; each couple/family would be spending the next few nights in their very own log cabin! These cabins had rustic charm with all the comforts of home. The only thing not available in our cabin was a television but with all there was to see and do I was sure we wouldnÕt miss it at all! (For any die-hard TV fans, there was a TV in the main lodge.) After unpacking we spent a few minutes taking in the surroundings then it was off to social hour and dinner at 7:00 PM. 

 

Day 6 Ð On the Range

 

After a hearty breakfast, our group met over at the hitchinÕ post to be paired up with our ride for the morning. This was horseback riding day and one of the most anticipated activities for all of us. Denny rode Trapper and I rode Gilroy. Let me just say that before this ride was over Gilroy and I became fast friends! I personally have never ridden before and was a little apprehensive. The horses are wonderful and so well trained that even the most inexperienced rider will feel comfortable in the saddle. After a quick riding lesson in the corral we were off. I was expecting a nice flat ride over a meadow or something similar but that was not to be the case. We rode into the hills, through trees, across open areas, through streams, and down hillsÉ.we went everywhere! By the time we returned to the ranch it was lunchtime and we enjoyed swapping riding tales while we ate.

 

Afternoon activities included your choice of horseback riding, fly-fishing lessons, hiking, or just relaxing.  Although I was tempted to go riding again, parts of my anatomy were still recovering from the morning ride so I chose to relax on the back deck of the lodge with a good book.

 

We were all to meet for a story telling session at 5:30 PM near the outside barbeque area. We were in for a big surprise! I wonÕt tell you what the surprise was but be assured that it was something very special and a great time was had by all!

 

Day 7 Ð The Wild West

 

This was our day to explore the ranch and choose whichever activity tickled our fancy. Many in our group chose to ride horses, others chose to fish, and still others chose to just relax. This was the last day of the trip but the surprises were not over just yet. As we gathered for our farewell dinner Chris and Jennae had a few extra special tricks up their sleeve for our group!

 

Even without the ÒMouseÓ around every corner this trip was truly touched by Disney magic. Whether you take the Quest for the West adventure or any of the offered itineraries, I highly recommend you choose Adventures by Disney!

 

 

About the Authors:  Denny and Doris Thompson are CruisingCo.com/MouseEarVacations.com travel agents and are looking forward to their next Disney Cruise Line & Disney World vacation in December for Mousefest 2006.

 

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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.

 

 

 

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UPDATES: What's New and Changed

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Here's a few relevant news items:

 

The Disney Vacation Club has announced its latest project - Villas at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. According to Wednesday's article in the Orlando Sentinel, DVC plans to convert existing rooms on the 5th and 6th floors of the resort to create 134 units, and add an extra 324-unit building, for a total of 458 units (this is by Disney's reckoning, which counts two-bedroom units as a single unit - here at PassPorter we count "lock-offs" - when a two-bedroom is made up of a one-bedroom and a studio we consider that two units, not one). According to the Sentinel, the first units will be available in fall 2007, with final completion in spring 2009.

 

Celebrate New Year's Eve with Cirque du Soleil! A special edition of La Nouba will be performed on December 31, 2006 at 6 pm and 9 pm. What will be different about these performances? A champagne toast, limited edition program and a special grand finale. Pricing and ticket information is available at http://www.cirquedusoleil.com

 

The construction walls blocking the front of The Seas with Nemo & Friends have come down in preparation for the Annual Passholder preview this coming weekend, October 13 - 15.

 

Be sure to bring your cell phones to the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor Comedy Club when it opens in early 2007. According to a press release from Disney, Guests will be able to text message jokes for possible use in the show!

 

Our thanks to http://www.allearsnet.com 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:

 

PASS ON PICTURES

"Soon after my husband and I were married, we took our first trip to Walt Disney World. Camera in hand, we took pictures of everything and everyplace we visited.  When recently visiting with our 7 and 10 year old daughters, some 20 years later, we decided to pull all the photos we had of the earlier trip, and show them to our daughters, but in a very special way. We placed our photos in "topic" envelopes so that, for example, when we were standing in line for the "It's a Small World" exhibit, we pulled the photos of our younger selves riding the ride. Our girls could not wait for when they could see their now "old" parents acting really young. They loved it, and the magic will hopefully continue when they will someday show their children pictures of themselves taken on their first trip to one of our favorite places on Earth!"

 -- contributed by Maria B.

 

STOP THOSE SEAGULLS

"When getting funnel cakes from the cart near the American pavilion in the World Showcase, ask for an extra plate to put over the funnel cake. The sea gulls will swoop down and steal it off the plate if it isn't covered!" -- contributed by Ruth L.

 

LOVE THOSE LINKS

"When traveling with babies/toddlers, I love to use those plastic links to attach small toys or cups to the stroller or baby carrier. When the baby drops her toys they don't get dirty on the ground, and Mom and Dad aren't bending over all day picking them up!" -- contributed by Suzie L.

 

>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

 

>>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 new 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.

 

No one got the right answer from last week's clue! Here is a new treasure from Captain Skatt's Journal to help you out:

 

"I can't believe this storm! I've been tossed and turned and even thrown backwards. It's a good thing my friend (text obscured by rain drops) invented such wonderful things to help protect me from the elements!"

 

Who created the first rainwear and in which country can you purchase his creations?

 

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!

 

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.  ÒPassPorter's Treasure Hunts at Walt Disney World" is now available! You can order the new book today at http://www.passporterstore.com/store/1587710269.aspx

 

 

 

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Q & A WITH JENNIFER & DAVE

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yakamishi asks: "I thought I read somewhere that there is a nice spot at Fort Wilderness to view the fireworks from. Someone said one of the loops had a trail to a nice viewing area. But it escapes me where I read it or where it is. Can anyone help?"

 

Dave answers: "The easiest route (since all the buses go there) is to head for the beach and pier by Pioneer Hall. Check the Fort Wilderness map in your PassPorter. You'll see Loops 100, 200 & 300, and between those and the water is Wilderness Swamp Trail. There's some nice viewing from that trail, too, but unless you're already staying at those loops (or on a hayride that coincides with the fireworks - they pause for the fireworks), it's probably easier to go to the pier."

 

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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WANT TO GET PUBLISHED?

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PassPorter News is now 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) 2006 - MediaMarx, Inc. / PassPorter Travel Press, PO Box 3880, Ann Arbor, MI  48106