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PassPorter News
News, Announcements, Updates, and Tips
November 30, 2006 * Issue 6.46
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: MouseFest Bound!
Travel Feature: Updated Passport Laws
Disney Feature: All Star Sports
Updates: What's New and Changed
Tips: The Key To Waiting In Line, A Key For Santa, A Key For The
Babysitter
Captain's Corner: Cawn-Gah-Loush
Q&A: How
do the holiday decorations compare?
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FROM THE AUTHORS: MouseFest
Bound!
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Hi, {{user("firstname")}}!
Yes, the time has finally arrived! We're packing,
organizing, and finishing final preparations for MouseFest 2006! Over 2000
people will be attending MouseFest events on the Disney Wonder (December 3-7)
and/or at Walt Disney World (Deceber 7-11). We know many folks from the
PassPorter community will be there and are looking forward to being able to
spend time with you.
Will you be on the cruise and/or at the parks next
week, but this is first you've heard of MouseFest? Please, head on over to http://www.mousefest.org to learn all
about it. Most events are free and open to all without registration, so it's
not too late.
MouseFest is also the kick-off for our "PassPorter Pal" program. What is it?
Simple--if we spot you in the parks with a PassPorter book, pin, badge, or
pouch, or you attend a PassPorter meet, we'll give you a free "PassPorter
Pal" cloisonnˇ pin! The pin -- which you can only get if we give to you in
person -- has the PassPorter "family head" logo being held by two
hands -- "Small World, Great People" appears above the logo and
"PassPorter Pal" appears below. We see so many PassPorter readers in
the parks and we wanted a way to recognize your loyalty. Credit for this idea
goes to Chad Larner, our fellow PassPorter team member! This program officially
begins at MouseFest in just a few
days!
While we're gone, the PassPorter office will be open
for business (many thanks
to teammates Nikki and Chad who are staying behind), so don't let our trip to
MouseFest deter you from ordering our books. PassPorter Walt Disney World 2007 is in the
warehouse, and all orders ship within one business day. Wouldn't a Deluxe
edition of PassPorter Walt Disney World 2007 or PassPorter Disneyland and Southern
California Attractions be a
particularly nice present for your favorite Disney fan? Visit
http://www.passporterstore.com/store
PassPorter Public Appearance Calendar
Here's an update on where you can see/hear/meet
PassPorter's authors in the upcoming months:
Coming soon:
12/1/2006
Dave Marx will be interviewed on "First
Look" with Bob Leonard on MN1.com (Market News
First). The interview will "air" live on Internet TV and radio at
8:15 am Eastern time and will be available as a download by the next day.
12/3 - 12/11/2006
MouseFest 2006
See the MouseFest web site for the full schedule
Appearing: Jennifer, Dave and Alexander Marx, Deb
Wills
Be sure to bring your books for autographing
Books will also be available for sale at the
MegaMouseMeet, Saturday 12/9, at 1:00 pm.
In this issue of the newsletter, Dave Marx shares
his perspective on the latest changes to U.S. passport law, and frequent
contributor Maureen Austin scores with a tour of Walt Disney World's All Star Sports resort. Enjoy!
Jennifer and Dave
PassPorter Authors and Publishers
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*Savings based on double occupancy. Ships'
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CST2058090-40 http://www.MouseEarVacations.com 800-886-8601
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TRAVEL FEATURE: Passport Update
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by Dave Marx, PassPorter Author and Publisher
It all seemed so simple some years back. Congress
passed the The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, which
among other things, required passports for all people entering the U.S.,
including citizens. It seemed like a good, common-sense requirement in a time
of heightened security consciousness.
The Departments of State and Homeland Security
responded with proposed regulations, which is normal whenever laws are enacted.
The public commented, the proposals were modified several times, and some
groups and members of Congress were disappointed with the finalized regulations.
New legislation was formulated, debated and finally approved in October 2006.
Every twist and turn in the process made headlines,
and travelers (and the travel industry) did what they could to adapt to the
changing circumstances. Each additional chapter added to the saga created more
confusion. And now, the Departments of State and Homeland Security have thrown
the latest log on the fire.
When Congress amended the The Intelligence Reform
and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 in October of this year, the headlines
read, "Passport Requirements for Land and Sea Travel Pushed Back Until
June 2009." However, buried in the law was a little "gotcha" -
if the Departments of State and Homeland Security succeed in meeting certain
requirements, that passport requirement can kick-in as early as January 1,
2008.
Based on the latest press releases issued
November 23, 2006 by the Department of State, that's exactly what they aim to
do - meet the requirements so that passports (or certain equivalents) are
required for all air, sea, and land travel into the U.S. by January 1, 2008.
From a standpoint of national security, that's a laudable goal.
Further, the passport deadline for all international
air travel has been set to January 23, 2007, just a small change from the
previous January 1, 2007 deadline.
The Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA) and
Disney Cruise Line have already responded to this latest announcement by
encouraging all passengers to obtain passports as soon as possible. We here at
PassPorter have to agree. The sooner you obtain a passport, the better. We see
little value to holding off on a passport application while you wait to see if
the passport requirement will be pushed back yet again.
A key item required by Congress in the new
legislation is the so-called "PASS Card," a credit card-sized
identity document that will be valid for land and sea border crossings between
the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It's intended to
supplement or replace several similar documents that are used by daily
cross-border commuters, and will be cheaper to obtain than a passport.
The new card is proposed to cost $20 for adults,
$10 for children, with a $25 application fee, $45 or $35, overall. A
traditional passport including application fees costs $97 for adults, $82 for
children under 16. That's an attractive cash savings, especially when an entire
family is involved.
On the surface, this card seems to be a useful,
money-saving item for folks cruising the Caribbean. However, we at PassPorter
strongly recommend that you do not depend on a PASS Card for leisure travel,
because the PASS Card cannot be used for international air travel (including flights to the Caribbean,
Mexico and Canada), and cannot be used at all for travel to Europe, Asia,
Africa, Australia, and South America.
Even if you only intend to cruise in the Caribbean,
unexpected circumstances may require that you fly. Let's say the boat leaves a
port without you, or an unexpected situation at home or work require that you
cut your vacation short. Now you'll be flying home, and a PASS Card will do you
little good. (Yes, there are special procedures for letting you back in the
U.S. without a passport due to an emergency, but do you need that added
complication?)
From our perspective, everyone who travels (and
even those unlikely to travel) should have a passport. When you consider the
months it normally takes to obtain a passport and the added cost to obtain a
passport on short notice, and then consider all the many circumstances that now
(or soon will) require one, delaying seems like a false economy.
Did you just learn of an unbelievable, last-minute
vacation deal in Jamaica or Cancun? Might your daughter go on a high school
excursion to Italy? Will you fly to Vancouver for the Winter Olympics, or to
board a cruise ship bound for Alaska? What about that second honeymoon in
Paris? A passport leaves you free to travel nearly anywhere in the world, at
any time, and in our increasingly small, connected world, that's a very useful
freedom indeed.
To learn more about these changes, and how to apply
for a passport, visit http://travel.state.gov/passport
About the Author: Dave Marx is co-author
of PassPorter's Field Guide to the Disney Cruise Line, PassPorter Walt
Disney World, and PassPorter Disneyland Resort. He is also Publisher of
PassPorter Travel Press, and in his spare time (yeah right) is Chairman of 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 Disney travel plans.
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DID YOU KNOW?
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For full details, visit http://www.mousefantravel.com/?apid=ptp As to Disney artwork: ©Disney
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DISNEY FEATURE: DisneyÕs Original Value: All-Star
Sports
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by Maureen Austin, Guest Contributor and
PassPorter Message Board Guide
Back in the early nineties, Disney was finding
increasing success in keeping guests on property by expanding resort options.
However, Mickey and crew had yet to really attract more budget conscious
travelers and saw those folks seeking accommodations elsewhere off Disney
property. The answer? DisneyÕs own brand of value, economical lodging. In 1994,
All Star Sports opened its doors, offering guests looking for big points on
value while at the same time, staying in the Ņmagic.Ó
All Disney resorts built prior to Sports had an
array of amenities including dining, pools and recreation as well as theming
that was uniquely Disney. All Star Sports fits that mold just as well, and
throughout the sprawling 1900-plus room resort there is no shortage of food,
fun and first rate Disney theming.
Nestled in the Animal Kingdom resort area, All Star
Sports boasts larger than life sports icons and specific sports themes within
the resort. At the heart of the resort is Stadium Hall. YouÕll begin your
sports adventure here when you check in for your stay. Also located in Stadium
Hall is Sport Goofy Gifts and Sundries- to pick up merchandise, snacks and
those things you forgot to bring. While the resort does not offer a full
service restaurant, everyone is sure to find something to appease the appetite
at the End Zone Food Court. YouÕll find offerings for breakfast, lunch and
dinner, as the food court is open from early mornings to late nights. Pizza can
also be ordered from room service should you wish to order
in. Transportation via motor coach to all Disney parks and other areas
originates at the bus stop located outside Stadium Hall. Bus service can
be slower or faster, depending on the time of year or even the time of day.
Make sure you allow a sufficient amount of time to get to your destination-
especially if you are trying to reach another resort from All Star Sports.
Rooms at All Star Sports are organized into two
categories. A Preferred room booking provides you close access to main areas -
rooms are located in the Surfs Up! section, near Stadium Hall and the main
pool. The rooms are identical to "standard" rooms in other buildings.
This does tend to be a noisier part of the resort due to, among other things,
its proximity to the main pool area. Guests looking for action on the quieter
side might do better in other sections.
Standard rooms will be found in all other sections
of the resort, with views overlooking courtyards, other buildings or parking
lots. Football fans will find themselves at home in the Touchdown section, with
huge footballs and goalposts in the courtyard. Home Run Hotel will have the
baseball fans right at ŅhomeÓ and tennis enthusiasts will ŅloveÓ the Center
Court section. Basketball fans arenÕt left out either by way of the Hoops Hotel
section. All of these areas have amazing icons bigger than the sport (well,
almost!) itself!
Room size is about 260 square feet, which is the
smallest room plan of all Disney resorts. Rooms feature 2 doubles or a king
bed. Disabled guests can be accommodated in the king beds as most of these
rooms have facilities such as roll in showers. Storage space is limited, to maximize
floor space. Bring along over the door shoe organizers or organizers that can
be placed on hangers. Other features of the room include clock radio, TV, small
dresser and a small table and chairs. A fridge is available for a nominal fee.
Ready for a swim? Not to disappoint, look no
further than Surfboard Bay, located near Surfs Up! or try out the Grand Slam
pool near Home Run Hotel. Pool hours vary by season and towels are usually not
provided, so remember to bring some from your room.
2006 rates range from $79 to $137 and for 2007,
rack rates start at $82 going up to $141. Be sure to inquire about any possible
discounts or special package offers for the time of your stay.
About the Author: Maureen Austin is co-owner of Grand Getaways Travel and a proud
Florida native. Born in South Florida and having lived all over the state, she
enjoys writing about the Sunshine State's many attractions and natural beauty.
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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 Wonders of Life pavilion in Epcot's
Future World is now open for the holiday season. It is only open through the
end of the year so catch it while you can!
The Riverside Mill food court at Port
Orleans - Riverside will be closed for rehab from January 2, 2006 - April 15,
2007. The Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Port Orleans - French
Quarter will remain open.
The list of narrators for the 2006 Candlelight
Processional has been
updated. The current list is:
David
Robinson - Nov 24-26
John
O'Hurley - Nov 27-29
Rita Moreno
- Nov 30-Dec 2
Marie
Osmond - Dec 3 (NEW)
Mario
Lopez - Dec 4-5 (NEW)
Brian
Dennehy - Dec 6-8
Steven
Curtis Chapman - Dec 9-11
Maureen McGovern - Dec 12-14
Kirk
Cameron - Dec 15-17
Neil
Patrick Harris - Dec 18-20
Cuba
Gooding Jr. - Dec 21-23
Gary
Sinise - Dec 24-26
Marlee
Matlin - Dec 27-30
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:
THE KEY TO WAITING IN LINE
"We didn't have too many lines on our last
trip, but with kids it all depends on their mood how the waiting will be. Lucky
for me I brought a new toy that plays 20 questions with us, and that helped. It
is a little electronic game ball that fits in the palm of your hand. Every time
my daughter saw a line or knew we had to wait for a show, parade or fireworks,
she would ask to play. Other people in line played with us!"
--
contributed by Denise M. (demac9196@...)
A KEY FOR SANTA
"During our 2004 Christmas stay at Shades of Green, our
five-year-old daughter was concerned about Santa not being able to find a
chimney to go down to bring us our gifts. We modified an old skeleton key ($2
at an antique/flea market) with electrical tape and old buttons to fashion a
"Mickey key," which we hung on the outside of the door on the
knob/lever. Our daughter rested well, knowing Mickey would "let Santa
in" on Christmas Eve. (She even told him during our visit with Santa
in the Magic Kingdom where the key would be!)" -- contributed by Anne Marie R.
(ecofreako@...)
A KEY FOR THE BABYSITTER
"If you plan on having a babysitter coming to
your room (or just want to give the kids access to your room) ask for a room
key at check-in that does not have charging privileges!" -- contributed by
Pamela E.
>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.
Here is this weekÕs journal entry:
"I had my first music and voice lesson
by Master Crane (or 'Old Ichy' as I like to think of him). Judging by the dour
expression on the old boy's face when I began to sing a rousy rendition of 'The
Shiek of Arabi,' I'm guessing I don't have a natural gift for song. My hopes of
being able to sing a romantic ballad to my beloved Leota are not all lost,
however! Old Ichy suggested I visit an old friend of his who sings nightly --
he thinks he may have some insight for me. Alas, he only mentioned that he was
a military man and I'd find him at his club. Oh, and he did mention that I
should mention a special word to the colonel -- it sounded something like
'cawn-gah-loush.' That sounds very familiar."
What is the military man's name and in what club
will you find him?
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 Yvette Keating who was the
winner of last week's treasure hunt game! Yvette correctly identified Ichabod
Crane as the person offering music and voice lessons near Ye Olde Christmas
Shoppe. To view the original clues, seehttp://www.passporter.com/news/news112406.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. ŅPassPorter'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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disneymom9092 asks: "How do the holiday decorations at
Disneyland compare to the ones at Walt Disney World? Are they similar?"
Dave & Jennifer answer:
"There's really no comparison in my mind, as they're all land- and
park-specific. For example, there's nothing at Walt Disney World to compare to
the decorations in Disneyland's New Orleans Square, and It's a Small World at
WDW just doesn't have the opportunity to play dress-up that Small World at DL
has. On the flip side, DL doesn't have an equivalent to the Osborne Lights. The
holiday fireworks shows and parades are different... Yes, in the sense that
holiday decorations all have a unifying theme, you can say they're similar, but
beyond that... Neither is going to scream out, "Been there, seen that!"
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
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