From the Authors: New Disney Cruise Guide

Travel Feature: Oxford, City of Spires

Disney Feature: Walt Disney World: Not Just For Kids

Updates: What's New and Changed

Tips: Take A Break, Take An Alternate Route, Pass The Magic On

Captain's Corner: A Spot of Tea

Q&A: Will Disney know if I have too many people in our room?
 

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Updates:
What's New and Changed

Here are a few of the new developments at Disney·

Hong Kong Disneyland has announced three new attractions set to open in Tomorrowland this summer -- Autopia, a new car ride with an old, familiar name, will feature electric vehicles instead of gas powered vehicles; Stitch Encounter will be a "theater" experience featuring everyone's favorite alien; and UFO Cool Zone helps chill sun-drenched brows with a water-squirting robot. 

The dates for the Nights of Joy concerts, featuring Contemporary Christian musical artists at the Magic Kingdom, have been announced. September 8, 2006 performers will include MercyMe, Casting Crowns, BarlowGirl, Rebecca St. James, David Crowder Band, Building 429, Todd Agnew, Matthew West and Vicky Beeching. September 9, 2006 performers will include Kirk Franklin, tobyMac, BarlowGirl, Jeremy Camp, Smokie Norful, Hawk Nelson, ZOEgirl, and Tonex. 

>Things To Do: Hear some news? Send it to us at
news@passporter.com

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Disney Tips:
From Fellow Readers

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

TAKE A BREAK
"When visiting the Magic Kingdom, take a break in the afternoon and take the monorail or boat ride over to the Polynesian Resort. The landscaping is beautiful (very tropical) and the kids might even see a lizard scooting by. The hotel is a great place to cool down, grab a snack, shop for Disney bargains, or have a great lunch at the restaurants (usually less crowded and quieter then the parks). The adults can have a cocktail and the kids get excited over the non-alcoholic fruit drinks made up to look like Mom's and Dad's. "
-- contributed by Patricia J. (caj56@...)

TAKE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE
"When traveling to Disney by car, don't forget that the trip can be an adventure too. By using an online mapping program like http://www.randmcnally.com or http://www.mapquest.com, we can find several routes from our home to Orlando or Port Canaveral that have driving times of within an hour of each other. By changing our route we get to experience new towns, restaurants and sites along the way."
-- contributed by Paul B. (dpbrabban@)

PASS THE MAGIC ON
"My favorite tip is always grab brochures, coupons, maps, and other information when visiting Disney or taking a Disney Cruise. Pass all this helpful information on to a friend or family member who is planning their vacation."
-- contributed by Kenneth D. 

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

Want more Disney tips? We've collected 500 of the tips submitted by readers over the past six years -- most have never been published before. All have been edited for accuracy and categorized. The "Disney 500" are available in e-book form for immediate download. For details, visit the PassPorter Store.

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Captain's Corner:
Treasure Hunting Game

Play our fun and quirky treasure hunting game, hosted by Captain Jack Skatt from our upcoming 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 week's treasure from Captain Skatt's Journal:

"My ascent to Everest on the Anandapur Rail Service train was an exciting adventure! I finally have proof that the Yeti does indeed exist -- he appeared before me during the journey and I will not forget his fearsome sight for as long as I live. Luckily, we escaped his wrath by spiraling through a foggy mountain pass and plummeting down a steep cliff. I was never so relieved to be finished with a journey! My seatmate tells me I kissed the pavement when I disembarked from the train, but I honestly don't remember. I do recall an intense need for a spot of tea, which I was delighted to be able to satisfy immediately at a little shop nearby. The shop was named, appropriately enough, the ... " (rest of text obscured by tea stains and biscuit crumbs)

So what is the name of the eatery that sells tea near Expedition Everest?

Congratulations to Terri who was the winner of last week's treasure hunt game! Terri correctly identified the number of passengers that the Anandapur Rail Service train holds as 34. To view the original clues, see the last newsletter.
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. We will release the book -- "PassPorter's Treasure Hunts at Walt Disney World" -- in April 2006. You can pre-order the new book today at http://www.passporterstore.com.

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Q & A:
With Jennifer and Dave

Linus asks: "Does someone check on how many people you actually have in your room? What happens if you book a room that says 4 and you really have 5?"

Jennifer and Dave answer: "When folks ask this question on the message boards, it's likely someone will say they got away with it, or heard that someone got away with it. It's not likely anyone will admit to getting caught - it doesn't mean it doesn't happen - it just means they don't want to talk about it. 

If you do get caught, the first option is that you'll be required to book an extra room. Second option is to leave. If there are no vacancies, second option becomes first option. Not a great way to have a magical vacation. Disney can't charge you for an extra person, because the legal room occupancy is marked on the door and if they allow you to exceed it, they're in violation. 

Sometimes housekeeping will turn a blind eye, sometimes they'll report you. If security staff is the first to catch wind of it, you won't be getting any breaks. Considering the layout of the Value and Moderate resorts (all room entrances are open to the outside), it's pretty easy for staff to observe how many people are coming and going."

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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Future Newsletters:
Want To See Your Name in Print?

Big News! PassPorter News is now published weekly. 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 is 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 for use at www.passporter.com. 

For details and our article submission guidelines, please e-mail news@passporter.com. Articles about Disney and general travel are welcomed!

Oxford: City of Spires (Part 1 of 3)
by Cheryl Pendry, PassPorter Message Board Guide and Guest Contributor
 

Universities have been part of people’s lives for nearly 3,000 years and perhaps it’s for exactly that reason that they’ve become much more than just places to learn. These days, the most exclusive universities in the world are also tourist destinations – the likes of Harvard in Boston and Oxford and Cambridge in the United Kingdom are perhaps three of the most famous education names in the world. 

Over the next few months, I’ll be taking a look at each university in turn, comparing and contrasting them and looking at what to visit if you happen to be in one of the cities that’s home to these great institutions. 

Of the three, the first to be established was Oxford, which can trace its educational beginnings back to the late 11th century, although no-one seems sure of the exact date the University was founded. Consisting of 39 colleges, each one is a hall of residence, but is also responsible for teaching its students. Of these, the vast majority are open to visitors, although groups need to book in advance and visitors hours do vary from college to college.  It’s always best to check ahead and the Oxford University web site can help out with answers to most questions. 

Having had friends who’ve attended Oxford, it’s fascinating to wander around some of the lesser known colleges. The students often outnumber the visitors, giving you an interesting insight into student life. If you visit early on a Saturday or Sunday morning, you may spot one or two students suffering the after effects of the night before! 

Unfortunately, when most people visit, the students aren’t there. Universities aren’t known for lengthy terms and this applies even more so to Oxford and Cambridge, which have even shorter ones, although students tell me they work exceptionally hard when they are there. Holidays include a six week period around both Easter and Christmas, with the summer holidays beginning in mid June and lasting until early October. It’s worth remembering that many exams are held between mid May and mid June, which may affect your visit. 

Even when the students aren’t around, the place will still be busy – Oxford is a popular destination for both visitors from abroad and within the UK.  It’s only an hour from London on the train and it doesn’t take much longer to drive there, although driving is something you won’t want to do when you get to Oxford.  Not only are many streets in the city closed to traffic – which makes it a very pleasant place to walk around – but parking prices are astronomical. The only realistic option is the Park and Ride bus services from outside the city center. 

Once you arrive, where should you start? Perhaps the best way to get oriented is to head upwards. Sadly the Radcliffe Camera, with its dramatic circular dome that can be seen in any aerial shot of Oxford, is no longer open to the public, a real shame, as the views from here were spectacular. The only way these days to see why Oxford is called the “city of dreaming spires” is to head up the 99 steps at Carfax Tower, which dates back to the 14th century. Originally this was attached to St. Martin’s Church, but the church was demolished more than 100 years ago to try and improve traffic problems in the city center. Needless to say the traffic problems remain, while the church is long gone. 

The most spectacular of the University colleges is undoubtedly Christ Church, helped by its setting amongst beautiful gardens, which burst with color in the spring and summer. Not only is it Oxford’s largest college, but it boasts the city’s cathedral and it’s also a famous movie star, having portrayed parts of Hogwarts Academy in the Harry Potter films. 

But perhaps it's Christ Church's link to a children’s classic immortalized in Disney animation for which the college is most famous. Lewis Carroll studied mathematics at Christ Church. While there, he met Alice – the young daughter of the Head of the College. He went on to use her and Christ Church as inspiration for many of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. 

Most of Oxford’s colleges boast one of the city’s famous spires, many with stunning courtyards. You could easily spend a day or two visiting every one that’s open to the public. If your time is short and you need to be more selective, then take a short walk from Christ Church to Corpus Christi, which overlooks the same gardens and meadows that make Christ Church so picturesque. Founded in 1517, it’s among Oxford’s oldest colleges and one of the smallest, with just 300 students. The courtyard here has a unique addition, the Turnbull Sundial which, as well as being a calendar, also tells the dates of the Oxford University terms. 

Head up to the High Street of the city and you’ll soon come across Brasenose, one of the closest colleges to the beautiful Radcliffe Camera. Here, it’s worth looking out for the large “Brazen Nose” door knocker above the gate. Another one hangs in the hall – safely recovered after going missing for more than 500 years in a student prank!

Nearby is Hertford College with its own Bridge of Sighs, but unlike the one in Venice, this one is built over a road. And here is also where you’ll find the Bodleian Library, a lovely domed building that’s home to around four and a half million books. But the unique difference to most libraries in the world is that you can’t borrow any of them. They all have to be read on the premises. 

Nearby New College is a contradiction in terms. Founded in 1379, it gained its name when it was built, 200 years after the University was founded. Its gardens are bordered by the old city walls and every three years, the Mayor, Sheriff and councillors of Oxford have to march in procession to inspect the walls, following an agreement made 600 years ago that they would keep them in good order. 

Continuing along High Street towards the River Cherwell, another not to be missed Oxford University college is Magdalen. Set in 100 acres of grounds alongside the River Cherwell, you can enjoy a beautiful riverside walk. 

As you’d expect, Oxford is also home to a range of museums, including the Ashmolean, the oldest public museum in the world, which houses the University’s collection of art and antiques. With museums of Natural History and Science, you can certainly learn a lot here, but if you want to learn about Oxford itself, the best place to go is the Oxford Story, a "dark ride" exploring how the University began and recalling the people who’ve shaped the city over the years. 

And there have been plenty of movers and shapers in those many centuries. The list of former students at Oxford reads like a who’s who, with four British and eight foreign Kings educated here, 25 British Prime Ministers and almost 30 foreign presidents and prime ministers. They’ve even had a role in teaching seven saints and one pope! In recent years, famous names have included actors Dudley Moore, Richard Burton and Hugh Grant and from the writing world, Lewis Carroll and Oscar Wilde. 

Surely nothing can better the beauty and fame of Oxford? That’s debatable, as you’ll see when we come to look at its bitter rival Cambridge and America’s oldest university, Harvard. 

Cheryl is a PassPorter message board guide and lives in England. She loves to travel and enjoys exploring her own country, the rest of Europe and America. A frequent visitor to both Oxford and Cambridge, she also took a trip to Boston in 2005, where she was able to explore Harvard. Cheryl will continue her series on university towns in April with Cambridge. 

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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Walt Disney World: Not Just For Kids
by Tacey Atkinson, Guest Contributor
 

You have to have children to enjoy Walt Disney World, right? Horsefeathers! I am here to dispel that myth. There are some of us who either have no children or whose children are grown up, and we still love Disney as much as those experiencing it through the eyes of a 4 year old. There are so many things for adults to enjoy!

Let’s start with the resorts. Because we are adults, do we have to stay at the Deluxe resorts with spas and the works? I don’t think so at all. I love to stay at Disney’s Pop Century Resort. It gives me a fix of nostalgia while being modern and funky at the same time. It has the whimsy of Disney’s All-Star Resorts with the adult feel of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. I love to stroll through the lobby, looking at the things that I grew up with. It’s a fun, friendly atmosphere and I love it!

Now, let’s head off to Downtown Disney. Here I would highly recommend the Downtown Disney West Side. The place I never miss on our annual trip is The House of Blues Gospel Brunch. This is the best food on property for an all you can eat breakfast buffet, in my humble opinion. There is something for everyone - a fruit selection, salad bar and the omelet station which has the most delectable fixings I have ever experienced. The performance is second to none. I mean where else can you get a rousing choir that gets you clapping and foot stomping during an incredible breakfast? I highly recommend this to all my friends.

We are good and full, so let’s head off to Disney’s Animal Kingdom for a performance that in my opinion is even better than Cirque De Soleil’s La Nouba at Downtown Disney. I am speaking about the Festival of the Lion King. This is well choreographed, supremely acted and sung, and the way the cast involves the audience makes sure young and old have a great time. It is funny, heart-warming and visually satisfying. I have seen The Lion King on Broadway and I still prefer the Animal Kingdom version. If you are looking for a fun, relaxing, indoor spectacular, this is the place to be.

Now that we’ve seen a great show and brunch has been over for some time, let’s head over to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for afternoon tea. Now while there are teas for the little ones such as the Wonderland Tea Party, it is not necessary to exclude yourself from the decadence of high tea in such plush surroundings. The Garden View Tea offers a huge assortment of teas, pastries and other treats. Anyone seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle that tends to be a Disney vacation really should give this a try. What a great place for a quiet recharge!

Once your tea is done, grab the monorail from the Grand Floridian to Disney’s Polynesian Resort, where I feel as though I've been whisked away to a Polynesian island. The atmosphere is so tropical and lush. I love to sit by the shore of Seven Seas Lagoon and people watch, and if you are feeling adventurous, rent yourself a boat and float in the middle of the lake to enjoy the peace and privacy of it all.

Now that we are all recharged, let’s head off to Disney-MGM Studios. We're here to test our brains and enjoy the same adrenaline rush we get while sitting at home watching Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. (Disney’s version is called Who Wants To Be A Millionaire – Play It!) Be sure to arrive at least a half hour before the show is set to start and you might just get picked to sit in the floor seats. If that doesn’t happen though, fear not! The great thing about the Disney version is that everyone gets to play along, and anyone can earn their way into the hot seat. Just be fast on those buttons, because everyone else wants a chance to win their family a Disney Cruise! We had so much fun when we went. There were even couples that had gone to every show for two days to try to win. It is just as exhilarating as it looks on TV.

It’s getting dark, so let’s head off to today’s final destination before heading back to our resort. We’re going to Epcot for IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, the best fireworks show I have seen in a long time. The music, the barges, the torches around the lake; everything just sets the mood to make it the perfect end to a Disney day. On a side note, I do suggest that you test which way the wind is blowing because if it’s blowing toward you and you are near the waters edge, you may be covered in smoke. So always go to the opposite side of the lake then the direction that the wind is blowing.

Well, I hope you have enjoyed this small glimpse into why Disney isn’t just for kids. There is nowhere else in the world I can ever imagine going for vacation. So the next time your friends say, “Disney World? That’s a place for kids!” you can reply "HORSEFEATHERS!”

Tacey is a huge Disney fan - so much so that her friends call her "Snow," in tribute to her favorite princess. She makes an annual trek to Walt Disney World and can't wait to attend her first MouseFest this December.

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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 vacation plans.