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PassPorter News Brought to you by PassPorter Guidebooks
  March 22, 2007 * Issue 7.12
 
In This Newsletter

From the Authors: All-You-Can-Eat E-Books

Travel Feature: Big Apple Greeter

Disney Feature: 
Romance at Walt Disney World


Updates: What's New and Changed

Tips: Great Gratuities, Fantastic Fireworks, Specific Shopping

Captain's Corner: Making Cents

Q&A: What weather can we expect on our cruise in February?
 


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Updates:
What's New and Changed

Here are a few items of relevant news:


This year's Night of Joy event, a separate admission Christian Music concert series, will take place on September 7 and 8 at the Magic Kingdom. Tickets are now on sale at Disneyworld.com. The performers list is as follows (subject to change):
Friday, September 7:
Jaci Velasquez, Brian Littrell, BarlowGirl, Leeland, Jessie Daniels and Sanctus Real
Saturday, September 8:
Smokie Norful, Kutless, Red, Mary Mary, Flyleaf and Mark Schultz

Disney Cruise Line has announced that it's most popular stage show, Disney Dreams, will be getting an upgrade AND a new name. Beginning this week on the Disney Wonder and in May on the Disney Magic, "Disney Dreams ... An Enchanted Classic" will showcase new special effects, new animation and new characters including Timon and Pumbaa making their ship-board debut. The Sail Away parties will also be on the receiving end of a Disney-style makeover this summer featuring new music, dances and even more character appearances. Look for the "Ariel-Vision" jumbo screens to play a big part in the Sail Away party as well!

The Pirate & Princess Party will return this August to Walt Disney World. Tentative dates have been announced but not prices. The dates are August
11, 15, 18, 21, 24, 28, 31 and September 3. We'll keep you posted as details are announced!

CORRECTED: Bruce Metcalf, our resident Walt Disney World Railroad expert, sent in some background pertaining to last week's railroad article. "Walt's miniature steam locomotive was built by Roger E. Broggie -- you can see a section of the original railroad track from Walt's backyard Carolwood Pacific Railroad on display at the Iron Spike Room at Wilderness Lodge Villas. The four steam engines in use at Walt Disney World were built between 1916 and 1928 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia. (There are  photos on display at the Main Street Station of this process.) One of the locomotives is named Lilly Belle, in honor of Walt's wife, Lillian Disney. The passenger cars were built at Steinbrenner Shipyards in Tampa."

Our thanks to AllEars.net from which we get some of our news leads.

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



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Disney Tips:
From Fellow Readers

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

GREAT GRATUITIES
"Before we left for Walt Disney World, I prepared a set of tip envelopes for Mousekeeping, one per night of our stay. I had my preschooler, Sammy, help me decorate each with stickers and drawings of his favorite Disney friends, and a short thank you note. Then we placed tip money in each. Each morning as we left for the parks, I let Sammy choose a tip envelope and set it out for the housekeeper. This was a great project to help him feel involved with the planning of the trip and get him excited about Disney World. It also helped me, as I didn't have to scrounge around for tip money each morning!"
-- contributed by Bonnie M.


FANTASTIC FIREWORKS
"We dined at the Crystal Palace hoping to catch the fireworks after dinner. As it happened, dinner ran late and only my husband and youngest child got outside to see the fireworks. At first, my eldest daughter and I we were disappointed. Our disappointment turned to delight when we saw a unique and amazing view of the fireworks coming through the stained glass windows and reflecting upon the mirrors in the interior of the restaurant. It was magical and spectacular!"
-- contributed by Deborah F.

SPECIFIC SHOPPING
"To stay within your vacation budget, try focusing on one item that you really love and have fun shopping for it during your trip. Get a new one of whatever it is each trip. My collection of Disney snow globes always makes me think of each trip and gets me in the mood for the next one! This works well for kids, too, who see so many neat things and can't really enjoy them all once back home."
-- contributed by Tracy E.


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

Anita Answer from AllEars.net sent us some further information on last week's tip regarding the "center" of Walt Disney World: "In today's newsletter, Mary Jane K. wrote that the Inventor's Circle, located to the west of Innoventions West, is the geographic center of Walt Disney World. This is actually a myth. The Inventor's Circle didn't exist before 1999, and of course Walt Disney World came into existence in 1971. No one seems to know how or why this story started, but it isn't true.

When Epcot opened in 1982, the "ceremonial" center of the World was located in the circle at the center of the large Epcot logo embedded in the concrete to the south of the Fountain of Nations. The fountain, known then as the World Fellowship Fountains, was dedicated by Lillian Disney in a ceremony which included the water of 23 nations being poured into the fountain to represent world unity. This is why it was known the "center of the World", even when it really wasn't geographically the center of the property. The fact that it's a circle located between the two Innoventions buildings may be how the Inventor's Circle story started. It could be a matter of mistaken identity.

By the way, the true geographic center of the World is not located in an area accessible to guests."


Thanks for clearing that up Anita! You can read more of Anita's Answers at AllEars.net.

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 or the PassPorter store. 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.

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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 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 journal entry:

"I've been hanging out over at the Club recently and heard about a fascinating sort of collecting called 'pressed coins.' Apparently there are machines scattered about the World which will take one of my hard-earned coins (and a few extra for good measure) and squash the living daylights out of it, embossing it with a whimsical image at the same time. I found one of these contraptions on my own today -- it pressed my penny with an image of The Big Cheese himself (Mickey, of course) holding up a passport!"

Where can you get this pressed coin?


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 Rosalyn Strickland who was the winner of last week's treasure hunt game! Rosalyn correctly identified the existing tea stop as the Royal Anandapur Tea Company in Asia at Disney's Animal Kingdom. To view the original clue, see last week's newsletter.
 
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Q & A:
With Jennifer and Dave

MontiMouse asks: "We are taking our first cruise the first week of February. I am wondering how warm it will be and if the seas are pretty smooth."

Dave & Jennifer answer: "I can only generalize. You're still in winter season. However, there's a pattern to all winter cruises.

Rough seas? The first and last nights of the cruise will be rougher, as you're out in the open Atlantic for a few hours. While you're in the Bahamas or Caribbean seas are generally calm.

Temperatures? A major arctic cold front can have an effect while you're in the Bahamas, but if you're in the Caribbean there's almost never an impact. Ocean water temperatures have a huge moderating effect on cold air masses. Even though the Bahamas are only 60-100 miles off shore from Miami, when Florida is hit by a cold snap, temperatures in the Bahamas are typically 20 degrees or more warmer. If it's in the 40s in Florida, it'll be no lower than the 60s in Nassau. However, ocean winds can be brisk, so the wind chill effects during such a cold snap can still be uncomfortable.

Since such cold snaps are uncommon in South Florida, you can count on them being even less common at sea.

Storms? Not very common in the Bahamas or Caribbean at that time of year. Still, you can encounter cloudy days, and when you add a breeze, even nominally moderate air temperatures can seem cool compared to your expectations. If there has been a storm or cold/windy snap, ocean swimming can also be a bit less comfy than you might expect, as cooler, sub-surface waters have been mixed with normally bathtub-temperature surface waters.

On the average, though, you can expect daytime temperatures in the low 80s, water temperatures similarly in the low 80s, light breezes, lots of sunshine, and relatively few daytime rain showers. There's a reason visits to this part of the world are so popular at this time of the year."

Have a question? Post questions at http://www.passporterboards.com -- and if you're lucky, you may find that folks have already asked and answered the same question that's on your mind!


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Future Newsletters:
Want To See Your Name in Print?

PassPorter News is published weekly, and this means we're always in need of articles! 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!




From the Authors: All-You-Can-Eat E-Books

Hi, {{user("firstname")}}!

Last week's grand opening of the PassPorter's Club bowled us over -- it seems there are a LOT of vacation planners out there who love the idea of "all-you-can-eat", anytime access to our popular travel e-books. Thank you so much for your support in our new program!

The great thing about your enthusiasm is that the more folks who join the Club, the better it becomes. For example, did you know that readers who get an annual pass to PassPorter's Club can commission one of our increasingly-popular e-worksheets -- they're customizable, interactive planners which you can fill out on your computer and print out to tuck in a PassPorter and take with you. In the last week, annual passholders have commissioned SEVEN new worksheets: Tips Budget, Pressed Coin Tracker, Autograph Tracker, Group Trip Mini-Guide, Souvenir Wish List, Cruise Daily, and Cruise Gratuities. And now these e-worksheets, along with our others, are available freely to all Club passholders. Real vacationers + real plans = really cool!

To find out how to get YOUR pass to the PassPorter's Club, visit: http://www.passporter.com/club
(hint: it costs less than a turkey leg!)

Also, for those of you waiting for PassPorter's Treasure Hunts at Walt Disney World to come back in stock after an unexpected run on them earlier this year, we're happy to announce that we received our newly-printed books. We should also note that we took the opportunity to update several of the book's "hidden treasures," too! Get more details at http://www.passporter.com/hunts

In this issue of the newsletter, feature columnist Cheryl Pendry introduces us to Greeter programs around the world, and Sue Kulick shares her tips for one of our very favorite activities, Romance at Walt Disney World. Enjoy!

Jennifer and Dave
PassPorter Publishers and Authors
 

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Travel Feature: 

Big Apple Greeter and Greeter Programs Worldwide
by Cheryl Pendry, Feature Columnist and PassPorter Message Board Guide

Have you ever wanted to explore a city with someone who lives there, loves the place, and can tell you all about the little things that only a local person would know?

That's the idea behind the Big Apple Greeter program in New York, an organization that has now been implemented in seven other cities, including Toronto, Houston, Chicago, and Fairbanks, Alaska. There are similar operations running in Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Adelaide and Melbourne in Australia. The next addition will see the first European program coming to Thanet, an area of Kent in the southeast of England.

The idea for Big Apple Greeter came from Lynn Brooks, who started it back in 1992. She wanted to dispel the myth that New York City was a dangerous and unfriendly place to visit by pairing up visitors with volunteers, who could show them around the area and explain about how the city works -- even down to demonstrating how to ride the subway. Today, there are 300 volunteer greeters who, collectively, speak about 25 languages and have welcomed thousands of visitors from 112 countries.

As Lynn explains, the whole thing started from a simple idea. "E
very single town or city that I've visited has had the same reaction from the people that live there -- they love where they live, and they love to share where they live with visitors to the area. Of course they can share information about the place, but more importantly than that, they can share their personal experiences that a visitor would never have known about otherwise and they can share their friendship. For the visitor, it's like spending time with a friend or a family member, as people talk about the things that make you feel at home.

One thing Lynn is careful to clarify is that greeters aren't tour guides. "They're friendly and enthusiastic volunteers and they're not expected to be experts about their home town or city. They don't have a script to stick to, but instead talk about places from a personal point of view and what the neighborhood or individual buildings mean to them.

So how does the Greeter program work? The first port of call for visitors who want to learn more about a greeter in a city they're planning to visit is to check out the relevant web site. There you'll find a visitor request form to fill in. Some programs need the form submitted a month or more before your visit so that you can be matched up with a greeter, so don't leave this until the last minute. Some programs ask you to specify which neighborhood you'd like to visit, but if you're not sure, fill in the words "Greeters Choice" and the greeter will select the neighborhood they most enjoy.

Every greeter program differs slightly, as they're adapted to each location, but you can expect your visit to last for between two and four hours during the daytime. Greeters don't meet visitors in the evening or at night. They take out groups of up to six people and included in that group must be at least one adult over the age of eighteen. Because the program is voluntary, it's important to remember that it's not always possible to match visitors up with greeters, as it depends on how many volunteers are available on any one day and how many requests they get for visits.

If they are able to match you with a greeter, then you'll be given your greeter's name and contact information. Your greeter will then meet you in a public place and you'll spend the next couple of hours getting to know the area through their eyes.

Is there any cost? No. Some greeter programs are charities and welcome donations (although none is required), and others are public services, organized by local government or tourism organizations. In case you're wondering, the organizations work on the theory that everyone pays for themselves. So if you end up on public transportation or grabbing a coffee, you pay for your own and so does your greeter. Tips are not accepted either, although many people go on to become firm friends, with promises that if the greeter ever comes to their home town, the visitor will take them on a tour and share what they love about their area.

So what sort of people become greeters? In Lynn's experience, it's something that interests a wide range of people. "You might think that greeters would only be retired people with time to spare on something like this, but that's not been our experience at all. Greeters can be retired, but many also work and give time at the weekends. They all share one thing in common. They all want to make a difference and want to share their love of their home town or city and show visitors why it's such a special place."





About the Author: Cheryl and husband Mark live in England and love to travel, particularly to America. They're now looking forward to setting sail on Disney's first cruise around the Mediterranean in May.

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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 travel plans. Also check out our Article Collection for more great information! 

 



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Disney Feature: 

Romance at Walt Disney World
by Sue Kulick, Guest Columnist and PassPorter Message Board Guide

Happy Valentine's Day! Happy Anniversary! Happy First Vacation Without the Kids! No matter what the occasion, it's a great time to tell that special someone how much you love them, and how much they mean to you. And what better place to spend a romantic holiday than Walt Disney World?

Walt Disney World is overflowing with wonderful ways to spend time with that special someone. Your romantic adventure can start from the moment you arrive! You can use one of the many local florists to have flowers, champagne or chocolates delivered to your room. These wonderful gifts can be pre-ordered and will be delivered to your room shortly before or after your arrival. Try Walt Disney World Florist for some truly magical gifts!

Start your special day with a romantic breakfast for two. Grab your coffee and a chocolate croissant at the Main Street Bakery and head out to one of the quaint tables next to the Plaza Restaurant. Enjoy a latté from the Fountain View Bakery in Epcot while you sit outside and watch the Fireworks Fountain work its magic. Sip your coffee while you enjoy each other’s company in a way that too few of us get to do during our hectic everyday lives.

What did you have in mind for your romantic day? How about a spa treatment? The Grand Floridian Spa and the Spa at Saratoga Springs offer couples massage and couples relaxation treatments, as well as many other soothing therapies. These treatments must be booked in advance. The spas are operated by Niki Bryan Spas, and the web site for information is Relaxed Yet.

If you'd rather get in some park time, the Magic Kingdom offers Cinderella's Golden Carrousel. Try to catch the horse with the gold bow on her tail…this is Cinderella's horse! Take a slow ride on the Liberty Belle Riverboat. Enjoy a stroll through the Rose Garden. Take a trolley ride down Main Street. In Epcot, wander through the shops at World Showcase. Enjoy a glass of wine and a cheese platter in France. Take a Friendship ferry across the lagoon. Walk through the Streets of America at the Disney-MGM Studios ... you'll feel like you and your "honey" are experiencing several mini-vacations! And take some time to enjoy the animals at Animal Kingdom. Whatever you do, the key is to keep it slow and relaxed. Take a languorous pace that would never be possible when on a family, commando vacation!

Did you know that Walt Disney World offers Horse and Carriage Rides? You can enjoy these at Port Orleans, Fort Wilderness and Saratoga Springs! You get a romantic ride for the two of you along the pathways of the resort. Your driver is knowledgeable and competent, and the horses are beautiful, well trained and well cared for. There's a blanket in the carriage if you and your sweetie want to snuggle up. These fill up fast, so reserve early at 407-WDW-PLAY.

Night is falling on your romantic day, and you need a place to watch the sunset. You can take the monorail over to the Contemporary (ask to ride in the front) and watch the sunset from the Bay Marina. You can head over to the Polynesian and watch the sunset from the beach, or, my personal favorite, you can make an Advanced Dining Reservation for dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table and watch the sunset from a table by the stained glass windows overlooking the Magic Kingdom. Of course, Cinderella's Royal Table is not the only place for a special dinner for two. Try Artist Point at Wilderness Lodge, and ask for a window table. California Grill at The Contemporary offers great food as well as spectacular views. San Angel Inn, in Epcot's Mexico, lets you dine in an "open air" Mexican plaza with a million stars overhead, and the Yacht Club's Yachtsman Steakhouse offers the ultra-indulgent chateaubriand for two!

After dinner, you definitely want to see fireworks. Disney fireworks that is! And what better way to see them then a Specialty Cruise? These should be booked 90 days in advance, especially the Illuminations cruises. These are extremely popular and sometimes difficult to book, but they are well worth it. The cruise is booked per boat, not per person, so you're sure to have a romantic cruise for two (plus the skipper, of course)! There is no better way to watch either Wishes or Illuminations than with the one you love on a specialty cruise at Walt Disney World!

Still not ready to call it a night? We love a nightcap at one of the many resort lounges. Our personal favorites are Territory Lounge (Wilderness Lodge), The Belle Vue Room (Boardwalk) and the Outer Rim (Contemporary). Martha's Vineyard (Beach Club) is another romantic lounge, and Francisco's (Coronado Springs) makes a great margarita.

Your romantic day is coming to an end. Take the bus back to your resort and take a slow stroll, hand-in-hand, around the grounds. Stroll the beach at the Poly, wander around the lagoon at Coronado Springs, and enjoy the beautiful view at the Boardwalk. I think you'll agree that Walt Disney World is the place to be for a romantic and lovely getaway!

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



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

 

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