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PassPorter News Brought to you by PassPorter Guidebooks
 May 12, 2005 * Issue 5.9
 
In This Newsletter

From the Authors: Milestones for Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line Guide

Travel Feature: Discovering the "Other Florida": The Perks of Pensacola

Disney World Feature:  The Gift of a Good Time: Planning a Trip for Loved Ones

Updates: What's New and Changed

Tips: Magical Meals, Rad Ride Record, Express Epcot Exit

Q&A: Security Checks at WDW?
 
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Updates:
What's New and Changed

Here's a few of the new developments at Disney·

Tickets are now on sale for the following special events:

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party - Sept. 30, Oct. 2, 6, 7, 11, 13, 16, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30 and 31, 2005. (October 31 always sells out fast so call right away if you want to go on Halloween!) Tickets purchase in advance will cost $37.23 for guests 10 & up and $29.77 for ages 3 - 9. Tickets purchased the day of the event or for Halloween night will be $42.55 for 10 & up and $35.10 for ages 3 - 9. Children under 3 are admitted to the parks for free. 

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party - Nov. 27 and 29, Dec. 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18 and 20, 2005. Tickets purchase in advance will cost $41.49 for guests 10 & up and $31.90 for ages 3 - 9. Tickets purchased for Friday night events and/or the day of the event will be $46.81 for 10 & up and $37.23 for ages 3 - 9. Children under 3 are admitted to the parks for free. 

To purchase tickets in advance for these events, call 407-WDISNEY. 

This years Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will take place September 30 - November 13, 2005. 

Reservations for shore excursions, spa treatments, dining at Palo and baby-sitting at Flounder's Reef on the Disney Cruise Line can now be made at their web site, disneycruise.com. This service is available once your cruise has been paid in full and is less than 75 days away (90 days for Castaway Club members).

You can view our page-by-page list of updates and corrections for the new PassPorter Walt Disney World 2005 Edition at http://www.passporter.com/
customs/bookupdates.htm.

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

MAGICAL MEALS
"Now that our children are older and we have more than 15 family trips to WDW under our belts, the excitement of the trip has changed a bit for us. We have our favorite parks and rides and attractions, but the real draw now seems to be our dining choices! After a few trips with over-the-top food budgets we hit on a plan that seems to keep everyone happy and that we can afford. After we decide which resort we will be staying on our Christmas trip, each person puts a main meal choice on a piece of paper and gives it to me. I am the "Queen of All Planning" so I reserve the right to make adjustments to the choices. No one is allowed to tell their choice so that when we get to WDW the place we eat late lunch or dinner is a surprise to everyone but me.. The fun for me is in keeping the surprise!"
-- contributed by Elin Havrilla (PNO4TE@...)

RAD RIDE RECORD
"We came up with a neat idea for our upcoming trip to keep track of our days in the parks, all without writing anything down. We plan to take a picture of one of us as we enter each attraction - that way, we will have a record of the rides we rode and in what order. as well as also refresh our memories when writing the trip report!"
-- contributed by Kevan A. (mokevaustin@...) 

EXPRESS EPCOT EXIT
"If you have a car, make advanced dinner reservations at one of the restaurants in an Epcot resort, i.e. Yachtsmen Steakhouse or Cape May Buffet, for the night you decide to view Illuminations, You can park at the resort, eat dinner, walk the 5 min to Epcot. After Illuminations when everyone in the park heads for the front exit, you don't have to fight the crowds, you can exit out the back via the International Gateway to your car."
-- contributed by MaryAnne Reilly (Legacytrio@...)

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


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Q & A:
With Jennifer and Dave

christiejay asks: "I understand the security checkpoint before entering the parks, and I know that you should have all sections of your bags open when you get there to make things go a little bit quicker. However, I read that if you take in a walking stick that folds out into a stool, it could possibly be taken away from you at the security checkpoint and held until you leave the park. I thought they were basically just checking for guns and knives. How thorough is this search going to be? Are there items that we would normally carry to the parks in our fanny packs or backpacks that now should be left behind, just in case?"

Dave answers: "Do you have a walking stick that folds into a stool, or are you concerned about other items?

Guns, knives, glass bottles, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs - items that have clear potential as a risk to others - are the things you should be concerned about. Picnic coolers are also not welcome. Other than that, they're pretty easygoing.

My best guess about that folding stool is that they don't want people bringing in folding furniture, then camping out on it for the parades. I've brought in camera tripods and monopods (like a walking stick) without a problem."

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 Get Published?

We're on the lookout for guest columnists to contribute articles to this newsletter. 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 details and our article guidelines, please e-mail news@passporter.com. Articles about Disney and general travel are welcomed!


 

From the Authors: Milestones for Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line Guide

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

We've passed two more milestones since last we wrote. Disney's Happiest Celebration on Earth (the 50th anniversary of the opening of Disneyland) started its 19 month run (Jennifer, baby Alexander and I were at Disneyland for the kick-off), and the Third Edition of PassPorter's Field Guide to the Disney Cruise Line arrived from the printer and is on its way to our readers!

We had a great and productive time during our six days at Disneyland. We experienced all the new attractions, learned about still more new attractions in the Disney pipeline, interviewed Imagineers and the president of the Disney Cruise Line, received a tour of the renovations at Disneyland's hotels, located our commemorative brick in Disneyland's Walk of Magical Memories (C67 - 082 for those who are interested) and continued research for our upcoming Disneyland guidebook (look for it in November). We'll have detailed reports on much of this in future editions of this newsletter.


Jennifer poses with our commemorative brick at Disneyland

While we were in California our Michigan-based printer finished work on PassPorter's Field Guide to the Disney Cruise Line and its Ports of Call - Third Edition. (This book, by the way, has gotten a LOT plumper with the new pages!) Last Friday, May 6, our intrepid office staff mailed-out the "emergency" shipments to folks sailing on the weekend of May 14. Despite having nearly a thousand pre-orders, the rest of the pre-ordered paperback editions have already been mailed, and by tomorrow (Friday), the remaining pre-orders for Deluxe Starter Kits and Deluxe Refill Kits (which needed additional assembly work before they could be shipped) should be on their way! Our hats are off to our printer, our office staff and the folks at our warehouse for such a great, fast turnaround!

Whew! We can really use some relaxation about now, and our newsletter has just the answer. Maureen Austin's "other" Florida series wraps with a visit to the very relaxing beaches of the Pensacola area, and Thomas Cackler offers tips on how to give the gift of vacation planning to a Disney-bound friend or loved one. We wouldn't mind a bit of that "concierge-style" pampering ourselves!

Jennifer and Dave
PassPorter Travel Press

 


 
 

Did You Know? Disney Cruise Line Third Editions Ship Next Day!

The new Third Edition of PassPorter's Field Guide to the Disney Cruise Line are now shipping next business day when ordered by 8:00 pm ET the night before. We've worked through our pre-order backlog and orders are shipping out quickly now. If you've been waiting to order your copy, now is the perfect time!

Everyone gets a 15% discount and if you've already got a copy of PassPorter, you can register it to get a discount coupon good for 30% off the list price of any PassPorter guidebook.

Order your copy today at:
http://www.passporterstore.com/store/dcl2005.aspx

Travel Feature:

Discovering the "Other" Florida: The Perks of Pensacola
By Maureen Austin, PassPorter Message Board Guide and Co-Owner, Grand Getaways Travel

We've all heard the term "Florida Panhandle" but those words hardly seem to do much justice to the wonderful natural beauty of the area it describes. In the last part of "The Other Florida" series, let's head about 9 -10 hours north of Orlando to Florida's Emerald Coast -- an area that covers Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach and Destin.

People often ask me about the best beaches in Florida. As a Florida native, I've wiggled my toes in many sandy areas of Florida; invariably, I end up recommending Pensacola Beach. The reasons are many -- pristine white sands, and water that is so many gorgeous shades of blue and green that you'd think you were in a painting. The beaches along the Emerald Coast are well maintained, some are very quiet, and there are accommodations of every type all along the way. Gulf Island National Seashore covers much of this area and is a wonderful place to begin any beach holiday. You can access all of what Pensacola Beach and the surrounding sands have to offer by logging on to http://www.visitpensacola.com .

Even though you will be tempted to never pack up your towel and sunscreen, find a way to leave the beach and see the many other things Pensacola has to offer. The Pensacola Naval Air Station has an attraction that should be on every must do list; the National Museum of Naval Aviation. Entertaining for every member of the family, this outstanding museum has an impressive collection of aircraft, as well as an IMAX theater. You can climb into some of the aircraft and learn more about naval aviation traditions and history. Kids are especially welcome here. Learn more by visiting the official website at http://naval.aviation.museum/home.html .

Animal lovers will enjoy The ZOO located in Gulf Breeze just over the bay from Pensacola. Take a ride on the safari train through the wildlife preserve, say hello to an impressive collection of primates, tigers and much, much more. The ZOO is open daily and more information is available at http://www.the-zoo.com .

Pensacola is a Florida city rich with history, so history buffs will feel right at home here! Hurricane Ivan  closed the T. T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum for about six months, but it has since reopened and is better than ever. Traveling collections and exhibits make temporary homes here, so check  http://www.historicpensacola.org to see what's on display and what's on the way.

If you can't make it to Washington D.C., you can pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation at The Wall South. Completely funded by donations, this moving memorial to veterans of many wars is part of a wonderful park that truly provides solace and a place to honor those who have served our country well. 

Sports enthusiasts are more than welcome in the Pensacola area, with a host of activities, events and teams to get your game on! A complete list of activities and teams can be found at http://www.visitpensacola.com/Sports/sports.asp .


Pensacola has the right accommodations for just about every taste and budget. Condos, rental apartments, hotels and motels line the coast and are popular choices during the spring and summer months -- so book early if this is your time to explore Pensacola. You'll find a wide variety of national chain hotels as well as bed and breakfasts in Pensacola city limits. 

The key to making the most of your visit here, or anywhere else your travels may take you is doing your homework, and Pensacola's visitor web site is one of the best out there. Plan your Emerald Coast Escape at http://www.visitpensacola.com/default.asp and see another part of "The Other Florida"!
 

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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.
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Walt Disney World Feature:

The Gift of a Good Time: Planning a Trip for Loved Ones
by Thomas Cackler, Guest Columnist

Those who have planned trips to Walt Disney World know just how much time the planning can take. All the components involved in making a memorable vacation can tax even the most studious trip planner. So, what do you do when you find out that a friend or loved one is planning a trip to Walt Disney World to celebrate a truly special occasion? What makes a unique and personal gift? If you have the time and determination, you could plan their trip for them!

What?! Plan a trip for someone other than myself? Absolutely. If you have the knowledge and the will, you can design a trip for that special someone. Creating a custom trip is a great way to say "Congratulations!" or "I love you!" to that person headed to the happiest place on Earth. 

While this article will not look at every step involved in planning a trip to Walt Disney World, it will look at three areas that present special challenges when you plan a trip for someone else. Does that mean it is hard? Not at all -- all it takes is taking the great planning skills you already have, and applying them in a slightly different arena. By determining the desires of the people going, the details of the trip, and the delivery method of the gift, you can help someone have a magical time celebrating that special occasion.

First, you need to determine the desires of the person  going. A simple way to do this is to use the old newspaper reporting standard of, "Who, what, when, where, why, and how?" Ask your friend to describe their dream trip. Although the budget might preclude some of these dreams, planning veterans know that shifting a trip even just a couple of weeks can result in savings that might make that dream come true!

It is a good idea at this point to encourage your friend to look at some planning books or the official video from Disney. This gives them a great launching point for discussing their desires and what is likely to happen. You may want to give them one of these books as part of the gift, too. If you do, do not wait until they leave to give it to them. By involving your friend early in the planning process, you will increase their excitement as their trip draws closer.

Although you are taking care of the details, it is important to remember this is their trip and make it a point to find out what their wants and needs are. It is also important to find out what items here are "deal breakers" and which things they may need to forego due to time or finance constraints. For example, the person might consider it vital to go to Universal's Islands of Adventure, or another might demand a couple days at the beach. Remember, you are planning this trip as a gift, so you want it to be extra special. By finding out their desires, you can customize their trip to be exactly what they want.

Next, you will need to determine the details. Here is where the planning comes back to earth. Consider everything - from who is going to the time they want to go. You will need to find out the person's budget (or yours, if you are their Fairy Godmother and are paying in addition to planning!) and make sure their desires are realistic. It is also important to discuss the level of detail they want and you think they will need. Do not be afraid to be assertive at this point. While this is their trip, it is your knowledge that they need to tap. If their desires are unrealistic, do not hesitate to say so.

Also, make sure and detail out every part of trip and who will take care of each one. If your friend just wants you to take care of the Walt Disney World portion of the trip but they will book the airfare or rental car, make sure that everyone agrees early on and is kept abreast during the planning process. Nothing ruins a trip more than a crucial item forgotten because one person thought the other one was taking care of it. Make sure to have a written checklist with target completion dates to be certain no one overlooks an important detail, just as you would if you were going on this trip yourself.

Finally, you need to determine the method of delivery. A great way to give them all their information in one location is to use a PassPorter with their tickets, itineraries, and so on in the PassPockets. As mentioned earlier, if you elect to go this route it is important to get them this present before the trip itself so they can look over the descriptions. Because of the journal nature of the PassPorter, it does encourage people to make notes about their trip that in turn, makes more memories.

Additionally, if you use a travel agent to book the hotel, copy your friend on those emails so they can see the progress on the trip. In addition, sending your friend post cards from their favorite character congratulating them on their momentous occasion and wishing them safe travels to Walt Disney World adds a magical touch. Finally, a gift basket with all their details, some Disney Dollars, and other items related to the occasion or the trip makes a great way to kick off the celebration in style.

Planning a trip for someone else does present a certain set of challenges and is not for the novice. However, there is nothing more satisfying than talking to a friend after their celebration and discovering they had a magical time at Walt Disney World. By remembering a few simple steps, utilizing your existing trip planning skills, and a desire to make someone feel like a Prince or Princess, you too can play travel agent for a friend, creating truly magical memories that will last a lifetime.

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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 planning your Disney vacation.




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