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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!
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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
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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 |
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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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