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 In This Newsletter
From the Authors: $1 PassPorters Still In Stock!
Travel Feature: Redondo Beach, California
Disney Feature: Discovering the Magic: Top Ten Tips
Updates: What's New and Changed
Tips: Babes in Back, Tag It Twice, Stuff Those Shirts
Captain's Corner: Little Beauty
PassPorter PhotoPick: Morning Glory
Q and A: How does the Disney cruise compare to a Carnival cruise?
Our Sponsors: We Recommend...
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Updates:
What's New and Changed
Here are a few items of relevant news:
A new date has been added for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party: October 4, 2008. The full list of dates is September 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 28, & 30, and October 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, & 31. Wow! Tickets are on sale now at 407-WDISNEY.
Annual Passholder discounts and Magic Your Way discount packages were announced last week for Walt Disney World for travel dates between September 28 and December 23, 2008. To get details, call 407-WDISNEY.
Food & Wine Festival special event reservations open next week on Monday, August 25 at 7:00 am ET. New this year is a Master's Wine Class, City Tastes, French Regional Lunches, and Bocuse d'Or USA Grand Gala. Reservations for these special events go quickly, so reserve early at 407-WDW-DINE.
The Night of Joy concert on September 5-6 is taking place this year at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The music line-up includes Brandon Heath, Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, Britt Nicole, BarlowGirl, Rebecca St. James, Matthew West, Rush of Fools, Red, Casting Clowns, tobyMac, PureNRG, Marcos Witt, Fred Hammond, Mandisa, and Aaron Shust across three different stages. Get more information at http://www.nightofjoy.com.
Portobello Yacht Club's new name will be simply Portobello, rather than Tuscan Country Trattoria.
We confirmed this with Levy Restaurant media relations today.
Our thanks to AllEars.net and MousePlanet.com from which we get some of our news leads.
Hear some news? Be a "PassPorter Reporter" and send it to us!
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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:
BABES IN BACK
"When traveling with infants who use safety seats on the airplane, don't get seats towards the front of the plane. If you have seats in the back of the plane it will give you more time to get the car seat hooked in and the child settled. If you are toward the front you will be rushed and possibly hold up the other passengers on the plane. "
-- contributed by Vicki R.
TAG IT TWICE
"If you have had mulitple Disney trips, you may have multiple Disney luggage tags. I take an old Disney luggage tag and attach it to a zipper inside my luggage. That way if my luggage tag on the outside is removed, my informaton will be on a luggage tag on the inside of the bag. It's nice when you go on a trip and open your luggage to a little piece of Disney, even if you are in Texas."
-- contributed by Kelly A.
STUFF THOSE SHIRTS
"When packing, put a few of the roll-up type 'airless' bags (used at home for more space) into your luggage, but don't use them for your clothes on the way to your trip. I pack my clothes into them to come home, which gives me a lot of space for Mickey T-shirts, plush characters, etc. to bring home. Tip: I don't use ones that require a vacuum, though, for obvious reasons. "
-- contributed by Nancy M.
Send us your tips! You may see them in this newsletter and win a copy of PassPorter!
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. (Please note: Players can win once every 3 months.)
Here is this week's journal entry:
"I was browsing through my extensive photo collection today when I came across a little beauty of a portrait. I'd love to go back and see the original, but I just can't remember where I took this photo. The only thing that comes to mind is the smell of garlic ... surely I must be mistaken, though!"
(click photo for larger version
Where can you find this portrait in Walt Disney World?
For bonus credit, locate the photographic evidence in the PassPorter Photo Archive and post a comment with the photo!
Send your full answer to jackskatt@passporter.com -- the winner will be notified by e-mail and announced in a future 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 Jack Skatt. Get more details on "PassPorter's Treasure Hunts at Walt Disney World" book at http://www.passporterstore.com.
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PassPorter PhotoPick
Each issue we choose a special photo from the PassPorter Photo Archive which highlights something beautiful, interesting, humorous, or timely at Disney or around the world. Here is this issue's PassPorter PhotoPick:
Morning Glory at Port Orleans
contributed by mpwife153
(click the photo or link to see a larger photo with details)
You can nominate photos as a PassPorter PhotoPick by giving ratings in the PassPorter Photo Archive (you'll need to be logged in to do this). If you'd like to contribute your own photos to the Photo Archive and be considered as a PhotoPick, please read our Photo Upload Guidelines for details and benefits.
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Q and A: With Jennifer and Dave
kcarter1999 asks:"I started looking into the Carnival vs. Disney cruise lines and of course I want to do Disney, but the Disney cruise is more expensive (for the 5 of us), so I've been going back and forth trying to weigh the two which led me back to the board for some advice. First of all, has anyone ever been on both a Carnival and Disney cruise? If so, which is better? Second, has anyone been end of August (Bahamas cruise) and experienced bad weather? If so, was the cruise cancelled or just delayed or redirected? "
Jennifer and Dave answer: "Honestly, Disney always wins for us hands down over Carnival. In fact, they are barely in the same league in one another. Given the choice, we'd always choose Disney due to is superior service, theming, staterooms, public areas, etc.
Have you fully priced Carnival, or are you judging by the basic, double occupancy rate? While Disney will always come out more expensive, Carnival's rates for kids/additional guests over two per stateroom are higher than Disney's. Carnival also lacks a program for kids your son's age -- teens end up hanging out in the public casual dining/promenade areas in the evening. You'll also find more "small" charges on Carnival that add up quickly (be sure your quotes include all port fees and taxes). Consider also that the Carnival ships have casinos, Disney's do not.
It's almost unheard of for a cruise to be cancelled due to weather. Re-routed, yes. While August is the peak of hurricane season, the Caribbean is actually a pretty big place, so chances are, even if there's a storm when you travel, it may not have a major effect on your cruise.
If you priced a stateroom for five, then the rates will be especially high. You'll find that two Deluxe Outside staterooms will be cheaper, and you'll have more living space."
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!
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Our Sponsors:
We Recommend...
PassPorter only accepts advertising from services of the highest quality -- we recommend these companies because we use them ourselves. Please support our sponsors and, in turn, support this newsletter! This week's sponsors are (in order of appearance):
MouseEarVacations.com -- Magic Your Way Package Offers
Mouse Fan Travel -- Limited offer for Oct/Dec 2008 Disney Deals
All Star Vacation Homes -- Choose from more than 150 homes within 4 miles of Disney
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From the Authors: $1 PassPorters Still In Stock!
Hi, {{user("firstname")}}!
We set new records when we announced our $1 PassPorter Offer last week! The good news is that we still have some copies of our 2007 edition left for just $1. These books are in "new" or "slightly hurt" condition, leftovers sent back to us by bookstores when the 2008 edition hit store shelves. We offer these great but somewhat outdated books to our friends on the Internet for just $1 each (plus shipping and handling). Lots of folks who've never seen a PassPorter can try one out for a really great price, and people who always loan-out their own PassPorters and/or recommend the book to their friends and relations can stock-up on really low-priced gifts. It's even great for us -- not only for the space saved in the warehouse, but because we've made lots and lots of new PassPorter friends through these offers (the older edition is a great ambassador for the newest edition). So, trot over to the PassPorter Store (or click the $1 PassPorter link, if that's easier), and tell your friends -- this deal doesn't last forever! When we're out, we're out!
Were you thinking of joining us this December for MouseFest? Then we have some MouseFest news for you! This year's Mega Mouse Meet will be held at Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Convention Center, and we've also arranged a special lodging deal at Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resort. Have we piqued your interest? Then pop over to the MouseFest.org web site, and read all about it. While you're there, please sign up for the MouseFest newsletter, so you can keep on top of all the MouseFest news.
As we explained in previous newsletters, sales of PassPorter's Walt Disney World 2008 have been so good that we have none left in the warehouse (although they are still in stock -- for now -- at book stores around the country). If you can't wait for October to get a 2009 edition from us, you may purchase a 2008 electronic edition (download only) or get a 2007 edition at that close-out price. Refer to the 2008 electronic edition for the most up-to-date info, and print-out the pages you'll need when you travel. Rely on the 2007 edition for all our great planning features, PassPockets, and info that's still pretty darned accurate and useful.
PassPorter's Disney Cruise Line and its Ports of Call 2008 is in stock! All orders of our cruise guide ship the next business day.
What else do we have? PassPorter's Open Mouse for Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line is also in stock, and because they're electronic downloads, all our e-books and downloads at PassPorter's Club can never go out of stock (the Internet may go down, but that's a different story)! Get yer downloads runnin'! Club membership is just $4.95 per month, the price of just one e-book download, and $44.95 if you decide to come on board for a full year. With that first month's membership you can strip our cupboard bare of great e-books and interactive worksheets. Then you can cancel, or even better (if you happen to be us), continue the subscription to maintain all the club benefits (like a 35% discount on all PassPorter printed books) and qualify for all the new e-books and worksheets we'll be adding to the Club.
Will you be joining us for PassPorter's Decade of Dreams Tour? PassPorter is celebrating our 10th anniversary in 2009 in a year-long celebration from coast-to-coast! Everyone is invited and all are warmly welcome to join us at all or part of our celebration. We are combining small parties (meets) with grand, multi-day trips, including a 7-night Disney Cruise, a 4-night stay at Walt Disney World, and a Disneyland visit that includes park time and an Adventures by Disney expedition. See our Tour Schedule for the latest details.
PassPorter's Club Update
More than 1400 vacationers are now enjoying access to all our e-books, e-worksheets, and super-sized photo archive images.Thank you for your continued support!
Our newest e-book, PassPorter's Answer Book is now available for download. This 85-page e-book is full of the detailed, up-to-date information on the topics that really matter to you.
More details at http://www.passporter.com/club
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In this issue, PassPorter Author Dave Marx takes us to Redondo Beach, California for a little California Dreamin'. Then, PassPorter Author Jennifer Marx offers her top ten tips for discovering that Disney magic. Finally, Jack Skatt is back with a brand-new Walt Disney World Treasure Hunt. Have a great week!
Jennifer and Dave
PassPorter Authors
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Travel Feature:
Redondo Beach, California
by Dave Marx, Author of PassPorter Travel Guidebooks
Yet another business journey, to a meeting that could have happened anywhere, but fortunately, it happened in a somewhere that I'd never visited before. It would be my first meeting as a new member of the Board of Directors of the Independent Book Publishers Association . As usual, I've got a half-day of free time amidst marathon meetings, a growling stomach following a four-hour jet flight, and just a rough idea of where and how I'm going to satisfy that hunger and my wanderlust.
This time, I'm in Redondo Beach, California, just seven miles south of LAX, right off the Pacific Coast Highway. For an LA-area locale within close reach of the airport, this has a lot of in-town destinations beat hands down. My temporary digs, the Portofino Hotel and Yacht Club, is right inside the high, stone jetty of King Harbor, and claims to be the only oceanfront hotel in Greater Los Angeles. My oceanview room delivers cool, ocean breezes, a view of the seawall and fishing trawlers, and the round-the-clock barking of sea lions, who congregate on a mid-harbor platform built for their pleasure and protection. Generous government spending resulted in the King Harbor seawall, a delightful waterfront promenade, a handy municipal car park right on the water's edge topped by a quaint, gray clapboard district courthouse and a cluster of matching, clapboard offices for the courthouse square hangers-on. Directly below and adjacent to the car park are marinas, the two-block long boardwalk (a warren of shops and restaurants sandwiched between parking garage and marina) and a topsy turvy maze of interconnected dining/shopping/fishing piers. Just south of the piers is the broad beach, curving off into the California haze.
I'd arrived from Michigan primed for seafood, one of my life-long passions. It was nearly noon (but 3:00 pm Michigan time), and it was now my task to settle on one (or more) establishments. The hotel concierge handed me a fine Redondo Beach Harbor & Pier Walking Map, which lists nearly 50 eateries from chain establishments like Cheesecake Factory and Joe's Crab Shack, to egg roll and taco stands, pizzerias, currascarias, neighborhood luncheonettes, we'll-cook-it-for-you fish markets, and expense-account-only steak and seafood houses. I boldly stepped out into the warm sun and cool, ocean breeze. The day couldn't have been more perfect!
First stop on my travels, Captain Kidd's Fish Market . Buy your fish by the pound from the market cases, and they'll cook it up for a $3.50 surcharge that includes two side dishes. Or, order from the menu. Bring your tray out to atmospheric picnic tables with a lovely view of the parking lot (a glimpse of the marina and Pacific a bit beyond). Looks well-worn and authentic, but despite the fish market trappings, I doubt many people buy fish to cook at home. Definitely a place to try out if I return, though. I press on, in search of a holier grill. I strolled from King Harbor at the north down the boardwalk at water's edge, and looped around the sprawling Redondo Beach Pier, surveying all my choices. At the far south end of the district is the beach itself, a long, broad crescent ending at the haze-shrouded Palos Verdes highlands. (Over the hill lies San Pedro, Disney Cruise Line's temporary home port when visiting California).
National chainfood? No, I've got to go "local." The fancier places? Why bother, when fish should be a bargain in a place like this? In a prime spot atop the main pier, Tony's Fish Market Restaurant didn't look like a market to me, and it was deader than a five day old mackerel, but the menu had some appealing Italian seafood specialties. Presumably it's busier at dinner and on weekends. Nearby, "Old" Tony's on the Pier has been around for over 50 years, and was just as vacant. Pier Seafood, Pacific Fish Center, Redondo Beach Crab House, Fun Fish Market? Most had tanks filled with live crabs and display cases with an assortment of fresh fish and offered an interesting collection of traditional American dishes, plus several Mexican and Korean seafood specialties and cafeteria atmosphere. But Quality Seafood, tucked away at the south end of the boardwalk in the shadow of the upper level of the pier, reached out and grabbed me with both hands. This is a legitimate commercial fish market, with long lines of display cases filled with a staggering array of fresh seafood, any of which they'll cook up for you. I'd be astounded if this wasn't the source for much of the seafood sold in nearby restaurants. Unlike the other shops, which had tanks of high-priced Dungeness crab, here the "Dungies" were outnumbered by only slightly smaller local crabs from Catalina Island, at an astoundingly small $4.99/lb. (a little sign apologized for the increased price!!). At around 2 lbs. per fat-clawed crab, I'd call that quite a meal deal! Most of the many locals were here for steamed crab, their tables spread with newspaper, strewn with wooden crab mallets, and buried in crab shells. However, I had other fish to fry. According to the sign, steamed-to-order crab and lobster took a half-hour, and I was way too hungry.
Right next to crab heaven, stainless steel vats overflowed with nearly two-dozen varieties of oysters, and another two-dozen varieties of cockles, mussels, conch, and clams. Like a kid in a candy shop I ordered-up a raw shellfish mini-feast -- two littleneck clams, and six oysters. I asked the fishmonger for a selection of local varieties, and he picked out two Hamma Hammas, two Sunsets, and two Bajas. They had plenty of beer on tap -- a 20-oz. Stella Artois went down nicely. I found a nice, sunny table on the boardwalk with a great view of the marina, and tucked into my little bit of heaven. I had already spent $21, but boy, was it worth it! Still, eight shells were empty, and my beer was still half-full. What else could I find to help that beer go down? At the opposite end of the shop was the prepared/fried/grilled/smoked seafood section. I needed to go "light," since I still planned to head back to Captain Kidd's for a sampling of their wares, and dinner would come just a few hours after that. A nice little side order of fried calamari rings was just $2.15, but then I spied a $1 treat -- little plastic bags filled with assorted shreds, flakes and chunks of various house-smoked fish. The baggies weighed in at about a quarter-pound, while the intact fish were selling in the $15-$20/lb. range. I call that a bargain, and polished off the dense, smokey fish with the rest of my beer.
Already happier than the clams I'd put in my belly, I wandered back up to Captain Kidd's. Here, I compromised on a fried seafood sampler ($11.99). When my number was called, I picked up my tray and found a nice, sunny table outside. The platter came with a couple of large, plank-shaped butterflied shrimp (unfortunately, they looked like frozen, pre-breaded, but did taste fine), a couple of very sweet house-made scallops (my mood was improving), and a medium portion of perfectly prepared fish and chips-style cod (definitely not frozen or pre-battered). I could choose two sides with that - I got hush puppies (adequate) and for a 50 cent upgrade, a cup of chowder. The counterman suggested New England style, I suspected the Manhattan would be better, but I went along with him. Like too many "New England" chowders away from the source, this one had not a drop of milk/cream and was thickened with flour rather than long-cooked potatoes. It still tasted OK, but next time, I'll try the red chowder or an even better-looking cioppino (seafood stew) at only $6 for a 12 oz. serving.
Afterward, I strolled to the nearby sport fishing pier, a jumping-off spot for fishing excursions and home to Polly's on the Pier, a favorite spot among locals for casual breakfast and lunch. Polly's was closed (and I was already stuffed), but the luncheonette-style menu included a few items that may help explain Polly's popularity, including banana pancakes and omelets with "real" crab. Next door, the Redondo Sportfishing shop offered daily fishing excursions ($40-$60), charter boats, and fishing gear rentals (no license needed for fishing from the pier). I hung around for a little bit, watching the local pelicans as they watched a half-dozen anglers pull in non-keepers just slightly bigger than baitfish -- nothing the pelicans considered worth stealing.
That evening, after uniting with several compatriots from the board of directors, we headed to our hotel's fine dining establishment, Baleen Los Angeles. The setting overlooking the yacht club is the essence of California casual elegance. Everyone was delighted with their choices, which arrived beautifully plated and easily as delicious, and a fine value for the money. Some of us sampled a marvelously savory braised lamb appetizer. My roasted beet and heirloom tomato salad was very satisfying, and I followed it up with an elegant version of cioppino, with a rich lobster, saffron, and tomato broth and impeccably cooked samples of premium fish and shellfish, topped by a pan-seared diver scallop. Dessert? You've got to be kidding!
So, the sun already having set over the Pacific, I staggered back to my room, opened the patio door, and let the cool breeze and barking seals entertain me as I watched the Olympics.
About the Author: Dave Marx is the author of many PassPorter guidebooks and a newly-elected board member of the Independent Book Publishers Association.
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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:
Discovering the Magic: Top 10 Tips
by Jennifer Marx, PassPorter Co-Founder and Co-Author
Magic. That
elusive, special-something we've all heard is in abundance at Walt Disney World. Fellow
vacationers rave about it, advertisements tout it, and you seek it. Magic isn't something
to be taken lightly or disregarded. A little magic can make the whole world sparkle,
brighten your outlook, and change your life completely. I have first-hand experience with
the powerful effects of magic at Walt Disney World -- it encouraged me to follow my dreams
of travel writing, transforming my life into one with its own brand of magic.
Defining magic is difficult. Everyone
encounters it in a slightly different manner, finding it in their own unique way. Magic
for me may be a twilight stroll around the World Showcase Lagoon, deep in conversation
with my best friend. Or it could be a hearty belly laugh at Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. Readers of PassPorter have found magic in last-minute trips,
cross-country drives, fireworks, souvenirs, family time, childhood memories, family
photos, polka dances, proposals, and costumes. (We document some of our readers' magical
memories in PassPorter -- check the last page of each chapter for their stories.)
Magic lurks everywhere. You just have to
know how to find it ... and recognize it. To help you design and experience a magic-filled
vacation, we present our top ten magical tips:
1. Plan ahead
I know you've heard this one before, but it works. Planning ahead works out the majority
of the kinks, leaving opportunities for magic to happen. Let's face it -- no one is going
to feel magical when they're standing in the middle of Main Street at 2:00 pm on a blistering
hot day, figuring out where to get a good meal in a cool place. And it's hard to
appreciate magic when you're worried about money or time. Plan the basics, take care of
the essentials, and leave room for the magic.
2. Don't overplan
If you plan every moment of your day, you'll limit your opportunities for magic. Some of
the best magic is spontaneous and unexpected -- all the richer because you weren't
anticipating it. It's for this reason that we don't generally use touring plans in the
parks -- we find they are too restrictive and don't allow us the opportunity to explore
and follow the magic.
3. Seek out magical places
This is a tricky one. You could plan a visit to the World Showcase at dusk based on my magical experiences there. After all, if I found magic
there, perhaps you would too. You may very well find it, but there's no guarantee, either.
Nonetheless, there are some places within the World that seem a bit more conducive to
magic-making. The best ways to find out about these are to talk to other vacationers, read
their trip reports, and keep your eyes open. Some places have a special glow about them,
as if they've been enchanted by Tinkerbell's wand. Here are a few of my favorites: -
Beside the fountain inside the Mexico pavilion at World Showcase in Epcot - On a bench
near the hedge maze in the back of the United Kingdom pavilion at World Showcase in Epcot
- Adventureland on a sultry day in the Magic Kingdom - At a table beside Discovery River
in Asia at Disney's Animal Kingdom - In a hammock on the beach at the Polynesian Resort -
Strolling Port Orleans French Quarter Resort at night, when the "gas" lamps are
lit. - Swimming in an empty, heated pool late at night. - Snuggled in front of a small
fireplace overlooking the lobby of the Wilderness Lodge Resort. - Virtually any place after dark,
but particularly the World Showcase in Epcot and Disney's Animal Kingdom (on those few
nights when it's open).
4. Be friendly
Smile, chat, and be kind to others -- family, friends, vacationers and cast members alike.
Reach out to others -- everyone has magic to offer. Many vacationers report making new
friends at the park, and we ourselves have had the good fortune to make friends with many,
many people over the years. And our experiences with these people are some of our fondest
memories.
5. Think outside the park
Many of my magical memories took place outside of a theme park -- while I was traveling to
and from Florida, staying at a resort, dining at a restaurant, or just moving about the
World on a bus or boat. I have a particular fondness for Epcot buses, in fact. So plan
some time out of the parks and explore the rest of the World.
6. Time together, time alone
Magic is often found in new company. If you're used to being alone or with a small family,
invite a group or plan a family reunion at Walt Disney World. My first group trip of 35
produced many, many magical memories that I cherish today. On the other hand, if you're
always with other people, take some time to be alone -- with someone you love or on your
own.
7. Remove fear
Fear protects us from dangerous situations... and also from magical situations. Forever guarding yourself and your feelings erects a wall around you that magic can't penetrate.
Release your fears ... volunteer to go on stage, say hi to someone you don't know, dance
with Mickey Mouse. As a generally fearful person, I've found that those times I'm able to
overcome my fears produce the most amazing, magical results.
8. Avoid too much anticipation
If you go to Walt Disney World anticipating a magical event every hour or so, you'll be
sadly disappointed. Real magic happens much less often, and is all the more special
because of it. In particular, I urge you not to expect cast members to go out of their way
to do something special for you. This is a rare happening, and hoping for it almost always
leads to disappointment, as we've seen over and over again in letters from our readers. We
ourselves never expect special treatment from cast members, so when it happens we're
always delighted and a little awestruck.
9. Let it happen, and make it
happen
Some magic happens spontaneously... you just need to be in the right place at the right
time and in the right frame of mind. Encourage this sort of magic by leaving yourself open
to new experiences. More often, magic happens because of something YOU do... a gift you
give to someone, a person you take the time to meet, an event you arrange. This is the
best kind of magic, because it wouldn't have happened without your efforts and talents.
All of the magical memories we share in PassPorter are of this type of magic -- we applaud
everyone who creates their own magic!
10. Remember the magic.
This tip has two parts. The first is to document and record the magic your discover on
your trip. Why? Because research has shown that if you write it down or take a picture of
it, you're significantly more likely to remember the event later. Remembering is paramount
-- if you don't recall what happened, the magic will be short-lived and may as well not
even happened. A good part of magic is remembering it fondly in the years to come.
The second aspect of remembering the
magic is to recall those special magical moments from past visits and re-visit them on
future trips. You may not encounter the same level or brand of magic, but the association
with a special place from your past has a magic all its own. I still get a little
misty-eyed when I wait for a bus at the Settlement Depot bus stop in the Fort Wilderness
Resort, where I shared a special, very magical moment with two people whom I love.
As you can see, magic -- that special
something that warms our hearts and makes us smile for years to come -- is something you
can encourage. And in the end, you may learn how to bring that magic home to live in your
everyday life... as we have.
Dave adds:
Magic is a very elusive thing. The harder you seek it, the harder it is to find. It's
like leaving cookies and milk for Santa Claus. No matter how long you hide in wait, he
never arrives until you're fast asleep.
I love maneuvering a group of
friends or family into an enchanted place at an enchanted time. I don't make any promises,
I may not even drop any hints, and I definitely don't tell them everything that may
happen. I just sit back, smile, tell them to enjoy the moment, and the magic unfolds. The
less I promise, the more magic I see reflected in my loved ones eyes.
Things To Do: If you have a
magical memory from a Walt Disney World trip that you'd like to share with us, send it to us at http://www.passporter.com/customs/tipsandstories.asp. We're always
looking for new stories for our next edition of PassPorter!
About the Author: Jennifer is the co-founder and co-author of PassPorter travel guidebooks with well over 50 books under her belt.
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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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