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PassPorter News
A free e-newsletter about PassPorter and all things Disney!

PassPorter News is available by free subscription to over 7500 readers and friends of PassPorter -- everyone is welcome! Each newsletter includes a feature article about Disney or travel in general, news and updates for Disney, reader tips, Q & A with Jennifer & Dave, and a letter from the authors. Newsletters may also offer special deals and coupons for our guidebooks, or announcements about new books or products. Newsletters go out once every two weeks, usually on Wednesday or Thursday.

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Updated 11/21/03

Copyright 1999-2004
PassPorter Travel Press, an imprint of MediaMarx, Inc.

Questions? Problems? E-Mail Us!

Newsletter 2.12

==========================================

PassPorter News
News, Announcements, Updates, and Tips

September 2002 - Issue 2.12

PassPorter.com - http://www.passporter.com
==========================================

Welcome to PassPorter News, an online newsletter
about PassPorter travel guidebooks and the
Walt Disney World Resort!

PassPorter News is available by free subscription
to all readers and friends of our labor of love --
PassPorter Walt Disney World: The unique travel
guide, planner, organizer, journal, and keepsake!
Learn all about it at:
http://www.passporter.com/wdw/2002.htm


==========================================
In This Newsletter:
==========================================
* From the Authors: Latest Book Updates Ready for Download
* Feature: Race Car Dave Does the Richard Petty Experience
* Updates: September 11th Observances, Religious Services
* Tips: Character Breakfasts, Staying Dry, AAA Parking Pass
* Q&A: IllumiNations Viewing Area, Animal Kingdom Parade


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
DID YOU KNOW? (A little word from our sponsor -- us!)

The PassPorter 2002 Deluxe Edition is back in stock!
Get 20% off the list price of the 2002 Deluxe Edition --
just enter "deluxe" as a coupon code at check-out.

Order at: http://www.passporter.com/store/
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


==========================================
FROM THE AUTHORS: Latest Book Updates Ready for Download
==========================================
Owner of PassPorter Walt Disney World 2002 can get free
updates for their books! We've updated our page-by-page list
of corrections, changes, and news for the 2002 edition. You
can view the list online or download it in PDF format. You
can even print the updates out and put them right in your
PassPorter (slip them in a PassPocket in a spiral, or put
them in the rings of your Deluxe). To get your updates,
visit:
http://www.passporter.com/wdw/updates.htm

Now we know most of you probably know this already, but
we're still getting lots of e-mail asking us when the
PassPorter 2003 edition comes out. So for those benefit of
those who haven't yet heard, PassPorter 2003 will be
released in January 2003. We don't have a specific date yet.
But if you're going anytime before February 2003, we
recommend you get the 2002 edition -- PassPorter works best
in the planning stages.

Speaking of the 2002 edition, we're down to less than 700
copies of the spiral edition in stock, and a similar number
of deluxe editions. We printed 50% more books this year than
last, and they've been flying off bookstore shelves. We
won't be printing any more copies of this edition, so if you
want a 2002, don't dawdle!

Thanks,
Jennifer and Dave
Authors, PassPorter Walt Disney World 2002


==========================================
FEATURE: Race Car Dave Does the Richard Petty Riding
Experience
==========================================
by Jennifer Watson

Imagine this...

=============
10" Race Car Dave Plush
Ready for a few laps? Your favorite character PassPorter
Dave is dressed in his Richard Petty jumpsuit, ready to
do some serious driving around the race track. He talks
("Oh *#%&!") and his wristwatch/lap-timer lights up when
you give him a hug. Requires three AA batteries, included.
Imported. $16.50.
=============

OK, so maybe you won't be seeing a stuffed toy of "Race Car
Dave" in the PassPorter store, but the real Dave did look
really cute in his Richard Petty jumpsuit! Hmm, wait, that
doesn't sound like a very serious opening for a serious
article on the Richard Petty Riding Experience. Seriously,
let me try that again ... ahem...

Attention racing enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and lead
foots (lead feet?): Have you ever wondered what it would be
like to race around a track at up to 145 miles an hour? On
July 15, PassPorter co-author Dave Marx participated in the
Richard Petty Ride-Along Program at the Walt Disney World
Speedway. While this wasn't at the top of his list of things
to do at Walt Disney World, we had wondered about it for a
while and figured it was about time to take a "test drive"
for our readers benefit. Dave's daughter (and PassPorter
co-author) Allie and I witnessed the entire episode from the
bleachers, cheering Dave's car on as he whizzed by. What a
thrill!

The Ride-Along Program is the simplest (and least expensive)
experience at the Speedway. For $89, Dave got to speed
around the track three times in a 630 horsepower
regulation-style stock car. He didn't drive (a professional
does that), he just rode shotgun -- and that was just okay
with Allie and I.

When we arrived at the Speedway, we drove right through the
tunnel and out into the track's infield to get to the
Richard Petty Experience office. We didn't need to make
reservations, as the ride-along program is offered on a
walk-in basis only. Once inside, Dave signed up and filled
out waiver forms. Allie and I also signed waiver forms as
bystanders, just in case. Then it was over to the coat rack
to pick out a fire-resistant jumpsuit for Dave to wear. They
come in all shapes and sizes. Watching him squeeze into the
suit was half the fun! He was also given a helmet. Once he
suited up, we walked out to the canopied waiting area beside
the track. There we saw a few dozen people -- some waited
for their experience to begin, some were in class for the
you-drive-it experience, while others were watching the
action from the sidelines. Dave got in line for his
experience and waited.

Soon enough it was Dave's turn to get in his car. These are
NASCAR Winston Cup style stock cars -- they do not have
doors. So Dave has to climb into the car through the
passenger window and sit shotgun beside the driver. Once he
was inside and strapped in, a photographer came up and
snapped a photo of Dave in his driving gear. Then the driver
revved the engine and they took off in a flash. And, boy,
did that car go fast! Allie and I had a hard time watching
it go around the track -- it was too easy to lose the car
behind buildings and other obstructions, so you could only
see the cars from turn 3 to turn 1. I enjoyed spectating,
but Allie seemed a bit bored after the first lap. It was
also quite noisy with all the cars whizzing by, and she
doesn't like loud noise at all.

After three laps around the one mile tri-oval track (a
simulation of a Winston Cup-style 3-lap qualifying run),
Dave came in ... hale and hearty. We collected him and went
inside to drop off the jumpsuit. We should note that Dave
got very warm in his suit -- be sure you wear cool clothing
if you try this experience. And, of course, we had to
purchase the photo of Dave in his race car ($15). We spent a
while browsing the memorabilia and photos of famous racers
and celebrities before we headed out. The entire experience
took less than an hour.

What did Dave think of his spin in the fast lane? I'll move
over for a few minutes and let Dave tell you in his own
words:

Brrrroooooom! I'm not what you'd call a car racing fan, but
you don't really have to be to get a thrill out of this
experience. Until I took this all-too-brief three lap spin
around the course I had no real idea of what those drivers
do, lap after lap, day after day. The noise, the vibration,
the g-forces and the need for concentration are intense! My
helmet's off to all the pros out there.

I'm sure I didn't appreciate the pre-ride experience the way
a fan would. I felt a little foolish walking around in my
driving suit carrying my helmet, and boy, was I hot out
there in the July heat. My only other emotion was curiosity.

After a bit of waiting around on my own (Jennifer and Allie
were over in the spectator's grandstand), the folks in the
Petty "pit crew" had ushered me out into the pit area, made
sure my helmet was secure, and brought me over to the car.
After a very quick introduction to my driver (sorry, his
name slipped past me faster than a Winston Cup racer) I
slithered my way in through the passenger window and down
into my seat.

My pride swelled, having managed that entry with
professional grace. Heck, I wasn't driving, but at least I
looked cool! In a flash the crew had my seat harness
buckled, the photographer popped up to grab my macho image
for posterity, and we were headed out of the pit faster than
you can say "zero to sixty."

Roaring out onto the track, I thought we'd take advantage of
the high, banked curves on the course, but we took the fast
"line," on the nearly flat insides of the turns. We were up
to full speed in no time flat.

Once around the track for warm-up. Whizzzzz! The g-forces on
the curves pressed me hard against the passenger-side door
panel. To my suburban driver's senses, it felt like the car
was going to flip over from centrifugal force.

Green flag, it's time to race! Zooooom! Of course, we didn't
flip. My driver knew the limits of his vehicle. I just
didn't know the limits were so far out there! (And people
are impressed by Test Track???)

Twice around, checkered flag! We'd finished our qualifying
run (but what was our speed???). No matter, even if we had
qualified for the pole position, my racing "career" was
going to be over in one more cool-down lap.

Back into the pits, just a little breathless and a little
buzzed. I managed to thank my driver, haul myself out of the
window, and head into the grandstand, to the enthusiastic
applause of my two dedicated fans. Oh, and I stripped-off
that hot jumpsuit in nothing flat.

The Richard Petty Experience at the Walt Disney World
Speedway offers four different programs:

* Ride-Along Experience -- Ride in the passenger seat with
an instructor for three laps. Ages 16 and up (riders under
18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). $89 plus
tax. Duration: 30-60 minutes (actual riding time is less
than two minutes)
* Rookie Experience -- Drive a race car alone for eight
laps. Includes classroom, track side and in-car instruction.
Ages 18 and up. Licensed drivers only. Reservations
required. $349 plus tax. Offered at 8:00 am and 2:00 PM.
Duration: 3 hours.
* King's Experience -- Drive a race car in two segments: one
for 8 laps and another for 10 laps. Includes classroom,
track side and in-car instruction. Ages 18 and up. Licensed
drivers only. Reservations required. $699 plus tax. Offered
at 11:00 am. Duration: 3 hours.
* Experience of a Lifetime -- Drive a race car for three
sessions of 10 laps each. Includes classroom, track side and
in-car instruction. Ages 18 and up. Licensed drivers only.
Reservations required. $1199 plus tax. Offered at 11:00 am.

To make a reservation, call 1-800-BE-PETTY -- it is
suggested that you book at least a month in advance. Ask
about discounts when you book. Note that the driving
experiences are with manual-transmission cars. You'll want
to know how to drive one of these before you sign up.

Visitors are welcome and you can watch at no cost. Open from
8:00 am to 5:00 PM daily.


>>Things To Do: Visit the Richard Petty Experience web site
for more information: http://www.1800bepetty.com


==========================================
UPDATES: What's New and Changed at Walt Disney World
==========================================
Will you be at Walt Disney World on 9/11/2002? Are you
wondering what, if anything, will be done by Disney to
commemorate the first anniversary of that tragic date?
Jennifer and I will be there, but until recently, we hadn't
been able to learn anything about Disney's plans. However,
some light recently arrived in our mail box.

The August 19 edition of Amusement Business magazine reports
that Disney intends a very low-key observance, the plans for
which are still being developed. A Disney spokesperson said
that the company will not be promoting or advertising its
plans. Here are Disney's current intentions, as reported by
Tim O'Brien in Amusement Business:

- All parks will observe a moment of silence, followed by
patriotic music. Rides and attractions will close briefly,
and show schedules will be adjusted so that no show is going
on during that time. If a National Moment of Silence is
announced, the park observances will follow that schedule,
presuming the park(s) are open at that time.
- All flags will be raised, then lowered to half-mast before
the parks open.
- The Flag Retreat Ceremony at Magic Kingdom, usually held
at 5:00 PM, will be expanded and enhanced. (Magic Kingdom
will be open from 9:00 am - 6:00 PM.)
- Voices of Liberty and American Vybe will each present
special programs of patriotic music throughout the day at
The American Adventure in Epcot's World Showcase. (World
Showcase will be open from 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM, as usual.)

Amusement Business reported that the observances are also
intended for Disney's cast members, in recognition of their
support of those in need since 9/11. Cast members will also
receive a special commemorative pin and certificate.

The online park calendar and Events and Entertainment
schedules at the official DisneyWorld.com Web site show
business-as-usual.

If you'll be at WDW on 9/10 and would like to get together
with us, drop us a line -- we're having a small gathering in
the evening at Epcot.

- - - - - - - - - - -

Sunday worship services at the Polynesian Resort's Luau Cove
have been discontinued. Roman Catholic and Protestant
services have been a staple at the Polynesian for many
years, but now Disney's guests have to venture off-property
for their Sunday devotions. There are conflicting rumors
about the cause for this change, but Disney's official
statement indicated that the sponsoring religious
organizations made the decision. The traditional Christmas
Eve service at Disney's Contemporary Resort has not been
affected.

Mears Transportation is providing shuttle service to the
nearby Our Lady Queen of the Universe Shrine for Catholic
services, at $10 per person roundtrip. Call Mears about 24
hours in advance at 800-759-5219. There are many other
houses of worship within a short drive of Disney property.
We suggest an online search at http://www.yellowpages.com.
Select a Distance Search (we suggest 10 mile distance),
search by Type of Business, with "Religious" as the business
name/type, and enter the address of your hotel.

(A big thanks to All Ears (http://www.allearsnet.com), in
which many updates are first announced!)

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


==========================================
DISNEY TIPS FROM FELLOW READERS
==========================================
Try a Character Breakfast Daily
"I suggest making early Character Breakfast reservations
every morning for the park you'll be in that day.
This accomplishes several things:
1. You're up and out every morning nice and early
2. You see characters in an airconditioned environment --
with no lines
3. You are past security way before the crowds arrive
4. You are in the park when it opens (quite a few steps
ahead of the crowd at the gate)"
-- Contributed by Jill B.

Keep Your Feet Dry on Kali River Rapids
"Stash two 1-gallon baggies and two large rubber bands in
your pack when you go to Kali River rapids. As soon as you
are seated, pulll a baggie over each foot and secure with a
rubber band before putting your feet up on the footrail.
This way, you KNOW your feet will stay DRY! Make sure you do
NOT walk or move without removing the baggies for safety's
sake. "
-- Contributed by Linda W.

Get a AAA Diamond Parking Pass
"Don't forget that if you have an AAA membership, buy at
least one ticket for Walt Disney World at your local AAA
office. I wouldn't recommend all of them as the Disney Club
offers a better discount but it's worth it to get at least
one there so that you can ask for the AAA Diamond Parking
Pass. It doesn't expire that I'm aware of, so once you get
it -- hang onto it! It allows you to park in a special
section as close as possible to the theme parks. As you
drive into the parking lots in the mornings with the throng
of other cars, nothing compares to the feeling of showing
the parking attendant your card and having him wave you past
all the other cars. The Diamond Parking lot is rarely filled
(I've never seen it full) and it saves so much time getting
to the parks. Most of the time, you're so close that trams
are not necessary! A great way to start a Disney day! And
that's my "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah tip for today"!"
-- Contributed by Terri Daugherty (gabound2@aol.com)

>Notes: Send us your tips! You may see them in this
newsletter or on our tip-a-day mailing list. Two lucky folks
will win a copy of PassPorter each month, too! Visit:
http://www.passporter.com/wdw/contest.htm


====================================
Q &A WITH JENNIFER & DAVE
====================================
In this column we answer your frequently asked PassPorter
and Disney questions.

Karen writes:
"Last year we booked a specialty cruise to see
Illuminations. I recall seeing an area roped off for
'certain' people to be able to view the show.
Anyone know anything about this?"

A: The special viewing areas you can see from the Epcot
IllumiNations Cruise are in France and UK. The patios are
available for catered dessert parties (these are popular for
weddings and conventions), but they're open to the public
when not otherwise engaged.

The view from UK (the patio is next to Yorkshire County Fish
& Chips) is very similar to the view from Rose & Crown Pub.
The view is quite excellent, as the islands in World
Showcase Lagoon aren't in the way.

The view from the "French Arm" (as Disney Parks Catering
calls it) is also quite nice, but if you stand a bit too far
to the right one of the islands begins to obscure your view
(especially the part when the globe moves from American
Adventure out to the center of the lagoon).

There's another location in Italy that is usually reserved
as a VIP viewing area. Sometimes it's reserved for Annual
Passholders, folks on tours and/or vacation packages, and
sometimes for TV crews and "real" VIPs.


Liz writes:
"We missed the parade at the Animal Kingdom last
year, so we want to make a special point to catch it this
time around. Afterwards, I thought it might be nice to head
to the Animal Kingdom Lodge for dinner at Boma.

Here's the question -- when I last checked, the parade is at
4 p.m. If I make a PS at Boma for 5:30, will that give us
enough time to view the parade, get out of the park, and
catch the bus to the Lodge?

Oh! And any advice on good viewing spots for the parade?"

A: You'll have an easier time getting a 5:30 pm or 5:45 pm
seating than a 6:00 pm, but 6:00 pm will give you more
breathing room, and if you arrive early you can always kill
time at Arusha Rock Overlook.

The best viewing spots for the parade are the farthest from
the main gate (we like viewing in Harambe Village or on the
path between Asia and Africa). If you want a fast escape,
you should join the throng near the Island Mercantile and
Disney Outfitters shops on Discovery Island.

The bus ride to the lodge only takes 5 minutes once it's
rolling, and you should allow 20-35 minutes to exit the park
following the parade, so assuming the parade is over by 4:30
pm where you're viewing it, you'll be fine with a 5:30 pm
PS, but why stress out? If you can get something a little
bit later, go for it


>Things to Do: Send us your questions about PassPorter or
Walt Disney World and we'll do our best to answer them!
E-mail: questions@passporter.com


====================================
PassPorter News is only sent to those who have subscribed to
it through our Web site or at the time of an order,
registration, survey, or contest.

If this newsletter was forwarded to you by a thoughtful
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Please ask your questions and help each other in our
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Copyright (c) 2002 - MediaMarx, Inc.



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