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In This Newsletter
From the
Authors:PassPorter Walt Disney World 2004
Special
Update: PassPorter Walt Disney World Update List
Disney
Feature: Taking Photos at Walt Disney World
Updates:
What's New and Changed
Tips:
Save Your Tips, Keep Soda Cool, Feel Better After Mission:SPACE
Q&A:
New Cruise Guide, Food Courts
at Disney Resorts
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Updates:
What's New and Changed
Besides our huge list of updates elsewhere in this newsletter,
here’s one bit of interesting news we want to highlight:
Lunch/Dinner With an Imagineer. No sooner did we publish our report on Lunch
With an Artist (PassPorter News 8/21/03) than Disney announced another special meal opportunity
at Disney-MGM Studios. Lunch (or Dinner) With an Imagineer serves-up a four-course
meal in a private dining room at the Hollywood Brown Derby for up to ten
guests. You’ll be treated as royalty and dine in the company of a member
of the fabled Disney Imagineering staff, the folks responsible for designing
and building Disney’s parks, attractions and resorts. You’ll learn a bit
of how Imagineering "does its thing," and have a chance to chat about your
favorite Disney topics. Lunch is $60.99, and dinner with wine pairings is
$99.99. The weekly schedule hasn’t been announced. Call 407-WDW-DINE for
information and reservations. (Lunch With an Artist is still available, too.)
>Things
To Do: Hear some news? Send it to us at
news@passporter.com
.
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Disney
Tips:
From Fellow Readers
KEEP YOUR SODA COLD
"I always get so thirsty when at Walt Disney World so I improvised a ‘cooler’
in my hotel room. First I put a 2-liter soda inside one of the plastic bags
you get when you buy something at Disney. Then I go to the ice machine and
fill the bag up with ice, making sure it is all around the bottle. I then
put the bag in the sink in my room. I do this in the morning right before
I leave on my day’s adventures, and when I get back for a rest in the afternoon
the soda is ice cold and ready to quench my enormous thirst." -- contributed
by Jennifer Todhunter (jennifertodhunter@hotmail.com)
SAVE THOSE TIPS
"When I know that I have a trip planned to Walt Disney World, I keep a pad
of paper next to my computer. Then, for months, as I read RADP (rec.arts.disney.parks),
the DisBoards (http://www.disboards.com), and the PassPorter newsletter,
I jot down all the great tips I come across. Before I leave, I organize the
list into categories. For instance, I might have recommendations for parade/firework
viewing locations, tips for scoring big on Buzz Lightyear, restaurant selection
and menu advice, 'hidden treasures' and neat little things about the countries
in World Showcase. After I have the list organized, I type it up in the smallest
print I can read, and print it out, cutting it into a compact size. Then
I carry this in my PassPockets wherever we go, and consult when appropriate.
It's almost like having a study guide for the parks." -- contributed by Michelle
Shoemaker (mars315@excite.com)
FEEL BETTER AFTER MISSION:SPACE
"Having trouble keeping your stomach under control after riding Mission:SPACE?
My wife Georgette, who is a nurse, has the solution: Make sure to bring some
alcohol wipes with you when you go to the park. If you feel lightheaded after
the ride, open the packet and sniff up the fumes. In no time you'll be ready
to move on to Test Track!" -- contributed by Zoltan Bouwhuis
>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
Beth asks:
"I ordered a ‘bound’ PassPorter for the Disney Cruise Line on Amazon.com
before I knew about your site and the deluxe model. I want to get the deluxe
one, but I know the Magic is having a lot of renovation during its drydock.
Should I wait if you will you be coming out with a completely new version?
Or should I go ahead and get the current deluxe now and will I be able to
download the pages that have changed? By the way, we are going on the Disney
cruise as a family reunion next July and three of my family members have
bought your cruise guide, too!!"
Thanks so much for getting our cruise guide! The second edition of the cruise
guide should be out early next year, maybe around February or March. As you
already have the paperback version of our cruise guide, we recommend you
wait until our second edition comes out to get the deluxe edition. You will
be able to get updates online, but the updates won't be able to encompass
all the information we plan to put into the second edition.
abcsoup asks:
"Hello! We stayed at Dixie Landings a few years ago, and were really happy
with the way they ran their food court... getting everything you want
on your tray and then paying for it all together before you sit down and
eat. When we stayed at Port Orleans (French Quarter), I seem to remember
it being that you had to pay at each station, you didn't get to pay for everything
all together. We are now planning a trip to Walt Disney World next fall,
and were wondering which food courts at the deluxe resorts are run the same
way as Dixie Landings (Port Orleans-Riverside)?"
Dave replies:
"The food court at Caribbean Beach Resort was recently renovated, and now
it operates like Port Orleans-Riverside. To my knowledge, the food court
at Port Orleans-French Quarter has always worked like the one at Riverside.
I'd have to say that The Mara at Animal Kingdom Lodge is the only deluxe
resort eatery that comes close to offering the complete meal variety of a
food court (I really like The Mara). Disney wants deluxe guests to dine in
keeping with the amount they spend on lodging, so you'll find far more full-service
options and disappointing counter-service at the deluxe resorts.
All the deluxe resorts have a quick-service establishment of some sort. Most
offer decent breakfasts, but "dinner" looks a lot like lunch -- burgers,
hot dogs, sandwiches and perhaps one special of the day. The most extensive
are at the Magic Kingdom-area resorts: Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, Polynesian,
and Grand Floridian. The Epcot-area resorts have the least (the pool snack
bar and Beaches and Cream’s take-out window at Yacht/Beach, and at BoardWalk
you have the pizza window at Spoodles and the BoardWalk Bakery, which offers
breakfast and some sandwiches). Swan/Dolphin has a fairly extensive cafeteria,
but its offerings are pretty unappetizing."
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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From the Authors: PassPorter Walt Disney World 2004
Hi, friends!
We’ve been hard at work on the 2004 edition of PassPorter Walt Disney World,
due out in early January 2004. Besides all the updated information, the new
edition will sport four cool new features:
1. LOTS more photos (300% more than our 2003 edition), most of which include
one or more of your authors in the photo!
2. The four, fold-out park maps will be in full
color!
3. Peel-and-stick color tabs to mark your chapters… or whatever!
4. Labels and stickers to personalize your PassPockets to your vacation (for
example, there will be labels for "Our Cruise," "Our Wedding," "Our Reunion,"
etc.)
This is our first announcement of the 2004 edition’s new features – that’s
right, you heard it here first! After we return from the big WDW media event
in October, we’ll make a more official announcement and open up our 2004
Preview Center so you can download sneak peeks and get more details on new
features.
We are already getting many questions about how to pre-order a 2004 edition.
You can pre-order now to be among the first to have the new edition in your
hot little hands in January 2004. To pre-order, visit:
http://www.passporterstore.com/store/2004.aspx
By the way, we’ll have lots of good stuff to report in October after the
WDW media event, so watch for news and announcements in our next newsletter.
This newsletter marks the debut of a new guest columnist,
Maureen Austin, who offers an informative and entertaining look at
taking
photos at Disney!
Jennifer and Dave
PassPorter
Travel Press
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Did You Know?
You Can Get a 2003/2004 Combo Deluxe Edition Deal!
We've taken our PassPorter Walt Disney World guidebook
one step further with our popular Deluxe Edition. Preferred by most serious
planners, the deluxe edition offers looseleaf covers, text, and pockets in
a stylish, six-ring binder with slots for cards, pockets for papers, and
a loop for one of our PassPorter pens. The high-quality ring binder allows
you to add, remove, and rearrange the pages and pockets to craft a custom
guidebook.
Our 2004 edition will be released in January, but you don't need to wait
until then to start planning with PassPorter. Our 2003/2004 Combo Deal gives
you a complete Deluxe Starter Kit for Walt Disney World today (at 20% off!)
and in January you'll be one of the first to receive the new 2004 covers
and text at 50% off!
Fill in your worksheets and PassPockets now, and use the fabulous 2003 text
to plan your vacation. Then when your 2004 update arrives in January, you'll
have a brand-new book!
To order your 2003/2004 Combo Deal, visit:
http://www.passporterstore.com/store/
deluxecombodeal.aspx
Also, we’re still offering our FREE copy of an earlier edition
of PassPorter – get one for yourself or give to a friend.
Visit:
http://www.passporterstore.com/store/freepassporter.aspx
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Special
Update:
PassPorter Walt Disney World Update List
by Jennifer Watson and Dave Marx
Throughout the year we maintain a list of updates for
our guidebooks. Thanks to our work on the new 2004 edition, we have lots
of updates for the 2003 edition of PassPorter Walt Disney World. So grab
your 2003 edition and check our update list below! You can also view this
list (and others) online at
http://www.passporter.com/customs/bookupdates.htm. A formatted PDF version of this list is also available for you to download,
print, and tuck in your PassPorter (download at
http://www.passporter.com/wdw/passporterwdw2003
updates.pdf
).
Page 10 - The "BankOne/Disney Affinity Visa Card," now more commonly known
as the "Disney Visa," was introduced in March 2003. This Visa Platinum card
pays Disney Dream Reward Dollars™ (similar to frequent flyer miles) on all
purchases—one point for every $100 in purchases with the card. Points can
be applied on a one-to-one basis (one point equals $1) to Disney vacation
and merchandise purchases of many kinds, and can also be exchanged for a
variety of special Disney offers. Disney also makes special offers that pay
additional bonus points. Get more details at http://disney.go.com/visa
or
phone 1-877-252-6576 and mention card code 7BVP.
Page 17 - The Orlando International Airport has a new Disney Store. It’s
located across from the shuttles to gates 60-129. The older Disney Store,
near the shuttles to gates 1-59, is still operating.
Page 32 - Add Mission: SPACE to the list of Early Entry (Extra Magic Hour)
attractions.
Page 35 - For a comprehensive guide to tipping (gratuities), see
http://www.passporter.com/articles/tipping.htm
.
Page 46 - Atlantic Dance Hall changed its format. Rather than Latin music,
it now plays Top 40 dance music on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays nights.
Live bands are featured on Fridays and Saturdays. The venue is still limited
to adults 21 and up, and there is no cover charge. Closed on Sundays and
Mondays.
Page 76 - Guests staying at the Polynesian Resort should be aware that the
current bus stop in front of the Great Ceremonial House was replaced by a
new bus stop near Tangaroa Terrace (the building between Rarotonga and Rapa
Nui on the map—it houses Moana Mickey’s Arcade, the Never Land Club, and
the laundry room).
Page 77 - The new Pop Century Resort is now taking reservations for its opening
on December 14, 2003. Pop Century was originally scheduled to open in late
2001, but its debut was delayed due to the drop in travel after 9/11. First
to open will be the Classic Years section, which celebrates the decades of
the 1950s, ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. Standard rooms are $77/night and preferred
rooms are $87/night (preferred rooms are in the two buildings located nearest
to the main building, the 1960s). We’ve visited the resort several times
during construction, and expect the resort’s facilities and decor will receive
a very enthusiastic welcome.
Page 81 - Port Orleans is closing in stages for guest room rehab. Port Orleans
French Quarter will close first, on May 4. French Quarter will reopen in
October or November, in time for the 2003 Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Years
holiday season. Portions of Port Orleans Riverside will close starting in
early 2004, as the work progresses building-by-building through the resort.
Most of Riverside will be open at all times.
Page 95 - (map) The Beach Club Resort guest laundry is located in the small
building adjacent to the quiet pool (lower right-hand area of the resort).
Page 97 - Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort is building 12 new buildings (four
in the first phase), offering 696 rooms when all three phases are finished.
The former Disney Institute’s remaining lodgings will not be rented to the
public for the foreseeable future. Disney Vacation Club sales have begun,
at $89/point.
Page 99 - The Dolphin Resort will get two new restaurants, "bluezoo," opening
in the spot of the current Coral Cafe restaurant, and "Fresh," opening in
the spot of the former Juan & Only’s. "bluezoo" will be a seafood-oriented
restaurant under the direction of Todd English, the chef/owner of 13 restaurants
around the country including Olive’s and Fig’s. Fresh is expected to open
in October 2003. "bluezoo" is now expected to open in December 2003.
Page 100 - The four-night Disney cruises have two itineraries. One includes
a stop at Nassau, a day at sea, and a stop at Castaway Cay. The other replaces
the day at sea with a stop in Freeport (the cruise contract with Freeport
was renewed until the end of 2003). These two itineraries alternate with
one another.
Page 100 - Disney Cruise Line has announced several special cruise itineraries
for 2004, featuring several new ports of call. There will be two variations
on the 7-Night Eastern Caribbean itinerary (substituting either San Juan,
Puerto Rico or Antigua for Sint Maarten), and, for the first time, a 10-Night
Itinerary during Christmas season!
Page 104 - See our review of the Grosvenor Resort at
http://www.passporter.com/articles/grosvenor.htm
Page 104 - See our review of the Hilton at
http://www.passporter.com/articles/hilton.htm
Page 106 - See our review of the Radisson Resort Parkway at
http://www.passporter.com/articles/radisson.htm
Page 114 - Disney Dollars sport a new look for 2003. The bills, which you
can purchase at the parks and the Disney Store, feature Mickey Mouse ($1),
Goofy ($5), and Donald ($10). Disney theme park castles are featured on the
backs of the bills: Sleeping Beauty Castle from Disneyland Resort ($1), Cinderella
Castle from Walt Disney World Resort ($5), and Le Chateau de la Belle au
Bois Dormant from Disneyland Paris ($10).
Page 115 - The ATMs (cash machines) at Walt Disney World are now run by BankOne
(the same bank that is offering the new Disney Visa card).
Page 116 - Walt Disney World pass prices increased on June 1. One-day passes
are $52/adult and $42/kids 3-9, plus tax. (As it turns out, the pass prices
we projected for our 2003 edition of PassPorter are right on!) The rest of
the at-gate prices increased as well, but all the advance purchase prices
(such as those from the Disney Store) remain the same. You'll find an excellent
chart with the current prices at All Ears
Net (http://wdwig.com/ticketchart.htm).
Page 117 - The Florida Resident "Play 4 Days Pass" is back for summer 2003.
From April 1 - September 30, 2003, Florida residents can get four days in
Walt Disney World’s four theme parks for just $109/person, plus tax. There’s
just one blackout date: July 4. The Play 4 Days Pass is a park hopper, and
it can be upgraded to a resident annual or seasonal pass. You can purchase
this pass at the theme parks, Florida Disney Stores, and Florida AAA offices
(proof of residency is required for each adult). For more information, visit
http://www.disneyworld.com/play4days
or call 407-WDW4DAYS.
Page 122 - The Disney Gallery in Main Street, U.S.A. closed its doors permanently
on March 15. News on what will replace it is not yet available.
Pages 123 & 124a - Goofy's Country Dancin' Jamboree replaces Diamond
Horseshoe Saloon Revue on the Magic Kingdom map and the Attractions At-A-Glance
list. Allow 25 minutes for the show.
Page 131 - The Diamond Horseshoe Saloon Revue at Magic Kingdom closed on
February 1 and re-opened in July 2003 with a new show, "Goofy's Country Dancin'
Jamboree." Goofy, Chip, Dale, plus Woody, Jessie and Bullseye from Toy Story
2 are on hand to meet and greet guests and Goofy leads the crowd for country-style
line dancing in this 20 minute show. Food and drink have been removed from
the menu. The current show schedule is Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 am,
12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm (thanks to Steve
Soares WDW Entertainment Guide for the schedule).
Page 142 - Epcot's Future World closing time has been cutback from 7:00 pm
to 6:00 pm, with four attractions remaining open until 7:00 pm or later (Mission:
SPACE, Spaceship Earth, Test Track, and Honey, I Shrunk the Audience).
Page 144 - Mission:SPACE opened on August 10, 2003. Read our first-hand account
in our August 21, 2003 newsletter at
http://www.passporter.com/news/news082103.htm.
Page 146 - "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" has a new pre-show. It features 20
overhead plasma monitors with incredible picture quality. Alas, the old "True
Colors" pre-show has been replaced with "a few new video vignettes telling
stories about various people's memories of events."
Page 147 - The film at Wonders of China was replaced with an updated version
called Reflections of China on May 22.
Page 150 - Epcot's Tapestry of Dreams Parade took its last steps on March
1. This popular parade was a revised version of the Tapestry of Nations Parade
that debuted in 1999 as part of Disney's Millennium Celebration. There's
no official word of a replacement at this time. However, during a recent
interview in the New York Times, Anne Hamburger, Disney's executive in charge
of theme park entertainment, did mention that a new parade was in development.
Page 158 - Muppet*Vision no longer offers FASTPASS. (Our thanks to Len Testa
for noting this.)
Page 158 - Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights will not be shown this holiday
season, but it is expected to return next year.
Page 159 - Starting November 11, 2002, Who Wants to be a Millionaire--Play
It! at Disney-MGM Studios (and Disney's California Adventure) has a wonderful
new Grand Prize! Now, if you go all the way and win the million points at
this popular attraction (as our very own Dave did, back in May 2001), you
win a three-night cruise for four on the Disney Wonder (airfare included,
all four guests in one stateroom, some blackout dates apply)! Of course,
you still get the other goodies, too--the commemorative pins, million-point
medallion, embroidered leather baseball jacket, polo shirt, baseball cap
and pin lanyard. Formerly, the Grand Prize included a 3-day trip for two
to New York City to watch a videotaping of Who Wants to be a Millionaire
and (possibly) meet Regis Philbin, but once the program left the primetime
lineup and Regis left the show, that prize didn't seem nearly so attractive
(or practical). Prior winners who hadn't already used (or scheduled) the
travel portion of their prize (like Dave) have been offered the cruise as
an alternative. You can also read the report of the cruise Dave won playing
Millionaire.
Page 160 - The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror now has a new computer program,
"Tower of Terror 4," which selects one of several different drop sequences
at random. You never know which sequence you’ll get until you experience
it!
Page 161 - Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrated its 5th birthday on April 22,
2003. Dave attended a media event for the birthday celebration, and included
a report of the festivities (and a sneak peek at new stuff to come) in our
April 24, 2003 newsletter at
http://www.passporter.com/news/news042403.htm.
Page 162 - A new Art of Disney department opened in the Disney Outfitters
shop on April 1, 2003 in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Discovery Island.
Page 179 - River Country is not expected to open in 2003.
Page 181 - 2R’s Reading and Riting is now Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories,
a scrapbooking supplies emporium. The Garden Center has become Basin, selling
all-natural bath and skin care products.
Page 181 & 182 - Gourmet Pantry at Downtown Disney Market Place has closed.
It will be replaced in late 2003 by Earl of Sandwich, an upscale dine-in
and carry-out sandwich shop.
Page 189 - As of March 23, Pleasure Island is closed during the day -- in
the past, guests could walk through the nightclub area and browse the shops.
Pleasure Island will open at 7:00 pm. Guests who need to walk between Downtown
Disney Marketplace and West Side during the day can use the walkway that
skirts Pleasure Island. Between 7:00 pm and 9:00
pm guests can enter without
Pleasure Island admission to sample the attractions. After 9:00 pm regular
admission is still required.
Page 189 - As of July 1, all clubs at Pleasure Island are now non-smoking,
thanks to an amendment added to Florida's Indoor Clean Air Act. Other locations
-- such as Downtown Disney clubs, resort lounges and lobbies, convention
halls, and Atlantic Dance Hall -- are non-smoking now, too. Smoking is still
allowed in designated guest rooms and outdoor patios/balconies, as well as
other designated smoking areas. More information on the amendment, as well
as a general list of places where smoking is not allowed in Florida, is available
at http://www.smokefreeforhealth.com/quick_facts.htm.
Page 194 - The Spa at the Disney Institute is now calling itself "The Spa
at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort." The spa is closed until the Saratoga
Springs Resort opens in 2004.
Page 201 - As of August 4, the Priority Seating booking policies changed.
Now, guests can book 90 days in advance for most Walt Disney World restaurants,
including character meals. The only exceptions are for special dining venues
such as dinner shows (up to 2 years), Lunch with an Artist/Lunch with an
Imagineer (30 days), Bistro de Paris (30 days), and Victoria & Albert's
Chef’s Table (6 months).
Page 202 - There’s a new edition of Vegetarian Walt Disney World and Greater
Orlando, available from Globe Pequot Press http://www.globepequot.com.
Page 203 - Florida law now prohibits smoking in most enclosed workplaces,
with the exception of "freestanding bars." Disney has designated all Pleasure
Island clubs as non-smoking, and as most resort-based lounges are in hotel
lobbies, smoking is prohibited in those as well.
Page 205 - Beginning April 27, Cinderella's Royal Table has new slightly
longer breakfast hours—from 8:00-10:30 am.
Pages 205-231 - Priority seating for most restaurants is now 90 days (see
note for P. 201, above).
Page 206 - Diamond Horseshoe Saloon Revue (now Goofy’s Country Dancin’ Jamboree)
no longer serves food, beverages or snacks.
Page 211 - Nine Dragons now offers a special Dim Sum service at lunch, in
addition to its regular lunch menu.
Page 215 - Hollywood and Vine only serves dinner (without characters). The
character breakfast and lunch have been discontinued.
Page 22 - The Forty Thirst Street Café in Downtown Disney West Side
closed earlier this year. It has been replaced by a Wetzel’s Pretzels (like
the one in the Marketplace). You can learn more at
http://www.wetzels.com.
Page 229 - Coral Café is now closed. It will reopen in October 2003
as "Fresh." Menu and other details have yet to be determined, but the character
breakfast is expected to continue.
Page 231 - Lunch is no longer available at Portobello Yacht Club. Dinner
hours are now 5:00 pm-11:00 pm.
Page 233 - Character Dining Location Chart – Coral Café will be reopening
soon as "Fresh." Hollywood & Vine no longer hosts character meals.
Page 235 - The long-running Polynesian Luau Dinner Show at the Polynesian
Resort emerged from its recent hiatus on February 19 with a revamped show
and revised menu. Renamed "Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show," the
show begins, as always, when guests gather on the lush grounds outside the
Luau Cove dinner theater. "Aunt Wini" invites everyone inside for "a celebration
featuring the music and dances of the cultures of Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, New
Zealand and Hawaii." Guests feast on an all-you-care-to-eat menu that includes
coconut pineapple bread, salad, Lanai roast chicken, barbecued pork ribs,
Polynesian rice, fresh veggies, and a new, "Volcano" dessert. A children's
menu with popular kid favorites is also offered. Soft drinks are included
for all. Beer and house wine are included for the adults. Specialty drinks
are extra. Pricing and show schedules are unchanged. Dinner is $49.01 for
adults, and $24.81 for children 3-11. Shows are held Tuesday through Saturday,
at 5:15 and 8:00 pm. Reservations at 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463). From the
information currently available, it's hard to tell just how "new" the new
Luau is -- the description provided by Disney could just as easily have applied
to the old show. We'll just have to see for ourselves! Watch for a review
from us soon. In the meantime, there is a nice review from a vacationer at
http://wdwig.com/luau.htm.
Following our August visit to this dinner, we can add: The show at Disney’s
Spirit of Aloha Dinner features a cast of young Hawaiians who have been learning
about their heritage from "Aunt Wini." Modern Hawaiian culture and music
(as featured in Lilo and Stitch) mixes with traditional Polynesian dances
that will be familiar to guests who attended the former Polynesian Luau show.
Our overall impression of the food and show has not changed much. The addition
of barbecue ribs to the menu and the "Lilo and Stitch" tie-in makes the show
a bit more appealing.
Page 236 - See our review of the MurderWatch Mystery Theater Dinner Show
at
http://www.passporter.com/articles/murderwatch.htm.
Page 237 - Lunch with an Artist and Lunch/Dinner with an Imagineer are new
special dining opportunities offered at the Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney-MGM
Studios. Each meal is limited to ten guests, and takes place in a private
dining room at the restaurant. Guests get to talk with either an artist from
Disney’s Florida animation studio, or one of the Imagineers who help design
and build Walt Disney World’s parks, attractions, and resorts. Lunch is $60.99
and dinner (including wine pairings) is $99.99. Reservations are available
30 days in advance at 407-WDW-DINE. See our report about this event in our
August 23, 2003 newsletter at
http://www.passporter.com/news/news082103.htm.
Page 243 - The Magic Behind our Steam Trains tour now costs $40.
Page 244 - The special children's tours and parties at the Grand Floridian
have increased their prices. Rates (before tax) are as follows:
Pirate Cruise - $28.17 per child, ages 3-10
Wonderland Tea Party - $28.17 per child, ages 3-10
Grand Adventures in Cooking - $23.47 per child, ages 3-10
Page 245 - Epcot has a new program: the Epcot Seas Aqua Tour. This 2.5-hour
scuba-assisted snorkel dive takes place in the Living Seas pavilion at Epcot.
Guests do not need to be SCUBA certified to participate. The program is held
everyday at 12:30 pm, and each class holds up to 12 people. Ages 8 &
up. $100/person. Book up to six months in advance at 407-WDW-TOUR. Deb Wills
has a great review of the program at
http://www.wdwig.com/tour_aqua.htm.
Page 245 - Park admission to Epcot is NOT required to participate in the
Epcot Divequest program.
Page 245 - Disney Institute programs are now only available to corporate
groups and/or participants in conventions taking place at Disney resorts.
Page 248 - PAL MICKEY - Who’s 10 inches tall and is destined to become the
most popular tour guide at Walt Disney World? Pal Mickey! Pal Mickey is Disney
Imagineering’s latest, plush innovation, a soft, loveable toy that plays
games wherever he goes, and becomes an instant tour guide whenever he enters
a Walt Disney World theme park. (Read the full article at PassPorter.com:
http://www.passporter.com/articles/palmickey.htm)
Page 250 - The Contemporary Resort’s 15th floor observation deck is open
again.
Page 252 - The BoardWalk's Harbor Club childcare center closed its doors
on March 16. It is expected to reopen at some point in the future (check
with 407-WDW-DINE for status). Guests at the BoardWalk who need nearby childcare
can use the Sandcastle Club at the Beach Club.
Page 256 - The Orlando Rays baseball franchise is moving. 2003 is the last
year you can see them play at the Wide World of Sports. The team is moving
to Montgomery, Alabama, where a new ownership will operate the team. Visit
http://www.orlandorays.com
for more information.
Page 256 - The first-ever Walt Disney World Inline Skate Marathon took place
on March 30. This marathon may be offered again next year. Visit
http://www.disneyworldsports.com
for news.
Page 256 - Disney-MGM Studios hosted Star Wars weekends again in May, starting
on May 16. There were lots of Star Wars stars and characters, a "Jedi Training
Camp" for kids, plus a special Star Wars edition of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire--Play
It!" with movie questions and guest star appearances. Get more info at
http://www.starwars.com/community/news/
2003/02/news20030212.html
Page 256 - Football fans will be happy to hear that the Super Bowl Champion
Tampa Bay Buccaneers are returning to Disney’s Wide World of Sports for their
summer training camp. The Bucs held their first training camp at WDW last
year, and went on to have a championship season, so they’re back for another
helping of Disney magic. Walt Disney World guests lucky to be on hand from
July 19-28and/or August 4-15 can observe the team’s twice-daily practice
sessions (approx. 8:35-10:45am and 2:45-4:45pm). For details, check Disney’s
Wide World of Sports web site: http://www.disneyworldsports.com
Page 258 - Cypress Gardens has closed.
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Disney Feature:
Taking Photos at Walt Disney World
by Maureen Austin
Guest Columnist and Walt Disney World Shutterbug
When your Disney trip is over, there are just a few things that remain: perhaps
some charge card bills, souvenirs and, last but not least, photographs. Whether
digital or on film, they are easily the best way to remember the "magic."
These mediums provide priceless reminders of times happily spend with Mickey
and Company as well as memories of family and good times spend with those
close to you.
Ever get the photo blues? That is, you look through your photos and, well,
they all sort of look the same. There’s Junior with Mickey. There’s Junior
with Pluto. There’s Junior with Mom and Dad in front of Cinderella Castle.
You get the idea. These are photos you want in your album or scrapbook, but
when every shot follows the same pattern your collection begins to lack pizzazz
or punch. Since I started photography in my early teens, I have discovered
some ways of the world while playing shutterbug at Disney.
One of the first things you should do is the obvious: stop at the Picture
Spots. Sponsored by Kodak, these are areas tried and true that give
you a great background for posing or even to take a still without you or
a family member in it. You might also try positioning someone way left or
right to include more of the background and bring it forefront. You can find
these photo spots at all the parks. Have someone peek his or her head into
the shot with a goofy smile. It’s the same spot but the ways of remembering
it are full of possibilities.
Candidly speaking, and that’s the operative word here – candid -- some of
the best emotions and feelings are captured when someone doesn’t know you
are taking the picture! Kids are usually best photographed in this way --
many kids, like my son, have difficulty with a "natural" smile. They work
too hard to put one on, resulting in a goofy (no pun intended) looking picture!
You can get some great shots of your kids watching the characters sign their
autograph books, or perhaps as they look for a new toy at a store on Main
Street, or when they bite into a Mickey Bar for the first time. Keep your
camera handy whenever possible so that when you see the perfect shot present
itself, you aren’t fumbling in the backpack for it! This works great for
big people too -- tell your spouse to try those Mickey Ears on for fun and
snap away -- nothing’s more Disney than that! Or even a photo of a friend
or family handing over the credit card for a big purchase -- you can usually
capture a range of expressions from "Who cares, I am at Disney?" to "I am
absolutely crazy for spending this much!"
Photos also make a great trip record -- consider taking a photo in front
of an attraction sign and have your family express the emotions it brings
to mind. A friend of mine recently hugged her stuffed Mickey in front of
Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream and you can really see how the attraction touched
her without one written word. Before and After is another option -- great
for a first time ride. Photograph your family member before she or
he rides, again near the attraction, and again after the ride. It tells the
whole story to those that view your photos, so you don’t have to!
Some cast members can be shy or timid about having their picture taken, but
for the most part I find they are touched when you ask. If a cast member
provides you great service, then it’s an especially nice idea. For you, it
preserves that kindness as part of your trip. Get a double print and send
it to their area along with a note thanking them for their service. I have
done it a few times and gotten some very wonderful thank you letters in return.
World Showcase cast members are most accommodating as well in this regard
-- they are proud to share themselves and their country’s heritage in this
capacity.
When we think "pictures" we usually think about people and buildings, characters
and such as our subjects. How about stuff? Walt Disney World is full of stuff
and even if you wanted to, it’s impossible to bring all of it home -- for
lack of space or even lack of funds. Sometimes, merchandise relates really
well to the attraction and is worth remembering. As an example, I love Mitsukoshi
in the Japan pavilion at Epcot. There were so many things that I wanted to
purchase on our recent trip, especially a bonsai tree and some dishes. I
couldn’t really afford them but certainly they were part of my journey through
the Orient and worth remembering. Out comes my camera, a few clicks and now
I can look back and be reminded of that moment in Mitsukoshi any time I want!
I also got some terrific shots of my husband browsing through the grocery
section, checking out some great and not so great looking food -- and the
expressions to go along with it.
Be sure to photograph the "little experiences" at Disney to remember those
times as well. Siblings sharing a frozen lemonade on a bench or waiting for
the parade to start on Main Street are all part of your trip. Record these
moments so you’ll be able to look back on them for many years to come --
not only of time spent together at Disney but also as proof they really can
get along! Or be daring and photograph the tug of war over a newly acquired
stuffed Mickey -- that’s part of life!
Often, one family member is quite absent from a majority of the photos --
the person doing most of the photography! Do remember to ask another guest
or a cast member to get everyone in a photo, and do this frequently, so you
can remember that the photographer WAS there on vacation with you!
It can be awkward asking a complete stranger to stop and take a photo of
your entire group -- even though I have never been told no -- that IS the
worst that can happen. Make a habit of performing a PRAK: Picture Random
Act of Kindness. If you see one person taking a photo of the other,
why not stop and ask if they would like a photo of the two of them together?
So many wonderful people did that for my husband and me on our recent trip
that we realized we needed to pay-it-forward, so to speak. We did the same
thing for other couples and even families, so Mom AND Dad could be in the
same pictures with each other and the kids!
Think of your eyes as the viewfinder to your memories -- everything you see
is a possible photo subject. Your loved ones, foliage, buildings, experiences,
and emotions can all be preserved as a memory on film or in pixels -- you
just have to remember to get the shot!
What did you think of this article?
Send us your feedback at editor@passporter.com
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