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 In This Newsletter
From the Authors: A Lot to be Thankful For!
Travel Feature: Valencia, Spain
Disney Feature: Disney + Disabilities = Magic
Updates: What's New and Changed
Tips: Lies or Learning?, Share Your Status, Water Woes
Captain's Corner: Port City
PassPorter PhotoPick: Magic Kingdom in the Autumn
Q and A: How noisy will the New Year's celebration onboard a Disney Cruise be?
Our Sponsors: We Recommend...
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Updates:
What's New and Changed
Here are a few items of relevant news:
The previously announced Pirate & Princess Parties for 2009 have been cancelled. Please call 407-WDISNEY for refund information.
From January 9-April 3, 2009, Epcot will close at 8:00 pm on Friday nights. Extra Magic Hours for Resort Guests will take place from 8:00 pm-11:00 pm.
Beginning December 1, 2008, Guests with lunch reservations at Tusker House at Disney's Animal Kingdom between 1:00-1:40 pm ONLY will receive a ticket for reserved seating at the 3:15 pm Finding Nemo - The Musical show that same day. You must have a reservation between 1:00 pm and 1:40 pm - all other reservation times will NOT be receiving the reserved seating ticket. One ticket/seat per guest booked on the dining reservation.
The Contempo Cafe is now open for business at Disney's Contemporary Resort serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. This quick-service eatery in the site of the old Concourse Steakhouse features electronic menus and ordering. Pick out your own sides and beverages then head for the cashier to pay for your food. You will then be given a pager to alert you when your food is ready to be picked up.
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:
LIES OR LEARNING?
"I know that one of my favorite attractions, Hall of Presidents, is thought to be somewhat boring for children. We solved this problem by telling our children that there was one 'LIVE' person on stage playing a president. They were to find the "real" person amongst the Audio-Animatronic men. Of course, we cheated, but they were so intent on watching them that I think they learned without knowing they were learning ...plus they were extremely well behaved. They all received the winning prize ... ice cream."
-- contributed by Michelle C.
SHARE YOUR STATUS
"My husband and I traveled to Walt Disney World for our honeymoon. Though reluctant at first, I convinced my somewhat shy new hubby to join me in donning the Mickey and Minnie 'wedding ears' as we strolled through the parks. We were surprised by all of the attention we received -- free goodies, got to move to the front of some very long lines, and best of all, were chosen to be the grand marshals of the Parade at the Magic Kingdom! So even if you feel silly at first, it could pay to share your newlywed (or any other special occasion) status with 'the World!'"
-- contributed by Lorrie M.
WATER WOES
"Always shut off your water supply at home before you leave to prevent a potential nightmare upon your return from a magical vacation. I speak from experience!"
-- contributed by Judith C.
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 made up with my Leota and all is well again. To celebrate, we went on a little expedition to Harambe. Leota got herself a pretty straw hat at a shop called Ziwani Traders, while I found an exquisitely carved statue in the Mombasa Marketplace. We strolled around and enjoyed a drink together at the Tamu Tamu. In our explorations, I was surprised to discover that Harame is a port town ... boats nearby appeared to be delivering new goods and supplies."
Harambe is a (fictional) port in what (real) country?
For bonus credit, locate the photographic evidence in the PassPorter Photo Archive and post a comment with the photo!
Congratulations to Melissa H. who was the winner of last week's trivia contest! Melissa was the first person to identify the location of Pluto's dog house as the back yard of Mickey's Country House in the Magic Kingdom. Bonus credit goes to Mauimouse as the first person to locate the photo in our PassPorter Photo Archive. To view the original clue, see last week's newsletter.
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:
Magic Kingdom in the Autumn
photo by Jennifer Marx
(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
becka asks: "On our upcoming Disney Cruise we are going to Orient Beach in St. Martin and to Emerald Beach on St. Thomas and then, of course, to Castaway Cay. The kids are older and love the water and we want to enjoy it together as a family but I am a bit leery of leaving our stuff (most specifically our camera) while we enjoy the water. Any suggestions or should we just plan on having one of us stay with our stuff at all times?"
Dave answers: "Castaway Cay is about as secure as a beach gets, since it's such a closed society. I wouldn't feel at all secure leaving valuables at 'normal' beaches. Some beaches do provide rental lockers -- keep your eyes open for those. Otherwise, the 'buddy system' is a pretty good idea (one parent takes photos of the rest of the family in the water -- there's even a reasonable reason to do it)."
Did our message board members agree with Dave? To see other answers that becka received, check out the rest of the thread on the PassPorter Message Boards.
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):
Mouse Fan Travel -- New Stop on Decade of Dreams Tour
MouseEarVacations.com -- $99 Disney Cruise offer
Quicksilver Tours & Transportation -- $5.00 off airport round-trip town car
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From the Authors: A Lot To Be Thankful For
Hi, {{user('firstname')}}!
Maybe you'll read this before the turkey goes into the oven, and maybe not until long after the dishes have been cleared, but in either case, we'd like to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving, whether you celebrate it U.S.-style tomorrow; next week, Canadian-style; or whenever it is celebrated, wherever you are. We hope you have lots to be thankful for, even in these challenging times. As our four-year-old son Alexander said at the Thanksgiving table today, "I'm thankful we're together." We agree completely.
Our Thanksgiving gift to you is a deal in our store -- you can receive $10 off an order of $30 or more in the PassPorter Store from today until 11:59 pm ET on Sunday, November 30, 2008.
We're certainly thankful that, after too many delays, PassPorter's Walt Disney World 2009 pre-orders have been mailed. We're also thankful that all of you have been so patient and understanding through all of this.
Of course, even after packages have been mailed, they usually don't arrive at your doorstep instantaneously. If you need an update on your shipment status because you are leaving for your trip soon, you can contact us via e-mail to orders@passporter.com or by toll-free phone at 877-929-3273 Mon-Fri, 9:00 am-6:00 pm ET).
MouseFest 2009
Were you thinking of joining us this December 11th-15th at Walt Disney World and/or on the December 7th-11th Disney Wonder cruise for MouseFest? This 'grand gathering' of Disney online communities, podcasters, bloggers, webmasters, and authors has become a holiday season tradition for many of us, and keeps getting bigger and better every year! If you already have plans to be on the Disney Wonder and/or at Walt Disney World at the same time as MouseFest, definitely check it out. There are all sorts of free activities, and you'll be able to meet a whole lot of really great folks who share your passion for all things Disney.
The MouseFest schedule of events is online over at MouseFest.org. MouseFest attendee registration is officially closed (but we've left the door open for late arrivals)! More than 900 people have registered, including many members of the PassPorter message board community. Many PassPorter message board Guides will also be on hand, and folks from PassPorter are organizing a bunch of great events to share with everyone who attends. Come on by MouseFest Corner at our message boards to see what your fellow 'PassPorters' are planning, and get a chance to get acquainted.
PassPorter's Decade of Dreams
PassPorter's Decade of Dreams Tour is going to Disneyland for the Backstage Magic Adventures by Disney on October 13-18, 2009! Our Adventures by Disney package is 6 days/5 nights of VIP treatment -- we'll visit Hollywood landmarks, see how the magic is made at Walt Disney Imagineering, eat lunch on the lot at the Walt Disney Studios, and get a peak behind the fantasy at the Disneyland(R) Resort. The price includes an exclusive group discount and there is an early booking bonus of a $75 Disney Gift Card for the first 10 bookings from our Decade of Dreams travel provider, Mouse Fan Travel. Get all the details, a day-by-day itinerary, and prices at the Decade of Dreams Tour Headquarters. This also means we have selected the dates for the Decade of Dreams Tour visit to Disneyland! Tour festivities at Disneyland will begin on Friday, October 16, 2009 and will continue through Tuesday, October 20. Stay tuned for the schedule of events!
What is 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 1450 vacationers are now enjoying access to all our e-books, e-worksheets, and super-sized photo archive images.Thank you for your continued support!
Passholders have a new benefit: Passholders have another new benefit: Unlimited photo uploading to their personal photo albums (non-passholders have a limit of 100 photos). To access your personal photo album, log in, click My Home, and click the Pictures & Albums link.
More details at http://www.passporter.com/club
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In this issue, PassPorter Featured Columnist Cheryl Pendry takes us back to Spain for a visit to Valencia. Then, Guest Columnist Carol Reynolds offers a special equation; Disney + Disabilities = Magic. Finally, Jack Skatt is back with a brand-new Walt Disney World Treasure Hunt.
Jennifer and Dave
PassPorter Authors
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Travel Feature:
Valencia
by Cheryl Pendry, PassPorter Featured Columnist
Valencia isn't a city I'd known much about before our recent visit to the south-eastern region of Spain.
When Spain is mentioned, the capital Madrid perhaps comes to mind, or the beauty of Barcelona, but beyond that, I knew very little of the country and its principle cities, but with a visit coming up, I started to research the area we'd be going to and decided that we should spend a day in Valencia. I was amazed to discover that it was in fact Spain's third biggest city and has quite a history to it.
After being founded by the Romans almost 2,000 years ago, it really came into prominence in the 14th and 15th centuries, and that's when some of the city's finest buildings that you can see today date from. Our first stop was the Cathedral, which was started in 1262 but was added to over the next couple of hundred years, meaning that the building has a number of different styles, making it unlike any other cathedral you're likely to have seen.
The square in which the cathedral is situated is very reminiscent of Barcelona, with architecture dating back hundreds of years and, as we journeyed throughout the city, there were plenty more examples to be seen. It was very similar in a lot of ways to the architecture you'll find in places like Savannah, Georgia.
A gateway still remains from the medieval city walls, and towards the outskirts of the city is one of the most unusual parks you've ever seen. The Jardines del Rio Turia, literally the gardens of the river Turia, stands where that river used to flow. The park is six miles long and is full of gardens, sports fields and playgrounds, crossed by 19 bridges. It's a unique idea and was obviously no mean engineering feat.
Then there's the Central Market, which again definitely falls into the unusual category. There can't be many markets that are housed in such an attractive Art Nouveau building, although sadly when we visited, the road work outside did detract from its beauty.
Elsewhere is the very grand sounding Palau de la Generalitat, which is home to the Valencian regional government. It's a superb city hall and overlooks a beautiful square, which still retains its splendor from days gone by, despite all the traffic thundering through it. There are plenty such squares -- and traffic -- to be found in Valencia today. It's evidently become a thriving city and nowhere is that seen more clearly than out at the Ciutat de les Arts I de les Ciencies, the city of the arts and sciences.
It's a completely new complex of absolutely visually stunning buildings that has been created over the last decade. It's clear when you see them that the architects were told to be bold and brave with their designs, and that's exactly what they did. We were fortunate to fly over on our way into the airport and it's from the air that you can really see the full splendor of them.
One of them, L'Hemisferic, is designed to look like a blinking eye, with an auditorium containing an IMAX cinema and planetarium contained in the "eyeball." Elsewhere is a science museum, which is very much aimed at school children. Their motto is "it's forbidden not to touch," which gives you an idea of what to expect there. Then there's the Palau de les Arts or Palace of the Arts, containing four performance spaces, including an open air theater.
But perhaps the real highlight of the whole complex is the other major building, the Oceanografic, the city's aquarium. We've visited many aquariums during our travels and usually we've felt that they don't live up to our expectations, but this place was very different. It's probably just as well, as it wasn't cheap to get into, but once we were inside, we could see why it was so pricey. This wasn't your ordinary aquarium, where you see fish swimming around in a tank.
There are different parts of the park, as really this is more like a theme park than an aquarium, showcasing the marine life from different parts of the world, including the Americas, Antarctica and Arctic. As well as the tropical fish you'd expect to see, we were also treated to sharks, jellyfish, sea horses and sea dragons. But better was to come.
Perhaps the best part of the aquarium can be found in the Arctic pavilion, where we were able to watch the playful antics of the two beluga whales, the only ones in Europe. We could have sat there all afternoon watching them, but we still had more to see.
We were disappointed to see that we'd missed the shows at the Dolphinarium, but it wasn't a problem, as we were treated to a show by the dolphins in there. They were jumping out of the water and circling around happily, but we got even more activity when the trainers came out to see them. The relationship they obviously had with their animals was excellent to see.
In truth, there was much more to see and do in Valencia than we could achieve in a day. It was a pleasant surprise to discover how much there was waiting for visitors there and, although it may not feature very highly in the guidebooks, it's got a lot to offer. That's why we'll be heading back again in the future, as we've definitely got unfinished business there, with much more to discover there.
About the Author: Cheryl and husband Mark live in England and love to travel, particularly to America. They are in the process of visiting every Disney theme park around the world, having already spent a day each in Disneyland Resort Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland so far this year. They have just returned from America in October where they visited both Walt Disney World and Disneyland in California.
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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:
Disney + Disabilities = Magic
by Carol Reynolds, PassPorter Guest Contributor
We're going to Disney World!! These words have become the new American mantra. Walt Disney World is one of the most popular tourist attractions not only in the United States - but in the whole world! And why shouldn't it be? It's magical and wonderful and downright awesome.
A trip to Walt Disney World can be filled with wonder and excitement even if you have a disability. Walt Disney World has made their resort hotels and theme parks very "user friendly" for people with all types of disabilities. Here are some words of wisdom that will help make your stay with Mickey exciting and full of magic.
Pre-Plan your trip
Get ready to go
You'll have a good time
As you move to and fro
Log onto DisneyWorld.com. This site offers information on everything you want to know about planning your trip. You can locate schedules and times while becoming acquainted with the attractions and shows at each park. You can build customized maps of attractions and shows you personally want to see. You can view each resort, its layout and room arrangements. If you type in "disabilities" to the search engine, you will be sent to a list of the available services and arrangements Disney has to offer.
Order a Walt Disney World Planning DVD from the Disney website and watch it at home.
Read some of the numerous Walt Disney World reference and resource books. Most of the books have special sections on guests traveling with disabilities. PassPorter has an entire book devoted to people traveling with special needs: PassPorter's Open Mouse for Walt Disney World. Another particularly helpful book is: Walt Disney World with Disabilities by Stephen Ashley.
Decide if you need to rent a wheelchair or an ECV. Each park rents this equipment.
Arrange a tentative touring plan for each day. Type up a daily schedule and include: what time you will leave, where you will be going, what you will wear each day.
If you take a plane
You'll fly so high
Be prepared
To touch the sky
If you are flying, and this is someone's first plane trip, prepare them. Read a book about flying for the first time. Take a visit to the airport. Rehearse a trial run: locate all the elevators and escalators, practice going to check-in, see how luggage is taken, walk to security, watch takeoffs and landings, and arrange for wheelchairs for use in the airport.
Mickey wants you to stay
With him every night
He offers you incentives
To make your day just right
Consider staying at a Walt Disney World resort. Disney offers many resort choices and a variety of affordable options. If your schedule allows, try to visit during the value season, which is usually quieter and less busy. If you visit during high season, parks can frequently close when they reach capacity. As a Disney resort guest, you are guaranteed entry.
All of the resorts have special rooms for persons with disabilities. You can also request any other accommodations you may need. Though the resort cannot guarantee you will receive your specified suggestions, they usually make every attempt to accommodate your needs.
Using the Disney transportation system is relaxing and convenient. Options include buses, monorail and boats. Let "Disney do the Driving" works just fine for tired travelers. The whole transportation system is equipped to accommodate wheelchairs.
If you fly, take Disney's Magical Express Service right from the airport. Disney will pick up your luggage, drive you to your resort and deliver your luggage to your room. If you are flying with Disney's partner airlines, you can even check in your luggage and get your boarding passes right at your resort before you leave. Once the Magical Express returns you to the airport, head for security and be on your way. Check the Disney website for the Magical Express Service to see an updated list of participating airlines. If you are not flying with a participating airline, Disney will drop you and your luggage off at the appropriate terminal.
A Guest Assistance card
Will work just right
You'll wait in a convenient place
Every day and night
A very convenient accommodation that Disney has for guests with disabilities is called the Guest Assistance Card. It is designed specifically for persons who need extra assistance -- guests in ECVs or wheelchairs, guests who may not be able to stand for long periods of time, etc. At your first park, stop at Guest Services at the front of the park, and request a Guest Assistance Card. You will receive a 3 x 5 card that is good for the length of your stay and for all members of your party. (You might want to bring a clear plastic sleeve to hold the card, so it doesn't get scrunched during your stay.) When you arrive at an attraction, show your card to the host/hostess, and they will bring your party to the correct queue for your needs. Please note that this card is NOT a FastPass and does not guarantee you a shorter wait, simply a more comfortable wait that accommodates your needs.
Get up early
And move along
Or visit a park
With an evening song
If you stay on Disney grounds, take advantage of Extra Magic Hours. Every morning, one theme park opens one hour early for Resort Guests -- every evening, one park is open three hours later.
If you sleep
And get plenty of rest
You'll have more fun
And be your best
Get plenty of rest. Besides all the walking, everyone will get exhausted just from all the excitement and stimulation they will encounter. Stop in the middle of the day for a swimming or nap break. Return later in the day for a few hours. Get plenty of sleep. When you awake, you will be bright and eager to face another day with a smile. Plan one or two "free" days throughout your trip. These days will help everyone relax and re-energize themselves.
Eat and drink
Good meals every day
So you'll be ready
To have fun and play
Make sure you eat and drink consistently. There are many snack vendors and restaurants located throughout each park that can accommodate most diets and allergies. Start with a good breakfast. Make frequent food and drink breaks throughout the day. Keep a few munchies on hand as you walk around. (Mickey ice cream bars are especially delicious.)
Wear a bright color
And you will see
Every member
Of your party
As a group, wear the same bright color shirt each day - the brighter, the better. Colors like bright turquoise, orange, lime green, red, and sunshine yellow work well. Add that color information on your daily schedule. You will easily spot your group in a crowd, and if someone does get lost, you will know exactly what they are wearing.
Use your cell
Keep it handy
Charge it up
And you'll be dandy
Cell phones are invaluable. Before you go, program everyone's cell number in all the phones. If someone gets lost, they can easily be located. If you don't have a cell phone, buy or rent one. Remember to charge your cell phone every night.
A trip to Disney can be a magical experience. Disability-friendly Disney is ready and willing to meet your needs. With careful planning, your Disney trip will be a memory that will last a lifetime.
About the Author: Carol is a frequent visitor to Walt Disney World, She was a nominee for a Disney Teaching Award and is the mother of a young adult with disabilities. She has arranged numerous Walt Disney World trips for family and friends. Carol arranged her latest Disney trip in August 2008 for a group of seven young adults with disabilities and their moms.
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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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