The Departments of State and Homeland Security responded with proposed regulations, which is normal whenever laws are enacted. The public commented, the proposals were modified several times, and some groups and members of Congress were disappointed with the finalized regulations. New legislation was formulated, debated and finally approved in October 2006.

Every twist and turn in the process made headlines, and travelers (and the travel industry) did what they could to adapt to the changing circumstances. Each additional chapter added to the saga created more confusion. And now, the Departments of State and Homeland Security have thrown the latest log on the fire.

When Congress amended the The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 in October of this year, the headlines read, "Passport Requirements for Land and Sea Travel Pushed Back Until June 2009." However, buried in the law was a little "gotcha" - if the Departments of State and Homeland Security succeed in meeting certain requirements, that passport requirement can kick-in as early as January 1, 2008.

Based on the latest press releases issued November 23, 2006 by the Department of State, that's exactly what they aim to do - meet the requirements so that passports (or certain equivalents) are required for all air, sea, and land travel into the U.S. by January 1, 2008. From a standpoint of national security, that's a laudable goal.

Further, the passport deadline for all international air travel has been set to January 23, 2007, just a small change from the previous January 1, 2007 deadline.

The Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA) and Disney Cruise Line have already responded to this latest announcement by encouraging all passengers to obtain passports as soon as possible. We here at PassPorter have to agree. The sooner you obtain a passport, the better. We see little value to holding off on a passport application while you wait to see if the passport requirement will be pushed back yet again.

A key item required by Congress in the new legislation is the so-called "PASS Card," a credit card-sized identity document that will be valid for land and sea border crossings between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It's intended to supplement or replace several similar documents that are used by daily cross-border commuters, and will be cheaper to obtain than a passport.

The new card is proposed to cost $20 for adults, $10 for children, with a $25 application fee, $45 or $35, overall. A traditional passport including application fees costs $97 for adults, $82 for children under 16. That's an attractive cash savings, especially when an entire family is involved.

On the surface, this card seems to be a useful, money-saving item for folks cruising the Caribbean. However, we at PassPorter strongly recommend that you do not depend on a PASS Card for leisure travel, because the PASS Card cannot be used for international air travel (including flights to the Caribbean, Mexico and Canada), and cannot be used at all for travel to Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America.

Even if you only intend to cruise in the Caribbean, unexpected circumstances may require that you fly. Let's say the boat leaves a port without you, or an unexpected situation at home or work require that you cut your vacation short. Now you'll be flying home, and a PASS Card will do you little good. (Yes, there are special procedures for letting you back in the U.S. without a passport due to an emergency, but do you need that added complication?)

Disney's Original Value: All Star Sports
by Maureen Austin, Guest Contributor and PassPorter Message Board Guide


Back in the early nineties, Disney was finding increasing success in keeping guests on property by expanding resort options. However, Mickey and crew had yet to really attract more budget conscious travelers and saw those folks seeking accommodations elsewhere off Disney property. The answer? Disney’s own brand of value, economical lodging. In 1994, All Star Sports opened its doors, offering guests looking for big points on value while at the same time, staying in the “magic.”

All Disney resorts built prior to Sports had an array of amenities including dining, pools and recreation as well as theming that was uniquely Disney. All Star Sports fits that mold just as well, and throughout the sprawling 1900-plus room resort there is no shortage of food, fun and first rate Disney theming.

Nestled in the Animal Kingdom resort area, All Star Sports boasts larger than life sports icons and specific sports themes within the resort. At the heart of the resort is Stadium Hall. You’ll begin your sports adventure here when you check in for your stay. Also located in Stadium Hall is Sport Goofy Gifts and Sundries- to pick up merchandise, snacks and those things you forgot to bring. While the resort does not offer a full service restaurant, everyone is sure to find something to appease the appetite at the End Zone Food Court. You’ll find offerings for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as the food court is open from early mornings to late nights. Pizza can also be ordered from room service should you wish to order in. Transportation via motor coach to all Disney parks and other areas originates at the bus stop located outside Stadium Hall.  Bus service can be slower or faster, depending on the time of year or even the time of day. Make sure you allow a sufficient amount of time to get to your destination- especially if you are trying to reach another resort from All Star Sports.

Rooms at All Star Sports are organized into two categories. A Preferred room booking provides you close access to main areas - rooms are located in the Surfs Up! section, near Stadium Hall and the main pool. The rooms are identical to "standard" rooms in other buildings. This does tend to be a noisier part of the resort due to, among other things, its proximity to the main pool area. Guests looking for action on the quieter side might do better in other sections.

Standard rooms will be found in all other sections of the resort, with views overlooking courtyards, other buildings or parking lots. Football fans will find themselves at home in the Touchdown section, with huge footballs and goalposts in the courtyard. Home Run Hotel will have the baseball fans right at “home” and tennis enthusiasts will “love” the Center Court section. Basketball fans aren’t left out either by way of the Hoops Hotel section. All of these areas have amazing icons bigger than the sport (well, almost!) itself!

Room size is about 260 square feet, which is the smallest room plan of all Disney resorts. Rooms feature 2 doubles or a king bed. Disabled guests can be accommodated in the king beds as most of these rooms have facilities such as roll in showers. Storage space is limited, to maximize floor space. Bring along over the door shoe organizers or organizers that can be placed on hangers. Other features of the room include clock radio, TV, small dresser and a small table and chairs. A fridge is available for a nominal fee.

Ready for a swim? Not to disappoint, look no further than Surfboard Bay, located near Surfs Up! or try out the Grand Slam pool near Home Run Hotel. Pool hours vary by season and towels are usually not provided, so remember to bring some from your room.

2006 rates range from $79 to $137 and for 2007, rack rates start at $82 going up to $141. Be sure to inquire about any possible discounts or special package offers for the time of your stay.
 

About the Author: Maureen Austin is co-owner of Grand Getaways Travel and a proud Florida native. Born in South Florida and having lived all over the state, she enjoys writing about the Sunshine State's many attractions and natural beauty.