From the Authors: Festing at "The Mouse"

Disney Parks Feature: Educational Epcot: A Seamless Line Between Fun & Learning

Making More Magic Feature: Disney World: Not Just For "Little" Kids

Updates: What's New and Changed

Tips: Saving Mission Space, Shipping Savings, Waterproofing Backpacks 

Q&A: Online Check-in
 

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Updates:
What's New and Changed

Here's a few of the new developments at Disney·

MouseFest 2004 begins this weekend! We set sail on the Disney Wonder on December 5, 2004 and will be at WDW December 9 - 13, 2004. Download the MouseFest Pocket Guide at www.mousefest.org for a listing of all the official events. If you are going to be on the Wonder or at WDW while we are there feel free to join us or at least stop and say "Hi!".

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is SOLD OUT for December 10 & December 17, 2004. Tickets are still available for December 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14 & 16, 2004. 

Sleeping Beauty, Snow White & Cinderella can now be found in the Princess Room at Mickey's Toontown Fair in the Magic Kingdom. Check with Guest Services to see when your favorite will be appearing!

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

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Disney  Tips:
From Fellow Readers

Our readers are a wealth of information! Here are the winners in this month's tip contest:

SAVING 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 B. (zoltan@...)

SHIPPING SAVINGS
"I live in California, so while on vacation at Disney World, I combine as many purchases from each store as possible, and ship them home. Sales tax is not charged, and the savings almost pays for the cost of shipping and more than pays for the hassle of finding places for my "treasures" in my luggage. I also am able to ship directly to Grand kids!" -- contributed by Betty S. (realdznyfan@...) 

WATERPROOFING BACK PACKS
"The best thing that we did during our April (rainy April) 2004 trip was to ScotchGuard our backpack! We did about 3 coats/treatments in the week before we left. We had everything in our backpack - camera, guidebook, cell phone, gifts, etc. - and we also stood in the pouring rain for Illuminations. Even though we had to wring out our clothes, everything in the backpack was dry! The fabric treatment also kept our light blue/white backpack clean as the spray made it stain resistant. The only other thing to say is that the waterproofer does not waterproof the actual zipper so there could be leakage depending on where your zipper is located on your backpack, or if there is a flap that does or doesn't cover the zipper. Make sure if you use a backpack you use a little clip or even a safety pin to tie the zipper tabs to each other. It will prevent accidental backpack openings and that little precaution may prevent someone from trying to open your backpack while you are wearing it."-- contributed by Regina A. (wishteller@...) 

>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

In this column we answer your frequently asked PassPorter and Disney questions.

heidi75 asks: "What are the advantages of printing your boarding passes at home? I just heard on the news that with the busy travel season they suggest doing this. Do you still have to check in at the counter?I would like to make things as simple as possible. Any details would be appreciated."

Dave answers: "If you don't have luggage to check, this is a big advantage -- just head for the security checkpoint. If you do have to check bags, it may be just a modest improvement, as you have to go through check-in anyway. If you didn't already have seat assignments, you may get a better seat selection than if you had waited to check in at the airport."

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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Future Newsletters:
Want To Get Published?

We're on the lookout for guest columnists to contribute articles to this newsletter. 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 details and our article guidelines, please e-mail news@passporter.com. Articles about Disney and general travel are welcomed!

Vacationing in 2005 but can't wait for the new edition to start your planning? We offer a discounted 2004/2005 combo deal that gives you a deluxe edition of the 2004 Walt Disney World guidebook now (at 20% off) and a 2005 update kit will be sent to you in January (at 50% off). It's a great deal, but it won't last! We have only a limited quantity of 2004 deluxe editions left.

Order today at:
http://www.passporterstore.com/store/
deluxecombodeal.aspx/

Educational Epcot: A Seamless Line Between Fun & Learning 
By Laura Bradford, Guest Columnist and Novelist

As many families with demanding careers know, planning your vacation around school break isn't always possible. And if household finances are limited in any way, the higher cost of hotel accommodations during traditional school breaks can be a bit of a wet blanket as well. 

Translation? Forgo a family vacation entirely, throw caution (and your budget) to the wind or take the kids out of school for a few days. While the first option is not a popular choice for some, others have come to realize that many learning experiences can come from a much-needed family vacation, experiences that tend to stay with a child for years.

Believe it or not, a trip to Walt Disney World is no exception.

How many kids can say they experienced the music of Japan, the grace of Chinese acrobats, and Mexico's bartering system all in one day?  How many kids can sample and compare cuisine from Asia, Australia, France and Morocco in the school cafeteria?  How many kids can walk through eleven different "countries" in the span of a few hours, collecting symbols and stamps from each one as they go?  Not many, unless they happen to be visiting the World Showcase at Walt Disney World's Epcot! 

In fact, this section of Epcot is one of the most incredible Social Studies "classrooms" I've ever seen. The Japanese gardens you see in pictures are suddenly right in front of your eyes, beckoning you to walk over their small bridges and down their winding paths. The notion of bartering and fiestas come to life as your boat moves from room to room in Mexico taking you on a journey that is more real and memorable than any printed words in a textbook. 

For school-age kids, Family Fun Magazine has a "Kidcot" fun stop in each country. Kids start out by decorating a mask in the first country they visit.  Then, as they move from country to country, they collect symbols to add to their mask. In China, kids even get an opportunity to see how their name is written in Chinese! At the end, each child has a souvenir mask that serves as both a memory of their visit to Epcot, as well as a springboard into further learning opportunities as they seek out reasons for each symbols relevance to the country where it was received.

Looking for even more educational material? You are in luck!  Every fall, kids (and adults) can experience each of the eleven countries represented at Epcot well as many more--via their taste buds! The annual International Food & Wine Festival provides a great chance to sample foods from around the world, giving you just one more way to experience a variety of cultures. 

When my family ventured over to Epcot earlier this fall, I was eager to try as many different tastes as possible but held little hope that my kids would do the same. At home, our youngest eats very little that isn't smothered in ketchup! But sometime during the monorail ride to the park, they put on their adventure hats and willingly tried something from every country we chose to sample. And even more surprisingly they liked everything they tried -- without ketchup! As we sampled our way around the globe that evening, it was fun to talk about which country we enjoyed tasting the most. It was fun to walk along looking at the buildings of each different country, listening to the music in Japan and gazing at art exhibits in Morocco. Eating chocolate crème brulee near the Eiffel Tower was almost surreal, and the Guinness Stew from Ireland was a fun way for the kids to feel connected to a part of the world so many of our relatives immigrated from. In fact, the entire global experience was so authentic that I almost forgot we were in the middle of a theme park in Florida! 

The festival itself offers more than just great international food to Epcot. It also brings learning opportunities for kids and families alike. Are your kids studying plants in school this year? The National Honey Board had a great "hands-on" way for kids to follow a honeybee as it gathers nectar and pollen from plants. This fun maze experience made the pages of their science book come to life right before their eyes and provided something tangible to recall when test time comes! Or step inside The Land at Epcot and see pumpkins and cucumbers grown in the park's greenhouses that are actually in the shape of everyone's favorite mouse! And that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Epcot's many educational gems. 

There is no doubt that a trip to Walt Disney World is primarily a fun family vacation. Epcot just proves that fun and learning can go hand in hand. 

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Laura's first novel, "Jury of One", will be published in Spring 2005. Check out her web site at http://www.laurabradford.com  for more information!

Did you enjoy this article? Have questions? E-mail us at news@passporter.com or visit http://www.passporterboards.com to discuss your Disney plans.

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Disney World: Not Just for "Little" Kids
by Michelle Bishop, Guest Columnist and "Big" Kid

"Ring, ring!"  "Ring, ring!" My hand reaches for the telephone and I am so excited to hear Mickey's voice telling me to rise and shine and get started with my day. Let the chaos begin: the TV flickers on, clothes are laid out, the day's itinerary is discussed. Passes, money, and Disney Dollars are in hand, along with the camcorder, digital camera, and what seems like a zillion other pocket stuffers that we deem necessary for our adventure. We head out the door ready to experience the magic once again!

Of course, I am sure you have already figured out where we are but what about who we are? Not a magical gathering having eight or more, not even a family of three or four, but only two. That's right, just my husband and I -- two of the biggest kids in the universe.

Since our first trip to Walt Disney World in May 2003, we have been mesmerized by it. Who would have thought Disney World would be so appealing to a couple of adults without kids? Certainly not us!  We never thought that we would love it as much as we do and end up not being able to stay away. The truth is, Disney World is for us big kids too and if someone had only warned us then maybe, just maybe, we might have been prepared. But alas, there are no warnings, no signs that say, "Stop, the magic you are about to be immersed in is real, please be prepared to schedule all future vacation time in Disney World."

Many adults do not understand our fascination with Disney World. Most of them have never visited or if they have visited they only went to one or two of the four major parks and nowhere else. I think the majority of people do not realize there is so much more to Disney World than its theme parks (though they are spectacular!). I guess some people just think they are too "grown up" to experience the magic, or even give it a chance. Hopefully, one day they will do a bit of research and then take a trip and see what Disney World truly has to offer. 

With so much to see and do, Disney World is full of activities for children and adults alike. Where else can you go from flying in a rocket ship in space to sampling cuisine from other countries around the world in a matter of minutes? Is that not the whole concept behind Disney World anyway? Walt Disney wanted a place that adults and children could enjoy. I guess that's what makes it so magical. It's a place where a kid can be a kid, and an adult can be a kid too!

No matter what your tastes are when it comes to vacations, you are sure to find something you like to do at Disney World. Even the most mature adults can choose from a multitude of activities. Many activities adults may especially enjoy include: spa treatments at select resorts (i.e., The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa), fishing excursions, golf, the Cirque Du Soleil La Nouba Show at the West Side in Downtown Disney, along with shopping at the Marketplace in Downtown Disney, and of course, clubbing at Pleasure Island. We certainly must not forget dining! Disney World offers a list of dining options that seems endless. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from no matter what mood you may be in. For a fun, lighthearted meal, try a character meal like the breakfast at Chef Mickey's in The Contemporary Resort or the Thanksgiving-style feast served at The Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner in the Magic Kingdom.  Do you prefer a more quiet, adult-like setting? Artist Point at The Wilderness Lodge is well acclaimed, and if you want to go all out, make a reservation at Victoria & Albert's at The Grand Floridian Resort ö the most elegant, formal restaurant on property.

With so much to see and do, it is no wonder that Walt Disney World is one of the world's top tourist attractions. Couples and families alike can appreciate all there is to offer. Having visited five times in the last year and a half, I can honestly say I do not think I could ever get bored at Disney World. There are still so many things that my husband and I have yet to experience, along with new attractions that are on the horizon like Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom scheduled to open in 2006.

Whether you bring kids along on your trips to Disney World or not, you are sure to find plenty of enjoyable, exciting things to do. Disney World is a truly magical place for kids and adults alike. After all, where else is it perfectly acceptable for adults to wear Mickey Mouse ears, quote Disney movies, or take a ride on a flying elephant? So, if you are ever in Disney World and notice a couple of adults eagerly waiting in line for their picture with Lilo & Stitch (my husband's favorites), say "hello," because as often as we go, there is a chance that it just may be us! 

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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 planning special events.