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PassPorter News
News, Announcements, Updates, and Tips
June 29, 2006 * Issue 6.24
PassPorter.com
- http://www.passporter.com
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Welcome to PassPorter News, an online newsletter
about PassPorter travel guidebooks, the
Walt Disney World Resort, and Disney Cruise Line.
PassPorter News is available by free subscription
to all readers and friends of our labor of love --
PassPorter Travel Guidebooks.
Learn all about them:
http://www.passporter.com/aboutpassporter.htm
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In This Newsletter:
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From the Authors: Fireworks!
Travel Feature: Florida Keys: Marathon & Big Pine
Disney Feature: Virtual Magic Kingdom
Updates: What's New and Changed
Tips: Disney Music Magic, Sticky Note
Shuffle, Trek to TTC
Captain's Corner: Clock Tower Clues
Q&A: How efficient is Disney's Magical
Express Service?
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FROM THE AUTHORS: Summertime!
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Can you believe it? The Fourth of July is less than
a week away! We hope you have your plans all set, whether it's watching the
hometown parade and fireworks display, or heading out of town to the mountains,
beach, lakes, city, forest or theme parks. Wherever you go, you can be sure
there will be a spectacle in the skies (check our Updates column for
the Walt Disney World fireworks low-down). While we admit we'd rather not brave
the heat and crowds at Walt Disney World, the fireworks at Magic Kingdom will
be especially dramatic, with the entire park being surrounded by exploding
shells at certain times during the show.
This past weekend we drove north, for three nights
of camping on the shores of Lake Huron, within sight of the majestic Mackinac Bridge, Mackinac Island, and Mackinaw City (yes, the
spellings are different). We took a side jaunt to Sault Ste. Marie on
Michigan's Upper Peninsula to watch freighters pass through the famous Soo Locks that connect
Lakes Superior and Huron, and to revisit memories of our Panama Canal passage last year.
And of course, we ferried over to Mackinac Island for the day, to enjoy that
island's car-less streets, fried Great Lakes whitefish, and famous fudge. (OK, so
there's nothing unusual about Mackinac Island fudge - it's the same recipe as
you find everywhere else - but tradition is tradition!) For the first time, we
even took a horse-drawn carriage tour about the island. One of these days, when
we've sold enough books, we'll book a stay at the Grand Hotel. Altogether,
it was a delightful break from the office.
In other news, Captain Jack Skatt informs us that
PassPorter reader Mirjam Rohleder has earned her treasure hunt badge! Mirjam is
the first to complete and submit the Earn-Your-Badge Treasure Hunt (see pages
153-155 of PassPorter's Treasure Hunts at Walt Disney World book). She
received 168 points! She sent in photos of herself posing with the Treasure
Hunt book around the world, a postcard to Captain Jack Skatt, autographs from
Snow White, Donald Duck, Captain Hook, and Laguna Gator. She did a great job
and really earned her "gold" badge, which she'll receive in the mail
shortly. Congratulations, Mirjam! Who will be next to earn their treasure
hunter badge? Could it be you?
In this edition of the newsletter Maureen Austin
returns with the second part of her tour through the Florida Keys, and
PassPorter Guide Robin Krenning-Capra confesses her addiction to Disney's free Virtual Magic Kingdom online game. As
always, Captain Jack Skatt returns with a new treasure hunting game.
Enjoy!
Jennifer and Dave
PassPorter Authors
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DID YOU KNOW?
PassPorter Disneyland is Here!
The brand-new PassPorter Disneyland Resort and
Southern California Attractions guidebook has arrived
both at our warehouse and in bookstores around the country. Our first edition
contains all the great features that have made our Walt Disney World guidebook
so popular -- flap maps, full-color pages, resort maps, fold-out park maps,
photos, ratings, tips, memories, stickers, labels, tabs, and, of course, 14
organizer PassPockets.
The guidebook covers the Disneyland Resort in super
detailed depth, and also add in detailed information on Universal Studios
Hollywood, Universal CityWalk, Knott's Berry Farm, Knott's Soak City Water
Park, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, and LEGOLAND. For
readers on the grand tour, we also include San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, and
Balboa Park, as well as more attractions in the Anaheim area, Hollywood, along
the Pacific Coast Highway, on California beaches, and in nearby San Diego.
We've heard back from folks who've received their
new books -- here are a few of our favorite comments:
"I love the the way it helps me organize my
vacation plans." -- Holly B.
Very comprehensive!" -- Alan T.
"Very informative about the Disneyland
area." -- Sonia K.
"It is so helpful, I can hardly wait to go
to Disneyland." -- Debbie C.
"I love the information and organization.
The PassPorter has been a great help with planning my previous WDW trips. I am excited
to use my new Passporter to plan for our Disneyland and Southern California
vacation. Thanks!" -- Paula H.
Learn more and order today at:
http://www.passporter.com/dl/guidebook.htm
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TRAVEL FEATURE: Bermuda: Unlocking The Magic of
The Florida Keys: Marathon and Big Pine (Part 2 of 3)
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by Maureen Austin, PassPorter Message Board
Guide Guest Contributor
(Note: The first installment of this series
appeared in the May 3, 2006 edition of
this newsletter.)
LetÕs get back on the road as we continue to make
our way and discover more of the natural beauty found in the Florida Keys!
Head about 50 miles south of Key Largo and youÕll
find yourself in Marathon. The name has rich Florida history in its three
syllables. Henry Flagler, an industrialist whose influence is found all over
the state, built a railroad with a passageway through the Keys. The task was
daunting and he often called it a marathon - thus the name for this area was
born.
Diving, snorkeling, fishing, and other water sports
are a big claim to fame for this little island. Popular beaches include
Sombrero Beach as well as Coco Plum Beach, which is frequented by visitors and
locals alike.
Animal enthusiasts and eco tourists will find
special pleasure in a visit to Crane Point Hammock. Here you can check out the
Marathon Wild Bird Center, where injured or ill birds of the Keys find time and
treatment so they may be returned to the wild. DonÕt depart Crane Point before
visiting the Museum of Natural History. In addition, an adjacent childrenÕs
museum provides wonderful exhibits to teach your little ones (and you too!)
about the many animals that call the Keys and Florida home.
Marathon certainly welcomes golfers, with a host of
private courses. Some of the private clubs boast reciprocity agreements with
other clubs across the country - so if youÕve got the links on your mind and
your agenda, phone ahead to inquire.
Smaller is better in Marathon and this holds true
for accommodations in the area. Live Florida-style by checking out some of the
traditional conch-style cottages available for rent. You can also choose among
smaller, family run inns for unbeatable Florida hospitality.
Time to island hop on over to Big Pine Key.
Travelers who enjoy a leisurely pace to touring and taking it all in will
especially feel at home here.
One of this areaÕs best attributes is an
obvious stop, but stunning just the same. Bahia Honda State Park has
beaches of pristine sand and gorgeous waters that are so incredible, itÕs
frequently named one of our countryÕs best beaches. YouÕll find all sorts of
delightful shore and water activities to please every member of your family.
Amidst the natural beauty of the beaches and pines
for which the island is named for, youÕll find an enchanting species of deer
for which the area has also become famous. Key deer abound here and there are
opportunities to view them in their natural habitats.
Kayakers will find an absolute haven here, with
many tour operators and rentals available for kayaking and other water sports,
too.
Looe Key is known for its amazing panorama under
the water with some of the best snorkeling and diving south of Miami. In
addition, get your groove on while under the water every July - dive down and
attend the Underwater Music Festival! Elvis has left the building folks, and is
playing among the fish!
Accommodations range from conch-style cottages to
fish and dive camps to inns and motels. YouÕll note the absence of large high
rise hotels and resorts in the area, and as many locals will tell you, thatÕs
all part of the charm.
Ready to plan your adventure? More
information and resources for good travel planning are a click away.
http://www.thefloridakeys.com/bigpine/index.html
http://www.thefloridakeys.com/marathon/index.html
http://www.visitflorida.com/destinations/area.php/ca=54
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.
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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 travel plans.
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DISNEY FEATURE: Virtual Magic Kingdom
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by Dorie Haggerty, Guest Contributor
by Robin Krening-Capra, PassPorter Message Board
Guide and Guest Contributor
Looking for a way to fill the void we all feel
between Disney trips? Want to make new friends who love Disney as much as you
do? Do you miss walking around the parks and visiting the lands?
Come on, we all know you are dreaming of that next
Disney vacation. ItÕs okay to admit that you are a true Disney addict and crave
the sights, sounds, and smells of the parks. You can even admit to ordering the
next planning DVD just so you can glimpse the parks.
Knowing we all suffer "park withdrawal,"
Disney has designed an online multiplayer game called Virtual Magic Kingdom, or VMK, to
help fill the void. The game opened on May 23, 2005 and allows players of all
ages to live the Disney magic from home. To play VMK, you create an account by
submitting an e-mail address and picking a character name. Next, you choose
your characterÕs gender, hair style and color, facial features, and even its
skin tone. Picking your first outfit is fun, with many wardrobe choices. My character
can even wear glasses so she can see where she is going! Finally, you choose
one of six rooms so you can design your own guest room.
Once your character is properly clothed, you enter
the Virtual Magic Kingdom where you will be known as ÒGuestÓ until your
characterÕs name is approved. Upon entering VMK, you notice itÕs designed
around the lands of the Disney parks, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Main Street,
Adventureland, and Frontierland. It also has guest rooms. Players explore VMK
by traveling via paths or the monorail, a journey that reminds you of the real
parks.
Each land contains mini-games at which the player
earns credits needed to purchase items from the inevitable Disney gift shop.
Miss the Jungle Cruise? Visit the mini-game Jungle Cruise in Adventureland,
where you will take pictures of animals with the virtual camera you bought at
the virtual VMK Central. While you wonÕt see Johnny Depp, you can play Pirates
of the Caribbean and shoot cannonballs at opposing pirates. Is your dream to be
the 1000th ghost in the Haunted Mansion? Play the Haunted Mansion game in
Frontierland (there's no Liberty Square/New Orleans Square here) and vacuum
ghosts to earn points. (This is my favorite game because I can always tell my
husband that I am vacuuming Ð he doesnÕt need to know I am vacuuming virtual
ghosts!) You can even search for and take pictures of Hidden Mickeys while you
explore VMK.
VMK has Disney Characters who acknowledge you when
you enter their rooms. The characters, such as the Yeti, Captain Blackheart,
and the three Hitchhiking Ghosts, welcome you with their own little silly
greetings. The Characters have even been known to wreak havoc by sending
players on exciting treks through the Virtual Magic Kingdom.
It wouldnÕt be Disney without the gift shops, so of
course these, too, can be found in VMK. Yes, you can make purchases of virtual
clothes, furniture, posters, and pins! Players compete in mini-games, which
award credits towards the purchases. Players can also visit Disney Characters
for daily credits.
Your virtual purchases are used to clothe your
character, decorate your guest rooms, and add to your pin collection. Miss
purchasing clothing in a Disney shop? Have no fear; VMK sells virtual clothing
items as well! There is a wide variety of everyday clothes, such as bottoms,
tops, shoes, and hats. VMK will also sell special items, such as Princess
dresses and crowns, space suits, diving helmets, Expedition Everest climbing
gear, cowboy outfits, and Haunted Mansion suits, amongst other items. Often
times the special clothing items are only sold for a short amount of time
before they are pulled from the shelves, making them virtual collectors items.
There is a variety of items for furnishing your
guest room, such as a thrones, rocking chairs, Madame Leota globes, posters,
rugs, and water fountains. Players decorate their rooms to create a fun place
to hang out with friends and play games. Awards are even given for
best-decorated or themed rooms.
Pin collectors are not forgotten at VMK and pins
can be purchased in shops or won in games. The pins reflect different Disney
attractions and resorts. Special pins are awarded for finding Hidden Mickeys,
discovering Disney Characters for the first time, or reaching a certain level
in a mini-game.
My favorite pins are the Magic Pins, which allow
players to briefly activate a special effect. With a double click of the mouse,
a player can teleport, drive a car, or turn into a snowman, bat, or pirate. My
favorite Magic Pin is the Dancing Inferno, which makes the player appear to be
dancing in a ring of fire. Inferno is only given in staff games and is quite
rare. When I won my Inferno, I was so excited I could barely type Òthank youÓ
to the staff member!
One of the goals Disney had when creating VMK was
to draw people into the parks. By creating in-park quests, Disney hoped to lure
the addicts from the virtual park to the real parks. In June 2005, both
Disneyland and Walt Disney World opened up VMK Central. Here players explore
the parks to complete in-park Quests. These treasure hunts send players through
the parks in search of answers to questions about park attractions. To
participate in the Quests, the player must download a Quest from the VMK web
site before leaving home (Quest sheets are not given out at the parks) and
exchange it for a Quest card at VMK Central. Once you correctly complete the
Quest you are awarded cards that contain codes for virtual items.
Disney also encourages those of us who are addicted
to VMK to make purchase in certain shops in the real parks. Buy candy and
receive a card with a code for a Virtual Penny Press. Purchase a hat at a
certain shop and earn virtual gold Mickey ears.
What do players do with the stuff they purchase or
win? Trade! Players are able to trade items they no longer want for items they
either collect or want for their virtual character. It can be exciting to
finally trade for an item you have been looking for. Who needs baseball cards
when you have virtual VMK items to trade?
The question many parents have when allowing their
children to play VMK is whether itÕs safe or not. Rest assured VMK is very safe
for players of all ages. VMK is monitored by staff members who can be
identified by VMK_ or HOST_ in their names. Staff members not only host fun
games and events, they are immediately available when a player calls for help.
The staff members monitor conversations and will ban players who are not
following the VMK values. Asking for personal information is not allowed and
will get players banned. Community Members also help monitor the game. Most
importantly, the VMK dictionary is quite limited and prevents players from
using numbers and many words.
While designers of VMK havenÕt quite figured out
how to get the smells of the parks to us through VMK, they have captured the
magic for those of us who cannot get to the parks. VMK may have been designed
with children as the focus; however, many of the friends I have met on VMK are
adults and are fellow Disney addicts. Regardless of age, VMK allows the player
to relive the magic of Disney.
My name is Robin, and I am a VMK addict!
About the Author: Robin is a PassPorter Message
Board Guide and is addicted to Disney and VMK. She and her husband teach middle
school in a suburb of Denver, Colorado.
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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 holiday plans.
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UPDATES: What's New and Changed
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Here's a few of the new developments at Disney:
Walt Disney World will be celebrating the Fourth
of July in style with
fireworks at THREE
parks and Downtown Disney! On Tuesday, July 4 2006, a special Fourth of July
fireworks show at the Disney-MGM Studios will commence at 9:00 pm, followed by
Fantasmic! at 10:00 pm. Epcot will add a special holiday finale to the nightly
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth show at 10:00 pm. The Magic Kingdom will
present a special version of the Fantasy In The Sky fireworks show at 9:00 pm.
Later that night, Downtown Disney will host a new Fourth of July fireworks show
that begins at midnight. If you are staying at a resort near Downtown Disney,
you may want to bring ear plugs! The fireworks can be heard from nearby
resorts.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest had it's
World Premiere at Disneyland on June 24, 2006. Guests also got a sneak peek at the
re-furbished Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, which re-opened to the public
at Disneyland on June 26 and will re-open at Walt Disney World on July 7 (the
same day the movie opens). A webcast of the premiere with footage from the
attraction (including a clip of Johnny Depp meeting Captain Jack Sparrow) and
interviews with the Imagineers involved in the "enhancement" of the
attraction can be found on MSN.
The Disney Cruise Line hosted a group of school
children from the Cayman Islands who were winners of the 2006 Jiminy Cricket's Environmentality
Challenge (JCEC). The
third-year class from George Town Primary School, the sixth-year class from St.
Ignatius Catholic School and the eleventh-year class from John Gray High School
attended an award ceremony aboard the Disney Magic where they posed for
pictures with Jiminy Cricket and enjoyed a special tour of the ship. The JCEC
is a program that encourages students in Florida, California, Hong Kong, and
Grand Cayman (areas where Disney has a corporate presence) to learn more about
how they can help create a healthier environment.
Our thanks to AllEarsNet.com from which we get some
of our news leads.
>Things To Do: Hear some news? Send it to us at
news@passporter.com
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DISNEY TIPS FROM FELLOW READERS
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Our readers are a wealth of information! Here are
the winners in this month's tip contest:
DISNEY MUSIC MAGIC
"If planning, reading, watching and shopping
Disney is just not enough to keep you pacified as you wait for an upcoming
Disney trip, then try tuning in! About 3 months ago I discovered Walt Disney World Park Music being played
on Live 365 Internet
radio and haven't looked back since. I play it all day at work and even
sometimes at home on the weekends. Not only has it pacified my desperate
waiting for my upcoming trip, but dare I say, it's also changed my daily
outlook. I know that sounds corny but it's true. Listening to happiness all day
has effected the way I react to people and things. I find myself whistling
Disney tunes and taking that extra step to help others because, it's the Disney
Way!" -- contributed by Cindy T. (Idlewylde@...)
STICKY NOTE SHUFFLE
"I have found a wonderful way to do the 'rough
draft' part of planning my Walt Disney World itinerary for the week. First I
draw out a calendar for the week I plan on going on a large piece of graph
paper. (I turn the paper sideways, so that I can fit all my days without
crowding them together.) Next, I write down EVERYTHING I want to do on the
smallest size available of sticky note paper. Each item gets its own sticky
note. And when I say I write down everything, I mean everything! I do one for
each time I want to visit a theme park or water park, Extra Magic Hours,
Downtown Disney, special meals, fireworks, parades, resorts I want to visit,
places I want to shop, recreation, etc. It's also easier if you use a different
color paper for different things - yellow for the parks, green for meals,
purple for fireworks, parades, blue for recreation, etc. Then it's easy for me
to just put the note on the day and time that I want to do a certain thing! And
since plans ALWAYS change in the beginning stages of planning a Walt Disney
World vacation, I can easily move the note around to work out the best
itinerary for us! This is much easier that writing it down and then erasing
things a million times. And, unlike doing an itinerary using a computer, you
can easily carry it around with you and make changes and move things around as
you get new ideas!" -- contributed by Amanda H. (mandabeads@...)
TREK TO TTC
"If your party is leaving the Magic Kingdom at
park closing time and your car is parked at the Ticket and Transportation
Center (TTC) and both monorail lines appear way too intimidating you can also
try the boat to the Polynesian resort. Once you disembark at the Poly, walk
towards the Great Ceremonial House (the large reception hall in the middle of
the resort - it's the tallest building) and then bear left. Follow signs
to the Tokelau and Rapa Nui buildings, and you will see signs for a walkway to
the TTC. Follow that walkway, and you will be able to catch the tram to the
parking lot." -- contributed by Leah R. (bwbelle@...)
>Notes: Send us your tips! You may see them in
this newsletter and win a copy of PassPorter! Visit:
http://www.passporter.com/customs/contest.htm
>>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 at
http://www.passporter.com/wdw/disney500.asp
>>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 at http://www.passporter.com/dcl/cruiseclues.asp
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CAPTAIN'S CORNER: Treasure Hunting Game
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Play our fun and quirky treasure hunting game,
hosted by Captain Jack Skatt from our new 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 or PassPorter name badge pin.
Here is this week's treasure from Captain Skatt's
Journal:
"In honor of the first PassPorter reader
to earn an official treasure hunter badge (Mirjam Rohleder), I travelled to her
home country of Germany. In all honesty, I only went to the German pavilion,
but I was able to experience German culture! I enjoyed German musicians while
relaxing on the fountain in the village square with a Lowenbrau beer in one
hand and a bratwurst in the other. As I was enjoying this delightful repast,
the clock tower struck 2:00 pm. And what a surprise I received! When the clock
struck the hour, ... (rest of text obscured by mustard)"
What does the clock tower in Germany do at the
top of the hour?
Send your full answer to jackskatt@passporter.com -- the
winner will be notified by e-mail and announced in the next newsletter, along
with the correct answer!
Congratulations to Regina Tipton who was
the winner of last week's treasure hunt game! Regina correctly identified grass
as the covering of the seating area besides the Kringla Bakeri og Kafe. To view
the original clues,
see the last newsletter at http://www.passporter.com/news/news062206.htm
Send your full answer to jackskatt@passporter.com -- the winner
will be notified by e-mail and announced in the next 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 Skatt. ÒPassPorter's Treasure Hunts at Walt Disney World" is
now available! You can order the new book today at http://www.passporterstore.com/store/1587710269.aspx
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Q & A WITH JENNIFER & DAVE
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Martinvols asks: "How efficient is Disney's
Magical Express service? How long will it take to get from the airport to our
hotel?"
Jennifer and Dave answer: "Travel from the
airport to Walt Disney World is very efficient - there's a huge staff on hand
to make everything run like clockwork.
Travel from Walt Disney World to the airport is as
slow as it ever was when Mears was fully in charge. The only "crew"
is the bus driver, who has to wrangle the loading of all baggage and
passengers. Once you arrive at the airport you'll be dropped at a single bus
stop on Level 1, and must make your own way (with baggage, if you couldn't
check it at the resort in advance) to flight check-in on Level 3. As a result,
the scheduled pickup is typically 3 - 3.5 hours prior to flight time.
In short, Disney has substantially improved the
airport to resort link, but has done little to change the resort to airport
link."
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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WANT TO GET PUBLISHED?
===================================
Big News! PassPorter News is now published weekly.
This means we need more articles than ever! We're on the lookout for guest
columnists who want to contribute articles to this newsletter. No professional
writing experience 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.
====================================
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Copyright (c) 2006 - MediaMarx, Inc. / PassPorter
Travel Press, PO Box 3880, Ann Arbor, MI
48106