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PassPorter News
News, Announcements, Updates, and Tips
July 27, 2006 * Issue 6.28
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: Bye, Matt!
Travel Feature: New York City
Walt Disney World Feature: Segway Tour
Updates: What's New and Changed
Tips: Family Food, Tape Tip, Prep Your
PhotoPass
Captain's Corner: Exploding Skunk!
Q&A: Will there be any special events to
mark Walt Disney World's 35th anniversary on October 1, 2006?
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FROM THE AUTHORS: Bye,
Matt!
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Hi, {{user("firstname")}}!
We rarely comment on Disney company news in this
column, but Matt Ouimet's departure from the Disney Company (see What's New and Changed) is well
worth mentioning. Matt had a long and illustrious career at Disney Parks and
Resorts, doing great things for Disney Vacation Club and as founding President
of Disney Cruise Line, and finally heading a turnaround at Disneyland, just in
time for its 50th anniversary. Under his leadership Disney Cruise Line recorded
the highest guest satisfaction ratings of any Disney Parks and Resorts unit,
and Disneyland's formerly unhappy cast and fans turned all smiles under his
leadership. Clearly Matt is someone who "gets it" and knows how to
lead his people in the right direction. Disney's loss will be Starwood Hotel's
gain. Best wishes, Matt!
In this edition of the newsletter PassPorter News
editor Sara Varney dashes off to New York City on a secret
mission (and to buy shoes), and Laura Clarkson takes us for an oh-so-cool jaunt
around Epcot on the 21st Century's version of the horseless carriage, in her
report on the Segway Tour. As always,
Captain Jack Skatt returns with a new treasure hunting game. Enjoy!
Jennifer and Dave
PassPorter Authors and Publishers
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TRAVEL FEATURE: In a New York Minute
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by Sara Varney, PassPorter News Editor and
Message Board Guide
I spent my Fourth of July in New York City this
year. It wasnÕt how I planned to spend it, but it sure was fun! So how did this
spur of the moment trip come about?
I learned in late June that I needed to be in New
York City on July 5 to take a test. (IÕll reveal for what later in the
article.) Despite having lived in Manhattan for a brief stint in my twenties
and the fact that I now live less than two hours away, I had not actually been
to Òthe cityÓ in over five years. In the interim a lot had happened Ð mainly
9/11 and my becoming a mother. IÕll admit to a moment of irrational fear about
visiting New York again. I decided to face my fear head on and immediately
enlisted my best friend to come with me.
But where to begin? After all, there is no
PassPorter New York City. (YetÉ) We decided to go down on the Fourth of July
and spend the night. We also decided that the main focus of our trip would be
shopping! Shopping for us means Fifth Avenue, which meant a hotel nearby in
Midtown Manhattan. It also meant we didnÕt want to spend more than $175 a night
for the hotel so weÕd have more money in the budget for shoes!
I checked out hotel rates and room availability on
web sites like Travelocity and Expedia. There seemed
to be plenty of rooms available in New York City that night, so I decided to
see what kind of deals I could get on Hotwire. Hotwire lets
you see the general location and price of a hotel room along with the amenities
available, but not the actual name of the hotel - until after you book. The
cost of the room is non-refundable and due immediately, so you are taking a bit
of a risk. We chose a 4 star hotel in Central Midtown Manhattan that was labeled
a Òcustomer favorite,Ó for $169/night. After booking we discovered that our
hotel was the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers, at Seventh
Avenue and 53rd St. We would see if $169 was a bargain once we checked in!
Our next decision was how to get to there. YouÕre
probably thinking, ÒBut you only live two hours away! WouldnÕt you just drive?Ó
Not necessarily. Parking in New York City is VERY expensive and driving is,
well, letÕs just say IÕd consider bungee jumping less risky. This left us with
hiring a town car, taking a bus or taking the train. A town car turned out to
be cost prohibitive - about $400 round trip! Where is Happy Limo when I need
them? A bus just didnÕt fit in with the image of the glamorous GirlsÕ Weekend
that we had planned. So the train it was!
We looked at the Metro North commuter rail schedule online and
decided that we would drive to New Haven and take the train from there. The
trains were on a holiday schedule for the Fourth so our options were limited,
but on the way home there was a train leaving practically every 5 minutes.
While you can purchase tickets online, they must be mailed to you and our trip
was too soon for that. We purchased them at the station, which is cheaper than
buying them on the train.
Finally, the day arrived! My friend arrived bright
and early to pick me up and we hit the road. We boarded the train and arrived
at Grand Central Station about 90 minutes later.
Now, had I not been carrying a heavy bag with
multiple changes of clothing, we probably could have walked to our hotel. But
it was hot, and I am lazy. ÒTaxi!Ó
We were greeted at the hotel by a doorman, and
entered a lobby that was just gorgeous. Dark woods and large floral
arrangements abounded, but alasÉno Hidden Mickeys! Check-In was quick and
painless, and we were directed to a room on the 10th floor.
The room was very small but beautifully furnished,
with two queen beds with cherry headboards, nickel light fixtures, and a desk
that ran the entire length of the window. The beds were extremely comfortable
and had linens with a very respectable thread count. Not to mention five, count
Ôem, five pillows each! We quickly decided that the Sheraton New York Hotel
& Towers was worth every penny and then some.
From there it was off to the races! Or off to the
stores, to be exact. We hoofed it over to Fifth Avenue and headed directly for Saks Fifth Avenue, about a five
block walk. I found myself slipping back into my old ÒNew YorkerÓ ways Ð
jaywalking, speed walking and smiling in benign amusement at the tourists who
were looking for traffic the wrong way down a one-way street and almost getting
run over.
We enjoyed lunch in the store at CafŽ SFA, and then
got down to some serious spending. July is a great time to shop in New York
City, as the summer sales are in full swing. Much coin was dropped in the shoe
department by both of us.
After ÒspendingÓ the day shopping we headed back to
the hotel, some of our purchases in tow. (Tip: If you live in a state that has
lower sales tax than New York, ship your purchases home. You will not be
charged sales tax but may be required to pay your stateÕs sales tax when you
file your income tax later.) We stopped at the hotelÕs concierge desk to enquire
as to a nearby place for dinner. Our concierge recommended Giovanni Restaurant
and called to arrange reservations for us.
The reservations turned out to be unnecessary as we
had the restaurant practically to ourselves! Due to dining early by Manhattan
standards (6:30 pm) and the holiday, business was very slow. This was fine by
us, as we lingered over calamari and pasta and re-lived the glory of the
bargains found that day.
The next morning we indulged in the ultimate luxury
for the mother of a toddler Ð watching the Today Show from bed while eating a
big, uninterrupted room service breakfast! Once we rolled ourselves out of bed
and primped for a while, we decided to go back to Fifth Avenue and check out Bergdorf Goodman, a luxurious
department store that had been closed the day before. Alas, the heavens had
opened overnight and it was pouring rain. So once again Ð a taxi cab to the
rescue!
We spent the morning spending even more money,
pausing only so I could take my exam. I passed, by the way. The test was to be
a contestant on a game show. ÒWho Wants to be A Millionaire.Ó Maybe youÕve
heard of it? IÕm now in the contestant pool, so wish me luck!
Our next stop? Times Square! Lest you think us too
sophisticated after shopping Saks and BergdorfÕs, our main goal today was to
find the Hello Kitty store. (OK, we had also squeezed in a trip to the Disney
Store the previous day.) My friend is a collector, and was very excited to see
this haven for Sanrio merchandise. Haven Ð nay, this is Hello Kitty heaven!
Pink, for what seems like miles, greets you upon entering. Judging from my
friendÕs squeals of delight and the ringing of the cash register, IÕd say this
store was a hit.
Well by now it was time to start heading home, but
frankly, we were having too much fun! After convincing ourselves that we would
be better off taking a later train home, we decided to cap-off this girlsÕ trip
the right way. After all, what GirlsÕ Weekend is complete without a trip to the
spa? No appointments? No problem!
So it was back to Saks Fifth Avenue, to the
Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon & Spa. An hour or so later we emerged
refreshed and looking gorgeous, thanks to a facial (me) and a sugar scrub
(her), followed by a complimentary make-up touch-up.
Finally it was time to go home. We returned to the
hotel and collected our bags. (Unlike Disney resorts, which hold your bags for
free on the day you check-out, the Sheraton charges $3/bag.) One final taxi
ride to Grand Central, and we were headed home.
In retrospect, I donÕt know why I stayed away so
long. Getting there and back was far easier than I anticipated, and getting
around New York was equally as easy thanks to a well-located hotel. The things
IÕll remember for next time are; bring more cash (taxis and tipping cost more
than anticipated), research restaurants just a little, and wear comfortable
shoes. (Buy the uncomfortable ones to wear at home!) I know one thing for sure
Ð IÕll be back soon!
About the Author: Sara is counting the days to
her family's trip to Walt Disney World this fall. She is also looking forward
to an upcoming trip to Hilton Head Island next month.
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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 WORLD FEATURE: Around the World on a Segway
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by Laura Clarkson, Guest Contributor
On our most recent visit to Walt Disney World in
April this year, my husband, Andy, and I decided to take the Around the World
at Epcot Segway tour. We found out about this tour a few months ago, and having
always been jealous of the cast members riding around on two-wheeled Segway Human Transporters, we knew we
had to book it for our next trip.
On the morning of our tour we arrived at Epcot at
9:00 am. The tour started at 9:30 am but we had been told to arrive by 9:15 am.
We were both excited and I was also feeling a little nervous. On arrival, we
had to sign a waiver form and were given stickers to wear with our names on
them. When everyone had arrived a cast member came and took us over to the
training center, which is in Innoventions. There were eight people in our
group.
We met the tutor and then had to pick out helmets,
either medium or large, and put them on. We watched the instructional video and
I began to realize just how tricky this might be!
The instructor then brought out a Segway to
demonstrate to us how it works and how you switch it on and turn left and
right. Then came the moment of truth - we were led out to our own Segways!
We were guided through switching them on (rubbing
the "key" - a round piece of metal - on a spot on the vehicle's
handlebar) and then shown how to get on and off - putting one foot on and then
holding on, looking straight ahead and stepping up your other foot. Another
instructor had joined us by this point so there were two people looking out for
everyone.
Once we had mastered this (with several people
doing what they call "the Segway dance" when it shoots forward as you
get on because you have leaned forward instead of standing up straight), we
stood on them for a few minutes to get used to the sensation. The instructor
told us that this feeling has been described as trying to balance on a log in a
river. I can't think of a better way to describe it - this was exactly what it
felt like. It's very strange you think when you first get on that this could
never feel natural, but it really doesn't take long to get used to it.
We then learned to move backwards and forwards -
lean forward to go forwards, and lean back to go backwards. We were told by the
second instructor not to touch the wall to stop ourselves because if we lean
forwards we could keep going or tip off the Segway.
Once everyone had mastered backwards and forwards,
we split into two groups. Our group firstly had a set of cones which we had to
weave in and out of to practice turning left and right - which is done by
twisting the left grip of the handlebar. We then swapped with the other group
and had to take the Segway up and down a ramp. This was a little tricky, but
not as hard as it looked.
After this we were brought back as one group and
shown how to lift the Segway over an obstacle - this was because we would be
traveling round the World Showcase while cast members were setting up for the
day, so there was a possibility that there might be hoses across the ground.
Luckily, we didn't encounter any obstacles.
We were then allowed out into the World! The
scariest part for me was actually getting to (and later from) the World
Showcase, as Future World was pretty crowded. However, one of the
instructors stayed at the front of the group and one at the back so we were
never far from assistance if we needed it.
Once we got to World Showcase, we stopped in each
country as far as France and one of the instructors told us a bit about the
country we were in. There were also some challenges along the way that were
optional - I sat some of these out - but I did go round the water garden in
Japan, which was lovely. We stopped in front of the Illuminations globe, where
the instructors took pictures for us and we had some free time and the
opportunity to whiz around at the Segway's speed limit of 5 mph. (Trust me,
that sounds slow, but on these it was really pretty quick!)
Once we got to France we headed straight back to
Innoventions. At the end of the course, we were all presented with a Segway
pin. These are only given to people who have taken this tour so they are pretty
special. I was thrilled with mine. It has a little man on a Segway, and you can
make him move up and down.
One more thing. I always thought Segways were an
easy option for getting around. I take it back! This was hard work - we both
had very achy feet and legs afterwards, in fact, it was a struggle to walk for
the rest of the day. I would, however, recommend this tour to anyone remotely
interested in Segways; it was a lot of fun, if harder than it looks!
The tour costs $80 per person (including tax) with
a 15% discount for Annual Passholders, AAA members and DVC owners. The minimum
age for taking the tour is 16 (16 and 17 year olds require the signature of
their parent or guardian) and there is a 250 lb. maximum weight limit. Tours
run three times a day at 8:30 am, 9:00 am and 9:15 am.
About The Author: Laura Clarkson lives in
England and has been visiting Walt Disney World since 2002 with her husband,
Andy. She is currently looking forward to their next trip to the World in
September.
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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:
Matt Ouimet, President of the Disneyland
Resort announced on
July 25, 2006 that he is leaving the Walt Disney Company to become
President, Hotel Groups for Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Ed Grier has been
tapped as his replacement. Grier has been with Disney for 25 years, most
recently as Managing Director of Walt Disney Attractions Japan.
Resort tax on most Walt
Disney World Resorts will increase 1 percent on September 1, 2006. The new
total tax rate for rooms in Orange County will be 12.5 %. (The All-Star Resorts
are not in Orange County and currently charge a resort tax of 13%.)
Liberty Square Riverboat at the Magic
Kingdom is reported to be re-opening earlier than previously announced. It will
now reopen on September 8, 2006.
Sad news for pin traders: Mickey's Pin Trading
Nights at Disney's
resorts will no longer be held. The final events will be held on:
July 27 - 7-10 pm - All Star Sports
July 28 - 7-10 pm - Contemporary
August 5 - 4-7 pm - Pop Century
Individual trading with Cast Members continues and
new pins and pin trading opportunities will be a part of the "Year of a
Million Dreams" celebration beginning this fall.
>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:
FAMILY FOOD
"When traveling with extended family, we found
it quite a bit easier to truly plan ahead when it came to meals. Take no
chances. Call! Call! Call! Get reservations scheduled in advance for table
service restaurants you are interested in. This not only ensures you have a
place to accommodate your dinner party, it also ensures you will actually meet
up and be able to share your day's separate adventures with one another."
-- contributed by Judith G.
TAPE TIP
"If you are a mother like me, the size of a
crowd makes me want to glue my child to my side. One trick that helps me ease
my mind a bit is that I always put a strip of medical tape on the inside of the
hem of each of my children's shirts. Written on the tape is "call my
Mom at ###-###-####". The number is my cell phone which I always have ON
with me (on a cruise, we just include our cabin number and extension since cell
phones don't work). I use medical tape because it adheres so well even when
wet. This works especially well for the really little ones who like to
dart off but don't communicate well yet!" -- contributed by Trish M.
PREP YOUR PHOTOPASS
"I suggest that people take an address sticker
with them to put on their PhotoPass card. I have seen the photographers have a
card in their hand when you hand them your card and I always wondered if we got
out card back. I put an address sticker on our card and they were very
impressed that it was marked. Also, if you lose it, someone could easily send
it back to you." -- contributed by Sandy M.
>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:
"The backward fountain at the
Imagination Pavilion has nothing on this latest discovery of mine! A short
stroll away in the Canada pavilion is a little trading post. Here they sell all
sorts of Canadian goods and products. What's most unusual about this shop are the
artifacts tucked under the beams of the roof. Among other interesting items, I
found a skunk! I couldn't believe what it was sitting on, either! The skunk
actually appeared to be perched on... (rest of text obscured by a fine
powder)"
What is the skunk sittin on in the Trading Post
in Canada?
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 Pat Ravert who was the winner
of last week's treasure hunt game! Pat correctly identified the location of the
fountain that appears to flow backwards as in front Journey Into Imagination .
To view the original clues, see last week's newsletter at
http://www.passporter.com/news/news072006.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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JenS asks: "The 35th Anniversary of Walt
Disney World and the start of the Year of a Million Dreams are both on Sunday,
October 1, 2006. Has anyone heard if there will be any special activities,
events or parades in the parks that day?"
Jennifer and Dave answer: "The 35th
anniversary probably won't get much play - Disney has a tendency to hold a
birthday ceremony at around 9:00 am just inside the gates at Magic Kingdom for
press and any guests that manage to crowd around. So, you could arrive at Magic
Kingdom early, on "spec."
However, there's a greater probability that there
will be a media/travel agents event to mark the beginning of Year of a Million
Dreams. That may not translate into anything special for guests, though. I'm going
to guess that the parade Grand Marshals that day will be special in some
manner. If they do change the parade, fireworks or replace the castle forecourt
show at MK (hasn't been announced, but you never know), then there might be a
premiere of some sort. :::shrug::: Depending upon the size of the media/travel
event, there could be a special ceremony in front of the castle sometime during
the day.
Unfortunately, there's very little done for most of
these "celebrations" to mark the occasion for guests. By the time
they jam all the media and invited guests into the prime viewing areas for
events the public can attend, the general public usually is far from the
action."
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