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PassPorter News
News, Announcements, Updates, and Tips
August 2, 2006 * Issue 6.29
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: 2007 Edition Up For Pre-Order
Travel Feature: Las Vegas for Families
Walt Disney World Feature: Making the most of the FASTPASS
System
Updates: What's New and Changed
Tips: Hang on to Hangers, Fast FASTPASSes,
Share the Magic
Captain's Corner: Papa's Den
Q&A: Which
Value Resort has the best bus service?
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FROM THE AUTHORS: 2007
Edition Up For Pre-Order
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Hi, {{user("firstname")}}!
WeÕre delighted to announce that we met our
earlier-than-usual manuscript deadline for PassPorter Walt Disney World 2007! A big thanks
to Nikki Larner, Chad Larner, Sandy Zilka Livingston, and nearly 20 expert peer
reviewers! And now that that's complete, we've opened pre-orders up for those
anxious to get their new editions ordered. The official release date is
currently November 27, 2006 -- but there's a good chance we'll be able to ship
it earlier, and if we can we'll
make an announcement. You'll find the details and pre-order links at PassPorter Walt Disney World 2007 Pre-Order Center at http://www.passporterstore.com/store/2007.aspx. Remember,
the earlier you pre-order, the sooner you get your copy! And if you're leaving
for Disney in December, please note that in the comments box when you place
your order.
In this edition of the newsletter, Terry Dagdagan
offers tips and tricks for family trips to Las Vegas , and Yvonne
and Sam Mitchell offer their take on making the most of FASTPASS. 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: Las Vegas for Families
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by Terry Dagdagan, Guest Contributor
Think all there is to Las Vegas is slot machines
and glitzy shows? Worried that it is not a good choice for a family vacation?
Take another look and you may be pleasantly surprised! Only a few miles down
the road from the dancing waters, exploding volcanoes, and marauding pirates
are some great places for the whole family.
Start with the Lied Discovery ChildrenÕs Museum ( http://www.ldcm.org ) at 833 Las
Vegas Boulevard North. Here, children of all ages may touch and test things to
their heartÕs content. Two or three hours are sufficient to explore the
museumÕs two levels without over-stimulating your kids. Lied Discovery
ChildrenÕs Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday (everyday in summer) from 10:00
am-5:00 pm. Admission is $7.00 for adults and $6.00 for children ages 1-17
years old.
Almost directly across the street at 900 Las Vegas
Boulevard North is the Las Vegas
Natural History Museum. There are
wonderful displays of animals in different ecosystems from the past and
present. The Dinosaur Room with the roaring Tyrannosaurus Rex is my favorite.
Beyond this display is a hands-on area where children can dig for fossils or
observe some live reptiles and rodents.
Amongst replicas of whales and sharks in the Marine
Life Gallery is a baby shark tank -- careful with those little fingers as they
can be a hungry lot!
The Natural History Museum is open daily from 9:00
am-4:00 pm. Admission is $7.00 for adults, $3.00 for children ages 3-11, and free
for those under 2.
Around the corner is the Old Las
Vegas Mormon Fort located at
500 East Washington Avenue. Run by the Nevada Division of State Parks,
admission is $3 for adults and $2.00 for children 6-12 years old. The fort was
originally built by Mormon missionaries in 1855. A ranger-led tour provides
visitors with a view of life in Las Vegas when the town was founded. The fort
is open Monday-Saturday from 8:00 am Ð 4:30 pm.
Directly behind the History Museum is Cashman
Field. Here you can catch a baseball game of the Las Vegas 51s, the AAA League team of the Los Angeles
Dodgers. The team is named after the mysterious Area 51 located 120 miles
northwest of Las Vegas. Go to http://www.lv51.com for schedule
and ticket information.
For those with a more adventurous heart grab a
water bottle, lace up your sneakers and slather on the sunscreen. Some of the
most beautiful rock formations in the desert are found at Red Rock
Canyon National Conservation Area located on
Charleston Boulevard about 15 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip. The Visitor
Center displays habitats and wildlife of the surrounding desert area. Park
entrance fee is $5.00 per vehicle, which includes the Visitors Center and a 13-mile Scenic Loop
complete with parking areas, hiking trails and picnic areas. Be advised this is
a one-way loop, which hasnÕt stopped us from encountering a car or two heading
the wrong way. Oops!
The Lost Creek Trail is the perfect half mile hike
for little ones that want to experience the desert. With so many
picnic areas to choose from at Red Rock Canyon, you may want to pack a lunch.
My favorite spot is Willow Springs Picnic Area. It provides plenty of shade and
is also a popular spot for rock climbers.
Five miles past Red Rock Canyon is Spring
Mountain Ranch State Park, also run by Nevada Division of State Parks.
Once inside the park you may take a self-guided tour of the Ranch House/Visitor
Center or follow one of the tours lead by a park docent. Keep a sharp eye out,
and you may spot some wild burros.
This is another good spot to bring along a lunch,
and take advantage of their beautiful picnic area that surrounds a large
meadow. The park is open from 8:00 am until dusk, while the Ranch House/Visitor
Center is open from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. There is a $5.00 entrance fee per
vehicle. (This fee was recently reduced. How often does that happen?)
During the summer months Spring Mountain Ranch
State Park offers a ÒTheater under the Stars.Ó Information is available at http://www.parks.nv.gov/smr.htm . Book early
as these tickets go quickly!
A short mile further on Charleston Boulevard is
Bonnie Springs Old Nevada. This is a re-created western town complete with
petting zoo and riding stables. A miniature train ride is an added attraction
on weekends and holidays.
The small petting zoo allows children to pet the
tame animals such as deer and goats. The animal pens range from exotic emus,
llamas, and wallabies, to common species such as wolves, cougars and
pot-bellied pigs. Be wary of turning your back on the goats and deer. I know
from first hand experience that they have a taste for more than just the feed
pellets available from the quarter-fed dispensers. Of course, the day a goat
tried to eat GrandmaÕs very loud paisley
shirt, we were all rooting for the goat!
Red Rock Riding Stables, which are located on the
grounds, offer one-hour trail rides for $35.00 per person. Longer rides with or
without meal packages are also available.
The old western town provides entertainment, which
is also included in the park admission. A stage inside the Saloon features an
old time melodrama complete with a villain and damsel in distress (who, on our
last visit, had a goatee as all the actors are men). Outside the Saloon the
show continues with a western gunfight, bank robbery and public hanging.
Admission to Bonnie Springs is $10.00 per car. The
petting zoo opens at 10:00 am while the town opens at 10:30 am. All areas close
at 6:00 pm in summer and 5:00 pm during winter. Picnicking is not allowed, but
there is a restaurant with the usual fare of burgers and sandwiches. Beverages
and snacks may be purchased at the Saloon too. Additional information about
Bonnie Springs and Red Rock Riding Stables are found at http://www.bonniesprings.com .
With so many options to choose from in Las Vegas,
you may find you need to extend your stay. Good luck!
About the Author: Terry and her husband Gene
live in Las Vegas with their two daughters. They recently returned from a stay
at their favorite Disneyland Hotel, the Grand Californian, and look forward to
their third Disney Cruise in September 2006.
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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: Making the Most of the
FASTPASS System
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by Yvonne and Sam Mitchell, Guest Contributors
Imagine it. You are standing in line at Walt Disney
WorldÕs Space Mountain, you are enjoying the air conditioning, the music, and
the futuristic scenes but for the past 5 minutes the kids keep asking ÒIs it
our turn yet?Ó You tell the kids that you can see the end of the line, then the
cast member lets a bunch through and you are next. You and the kids are all
excited! Then up walks a family of four in the empty line beside you. They hand
the cast member several pieces of paper and the cast member puts them in the
next rocket. Your kids are now tugging on you and asking ÒMom how come they let
those people ahead of us?Ó You are thinking the same thing and you ask the cast
member who politely answers ÒBecause they have FASTPASS tickets, MaÕam.Ó
FASTPASS tickets? What are FASTPASS tickets?
All
day, every day a scene like the one above plays out at Walt Disney World
because many people do not know what DisneyÕs FASTPASS is, or how to make the
best use of the system.
First
introduced at Walt Disney World in July of 1999, FASTPASS is similar to making
a reservation to ride an attraction and reduce your time standing in line. You
place your park admission in the FASTPASS machine and receive a ticket that
grants you access to the much shorter FASTPASS line.
FASTPASS
has become a huge hit with park guests. Savvy users of the system find that
they can free up to 2 to 3 hours of time, usually spent standing in line,
during a full day in the parks and get to experience more attractions.
Who can use Fast Pass, you ask? Anyone with park
admission. The exception is children under the age of 3, who do not require
park admission. Not to worry, if they meet the attractions height and age
requirements, there are cast members at the FASTPASS machines that can give
your child a FASTPASS.
There
are two important times on your FASTPASS. The first is the opening and closing
time of your ride reservation window, for example 1:15 pm Ð 2:15 pm. This time
can be anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours from when you got the FASTPASS,
depending on how busy the attraction is. You are usually given a one hour
window in which to come back and experience the attraction. (It is rare that
you will be turned away if you are late in using your FASTPASS ticket. If the
cast members say anything at all, it will be a polite ÒPlease try to be on time
with your FASTPASS tickets.Ó)
The
second and most important time listed on your FASTPASS, and the one people
usually miss, is when you can get your next FASTPASS ticket. After getting a
FASTPASS ticket, there is a set time you have to wait before you are able get
another FASTPASS. This time is usually five minutes after your ride window
opens. So using the above example, if you have a FASTPASS to ride Space
Mountain between 1:15 pm and 2:15 pm, you cannot get another FASTPASS until
1:20 pm.
Here
are some tips to make the most of the FASTPASS system:
¥ When
the park opens, head for your most important ride of the day -- your ÒMust SeeÓ
attraction. Get a FASTPASS, then get in the stand-by line and ride it right
away if the wait time is not longer than 20 or 30 minutes. This ensures that
you will get to experience your favorite thing at least once, if not twice.
¥ On
especially busy days, the FASTPASS tickets for an attraction may be gone for
the day by early afternoon. If the park is having evening Extra Magic Hours, go
back that evening and check out the FASTPASS machines again. Disney has been
turning them back on in the evening for Extra Magic Hours on occasion.
¥ At
special events such as Star Wars or Super Soap Weekends at Disney-MGM Studios,
if you want to get that coveted autograph from Warwick Davis or Susan Lucci, you must have a special
Autograph FASTPASS. In order to get these coveted items, as soon as DisneyÕs
MGM-Studios opens head as fast as you can to Indiana Jones Epic Stunt
Spectacular. The FASTPASS machines there will be programmed to first print out
a ticket with a time to get the autograph and they are very limited. When those
are gone, it will print out numbered stand-by tickets. Stand-by tickets are not
guaranteed to get an autograph but as a general rule the first 40 will get an
autograph.
¥ Do you
know anyone who belongs to the Disney Vacation Club? One of DisneyÕs best kept
secrets is the Disney Vacation Club FASTPASS Exchange Cards. These cards are
sometimes given as a promotion to new and existing DVC members. Each of these
cards comes with two Instant FASTPASS tickets. Put the card in the FASTPASS
machine and out pops a FASTPASS ticket that you can use immediately with no
waiting to get your next FASTPASS. If you are a Disney Vacation Club member,
you may have a chance of being receiving these cards from your DVC rep.
Starting in October, Disney begins ÒThe Year of a
Million Dreams Celebration.Ó One of the things you could win is a ÒGolden
FASTPASS." Imagine all the FASTPASSÕ you want, anytime you want, to get on
any ride you want. Now thatÕs a dream come true!
About The Authors: Yvonne (Tinkerbelz on
PassPorter Message boards) runs the family antique jewelry business, and is a
full-time mom. She was a peer reviewer for PassPorter's Walt Disney World for
Your Special Needs. She's
been to Disneyland and Walt Disney World 25+ times. Sam (DVC_Increda_Man on the
PassPorter boards) was a little reluctant to go to Walt Disney World for the
first time in 2005, but enjoyed it so much that he is now a proud DVC owner.
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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:
Dream Squads will be
patrolling Disney parks as part of the "Year of a Million Dreams"
celebration beginning in October and are empowered to "fulfill more
than one million extra special dreams" according to Disney Parks &
Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo. One of these dreams is now reported to be free
Disney vacations for life!
Cinderellabration will have
it's final performance on September 16, 2006. A new show similar to the
former Cinderella's Surprise Celebration is expected to begin in late
September.
Also, the gold enhancements that were made to Cinderella
Castle as part of
the Happiest Celebration on Earth will also disappear in mid-September. Rumor
is the rehab will take place at night after the park closes.
The Living With The Land attraction
will no longer feature cast members narrating the green house portion of the
ride. The cast members are being replaced with an automated voice over system.
Living With The Land will be closed for this renovation August 20 - September
17.
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:
HANG ON TO HANGERS
"One thing that I do every time before I leave
is buy a package of plastic hangers from the Dollar Store. This always ensures
that I have enough hangers at my hotel for my clothes and when I check out I
just leave them in the closet for the next person to use. It also gives me more
space to bring home all the souvenirs I bought." -- contributed by Gloria
M. (jarua177@...)
FAST FASTPASSES
"To utilize FASTPASS without wearing-out the
little ones (often, your return time is a couple hours out), have an adult stay
with the kids near a park bench or other rest area, while another adult in your
party (hopefully the most athletic) can power-walk ahead, grab the FASTPASSes,
and return to your party. It's easier on the little ones if you don't have to keep
back-tracking and will save time." -- contributed by Rebecca E.
(Kins01@...)
"On our last trip with our grandchildren we
ordered glow sticks, bracelets, and necklaces in bulk (available at http://www.OrientalTrader.com to name
one place), which were pretty inexpensive compared to the park prices, and
allowed our grandchildren to "share the magic" with other children
while waiting to see Fantasmic. They got the biggest trill out of doing this
and we enjoyed see the joy on other children's faces." -- contributed by
Donna O. (unique77rn@...)
>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:
"After a grueling week of treasure
hunting, I was in need of some solitude and a little light reading material. I
recall a very comfortable place I once came across -- it was a den, filled with
books, cozy upholstered chairs, huge mullion windows, and a fireplace. I
remember it reminded me a bit of old man Hemingway -- I could imagine him
reading a good book here, or even working on his latest manuscript. In fact, as
I recall the room was called Papa's Den -- perhaps it was named after the great
man himself. Alas, I can no longer remember where I came across this
hideway."
Where is Papa's Den? (For a bonus point, what
hangs above the fireplace in the den?)
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 Karen Huth who was the winner
of last week's treasure hunt game! Karen correctly identified the item the
skunk is sitting on in the Trading Post in Canada as a keg of explosives. To
view the original clues, see last week's newsletter at
http://www.passporter.com/news/news072706.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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SARH7 asks: "I was
just reading someone else's post and they mentioned not liking the bus service
when they stayed at Pop Century. I was under the impression bus service was
better there because the All Star Resorts share buses. Input please, as this
was one reason I was choosing to stay at Pop! "
Jennifer and Dave answer: "Except
at park opening and closing times, most All Star buses stop at all three
resorts. At Pop there's only one stop at all times. You do the math. However,
the bus stop at Pop serves a population roughly 50% greater than any of the
individual stops at All Stars, so if anything, queues will fill faster than
they will for the All Stars.
In
either case, bus queues fill quickly, as those stops serve huge populations.
Buses also come frequently, but looking at those queues, it's easy to get the
impression that the service is sub-standard. It actually does average-out
properly - more people, more buses to serve them. However, when something does
go wrong (like one or two delayed buses), it can take a while before the
backlog of guests is back down to normal.
Folks
often ask which resort has "better" or "worse" service, but
often it's not a matter of relative quality at all. Each resort's service has
its strong points and weak points. Because they don't share routes with any
other resorts, both value-priced Pop Century and deluxe Animal Kingdom Lodge
have the same advantage (one stop), while service for the Epcot-area deluxes
resembles service for All-Stars, with each bus making stops at multiple
resorts. In other words, the value resorts are not subject to economic
discrimination. Disney wants all its guests to be satisfied.
While
things don't always average-out
from resort-to-resort, they come closer to balancing than many guests realize.
All bus routes are run by a single organization with consistent goals. No
matter where you stay, buses should arrive every 20 minutes or less, and the number
of buses dispatched will be suitable for the number of guests staying at that
resort. Today's problem at one resort becomes tomorrow's problem at a different
resort - all buses and routes are equally subject to Murphy's Law."
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