==========================================
PassPorter News
News, Announcements, Updates, and Tips
August 24, 2006 * Issue 6.32
PassPorter.com - http://www.passporter.com
==========================================
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
==========================================
In This Newsletter:
==========================================
From the Authors: Rome Wasn't Writ in a Day
Travel Feature: Alcatraz
Disney Feature: Pirates Invade Disney
Updates: What's New and Changed
Tips: Luggage Logs, Not-So-Primetime, Take Charge
Captain's Corner: Bender Lender
Q&A: Can
pins from DisneyDirect.com be used to trade at Walt Disney World?
====================================================
FROM THE AUTHORS: Rom WasnÕt
Writ in a Day
====================================================
Hi, {{user("firstname")}}!
Barcelona; Marseille and Provence; the French
Riviera and Monte Carlo, Florence, Pisa and Tuscany; Rome; Naples, Capri, and
Pompeii... Our heads are spinning as we research and plan our upcoming Mediterranean cruise, which is
part of our work on the next edition of PassPorter's Field Guide to the Disney
Cruise Line. There's so much to see and do at every destination that we'll each
be going our separate ways when we hit port. Divide and conquer! We're also
busily updating other chapters of the book, because we're going to have to go
to press not very long after we return from our voyage. Whew!
Meantime, we're happy to say that the printing of
PassPorter Walt Disney World 2007 is moving swiftly ahead in Hong Kong. Proofs
arrive today via FedEx, and if all looks good, the presses will start rolling,
right on schedule. Look for the new edition in November, and if you want to be
among the first to receive it, pre-order it now at
http://www.passporterstore.com/store/2007.aspx
Speaking of cruises, will you be on the Disney
Wonder December 3-7? We'll be there, along with (so far) 91 other MouseFest cruisers.
We've got a wide range of activities planned for the cruise, at absolutely no
cost to you. This is a great chance to meet us and other members of the
PassPorter community. After that, we're on to Walt Disney World from December
7-11, taking in MouseFest's land-based activities with over
1,000 other fans of the Mouse. What is MouseFest? It's an International
gathering of Disney fans at Walt Disney World and on the Disney Wonder, bringing
together people from over a dozen web sites and communities, nearly a dozen
authors, a half-dozen podcasts... and the list keeps growing. There's no cost
to join, and except for the necessary theme park admission, almost all events
are free. We'll be enjoying attractions together, snacking around the World
Showcase, playing trivia and scavenger-hunting games, and gathering for
MegaMouseMeet, a grand meet-and-greet event at the Swan/Dolphin where authors
will be autographing, podcasters will be 'casting, and old Internet friends
will meet face-to-face for the first time. We encourage you to check out the http://www.MouseFest.org web site, and
to register so we can
keep you up to date on all the fun. Whether you join us for just an hour, or
fill your vacation with MouseFest events, you'll have a great time!
Looking for updates for your PassPorter? We now have recent
updates for the PassPorter Walt Disney World 2006 edition and PassPorter's
Disney Cruise Line (4th Edition) online. You'll find both (as well as updates
for earlier editions) at http://www.passporter.com/customs/
bookupdates.htm . Our thanks
to Nikki and Chad who worked hard to get these updates together!
This edition of the newsletter takes you to the
dark world of prisons and pirates! Frequent contributor Cheryl Pendry reports
from behind bars on her tour of that famed lock-up in San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz. And we can
all sing a chorus of "Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me," as Jo
Vagos brings us up to date on the pirates that have
overrun Disney's parks and cruise ships. Then our very own treasure hunter
Captain Jack Skatt serves up a new treasure hunting game at Walt
Disney World. Enjoy!
Jennifer and Dave
PassPorter Authors and Publishers
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
DID YOU KNOW?
A new offer is now available for travel to the Walt
Disney World¨ Resort
from MouseEarVacations.com
MouseEarVacations.com¨ VIP Cruise
May 5, 2007 - Disney Magic¨
Let us give you the VIP treatment you deserve!
Enjoy world-class dining, superb service and
activities for all ages!
Ships' Registry: The Bahamas
CST2058090-40 http://www.MouseEarVacations.com 800-886-8601
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
========================================================
TRAVEL FEATURE: Escape Into Alcatraz
========================================================
by Cheryl Pendry, PassPorter Message Board Guide
and Guest Contributor
There
canÕt be many places in the world that the mere mention of the name instantly
strikes a chill into your heart, but, whatÕs your reaction when you hear the
word Alcatraz?
The star of many movies, this island, nicknamed the
Rock, sits in the middle of San Francisco Bay, a brooding reminder of how it
once housed the worldÕs most infamous prison. Even today, as you look out at Alcatraz
from the hills of the city, you canÕt help but get a shiver along your spine.
ThereÕs something very foreboding about the whole island and itÕs no wonder,
with its history.
Step back in time two hundred years and this place
was barren Ð no flowers, no grass, nothing. It was only when the military
arrived in 1848 that they bought with them dirt to start creating a fort. And
that was how Alcatraz started, as a military outpost to defend the west coast
of America. But imagine life for a group of men on an island exposed to strong
ocean winds, with nothing to do. It was a disaster waiting to happen. As the
men slowly got themselves into trouble, so the fort transformed into a military
prison, getting more and more full as time wore on. And so it remained until
1933, when it was taken over by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This was to be a new type of super-prison and one
that would house the countryÕs worst criminals Ð kidnappers, murderers and
gangsters. Over the next three decades, some of the most notorious names
resided here with no hope of escape. And as you begin your tour to Alcatraz on
one of the ships of the Blue and Gold Fleet youÕre asked
to put yourself in the shoes of those prisoners who were brought here. How you
would feel, knowing that this desolate island would be your home for the next
few years? ItÕs a sobering thought, as you sail further away from the bright
lights of San Francisco and closer to the dock of the island.
You arrive at Alcatraz Pier, exactly the same place
that the prisoners first set foot on the island and immediately you get an
understanding for how they must have felt arriving. ItÕs a steep, quarter-mile
walk up to the main cell block Ð the equivalent to a thirteen story climb.
Unlike for the inmates, an alternative exists these days for tourists; you can
take a SEAT (Sustainable Easy Access Transport) instead, an electric shuttle
that runs along the route.
Once you get to the cell block, itÕs on to what
must rank as one of the best audio tours ever produced. Voiced by former
prisoners and guards, it explains to you in detail about life on the Rock,
taking you through an average day, interspersed with information about the
infamous names that once spent those average days here. What strikes you
immediately is how cruel this place is. Strategically positioned, from certain
parts of the cell block, it was possible to see the sunsets and parts of the
skyline, constant reminders of what these men had left behind.
Your visit takes in the dining area, kitchen
(complete with the silhouette of knives to check that they were all returned at
the end of every meal), library and perhaps the part that everyone wants to see
Ð the cells themselves. If youÕre claustrophobic, it may not be a good idea to
try them out for size, but it is a fascinating experience Ð and a once in a
lifetime photo opportunity!
By the time you finish the tour, youÕve been taken
through famous incidents like the ÒBattle of AlcatrazÓ in 1946, when a group of
inmates overpowered the guards and captured their guns, but failed to break out
of the cell house. It may not be easy to transport people back 60 years in
time, but 35 minutes of this tour will make you feel as if youÕve lived through
the days of Alcatraz as a prison.
While youÕre on the island, you can also take
outdoor walks with National Park Service rangers and volunteers, who now look
after Alcatraz, learning more about its military history, flora or the Indian
occupation. This was the final chapter in the history of the island, before it
passed into the ownership of the National Park Service. For nineteen months
between 1969 and 1971, Alcatraz was occupied by a group of Native Americans,
who demanded a deed to the island so that they could establish a university,
cultural center and museum. They quickly established their own island-based
community, with an elected council making sure that everyone on the island had
a job and that all decisions were made with everyoneÕs consent. But consent
couldnÕt be gained on their demands and there was soon a stalemate with the
government. Finally that was broken when armed federal marshals, FBI agents and
Special Forces police removed the remaining protestors.
Evening tours were introduced in the 1990Õs and
offer a range of extra activities not available during the day. One of the
highlights is the tour offered by National Park Service rangers and volunteers
on the incline up to the cell house. The guides are full of fascinating facts
about the history of the island, allowing you to quickly forget the walk and
instead concentrate on the story of how this place developed to become an
infamous penitentiary. Once youÕve completed the audio tour, you can choose
from a variety of additional programs on Alcatraz. When we visited, we were
fascinated by the demonstration of the cell door slamming. It may sound mundane
and as if it would be over in seconds, but this proved to be a great
opportunity to learn even more about life on the Rook.
Alcatraz Island is open every day of the year
except Christmas Day and New YearÕs Day, or during extreme weather. If youÕre
planning to visit at peak times, especially during the summer or at holiday
weekends, be warned Ð tickets to Alcatraz have been known to sell out as far as
a week ahead. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.blueandgoldfleet.com and boats
leave from Pier 41.
About the Author: Cheryl and husband Mark live
in England and love to travel, particularly to America. TheyÕve recently
returned from a two-week tour of the West coast, which included Disneyland, Las
Vegas, San Francisco and San Diego.
- - - - - - - - -
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.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
DID YOU KNOW?
Our MEI-Travel division can help with your
vacation needs around the globe!
Walt Disney World¨ Resort - 4
nights
Jan 4-8 - Walt Disney World Marathon w/ Disney Gift
Card from $170*
April 18-22 - w/ Disney Gift Card from $202*
If this doesn't quite fit your needs, ask us about customizing your stay!
Visit us at http://www.mousefantravel.com/?apid=ptp
*Per person/double occupancy, subject to
availability - CST207807440
For full details, visit http://www.mousefantravel.com/?apid=ptp . As to
Disney artwork: ©Disney
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
========================================================
DISNEY AROUND THE WORLD FEATURE: Pirates, Pirates
Everywhere!
========================================================
by Jo Vagos, Guest Contributor
WhatÕs the first thing you think of when you hear
ÒDisneyÓ? Is it Mickey Mouse? Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty Castle? Rides and
attractions? Beautiful resorts? Princesses? How about Pirates? Yes, you
read correctlyÑpirates. Admittedly, it's not the first (or even tenth) on my
list of Disney images, but it's certainly making its way up the list!
The success of DisneyÕs Pirates of the Caribbean has its roots
in the ride that first opened in Disneyland decades ago. These animatronics
have provided countless visitors with a ÒDisney-fiedÓ view of pirateering in
the 1700Õs. In 2003, the first of three planned movies based on this ride was
released. Audiences loved ÒPirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black
Pearl,Ó and its success left audiences anxiously awaiting the second
installment.
Months before the release of the second movie,
Disney announced it would close down the beloved Pirates of the Caribbean rides in both
Disneyland and Walt Disney World. The reason? Disney would be refurbishing the
ride, and adding some new characters, including the beloved Captain Jack
Sparrow, wonderfully portrayed by Johnny Depp in the movies. Even before the
second movie was released, a full section of The World of Disney Store in
Orlando's Downtown Disney was completely dedicated to pirate-themed
paraphernalia.
The opening weekend of ÒPirates of the Caribbean:
Dead ManÕs ChestÓ was second only to ÒTitanicÓ in terms of box office intake.
The opening of the movie coincided with the reopening of the ride in both
Disneyland and Walt Disney World
in early July 2006. In my recent visit to the Magic Kingdom, I was among a
throng of people waiting for Adventureland to open so we could all make our way
to the ÒnewÓ Pirates ride. Captain Jack looks incredibly life-like (approved by
Depp himself!), and he appears three times during the ride. Captains Barbossa
and Davy Jones also make appearances, but Captain Jack steals the show.
Needless to say, the store just outside the ride was packed full of shoppers.
A few months ago, if you had told me that I would
be buying pirate wear, eye patches and hats, I would not have believed you. But
I was getting ready for my Disney cruise, so I knew I had to be prepared. I
learned that nowhere else can you experience the Pirates of the Caribbean more
than on the Disney Cruise Line. On my recent 3-night Bahamian cruise, I was
immersed in the Disney pirate theme, and loved every minute of it!
The first hint of ÒpirateÓ could be found in the
shipÕs movie theater. Despite still being in the theaters on land, ÒDead ManÕs
ChestÓ was being played at least twice a day every day in the Buena Vista
Theatre. Pretty impressive, considering itÕs a first-run movie. No other cruise
line can do this, because no one else owns the rights to these movies!
The Pirates in the Caribbean Deck Party was another
great highlight of the cruise. This is held on the same night as the
tropical/pirate dress-up night, so you are surrounded by pirates everywhere you
turn. Has your wardrobe not caught up with the new pirate craze? Not to
worryÑDisney offers every person a free pirate bandana to start you on your way
(I wish someone had told me this before I purchased
my pirate gear)! The onboard stores (MickeyÕs Mates and Treasure Ketch) also
offer an array of pirate-themed gear, including shirts, hats, and eye patches,
pins, costumes, and jewelry. Pretty much anything and everything pirate-related
can be found here.
The party itself is very festive and
entertainingÑcomplete with a pirate ÒmutinyÓÑled by another famous pirate,
Captain Hook. This celebration comes complete with a fireworks display and a
long dessert buffet table. By now, even the most oblivious cruisers know Disney
has gone to the pirates. And not once did I see anyone complain about the
pirate craze.
The next big surprise for me was meeting Captain
Jack himself! The line for photographs extended longer than the lines for
Cinderella and Mickey Mouse. The cruisers on line came from all walks of
lifeÑyoung and old, men, women and children. One lady behind me was insisting
that her husband and son let her take a photograph with Captain Jack all by
herself. She wanted to put the photo on her desk to make all her female
co-workers jealous! The cast member portraying Captain Jack was surprisingly
good. He had Captain JackÕs mannerisms and looks, and sounded a lot like Depp.
If asked, he will tell you that he is the real Captain Jack, and Johnny Depp
did a pretty good job of portraying him in the
movies!
Another photo op can be found on DisneyÕs private
island, Castaway Cay. Here, Captain Jack will pose with cruisers on the walkway
leading to the beaches. Fans will quickly recognize Captain Davy JonesÕ ghostly
ship, The Flying Dutchman from ÒDead
ManÕs ChestÓ. It is anchored here in Castaway Cay. This is the actual ship used
in filming the movie, and it is scheduled to be here at least until the third
movie is released sometime next year. From the Disney ship, you can see the
port (left) side of the Dutchman, which was
never completed. It has step ladders leading up from the water, but no one is
allowed to approach or board the ship. From the land, you will see the complete
starboard (right) side of the DutchmanÑvery
scary-looking indeed! Time your day right, and you can take a photo with
Captain Jack with the Dutchman in the
background.
As surprising as it may seem, Captain Jack has
become a most unexpected and beloved Disney ÒheroÓ. Despite his odd mannerisms
and questionable hygiene, Disney has created a character with incredible
appeal. Men want to be him, women
want to be with him, and everyone loves his
sense of humor. And the best news is that boys finally have a new Disney hero!
ThereÕs no telling how long this pirate craze will last, but I donÕt think it
will end anytime soon. With the third installment of the trilogy due to be
released next year, Disney is sure to build up the pirate hype well into 2007
and beyond.
About The Author: Jo is a member of the MouseEarVacations.com Team and
co-editor of DisBuzz.com. She
visits Walt Disney World at least once a month, and is looking forward to her
next Disney Cruise in October 2007!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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.
==========================================
UPDATES: What's New and Changed
==========================================
Here's a few relevant news items:
Between now and October 7th, guests using the Disney
Dining Plan will have a
few new options. Right now
and ending September 4th, the food courts at the All-Star Resorts and Pop
Century Resort will be offering special menu items that use a Dining Plan Table
Service Credit - your choice of Prime Rib, Salmon or Turkey. Through October
7th, Guests who opt to use a Table Service Credit at a Counter Service location
will receive a certificate which can be exchanged for either two snacks, a
poster featuring Mickey and friends or an official Disney Pin Trading lanyard
and pin. (All items are subject to availability, pin design may vary.) This is
a good option for those Guests who discover extra Table Service credits on
their last day!
These, and other added dining options have been
added by Disney due to the huge popularity of certain dining-included vacation
packages offered for this period. It's been reported that Disney expects more
table service dining between now and the beginning of October than they usually
encounter during holidays. Need we say, Advance Dining Reservations are a must?
The Hess Gas Station at the Magic
Kingdom Car Care Center closed on August 21 for renovations. The Disney Car Care
Center and Alamo Rental Car location will remain open during renovations and
the gas station is expected to re-open by Thanksgiving. To find the best price
on gas in the Walt Disney World area, check out http://www.gasbuddy.com .
Disney's Magical Express will now
leave Walt Disney World for Orlando International Airport four hours prior to
your scheduled departure, rather than three hours prior, in order to allow
passengers more time to go through airport security.
>Things To Do: Hear some news? Send it to us at
news@passporter.com
==========================================
DISNEY TIPS FROM FELLOW READERS
==========================================
Our readers are a wealth of information! Here are
the winners in this month's tip contest:
LUGGAGE LOGS
"To make room in our suitcase and make it easy
for the kids, we made complete clothes sets including underclothes and socks
before we left and rolled them in to small "logs" and used wide
rubber bands to hold them together. Rolling the clothes kept the wrinkles to a
minimum and when the kids got up they could grab a roll and head for the
shower. It was a great time saver and helped give us extra room for souvenirs
on the trip home." -- contributed by Janie Lucas (sugardj@...)
NOT-SO-PRIMETIME
"I have dined at the 50's Prime Time Cafe on
several trips to MGM Studios and have never been disappointed with their food
and service. However, on my recent trip I discovered another great feature of
this restaurant. To escape the sweltering Florida heat my party went into the
restaurant and sat down at the bar. We were all able to get refreshing
beverages (with free refills!) while enjoying the welcomed air conditioning. It
is important not to try this during the lunch or dinner crowds, but during an
off peak time when you just need a break from touring the park. In addition, if
you are an annual passholder you can get 20% off your beverages with the Disney
Dining Experience or with the meal plan you can use one of your snack
credits." -- contributed by Vanessa Ferguson (vcf81@...)
TAKE CHARGE
"I leave my car keys next to my battery
charger in our hotel room. When I get ready to leave, I immediately notice the
electronics charging, pick them up, and don't forget anything. Additionally, I
use a gallon sized freezer bag to assemble all of my chargers that travel with
me. Depending on what I'm recharging (camera, camcorder, PDA, phone, mp3
player), it's easy to find the charger I need to pull out of the bag." --
contributed by Lisa E.
>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
==========================================
CAPTAIN'S CORNER: Treasure Hunting Game
==========================================
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:
"Today I had a hankering to take a drive
through the countryside. Alas, my old car is missing in action. I loaned my car
to my dear friend Wathel "Rally" Bender because he had an urgent
appointment to keep and I haven't seen either Wathel or my car since. I can't
say I miss it much -- the darn car had a fender that kept falling off and
causing havoc. Besides, the Disney transportation gets me where I want to go.
And yet, I do wonder where it's gotten to. And now I begin to worry about
Wathel's whereabouts and well-being. It seems I heard or saw a mention of
Wathel while I was strolling about the Magic Kingdom yesterday, but now I can't
recall any details! It do recall there was some mention of my car's fender,
though."
Where in the Magic Kingdom is Wathel Bender?
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 Judith Leone who was the
winner of last week's treasure hunt game! Judith correctly identified the
"jars of paint" as being in the Magic of Disney Animation tour at the
Disney-MGM Studios. To view the original clues, see http://www.passporter.com/news/news081706.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
====================================
Q & A WITH JENNIFER & DAVE
====================================
uv2sail asks: "Does
anyone know if the pins you purchase from DisneyDirect.com be used to trade at
Walt Disney World? I was thinking of buying some to trade on our upcoming
trip."
Jennifer and Dave answer: "Pins
from DisneyDirect.com are official pins, acceptable for trade. DisneyDirect is
part of the Disney organization. Just don't be surprised if the bargain pins
you get there are not of much interest to serious pin traders, since those
folks are very much aware of what pins are being liquidated by Disney.
However, bargain pins are great for trading with
Cast Members, since they're obligated to accept any legitimate Disney pin. It's
a good way to trade up, even if you're trading up to a basic, $6.95
"rack" pin. Lots of folks use this strategy, though, so when pins are
being liquidated, you suddenly see a whole lot of those pins hanging from cast
lanyards (following a trade).
There's a basic distinction between trading with
Cast Members, who are obligated to trade, and trading with fellow guests.
Cast Members, since they're required to accept any
legitimate Disney pin, will look for the Disney copyright stamped on the back
of all official Disney pins. Yeah, sometimes they don't bother to look, and
there are also some counterfeit pins floating around out there (even
counterfeits can have a false copyright stamped on them).
Disney does not police trading between guests. If
you want to try trading Olympics pins, pins representing your hometown or home
state, PassPorter pins (we've produced several over the years) or even Warner
Brothers characters (heaven forbid!), that's between you and the other
guest."
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!
===================================
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.
====================================
PassPorter News is only sent to those who have
subscribed to it through our Web site or at
the time of an order,
registration, survey, or contest.
If this newsletter was forwarded to you by a
thoughtful
friend, please join us! You can subscribe at:
http://www.passporter.com/news.htm
Please ask your questions and help each other in
our
Message Board Community:
http://www.passporterboards.com
Copyright (c) 2006 - MediaMarx, Inc. / PassPorter
Travel Press, PO Box 3880, Ann Arbor, MI
48106
ഀ