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PassPorter News
News, Announcements, Updates, and Tips
September 20, 2007 * Issue
7.38
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: ... And
Are Our Arms Tired!
Travel Feature: Surviving
Long Flights and Airport Delays
Disney Feature:
Disneyland's Grand Californian Resort
Updates: What's New and
Changed
Tips: Negotiate An Extra
Navigator, Share Suitcases, Monorail Magic
Captain's Corner: Here Be
Giants
Q&A: Do they have
PhotoPass on the Disney Cruise Line?
Our Sponsors: We
Recommend...
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FROM THE AUTHORS: ... And
Are Our Arms Tired!
====================================================
Hi, {{user("firstname")}}!
Note: We've now SOLD OUT
of our current PassPorter's Disney Cruise Guide paperbacks (we still have
deluxe editions), but if you really need a paperback we have several
alternatives at GREAT DEALS. Read below for more information.
As the (very) old joke
goes, we just flew in from Orlando, and are our arms tired! It was barely a
week ago that we clicked "Send" on another week's newsletter, took
our toddler Alexander by the hand, and headed to the airport for a five-night
stay at Walt Disney World's All-Star Music resort. Yes, we were among the
throng who took advantage of the free Disney Dining Plan offer, which we got
quite inexpensively by staying at a value resort! Highlights included a
special, toddler-focused Playhouse Disney Live on Tour show held in a tent out
behind Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Disney-MGM Studios, many trips through a
newly-spiffed-up Haunted Mansion, and a performance of IllumiNations:
Reflections of Earth supplemented by pounding rain, crashing thunder, and
spectacular lightning. The Free Dining Plan deal made it incredibly hard to get
dining reservations, and that was made even worse by the delayed re-opening of
several restaurants under rennovation at Epcot, which made the remaining
restaurants that much more crowded. Our original reservation for the new Teppan
Edo restaurant (formerly Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki) was cancelled by Disney, but we
managed to replace it with an 11:30 am lunch at Le Cellier (yeah, we were
heartbroken -- not!) plus Disney invited us to that very soggy VIP
IllumiNations viewing (who could have known?).
However, the real
highlight for us was meeting an amazing number of PassPorter readers. Four
different parties came up and introduced themselves in Le Cellier alone!
Altogether, between the people who spotted us and the people we spotted wearing
PassPorter PassHolder Pouches or carrying a PassPorter guidebook, we met nearly
fifty traveling parties -- easily several hundred individuals! One highlight
included the moment we were boarding Pirates of the Caribbean. Someone shouted
"PassPorter!" and a camera flashed in the dim light. Jennifer didn't
even realize that was what happened until after we got off the ride and met the
enthusiastic folks. Our last "moment" took place just as we were
ready to board the Disney's Magical Express bus back to the airport -- someone
in the queue for the Downtown Disney bus recognized Jennifer. We started the
trip with a big bag of our special, PassPorter Pal cloisonee pins that we give
out on such occasions, and we returned home with just four. To all those
readers we met on our trip, it was a delight and a pleasure -- thank you!
We want to put in a
special word for the refurbished Haunted Mansion. While several of the upgrades
are consistent with the improvements at Disneyland's Haunted Mansion (the
"floating" Madame Leota crystal ball, improved sound throughout, an
enhanced bride in the attic...), there were several fun surpises, including a
"traveling" Ghost Host voice in the Stretch Room (and some nice
"stretching" sound effects), and a new "staircase" room
sandwiched into previously under-utilized space. The staircases go off in every
direction, much like those at Hogwarts Academy in the Harry Potter films, but
green, ghostly footprints tread up and down the stairs, and some very nice
candelabra effects add a subtle touch. There is also a ton of new story and
detail in the attic, where it's now clear that the bride has cheerfully
dispatched a veritable army of hapless, wealthy husbands. Add to that the many
effects that have been repaired and refreshed throughout, and you're guranteed
to find many "new" aspects to this glorious attraction.
For those of you
interested in our upcoming 2008 edition of PassPorter's Walt Disney World, you
can get a downloadable file with 34 pages from the 2008 edition ... FREE! The
file includes a page from each of our chapters, including several maps and
worksheets, plus a closer look at a PassPocket. There's also a discount coupon
code included! To download your Sneak Peek file, visit http://www.passporter.com/wdw/guidebook.asp
-- and don't forget to place your pre-order to ensure you're among the first to
get a copy! Visit http://www.passporter.com/wdw/guidebook.asp
While our current edition
of PassPorter's Disney Cruise Line paperbacks are now sold out, we have several
alternatives. You can still get our deluxe edition, of course, but also
previous edition cruise paperbacks at GREAT PRICES. For example, last year's cruise
paperback is just $6.95 and the previous year's edition (which includes lots of
great information on the West Coast ports) is just $4.95. Order at http://www.passporterstore.com/store/closeouts.aspx
PASSPORTER'S CLUB UPDATE
* More than 900 vacationers
are now enjoying access to all our e-books and e-worksheets -- thank you for
your continued support!
* Our newest e-book,
"PassPorter's Disney Character Yearbook," is available for Club
Passholders free of extra charges! Get more info at http://www.passporter.com/disney-character-yearbook.asp
* A new screen layout --
Autumn (complete with falling leaves) -- is now available for Club Passholders.
Visit: http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/passporters-club-gallery/new-post-138106-new-layout-autumn.html
* More details at http://www.passporter.com/club
MouseFest News:
Registration is now open for MouseFest at http://www.mousefest.org/register !
We've got an all-new registration program this year that offers a host of new
benefits and gives folks a chance to support this great event. Read all about
it! Special MouseFest room rates available! MouseFest has arranged for a
special discounted rate at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort for
MouseFest! Stay near the heart of MouseFest action within walking distance of
Epcot(r), Disney-MGM Studios, Disney's BoardWalk entertainment district,
Disney's Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf courses, and Saturday's MouseFest's
Mega Mouse Meet at the Walt Disney World Dolphin. To learn more, visit http://www.mousefest.org . And check out
the MouseFest event schedule, also at the MouseFest.org web site. New meets are
being added to the schedule on a regular basis, and the list of people
attending just keeps growing! At least ten of our PassPorter Guides
(moderators) are attending, as are more than 125 PassPorter community members
and readers! Stay tuned for more MouseFest announcements in the weeks and
months to come. Visit http://www.mousefest.org
In this issue, Featured
Columnist Cheryl Pendry shares her experience and coping strategies for ,
Surviving Long Flights and Airport Delays, and guest columnist and PassPorter's
Disneyland and Southern California Attractions guidebook contributor Rebecca
Oberg shares the pleasures of
Disneyland's Grand Californian Resort (while we didn't plan it this way
when this newsletter was put together, the Grand Californian is in the news at
the moment - see What's New and Changed). Finally, Jack Skatt is back with a
brand-new Walt Disney World Treasure Hunt. Enjoy!
Jennifer and Dave
PassPorter Publishers and
Authors
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Rates are available at MouseEarVacations.com!
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TRAVEL FEATURE: Playing
the Waiting Game:
Surviving Long Flights and
Airports Delays
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by Cheryl Pendry,
PassPorter Featured Columnist
Waiting. ItÕs something
that happens a lot these days if youÕre traveling by air.
In these days of
heightened security, youÕre expected to be at the airport a lot earlier than a
few years ago. Then thereÕs the boredom of the flight itself, particularly if
itÕs a long flight Š and we know a lot about long flights! Living in England,
and if you enjoy visiting America as much as we do, youÕre looking at a flight
of at least six or seven hours and if you want to head for Orlando, then that
becomes nine and a half hours, while California is around 11 hours away from
us. So how do you deal with the boredom?
The first thing we always
do is make sure that weÕre at the airport early Š and I mean really early. If
the advice is to be there three hours before your flight is due to depart, then
we aim to get there at least four hours beforehand, just to be on the safe
side. It may sound like a long time, but by the time youÕve checked your
luggage in Š as thatÕs something that you canÕt do ahead of time online! Š then
gone through security checks, it can take as long as a couple of hours at the
larger airports at the busier times of year. Coming back from our Disney cruise
around the Mediterranean was a prime example. We stood in line for baggage
check-in for well over an hour in Barcelona and by the time we added in
security and walking to the gates, it took a grand total of an hour and 45
minutes. We had less than an hour before we were due to fly out.
However, if things go
faster than that for you, there are usually plenty of other things you can do.
Always double check the facilities at the airport youÕre flying out of before
you travel. What restaurants or fast food outlets do they have there? Are there
any that might suit your party for perhaps breakfast, lunch or dinner,
depending on the time of day youÕre flying? The chances are that the food may
well be better there than on the plane if a meal will be served at all during
your flight. There are a number of shorter flights, particularly inside
America, where food is no longer served free of charge, so youÕre going to have
to pay to eat one way or the other. WeÕve often had some great meals at
airports and itÕs a good way to use up an hour or so.
Another fun activity is
browsing the shops and weÕre not just talking about Duty-Free here! Most
airports have a good range of shops these days and one of our favorite places
to head for is a bookshop to check out any good reads that we might want for
the plane. WeÕve picked up some excellent books in the past and of course, once
youÕve bought them, you can get them out immediately and start reading them,
helping to make the wait for your flight go even faster.
Does your airport have an
observation area, where you can watch the planes taking off and landing? Even
if it doesnÕt, quite often some of the gates have great views and if you know
ahead of time which gate, or which area of the airport youÕll be departing
from, its worth heading off there to see whatÕs happening outside. ItÕs a good
activity for youngsters and can help to stave off boredom for them.
Once youÕve managed to
fill all your time up before you board the plane, then what do you do during
the next few hours, as you head to your destination? The first option you have
is to take your own entertainment. WeÕve already talked about books, but you
can also take newspapers, magazines or puzzle or coloring books for the younger
members of your party. Then there are the more hi-tech options, such as laptop
computers, DVD players or game consoles. DonÕt forget these will need to be
scanned separately from the rest of your luggage at most airports throughout
the world. ItÕs certainly a requirement of the TSA in America and the
Department of Transport in the UK.
ItÕs not just up to you to
bring your own entertainment with you though. On most long haul flights, youÕll
find that your airline will also do its best to entertain. After all, they know
that long flights are not only boring, they can be very trying for children and
the last thing they want is a plane full of screaming children! On most long
flights, youÕll have a choice of movies and TV shows that you can usually watch
on the screen on the seatback in front of you and youÕll get your own headset
so that you can hear whatÕs going on.
Although some airlines
still provide a traditional rotation of entertainment, which usually starts a
new film or TV show every two to three hours, once all the movies are finished,
some airlines now operate an Ņon demandÓ service, which not only allows you to
start a new cycle whenever you want, but you can also pause and rewind if you
miss something important.
LetÕs not forget as well
that sometimes the best way of passing the time on a long distance flight is by
getting some much needed shut eye. If youÕre taking an overnight flight,
particularly if youÕre heading east, which is always worse for jetlag, then
itÕs worth trying to grab a few hours of sleep, no matter how uncomfortable it
may be. Even if you donÕt actually drop off to sleep, closing your eyes and
relaxing can be a help to get you through the next day when you get to your
destination.
Another way of coping with
long flights is to think of whatÕs waiting for you when you get to the other
end. Even if youÕre on your way home, thatÕs something to look forward to, even
if you might not think so at the time! On the way out to your vacation though,
the thing that keeps us going throughout our nine and a half hour pilgrimage to
Orlando is the fact that thereÕs a magical place waiting for us at the end of
our long journey. And through everything Š the waiting at the airport and the
flight Š thatÕs what keeps us going.
About the Author: Cheryl
and husband Mark live in England and love to travel, particularly to America.
They were on the first 11 night sailing of the Disney Magic around the
Mediterranean and are now looking forward to returning to Walt Disney World in
December.
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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. Also check
out our Article Collection at http://www.passporter.com/articles for more great
information!
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DISNEY FEATURE: Top 10
(Actually 13) Reasons to Stay at Disneyland's Grand Californian Resort
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by Rebecca Oberg,
PassPorter Contributor to "PassPorter's Disneyland Resort and Southern
California Attractions" guidebook
When planning any Disney
vacation, one of the first concerns on most travelerÕs minds is Ņwhere should
we stay?Ó Planning a trip to the Disneyland Resort is no exception. There are
so many options to consider. On property or off property? Budget accommodations
or Ņbust the budgetÓ bliss?
If youÕre planning the
ultimate California Disney experience, there is really only one place to stay;
and thatÕs Disney's Grand Californian Hotel. WeÕve been hooked since our very
first stay. We fell in love with our first step into the woodsy lobby with the
ever so delicate pine-y smell. ItÕs really like a mini-vacation within the
vacation, a relaxing respite away from theme park madness with a charm all its
own.
Here are my familyÕs top
thirteen (well, we tried to fit it into ten) reasons for choosing the Grand
Californian Hotel for our stays at the Disneyland Resort.
13. The ultimate in
Craftsman architecture and decor. From the awe-inspiring lobby (we love the
simply amazing front door and all the little cozy nooks and crannies) to the
finely appointed guest rooms, you wonÕt be disappointed. If youÕd like a free
tour pointing out the details, just check your daily newsletter for details
(see number 11).
12. The wonderfully elegant, yet relaxed
pool area. With a waterslide built right into a Sequoia tree trunk and
luxurious, padded loungers; itÕs heaven for kids and sun-worshipers alike. The
two giant hot tubs are worth a soak as well.
11. Nightly turn-down service. You donÕt
even have to ask. Who doesnÕt love little notes and chocolates on your pillow?
And the daily newsletter is helpful too.
10. White Water Snacks. Even though they
did away with the refillable mug option, itÕs still a great spot for a quick
meal or snack. We loved the peaceful, shady outdoor seating (and the French
fries).
9. Storytelling by the fire. Even if you
donÕt have kids with you, itÕs fun to watch while sipping a glass of fine wine
or hot toddy from the nearby Hearthstone Lounge.
8. Relaxing by the fireplace. While
similar to the storytelling experience, this one is more relaxing and a
wonderful rustic spot to revisit the dayÕs highlights. They must keep the air
conditioning on high (or pump in fresh mountain air, its Disney magic after
all). Even on the warmest summer
day, it feels good to sit by the fire.
7. Rooms with a view. Even if you donÕt
spring for the fantastic Park or the sparkling Downtown Disney Views, you may
score the monorail whooshing by or a lovely wooded area with the standard view.
6. That legendary Disney service. WeÕve
found the cast members here to go above and beyond to assure a magical stay.
Even the housekeeping is superb.
5. Piano music in the lobby. Evenings are
even more elegant with a real live musician tickling the ivories. Holiday tunes
make the atmosphere especially festive.
4. StorytellerÕs Cafˇ - a cozy, warm
location for a rib-sticking breakfast with your favorite woodland characters.
(Meeko is adorable and will try to steal your desserts if youÕre not careful!)
Dinner is yummy too, but no raccoons around to plunder your goodies. ThereÕs so
much detail in here that we notice new things each time we visit.
3. An evening at Napa Rose. ItÕs not just
dinner, itÕs an experience. From the fragrant wines to the delectable gourmet
food and superior service team (including a team of sommeliers) youÕll never
regret it. At least until the bill comes, of course!
2. Sheer convenience. Ever
been soaking wet after a spin on Grizzly River Rapids? Not for long if you can
zip up to your room and change into dry clothes. Ever been weary and sore after
a day of hard-core park hopping? Your feet will thank you as soon as you set
foot in your comfortable room five minutes from the park exit (if it even takes
that long).
1. That secret entrance to DisneyÕs
California Adventure Park. ItÕs not really secret, but it feels like it is!
Head over before rope drop and say yes if a cast member asks if youÕd like the
Ņtour.Ó Even if you miss the tour, youÕll still be one of the first on SoarinÕ
Over California for the day. How cool is that?
So, what are you waiting
for? Call or get online with no delay to book that trip to Disneyland Resort.
You already know where to stay. Now where to eat? ThatÕs a whole Ōnother topicÉ
About the Author: Rebecca
is married with three children and teaches third grade. She is also a Guide
(moderator) on the PassPorter Message boards.
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. Also check out
our Article Collection at http://www.passporter.com/articles
for more great information!
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
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UPDATES: What's New and
Changed
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Here's a few relevant news
items:
Expansion Plans at
Disneyland's Grand Californian Hotel PLUS Disney Vacation Club goes (Grand)
Californian
On September 18, Disney
announced big, new expansion plans for Disneyland Resort's Grand Californian
Hotel and Spa. Not only will they be adding 200 new regular guestrooms to the
deluxe hotel (increasing capacity by over 30%), but there will be 50
"two-bedroom equivalent" Disney Vacation Club (DVC) units added as
well, making this the first DVC venture outside the Southeast U.S. Covering 2.5
acres on the south end of the hotel property (bordering on the Paradise Pier
section of Disney's California Adventure park), the new addition is being
designed by the original architect of the Grand Californian. Notable features
include a rooftop fireworks-viewing deck, underground parking, and a new pool.
It almost goes without saying that the new addition will also sport the same
California Arts and Crafts-style architecture that makes the existing hotel so
enjoyable. Few details are available at this time, but we were able to learn a
bit more from a DVC spokesperson. For existing DVC members, the answer is,
"Yes, you can use your DVC points for stays at the Grand Californian
Villas." The new villas will be part of the regular DVC Resorts Portfolio.
While the press release simply said, "50 2-bedroom equivalent" units,
we were able to learn that those will be available as "traditional"
DVC studios, one- and two-bedroom villas, and three-bedroom Grand Villas,
although the precise number of each has yet to be determined. The expanded
hotel and DVC villas are slated to be completed in late 2009. There is no word
yet when the DVC units will go on sale. While DVC expects to sell most
memberships in California, they also expect they'll be offered for sale at Walt
Disney World, too. For an artist rendering and the Disney press release, visit
the Disney Vacation Club web site.
The Candlelight
Processional Narrators schedule is "final." Pending any last minute
changes or cancellations (and yes, there will be some) the schedule looks like
this:
Nov 23 - 25 Š David
Robinson
Nov 26 - 28 Š John
O'Hurley
Nov 29 - Dec. 1 Š Neil
Patrick Harris
Dec 2 - 4 Š Dennis Franz
Dec 5 - 7 Š Monique
Coleman
Dec 8 - 10 Š Steven Curtis
Chapman
Dec 11 - 13 Š Chita Rivera
Dec 14 - 16 Š Isabella
Rossellini
Dec 17 - 19 Š Kirk Cameron
Dec 20 - 22 Š Edward James
Olmos
Dec 23 - 25 Š Gary Sinise
Dec 26 - 28 Š Rita Moreno
Dec 29 - 30 Š Marlee
Matlin
The 2008 Night of Joy
concerts will be moving from Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom to Disney's
Hollywood Studios (formerly the Disney-MGM Studios). Scheduled for September 5
and 6, 2008, acts already scheduled to perform include Mercy Me, tobyMac, Chris
Tomlin and Rush of Fools.
RUMOR: Captain Jack
Sparrow has been spotted in Adventureland doing Meet & Greets. Rumor has it
the Captain can be found over the course of the next week or so near the
Pirates of the Caribbean attraction between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm. If anyone has
seen the Captain or has any information about this meeting, e-mail us at
news@passporter.com with details. (while Jennifer and Dave didn't spot him
signing autographs while they were at Walt Disney World, Dave did see signs
advertising a Meet & Greet to take place next to Aloha Isle.)
Our thanks to AllEars.net
and MousePlanet.com from which we get some of our news leads.
>Things To Do: Hear
some news? Send it to us at
news@passporter.com
==========================================
DISNEY TIPS FROM FELLOW
READERS
==========================================
Our readers deliver a
wealth of information! Here are the winners in this month's tip contest:
NEGOTIATE AN EXTRA
NAVIGATOR
"If you want or need
an extra copy of the daily Navigator on your Disney Cruise, instead of going
down to Guest Services, ask your stateroom host(ess) to leave you two copies
each night. This way you have one to mark up and one for your souvenir/scrapbook.
We did this on the first night and each night we received two. My wife and I
each had one to look at before going to bed (no sharing needed) and then we
would put one in her scrapbook folder and the other went to breakfast to be
highlighted with what we wanted to do that day."
-- contributed by Jeff D.
SHARE SUITCASES
"When packing, I pack
one suitcase for my daughter and one for myself. However, I place half of my
clothes in her suitcase and half of her clothes in mine. This way if one of the
suitcases is lost at the airport, we both have clothes. (Chances of both suitcases
getting lost are slim.)"
-- contributed by Mary
Beth B.
MONORAIL MAGIC
"When boarding the
monorail, ask the cast member on duty if you can ride with the captain in the
front cab. You may have to wait for the next train, but it's worth it!"
-- contributed by Teresa
E.
>Notes: Send us your
tips! You may see them in this newsletter and win a copy of PassPorter! Visit:
http://www.passporter.com/wdw/tipsandstories.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 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
journal entry:
"I've stumbled upon
the most amazing find! There's a series of canyons not far from here where I'm
certain giants ... yes, GIANTS ... live. And not just any giants, but musical
giants. I've found evidence of their jam sessions -- huge maracas, drum sets,
guitars, microphones, and speakers. One of the giants even left behind a pair
of cowboy boots. I wonder if they'd let an old sailor and his harmonica sit in
with them on a session."
Where is this giant
evidence located?
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 Martin
Puller who was the winner of last week's trivia contest! Martin was the first
person to identify the location of the "Keep Out!" sign as the Tower
of Terror at the Disney MGM Studios. To view the original clue, see last week's
newsletter at http://www.passporter.com/news/news091307.htm#captain
If you enjoy treasure
hunts, we've got an entire book with over 100 distinct treasure hunts and over
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====================================
Q & A WITH JENNIFER
& DAVE
====================================
disneyfool_1202 asks:
"Has anyone heard whether or not Disney Cruise Line plans to incorporate
the PhotoPass concept they use in the parks? It would be so much nicer to find
your pictures and to buy them in a CD while on a cruise. I thought I heard
something a while back that it was supposed to happen, but I can't find any
info on it now."
Dave and Jennifer answer:
"We've spoken to PhotoPass management about this. This is certainly on
their wish list. PhotoPass is a very entrepreneurial organization.
Whether it's on Disney
Cruise Line's wish list is a matter for speculation. There are certain
advantages to DCL staying with the independent contractor that currently
supplies photo services -- no payroll commitment, for example. Personally, I
think it's likely that the contractor will adopt more PhotoPass-like
features/capabilities -- possibly under the fear of losing the contract to
PhotoPass -- in order to keep guests satisfied while at the same time
maintaining the current independent contractor situation.
It's also even conceivable
that the current contractor might cut a deal with PhotoPass of some sort
(providing PhotoPass services without using PhotoPass staff), because for
PhotoPass, staffing the ships could be a significant challenge -- long work
weeks, long work days with irregular hours, six-month work commitments ...
working on a cruise ship is not a very popular lifestyle among Americans.
The cost of uploading
photos to the PhotoPass site might even be a concern. It'll be cheap when the
ship is docked at Port Canaveral, but the satellite-based Internet services at
sea are more costly. So, perhaps guests wouldn't be able to access their photos
online until after their cruise has ended."
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-- and if you're lucky, you may find that folks have already asked and answered
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