Hi,
{{user("firstname")}} -- Here's your copy of the latest PassPorter
newsletter, per your subscription request. -- Thanks, Jennifer & Dave
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PassPorter News
News, Announcements, Updates, and Tips
December 25, 2005 * Issue 5.23
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: Happy Holidays!
Travel
Feature: Opening Day for Narnia
Disney
Feature: The Never Land Club
Updates: What's New and Changed
Tips: Tripod Tip, Thanks For The Memories, Park Prep
Captain's
Corner: SantaÕs Flamingos
Q&A: Bar seating at Raglan Road?
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FROM THE AUTHORS: Happy Holidays!
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Hi,
{{user("firstname")}}!
If our plans
go aright, this edition of our newsletter will be arriving, kilobit by kilobit,
sometime between Christmas Eve dinner (we'll have a dozen at our table for
goose and goodies) and First Night Chanukah dinner (we'll have another dozen on
hand for pot roast and potato pancakes). Dave will be doing the cooking (lucky
everyone!), and please send your best wishes for the continued good repair of
our dishwasher, which will probably be running continually for three days.
Now that all
the gifts have been opened, the ripped and crumpled wrapping paper bagged-up,
and the warm glow of holiday memories has you smiling whenever you have a
chance to sit and ponder, what are you going to do next?
"We're
planning our Spring Break/Easter Disney vacation!"
No, we're not
going to give you a link to the online store, we're not going to remind you
that PassPorter Walt Disney World 2006 is available for next business day
shipping (sneaky, huh?), and we're not going to mention what books are coming
out next. Just suffice it to say that we're about to start the busiest season
of the year here in the PassPorter offices. Wish us luck!
MouseFest 2005
is all but a memory now, but before that memory fades too much, we encourage
all "MouseFesters" to share your impressions and experiences, and to
make next year's MouseFest even better, by taking the official MouseFest 2005 Survey.
In this edition
of the newsletter, Dave reports on Walt Disney World's new Narnia attraction. Then Mary Albright shares her family's first-time experience with
Disney child care at the Polynesian Resort's Never Land Club.
Captain Skatt is also back again with a new treasure hunt game to solve. Good luck!
Happy
Holidays,
Jennifer and
Dave
PassPorter Travel Press
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DID YOU KNOW?
PassPorter
2006 Garners Great Reviews!
The new 2006 edition of our
PassPorter Walt Disney World guidebook now features a full-color interior along with the
most up-to-date text, new TeenTips and ToddlerTips, and new photos and magical
memories. We've already heard back from folks who pre-ordered their books --
here are a few of our favorite coments:
"I just
wanted to let you know how much I love the new Passporter! Thanks for adding
the toddler tips! I have a 2 year old and 9 month old. This is a great feature.
Thanks for including pictures of yourselves as well. It keeps it
"real" in my opinion." -- Andria
"I love
the pockets and your personal experiences and advice about making the trip the
best experience possible. Thank you so much for this wonderful tool." --
Bari
"I love
the color, the pictures, and the new magical memories. The tips on the rides
have given us great guidelines." -- Lisa
Learn more and
order today at:
Shop at
http://www.passporterstore.com/store
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TRAVEL FEATURE: Opening Day for
Narnia at Disney-MGM Studios
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by Dave Marx,
PassPorter Author
While it
wasn't quite intentional, we did manage to be at Disney-MGM Studios on December
9, opening day for the new Disney film, "The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe," and also opening day for the new theme park
attraction created in its honor, "Journey into Narnia - Creating The Lion,
The Witch, and The Wardrobe."
We stopped by
Stage 4 on Mickey Avenue several times during the day, wondering when the
attraction would open. The cast members on hand couldn't be sure. Imagineers
were still putting some finishing touches on the attraction, and as it turns
out, Disney was holding a rather private opening ceremony. By around 3:00 pm
they were finally ready for the public, and started to let people into the
queue. Jennifer decided to spare toddler Alexander the wait and a boring,
grownup attraction. They headed off to the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground,
and I agreed to meet them for the 5:00 pm Playhouse Disney. Good move on
Jennifer's part! It was nearly 4:00 pm before the Narnia doors opened and the
first group of guests entered the sound stage. Two more groups entered, at about
15 minute intervals, before it was my turn. I did manage to make it over to
Playhouse Disney, but I wasn't able to hook-up with the family - I had to stand
at the back. Anyway, back to Narnia...
The crowd
gathers on Mickey Avenue, between Millionaire and Walt Disney: One Man's Dream,
before being ushered inside Stage 4. We find ourselves in a cramped little
corner of the sound stage, facing the rich, wooden doors of The Wardrobe (ok,
The Wardrobe is a bit wider than it is in the movie, in the interest of crowd
flow). Following a few introductory words from our cast member guide, the doors
of the wardrobe swing open onto a wintery scene that will be even more
refreshing during warmer seasons (if the attraction stays open that long).
Snow-dusted
pine trees, a snow-white carpeted floor (how long will that last?), the famous
lamp post, and a filmed, snowy landscape featuring the far-off castle of the
White Witch greet us. A deep, rich voice begins to tell the Narnia tale and
introduces the Witch Queen, who makes a live appearance from atop a high, snowy
ledge. Then it's off into movieland, with a 10 minute montage of clips from the
film.
When the film
ends and summer returns to the green pine forest (a bit of Disney magic having
transpired), the crowd shuffles past a small exhibit of movie costumes, props,
and models. Then, pow, it's back into the bright sunlight of Mickey Avenue.
Despite the Florida weather, you may also encounter a light snow flurry when
you return to the street. At least, that was the case on opening day, and other
visitors since have reported a few of the faux-flakes, too.
Tips and
Notes:
Attraction
duration is 15 minutes. Queue is outdoors and sun-shaded (the same queue area
that has been used for the Millionaire standby, between the two sound stages).
The queue
moves slowly, as only a hundred or so guests can enter at a time, at 15 minute
intervals.
ECVs/scooters
can enter separately. Ask a cast member for assistance.
If you wish to
linger to view the props and costumes be sure you visit at a quiet time, or
dawdle at the back of the crowd. Otherwise, the rest of the exiting crowd will
sweep you right out onto the street.
This is not
what I'd call a major attraction - B- or C-Ticket at most.
While the
attraction's name suggests a peek behind the scenes at movie-making magic,
other than for the brief display of props at the exit, the goal is really to
immerse you in the magic of the film and its story. That's all for the better,
as far as I'm concerned. If you've seen the film, you might prefer to call this
attraction "Return to Narnia."
While I'm not
sure seeing the attraction prior to see the film would make you want to see the
film, I think you'll itch to see the film a second (or third) time after
viewing the attraction. Maybe you'll want to check the schedule at the AMC Pleasure Island 24.
I suspect that the film montage
was made before the film's special effects were finalized. For example, while
Aslan looked pretty good in the film clips, he still looked like a
computer-generated character. Having now seen the film, I know just how amazing
Aslan really appears (just possibly the most realistic CG character to date).
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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 travel plans.
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DISNEY FEATURE: The Never Land
Club Ð Child Care at Walt Disney World
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by Mary Albright, Guest
Contributor
ÒThe best part
was when you left. That was my 9-year old sonÕs response when I asked him what
the best part of his time at the Never Land Club was on October 30.
This was our
familyÕs first time using any of DisneyÕs Kids Clubs - facilities where your
kids can go for a fun, supervised night out while the parents have an evening
to themselves. We never really had much use for the kidsÕ clubs as we felt
a family vacation was to be spent with family. And we never were quite sure how
our kids would do since the only baby-sitters that they have had since birth
have been relatives.
But October 30
was my birthday and my husband, Bryan, and I were going to have an adults-only
meal at Artist Point at DisneyÕs Wilderness Lodge. We were looking forward
to a meal where the kids didnÕt inhale their food and were ready to go on to
the next activity in the space of two breaths. So off we went to drop off
Stefan, age 9 and Caitlin, age 8.
We arrived at
the Never Land Club building at DisneyÕs Polynesian Resort around 5:00pm, which
was our Advanced Reservation time. As you walk in, there is a small
check-in desk where we were greeted by one of the staff. Stefan and
Caitlin received their name tags and promptly were invited to Òfly off to Never
LandÓ while Mom and Dad finished filling out the paperwork. I have to say
that the staff was very thorough in having multiple ways to get a hold of
parents. We gave them our cell numbers, were given a pager, and our resort
room information was also taken down. We were also given a receipt and had
to bring that particular sheet back to claim our children. We felt very
confident that everything was under control and our children would be very
safe.
I wanted to
fly off to Never Land and check this place out myself! You enter Never
Land by walking up three steps and going through a window ~ just like Wendy,
Michael and John did when they flew out their window to Never Land. Just inside
that window was what I would call a craft and reading area. There were a
couple rocking chairs, a table with chairs sized just for kids with crayons,
markers and craft stuff. On the wall were drawings and creations from what
I guessed were previous visitors to Never Land Club.
Around the
corner, you could see the tree, beneath which should have been Peter PanÕs
hideout, but instead housed a plethora of arcade games that the kids could play
to their hearts content. In the largest area was a big screen TV showing a
Disney movie, but there were also Legos and other types of toys and activities
spread throughout this room. I was impressed with the large area and how there
was plenty of room to roam around. We felt that the needs of active kids
as well as kids that preferred a little more quiet time would be met.
When we walked
in to pick up the kids, we showed our receipt and a staff member went to corral
our children. They didnÕt want to leave! When we finally got them
out, they were able to select 2 prizes from a giant treasure chest. They
each chose a Mickey straw and a little treasure chest to bring home.
I asked them
how dinner was. They had chicken fingers, pizza, macaroni and cheese, plus
milk and apple juice to drink. Not the healthiest of meals, but its
popular kid food that pleases just about everything that walks in their
door.
The kids
enjoyed it immensely! To quote my daughter, Caitlin, ÒCan you and Dad go
on more dates at Disney World so we can come back here?Ó So I have to say that
we had a wonderful experience and I wouldnÕt hesitate to take my children there
again.
Disney also
operates several other Kids Club facilities on-property. The Sandcastle
Club is located at DisneyÕs Beach Club Resort, Mouseketeer Club is at the Grand
Floridian, Cub's Den at Wilderness Lodge, and SimbaÕs Cubhouse at DisneyÕs
Animal Kingdom Lodge. So depending on where you are staying, or where your
adult plans are located, there are several options for you.
The cost is $10 per child, per
hour. Hours are generally 4pm-12am. The dinner buffet is usually
served at 6pm, but ask about the hours when you make your
reservation. Reservations are required and a 24 hour cancellation policy
applies. Make your reservations with Disney Dining by calling
407-WDW-DINE. You may make your reservations up to 6 months in advance.
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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:
The Disney
Cruise Line has updated the Castaway Club Members web site with exclusive members only e-cards, downloads,
coloring pages for kids (and big kids!) and a recipe section so you can recreate
your favorite dishes at home. Visit the web site at http://www.disneycruise.com/castawayclub/
Planning a
Grand Gathering for your next trip to Walt Disney World? (A Grand Gathering is
a group of 8 or more people ages 3 and over staying at a Walt Disney World
Resort.) You can now book certain Grand Gathering Experiences taking place
after January 1, 2006 using your Magic Your Way Dining Plan. You may book the
Grand Gathering Breakfast and the Magical Fireworks Voyage at the Magic
Kingdom, the Safari Celebration Dinner at the Animal Kingdom, the International
Dinner and Illuminations Dessert Party at Epcot, 190 days in advance of your
trip. Separate park admission is required and pricing varies. Book by calling
407-WDW-DINE.
Disney Vacation Club members will
get a preview of Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain January
26-29, 2006. The attraction has it's official opening in April. Present your
DVC Member ID and bring up to three guests with you on your journey into the
Himalayas in search of the infamous "Yeti.Ó
>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:
TRIPOD TIP
"When we
went to Walt Disney World in September of 2002, my husband wanted to videotape
Illuminations. Instead of having him hold the camcorder throughout the whole
show, he decided to bring the tripod. To make it easier to carry we put
the tripod into a canvas bag from a folding camp chair. It made it much
easier to carry because he just threw it on his shoulder!"
-- contributed
by Cammie N.
THANKS FOR THE
MEMORIES
"When I
took my two-year-old niece and five-year-old nephew to Disney, I made them
'thank you' cards the size of business cards. It had their pictures,
Tinker Bell, and 'Thanks for making our memories magical,' so they could hand
them out to any cast members they especially liked."
-- contributed
by Cindy P.
PARK PREP
"Prepare
ahead for the rides if you are traveling with a young child. We were able to
read our PassPorter and prepare our child for "scary" things. The
troll in the Maelstrom ride in Norway became the troll from "Dora the
Explorer", for example. Our daughter didn't get the slightest bit scared
by knowing what to expect."
-- contributed by Tara S.
(aroundthesound@...)
>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? We've
collected 500 of the tips submitted by readers over the past six years -- most
have never been published before. All have been edited for accuracy and
categorized. The "Disney 500" are available in e-book form for immediate
download. For details, visit http://www.passporter.com/wdw/disney500.htm .
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CAPTAINÕS CORNER: Treasure Hunting
Game
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Play our fun and quirky treasure
hunting game, hosted by Captain Jack Skatt from our upcoming 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:
Ah... the
holiday season is upon us all now. Since my relocation to Florida, I find I
reminisce more about Christmas as a child. The gifts, the food, the gifts, the
family gatherings, the gifts, and of course, Santa! After my mum had tucked me
in for the night, I would creep out of bed and wait by the window for Santa to
arrive in his sleigh. I was reminded of this youthful adventure the other day
when I spied Santa in his sleigh, only instead of reindeer he was being pulled
by flamingos! He was parked on the roof of a building near the park entrance of
... (rest of text obscured by sand and water)"
So at what
park will you find flamingos pulling Santa's sleigh?
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 Rob Wilson who
was the winner of last newsletter's treasure hunt game last week! Rob correctly
identified the "treasure hunter's" club as "Club Cool," the
revamped Coca-Cola tasting place at Epcot. To view the original clues, see the last newsletter
at http://www.passporter.com/news/news121305.htm
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. We expect
to release the book -- "PassPorter's Treasure Hunts at Walt Disney
World" -- in a couple of months. Watch this space or
http://www.passporter.com for more information!
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Q & A WITH JENNIFER & DAVE
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monorail49
asks: "Is there a bar at Raglan Road where guests can sit and eat?"
Jennifer and Dave answer:
"Yes, there's a bar. Actually, there are three bars - two indoors and one
outdoors (weather permitting), and you can dine at them. They also have high
tables near the main, horseshoe-shaped bar that are clearly suitable for solo dining.
They have a separate bar menu (not currently posted at allearsnet.com) that
consists of the dinner menu's appetizers plus a couple of simple main
course-type items (burgers, fish and chips, etc.). I'm not completely sure
whether they'll offer you the full dinner menu if you sit at the bar - you may
have to ask for it - but I saw several people eating main course items, so it's
certainly a possibility. "
Have a question? Post it at
http://www.passporterboards.com --
and if you're lucky, you may find that folks have already asked and answered
the same question that's on your mind!
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WANT TO GET PUBLISHED?
===================================
We're on the lookout for guest
columnists to contribute articles to this newsletter. 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. For details and
our article guidelines, please e-mail our newsletter editor, Sara Varney, at
news@passporter.com . Articles about Disney and general travel are welcomed!
====================================
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Inc. / PassPorter Travel Press, PO Box 3880, Ann Arbor, MI 48106