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 In This Newsletter
From the Authors: Eclipses
Travel Feature: SeaWorld Orlando
Disney Feature: Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort
Updates: What's New and Changed
Tips: Not Pin Trading, Pin Giving!, Super Samples, Sorcerer's Hat Photo Spot
Captain's Corner: Green Bison
PassPorter PhotoPick: Meditating Rafiki
Q&A: Will Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station be open in March?
Our Sponsors: We Recommend...
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Updates:
What's New and Changed
Here are a few items of relevant news:
New fingerprinting procedures for all international visitors are now in place at Orlando International Airport. Previously, international visitors entering the U.S. had their index fingers scanned. New machines will now digitally scan all ten fingerprints.
The Tampa Bay Rays (no longer the Devil Rays!) will be moving their April 22-24, 2008 series against the Toronto Blue Jays to Champion Stadium at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex. Tickets are now on sale at the Rays web site.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Downtown Disney is now offering a "Secret Star" makeover for girls age 8-14. Guests can now look like Hannah Montana with a package that includes wig, t-shirt, headset, make-up kit, guitar purse, and photo shoot with commemorative photo keepsake. The package will cost $109.95 plus tax.
Our thanks to AllEars.net and MousePlanet.com from which we get some of our news leads.
Hear some news? Be a "PassPorter Reporter" and send it to us!
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Disney Tips:
From Fellow Readers
Our readers deliver a wealth of information! Here are the winners in this month's tip contest:
NOT PIN TRADING, PIN GIVING!
"I am an older adult (56), who leaves her husband and takes a 'girlfriend trip' to Disney World each year. Even though my kids are grown, I just love to watch the little ones at the Disney experience the joys of the World. During my last few trips, I have found a fun way to share the magic. I, like many others, love pin trading and (also like many others) buy some of my pins on eBay because they're less costly. It's great fun to keep a spare to GIVE to a little person who needs a special lift. It's amazing how happy I made one lonely little nine-year-old girl that I met before Fantasmic, just by giving her a pin. She was traveling with her father and wanted someone new to chat with, so we quickly became friends. Now I make 'pin giving' a part of every Walt Disney World visit. What fun!"
-- contributed by Cindy O.
SUPER SAMPLES
"While planning our last trip, I would sign up for free samples for shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, deodorant, and other toiletries. (Many commercials have a web site at the bottom of the screen where you can request free samples.) They come in trial sizes (just like in the travel sizes at the store) and as they came in the mail, I would store them in a box. By the time the trip came, I had almost all of our toiletries taken care of for free!"
-- contributed by January S.
SORCERER'S HAT PHOTO SPOT
"If you would like to get a picture of the Hollywood Studios' Sorcerer's Hat without many people in it, wait until just before the High School Musical 2 Pep Rally. The main thoroughfare is roped off, Photopass photographers are available, and you can easily get a great picture."
-- contributed by Melissa E.
Send us your tips! You may see them in this newsletter and win a copy of PassPorter!
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 or the PassPorter store. 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.
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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. (Please note: Players can win once every 3 months.)
Here is this week's journal entry:
"I feel the need ... for green! The winter doldrums are entrenched in my soul and I need a good dose of green vegetation and warm sunshine. I browsed my photos of landscapes, flowers, and -- my favorite -- topiaries for inspiration today. I came across an unusual photos of a two bison topiaries -- an adult bison and a calf. They're beautiful, lush topiaries complete with horns and snouts. They look mighty warm in their green leafy coats. I want to return to that location, but I can't remember where I took the photo!"
Bison Topiaries
(click for a larger photo)
Where are these bison topiaries located? For bonus credit, locate the photographic evidence in the PassPorter Photo Archive and post a comment with the photo!
Send your full answer to jackskatt@passporter.com -- the winner will be notified by e-mail and announced in a future newsletter, along with the correct answer!
Congratulations to Cathy Schill who was the winner of last week's trivia contest! Cathy was the first person to identify Jack Skatt's sweetheart as Madame Leota from the Haunted Mansion. To view the original clue, see last week's newsletter.
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 Jack Skatt. Get more details on "PassPorter's Treasure Hunts at Walt Disney World" book at http://www.passporterstore.com.
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PassPorter PhotoPick
Each issue we choose a special photo from the PassPorter Photo Archive which highlights something beautiful, interesting, humorous, or timely at Disney or around the world. Here is this issue's PassPorter PhotoPick:
Meditating Rafiki
contributed by Meggera
(click the photo or link to see a larger photo with details)
You can nominate photos as a PassPorter PhotoPick by giving ratings in the PassPorter Photo Archive (you'll need to be logged in to do this). If you'd like to contribute your own photos to the Photo Archive and be considered as a PhotoPick, please read our Photo Upload Guidelines for details and benefits.
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Q & A:
With Jennifer and Dave
meghan0106 asks: "Does anyone know if the Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station is open? We have attempted to try this eatery on our last two September trips but it is always closed. Our next trip is this March. Does anyone know if we will be able to eat noodles?"
Dave and Jennifer answer: "We consider Tomorrowland Terrace to be a 'seasonal' dining experience. They seem to open it during the busiest seasons, but keep it closed for much of the rest of the year. You do stand a better chance of eating there in March than in September, but I'm not going to place any bets on whether I'm right."
Have a question? Post questions 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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Future Newsletters:
Want To See Your Name in Print?
PassPorter News is published weekly, and this means we're always in need of articles! We're on the lookout for guest columnists who want to contribute articles to this newsletter. No professional writing experience is 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 for use at www.passporter.com.
For details and our article submission guidelines, please e-mail news@passporter.com. Articles about Disney and general travel are welcomed!
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Our Sponsors:
We Recommend...
PassPorter only accepts advertising from services of the highest quality -- we recommend these companies because we use them ourselves. Please support our sponsors and, in turn, support this newsletter! This week's sponsors are (in order of appearance):
MouseEarVacations.com -- Disney Cruise Line Special Offers
Mouse Fan Travel -- New Offer! Free Ticket Upgrades
ALL STAR Vacation Homes -- Choose from more than 150 homes within 4 miles of Disney World
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From the Authors: Eclipses
Hi, {{user("firstname")}}!
How many of you were able to catch last night's (Wednesday's) lunar eclipse? Here in Ann Arbor the night air was clear and very, very cold, and the full moon shone very brightly when not dimmed to a deep blood-orange by Earth's shadow. It was a perfect night for viewing, and we could watch right from the warm comfort of our living room window! You can share your experiences here!
Meantime, sales of PassPorter's Walt Disney World 2008 are eclipsing all sales records. Sales at our online store and at bookstores around the country are up more than 10% over last year's record performance! Enthusiastic word-of-mouth from our readers is a big part of the PassPorter story, and we can't thank you enough for your help and support.
Our 2008 edition of PassPorter's Disney Cruise Line and its Ports of Call is on track for a March 15 release date. Our press check this past Monday went off like a charm (it's so cool to see those big presses all loaded up with printing plates for our book). Now the books are "off press" and waiting to be bound. Just a reminder that all chapters of this new edition are in an electronic preview file for anyone who pre-orders through the PassPorter Store.
Our 2009 edition of PassPorter's Disneyland and Southern California Attractions is continuing to develop (August 2008 release date) and we are still seeking feedback from both readers who have our first Disneyland edition as well as from those who have not yet seen the book -- please take our Disneyland Guidebook Survey and send us your Disneyland tips and magical memories.
Our PassPorter.com server upgrade is 99 44/100% complete (we occasionally find a little something that needs tweaking). You should be noticing blistering-fast responses from our message board. Our Photo Archive is also back in service; we hope its absence wasn't too much of a hardship! We apologize for whatever inconvenience you may have encountered (the boards were down for the better part of two days). If you haven't been back lately, check things out -- you'll probably be very willing to forgive! You can read more about the upgrades here.
We have a new and FREE e-worksheet that calculates Disney Dining Plan credits for two adults and one child on a trip of up to five days long. This e-worksheet is available to everyone free of charge! Check it out!
In this issue, Featured Columnist Cheryl Pendry returns to Orlando's Sea World after a too-long absence. Then, Guest Contributor Eileen Farnsworth describes the southern charm and pleasures of Walt Disney World's Port Orleans Riverside Resort. 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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Travel Feature:
SeaWorld Orlando: Reflections On A Return Trip Under The Sea
by Cheryl Pendry, PassPorter Featured Columnist
We all know how hard it can be, cramming in everything that there is to do in Orlando. Not only do you have the four Disney theme parks, which can easily take up the best part of a week's vacation time, but there are also the Disney water parks, Downtown Disney and then there's the world outside of Walt Disney World.
Options outside of Disney include Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, and Busch Gardens Tampa, and soon that will increase even more with the addition of Aquatica, the area's new theme park. So perhaps it's no surprise that by the time we returned to SeaWorld, it had been five long years since we had last visited it. In the meantime, four whole vacations had come and gone, yet we'd just not been able to squeeze in a return trip, even though it's a park that we love. I'd go as far as to say that it's probably our favorite park outside of Walt Disney World.
Firstly, what's changed in the five years since we were there last? Well, there are no new thrill rides or coasters for starters, which I find a bit of a relief. SeaWorld is already home to Kraken, Journey to Atlantis and a simulator ride in Wild Arctic, which you can opt to avoid if you're not a fan of such things. Instead, they've opted for new additions that expand their attraction to the widest range of guests possible.
Shamu's Happy Harbor gives the youngest of visitors a great deal more to do with an area of the park aimed specifically at them. It's certainly something that seemed to meet with the approval of our six-year-old niece and three-year-old nephew on our most recent visit.
Another new area of the park since our previous visit is the Waterfront and this was under construction the last time we were here. Because of where it's situated (unsurprisingly along a waterfront, hence the name), construction affected a lot of the park, as it's close to some of the park's major attractions, including the penguins, sharks and the ever-popular Clyde and Seamore show. The chaos caused by the construction work was well worth it, as the Waterfront adds some much needed dining options to the park. The area has a lovely Mediterranean theme and, as we walked through it, I couldn't help but think of some of the beautiful sights we had seen just a few months earlier on our Mediterranean cruise. It's just a great shame that on the day we visited the temperatures took a huge tumble, with highs only just into the 50s. I could imagine on a warmer day there'd be nothing nicer than sitting outside on the Waterfront enjoying some food as you look at the superb views.
One of those views across the water is another of the newer additions to SeaWorld Orlando - and it's got to be the most striking one as well. Let's be honest, Shamu has been around at SeaWorld for as long as I -- and probably most of you -- can remember. On my first visit to Orlando, when I was just eight, I clearly remember watching the Shamu show and being spellbound by the majesty of these beautiful animals and what they could do. That fascination remains with me today, but in keeping with many other people, having grown up with shows like this, it takes a lot more to wow me these days and no doubt SeaWorld realized that when they decided to completely revamp their main show.
The result is Believe and it's truly spectacular. Obviously designed to be more breathtaking and amazing than ever before, it succeeds. Perhaps it's so powerful because it relies on music, images, and the performance of the killer whales themselves. These animals not only look stunning, but the bond they clearly have with their trainers is one of themes running through the show, with the trainers becoming the stars alongside them -- and rightly so.
Whatever money SeaWorld spent on redesigning the show, it was worth every penny. I came away truly wowed by Believe and honestly do believe ... that it's something you must see when you visit. It's by far the best attraction at the park in my eyes and I'd almost go as far as to say that it's worth the price of admission alone, it's that good.
The rest of SeaWorld pretty much remains the same as our last visit here and that's no bad thing, as the animal exhibits are first class. If anything, we felt that there were more manatees and dolphins to be seen than on our previous visits, but maybe we just lucked out and saw more than usual. They pay a fine tribute to life in our seas, allowing you to take a unique peek into the world of animals such as penguins and sharks. There's no way you can call this place an aquarium and perhaps that's why I get disappointed every time we visit one, as they can never live up to somewhere like SeaWorld.
I always come back from SeaWorld feeling that there is so much to explore there, with so many beautiful animals that just don't get the attention from any other park, even though Disney tries with the Seas with Nemo and Friends at Epcot. It's a shame that it's been five years in between our visits to SeaWorld and this time, I'm hoping that we don't wait five years before returning, as it's a great way to spend a day whenever you're on vacation in Orlando.
For more information check out SeaWorld's official web site: http://www.seaworld.com
About the Author: Cheryl and husband Mark live in England and love to travel, particularly to America. They were on the first sailing of the Disney Magic around the Mediterranean and have recently returned from 19 nights in Walt Disney World.
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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. Also check out our Article Collection for more great information!
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Disney Feature:
Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort
by Eileen Farnsworth, PassPorter Guest Contributor
After not visiting Walt Disney World for over 25 years, my family and I decided that it was time to take a vacation there. So in December 2005, my husband, his parents, our four children and I took the plunge. I was hooked! Since then I have been back three times, and can't get enough. When I tell friends or family members about yet another upcoming Disney trip, I get strange looks or questions like, "You're going again?" My sister recently asked me, "Why do you like going to Disney World so much? What makes it so special for you?"
I gave my sister's question some serious thought before answering, "You know, I'm not sure why. While I love the parks, the thing that really makes me love going there are the Disney resorts. They are so beautiful, and have such creative theming, that staying at one of them is almost like having two vacations in one."
My husband, Mark and I have stayed at a different Disney resort each time we have gone to Walt Disney World. We recently returned from a 6-night stay at Port Orleans Riverside. I have to say that that staying there truly did make our visit to Walt Disney World feel like two vacations in one! Staying at this resort, you almost feel as though you have left Orlando and have been transported to the Deep South. When you stay at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside, you have entered a place that has a beautiful and relaxing setting, both by day and by night. You also will be treated to plenty of Southern charm! And to top it all off, there are plenty of fun activities that you and your family can enjoy during your time there.
Climbing off our Disney's Magical Express bus, we headed straight toward the registration desk of the Sassagoula Steamboat Company building. We checked in, and then walked down the hallway to grab some lunch at the Riverside Mill Food Court. Right away we noticed the low-level lighting, the dark wood beams, and the large windows with a view of the marina that gave the room a pleasant and distinct ambiance. Before sitting down to eat, I went to the ladies' room to wash my hands. I think my husband was surprised when I immediately returned to our table and said, "Give me the camera--I need to take a picture of the toilet!" In the stalls were old-fashioned commodes, complete with wooden seats and an overhead water tank with a flushing chain. We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto!
Since our room wasn't ready yet, Mark and I decided to take a walk on the grounds. We went outside and saw the large, operating water wheel and the beautiful Sassagoula River. We went across a foot bridge and walked along the length of Magnolia Bend, sometimes referred to as the "Mansion Section" of Riverside. The buildings are beautiful renditions of southern plantations. The large green lawns are dotted with magnolia trees, flower-filled gazebos and water fountains. We stopped and watched some boats heading down the sun-glistened water. We continued our walk through Alligator Bayou (also in Riverside) and down to the French Quarter, Port Orleans Riverside's sister resort. As we strolled through each of the areas, I said to my husband, "Oh, I wish we were staying in this section!" The Alligator Bayou buildings are pretty with their painted wood railings and shutters. Port Orleans French Quarter has narrow brick-lined "streets" with names like "Rue D'Baga" and "Cafe au Lait Way," and beautiful wrought-iron railings on its buildings.
If walking through Port Orleans is beautiful and relaxing during the day, then strolling through the same area at night is simply breathtaking and magical. Whether you're gazing at the moonlit Sassagoula River or sitting on a bench listening to the clip-clop of the horse's hooves from the horse-drawn carriage, you can't help but be entranced.
I had read that the Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory made something called beignets (pronounced ben-yays) that were supposed to be good, so my husband and I decided to try those out. Oh, were we glad that we did! The baker deep-fries rectangular pieces of dough and then sprinkles them with powdered sugar, right there while you wait. The beignets are delicious, but be forewarned. If you don't like getting your clothes or face dirty when you eat, you're in trouble. Even the most careful of eaters will probably be sitting at their table with powdered-sugar rings around their mouths and even more sugar dusted all over their shirt. I think that the cast members who have to clean up after beignet eaters should get extra pay!
The Port Orleans Resort is brimming with "Southern Charm." Of course, southern charm can't exist without the people who are supplying it. The ladies at the Food Court paraded around one morning and in their own special way (banging on pots and pans) wished a happy birthday to a young lady.
My favorite instance of southern charm occurred quietly--I may have been the only one who noticed. While riding the boat from Downtown Disney back to the resort, we came upon another boat going in the opposite direction. As the two boat drivers passed each other, they tipped their hats and gave a slight bow to each other. I thought that it was just the thing that a southern gentleman might do!
Whether you're spending a leisurely day away from the theme parks, or just relaxing at the end of a long day, there are plenty of fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.
Go to the marina and rent a boat so that you can enjoy the river up close. Or rent a bike (for one) or a surrey bike (for up to 4 people), and explore the vast grounds of the resort. Also, there are playgrounds where your children can play. Even more popular are the pools. Whether you are a child or an adult, who can resist swimming in a pool where a giant clam spews water?
Another activity that my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed was watching "Bob, the Piano Man" at the River Roost Lounge. Bob involves the entire audience in his performance while he sings and literally "rocks and rolls" his piano. I think that Bob is one of the few people who can get grown men to sing songs like "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean," "I Got You Babe," and "Yippee-I-Aye, Yippee-I-Oh!" (The latter was sung while, at Bob's suggestion, a few guys pranced around as if they were riding horses!) It was definitely a performance to remember!
Walt Disney World has so many wonderful resort hotels that it can be hard to choose between them. But, Port Orleans is so beautiful, so full of southern charm, and so full of fun activities for the whole family that you simply must choose to stay here at least once. (That is, "Ya'll just gotta come visit!")
Click here to view photos of Port Orleans Riverside.
About the Author: Eileen Farnsworth "discovered the magic" of Walt Disney World in 2005. She and her husband Mark have 4 children. Eileen is secretly planning her family's next trip to Disney World; at least she wishes she were!
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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 vacation plans. Also check out our Article Collection for more great information!
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