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 In This Newsletter
From the Authors: Oy Vay!
Travel Feature: Dover Castle
Disney Feature: 1900 Park Fare Dinner
Updates: What's New and Changed
Tips: Individualized Dining Invitations, Remember Romance, Magnetic Memories
Captain's Corner: The TV Camera
Q&A: How long should we allow to get to the park from our resort using WDW transportation?
Our Sponsors: We Recommend...
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Updates:
What's New and Changed
Here are a few items of relevant news:
Price Increase:
Both Walt Disney World and Disneyland have raised prices for most park
admission tickets. Walt Disney World price increases were effective as
of Sunday August 5, 2007. Disneyland price increases will take effect
on January 3, 2008. For detailed information on ticket
prices, check out www.MousePlanet.com.
As predicted in last week's Dave's Rumor Round-up, the 2008 Disney Dining Plan
has been announced and one of the major changes is that it will no
longer include gratuities (with the exception of Cinderella's Royal
table, room service dining including pizza delivery, dinner shows, Grand Gatherings, and spa
treatments). There will also be different plans available: the Dining Plan, the Deluxe Dining Plan, the Premium Plan, the Platinum Plan and the Wine and Dine Plan,
which is an add-on to any of the dining plans (the Premium and Platinum
plans include recreation and guided tours along with the dining
options).
Annual Passholders are no longer able to book more than one room per passholder. While previously one Passholder could book up to three rooms at the
discounted rate, Disney now requires that there be one adult Passholder
per room. A valid Annual Pass continues to be required at check-in.
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
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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:
INDIVIDUALIZED DINING INVITATIONS
"When my wife and I go to Walt Disney World in September 2007, we will
be taking our two children and 1 niece. We are on the Dining Plan and we
booked most of our meals for character meals. So I went to Hallmark and
got a card that is relevant for each of the meals. For example, a
Cinderella card for our meal at Cinderella's Royal Table. I am then
going to personalize the cards as though it is from the characters, so
that each morning the kids wake up in Disney, they would receive this
personalized invitation for their meals."
-- contributed by Brent F.
REMEMBERING ROMANCE
"If you are planning to go to Walt Disney World for a wedding
anniversary, find ways to tie your trip back to your wedding and/or
honeymoon. My husband and I took went to Banff in the Canadian Rockies
for our honeymoon. When we go to Walt Disney World this fall for our
5th anniversary, we are staying at Wilderness Lodge as a throwback to
the Banff area, and on the day of our actual anniversary, we are dining
at Le Cellier in Canada. These special details will allow us to recall
the fond memories of our honeymoon while we're making even more
memories during our Disney trip!"
-- contributed by Beth C.
MAGNETIC MEMORIES
"I find another way to use the many photos I take while on a Disney
Trip to keep the memories alive daily. In addition to printing photos
for scrapping etc, I print the pictures out onto magnetic backed paper
sheets (available at office supply stores). I can now place them on our
refrigerator. These memories are there daily. I also make a second set
and post them on metal surfaces around my desk at work so they are
handy to see daily, are conversation pieces for visitors, and don't
take up space ON the desk, and are also easily changed out each year."
-- contributed by Linda M.
Notes: 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.
Here is this week's journal entry:
"It's August. I'm in Florida. What was I thinking when I decided to live here? Oh dear, oh dear. Just to keep cool, I'm spending most of my day with my friends George, Teddy, and Abe in their cool, dark digs. I never realized how much they like to watch movies, but as there's always a movie playing, it must be so. I've seen their little movie so many times I've begun noticing the oddest things about it. For example, the TV camera in the NASA section of the movie is -- amazingly enough -- from ... (rest of text obscured by perspiration droplets)"
Where is the Captain spending all his time to keep cool, and what is the identification on the TV camera in the movie?
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 Linda Hester who was the
winner
of last week's trivia contest! Linda was the first person to
identify theTomorrowland Arcade as the location of the Tomorrowland
Power and Light Company. No one got the bonus question. The slogan of
the Tomorrowland Power and Light Company is "Generating A Bright New
Tomorrow." 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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Q & A:
With Jennifer and Dave
Nimros asks: "Let's say you have an advanced dining reservation (ADR) at say, 6:30 pm at one of the parks. You've gone back to
your resort for an afternoon break and now need to head back for dinner. What's
the best way to time your transportation back to the park to make it to your
ADR? Are the buses pretty much on schedule? Do we need to plan on arriving at the restaurant 30 min. before the ADR in order to allow for slow
transportation?"
Dave and Jennifer answer: "There are always exceptions, but in general, we allow the actual travel time between resort and park (we have those times in PassPorter), plus 20 minutes waiting time at the resort bus stop, plus another 20-30 minutes to reach the restaurant once the bus arrives at the park. You could also add an extra 15 minutes to that, as Disney recommends
you check in at the restaurant 15 minutes before the ADR. By the time you add
that all up, the typical delays will be accounted for. It doesn't cover
worst-case scenarios, but Disney doesn't cancel your ADR if you're not there on
time - it's still in the system, and they'll still seat you."
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 -- MouseFest Cruise Special Offer - Special onboard Scrapbooking Event, all supplies provided
Mouse Fan Travel -- 2008 Dates now available for WDW, Disneyland and Adventures by Disney plus an exclusive bonus
ALL STAR Vacation Homes -- Choose from more than 150 homes within 4 miles of Disney World
Thank you, sponsors!
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From the Authors: Oy Vay!
Hi, {{user("firstname")}}!
Just when you think it's safe to send your book manuscript to the printer...
We
often pride ourselves on just how nimble and responsive our little book
production company can be to changing circumstances, and this week was
no exception! We sent PassPorter's Open Mouse for Walt Disney World and
the Disney Cruise Line to our book printer last Friday, and then, wham,
Disney released new park admission prices, 2008 lodging rates, and a
totally revamped Disney Dining Plan two days later. We shouted, "Hold
the presses," went right back to work on the manuscript, and two
days later, the fully-updated book was ready to roll again! We got a
bit luckier with PassPorter's Walt Disney World 2008, which is due at
the book printers in the middle of next
week. That gives us a little extra time to make those updates, and to
develop a more in-depth analysis of the benefits and costs of the new
dining plans. So were pleased to report that both our Open Mouse and Walt Disney World guidebooks will be amazingly up-to-date!
Did you know we have other free guidebook pages for download? In addition to free pages from PassPorter's Open Mouse guidebook, we offer free pages from PassPorter's Disney Cruise Line guidebook and PassPorter's Walt Disney World. Check 'em out!
MouseFest Park Schedule: For those of you joining us for MouseFest 2007, you can now consult the MouseFest event schedule at http://www.mousefest.org
-- new meets are being added to the schedule on a regular basis - there
are 17 events on the MouseFest Cruise, and nearly 50 events at Walt
Disney World so far ... including several PassPorter-hosted events! Stay tuned for more MouseFest announcements in the weeks and months to come.
In this issue, Featured Columnist Cheryl Pendry brings us to her home turf in the southeast of England for a tour of Dover Castle, and guest contributor Mary Albright reviews Walt Disney World character dining spot 1900 Park Fare. 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:
Dover Castle
by Cheryl Pendry, PassPorter Featured Columnist
Many castles become famous for their roles in war, but usually those wars date back centuries. Not so with Dover Castle on the southeastern coast of England. Its position at the start of the shortest sea crossing between England and continental Europe made for a pivotal role in one of the turning points of World War II.
Dating back more than 1,000 years, Dover Castle has stood on its current site since Roman times and even today, a Roman lighthouse and church, dating back to around the year 900 AD can still be seen there. Much of the Castle you see today dates from around 1180, when King Henry II rebuilt its fortifications. It's one of the biggest castles you'll find in the whole of England.
It was strengthened over the years by a succession of English kings, and with good reason, as one of the castle attractions demonstrates. The 1216 Siege Experience takes you back in time to the days when the castle was one of the few remaining places holding out for King John against rebellious citizens, who had allied themselves with Prince Louis of France. Using light, film and sound, the show really brings to life what people would have gone through during that siege, and is well worth seeing.
Beautiful though the castle is, towering on a hill above Dover, England's busiest sea port, the real attraction is buried far beneath the fortifications. Following the outbreak of the Second World War, the situation for the Allied forces was becoming desperate, with the Germans advancing across Europe. Countries were falling rapidly and soldiers from Britain and her allies had retreated to the beaches of Dunkirk in Northern France near the Belgian border. There was nowhere else to fall back to.
Against that background, plans were put together for Operation Dynamo to evacuate the troops back to Britain. The nerve center for this operation was the secret wartime tunnels underneath Dover Castle. These tunnels were first dug during the Napoleonic Wars and were in near constant use from that date onwards, but today they're best known for the work that took place in them in the 1940s.
As you walk through the tunnels, it's impossible to believe that around 700 people were based here during some of the worst days of World War II. That included switchboard staff, after a military telephone exchange was installed to serve the underground headquarters.
It's quite something to see the Command Centre, where Winston Churchill, then the Prime Minister of Great Britain, viewed the Battle of Britain. That's the name given to attempts by the German air force, the Luftwaffe, to try and gain air superiority over the British Royal Air Force. The plan was that once that was achieved, the Germans would then invade Britain. But despite undertaking the most sustained bombing campaign up until that date, the plan failed and is now widely seen as a major turning point in the war.
Not only were these tunnels a command center, but they were also home to an underground hospital. It can't have been easy trying to work under these conditions, and another of the exhibits shows a surgeon attempting to save the life of an injured pilot.
Since those days in the 1940s, the tunnels had been on standby to be used in the event of a nuclear attack, but gradually they fell into disuse before being re-opened for visitors to step back into history.
Dover Castle is open throughout the year, except between December 24-26 and on January 1. The Castle is also closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between the beginning of November and the end of January. It's about a mile and a half from Dover Priory railway station, so to reach the Castle without a car; you'll either need to catch a taxi or a bus there.
Dover itself is about an hour and a half's drive from London and it's also home to another famous sight. Situated on the southeastern coast of England, you'll find the famous White Cliffs of Dover here, which have been described as the country's most popular stretch of coastline. With good reason, as they've been the sight that has welcomed people to England for centuries.
Of course, if you fancy heading further afield to mainland Europe, Dover is one way to start those travels, with the Port of Dover the busiest in England. As well as regular ferry services across to France, Dover is also becoming a regular port of call with many cruise ships. You never know, with its recent Mediterranean excursion, perhaps one day we'll see the Disney Magic setting down anchor there!
About the Author: Cheryl and husband Mark live in England and love to travel, particularly to America. They're now looking forward to their next visit to Walt Disney World in December, having just cruised around the Mediterranean on the Disney Magic.
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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:
Dining Review: 1900 Park Fare Dinner -- The "Other" Cinderella Meal
by Mary Albright, PassPorter Guest Contributor
Princess meals are well represented at Walt Disney World. Mention eating with Cinderella and you usually conjure an image of eating in Cinderella's Castle at the Magic Kingdom. While that most sought after reservation can be difficult to book at best, there is another option for dining with Cinderella and her friends: dinner at 1900 Park Fare in the Grand Floridian Resort.
My family always makes time to eat at 1900 Park Fare for dinner, but not because Cinderella is there. We choose to eat here because Prince Charming can often be found here, too. My son, Stefan, 11, likes that there is a boy character. Stefan can usually be counted on to pose for a corny photo op, with Prince Charming playing right along. Prince Charming has also always been the perfect prince to my daughter, Caitlin, 10, a self-professed "non-princess." Prince Charming always makes her feel like a princess, to her mother's absolute delight.
You'll find a veritable feast of characters for dinner at 1900 Park Fare. Cinderella does make her rounds, as does Prince Charming. In the lobby, before you are seated, the Fairy Godmother is usually around to sign autographs and pose for pictures. And don't be surprised to see those mischievous mice, Suzy and Perla, wander through the room.
If you are used to the small space inside Cinderella's Royal Table, you'll be pleased to know that 1900 Park Fare has probably double the space, in my rough estimation. That means you have a much better chance of being able to secure an Advanced Dining Reservation here. The restaurant is decorated as if you are at a Victorian era fair. Look for carousel horses and lots of pastel colors around the room. You feel special and fun all at the same time. Every server we've ever had has been gracious and helpful. We've never felt rushed and have always been asked if we need more beverages and encouraged to take our time.
But what about the food? Can you pronounce my daughter's favorite word used to describe great-tasting food? "Yumatrocious!" That pretty much describes what you get at 1900 Park Fare. It's not your standard buffet.
As you face the buffet, to your left is a wonderful variety of breads and butter, leading up to the salad section. Lots of wonderful salads are available, from a tomato basil and mozzarella, a simple green garden salad, and fresh fruit, to the famous strawberry soup. I don't know how they make strawberry soup. It's like sipping fresh strawberries. I don't know how else to describe it, but I usually eat three bowls while we are there.
As you come toward the center of the buffet, you will have some hot entrees and vegetables. These can vary, of course, but I've found my favorites to be Chicken Marsala with lots of mushrooms and an apple-glazed pork loin. I've also enjoyed the steamed broccoli and carrots. I know; simple. But they make simple taste so good.
At the center of the buffet you'll find the carving station, usually graced with prime rib. There is also a station where a chef prepares fresh pasta dishes.
Moving to the right side of center, you find a duplicate area of entrees and vegetables, right before you hit the greatest area of all. That's right, the dessert section.
You feel like you've died and gone to heaven when you get to this area. Not only is there an ice cream machine where you can get your own cone or dish of the sweet stuff, but there's also a buffet of toppings to make your own unique sundae creation. And if ice cream isn't your thing, you can sample cookies, bars, Rice Krispie treats, or brownies. My husband, Bryan, is usually torn between the apple cobbler and their key lime tarts. I myself enjoy their bread pudding. The kids, of course, always go for ice cream.
And the kids? Don't worry. If you have picky eaters, the typical kids' buffet is present at 1900 Park Fare. They can have all the pizza, macaroni and cheese, and corn dogs, among other things, that they can eat.
1900 Park Fare is a great place for dinner if you plan on being at Magic Kingdom for the evening, whether it's for Extra Magic Evening Hours, or a hard ticket event, like the Pirate & Princess Party. Once you are finished with dinner, you can hop a boat or the monorail to Magic Kingdom. If you are driving, park in the Magic Kingdom lot and take the monorail to the Grand Floridian.
Dinner at 1900 Park Fare is $28.99 for adults (10 and up) and $13.99 for children (ages 3-9). If you are on the Disney Dining Plan, this meal is 1 Table Service Credit per person.
About the Author: Mary Albright is a returning Guest Contributor. She is a director for a direct sales company. She lives in Minnesota with her husband, Bryan and her children, Stefan and Caitlin. She's been to Walt Disney World 12 times. Her next trip is December 2007.
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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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