JULY 2000 WDW BITS AND BITES

FEATURE ARTICLE

This article appeared in the > July 5, 2000, Issue #36 of ALL EARS® (ISSN: 1533-0753)

Meet The Authors Series – Rita Aero has been working hard to answer your questions. Her interview will be seen in a future issue of the WDWIG_Ezine.

It's now time to ask your questions of Rick and Gayle Perlmutter! The Perlmutters have written several WDW Guide books. Their first, WDW for Lovers, got the attention of many Disney veterans looking for a different slant on the WDW Resort. Their latest book is WDW for Couples With or Without Kids 2000-2001. Please submit your interview questions for Rick and Gayle to [email protected] no later than July 14th.

************

Speaking of new guide books — here is one you want to check out! Vegetarian Walt Disney World and Greater Orlando. WAIT!! Before you think to yourself, I'm not a vegetarian and skip over this….read on….

Vegetarian Walt Disney World and Greater Orlando is the first comprehensive guide to eating well in America's number one vacation destination. Over 300 pages in length and with a foreword by Sir Paul McCartney, Reviews and ratings of over 275 restaurants, markets, and lodgings throughout Orlando, including more than 160 eateries at Walt Disney World alone.

I highly recommend this book! It is must reading for anyone who wants to eat healthy at WDW — not just for vegetarians. The writing style is upbeat and very informative. It is obvious that authors Susan Shumaker and Than Saffel and researcher gardenia did their homework….even I learned new things about Disney restaurants! In addition to being a comprehensive guide to snacking and dining in WDW, this book also includes places to dine in the surrounding Orlando area as well!

Susan Shumaker and Than Saffel have kindly provided complimentary copies of Vegetarian Walt Disney World and Greater Orlando for WDWIG_Ezine readers. Two Lucky WDWIG_Ezine readers will win a copy of the book. To enter this random drawing, send an email to: [email protected] no later than, Friday midnight, July 7th! Winners will receive an email from me and be announced in the July 11th WDWIG_Ezine!

************

This summer, Epcot brings entertainers from all over the world to Millennium Village World ShowPlace as part of the year-long Millennium Celebration continuing through January 1, 2001. Here's what's in store during July:

June 22 – July 6: The Chhaya Academy of Arts from Mumbai, India, will perform "Rangeela Rajasthan." Rajasthan is a desert state in northwest India with a rich tradition of music and dance.

July 9 – 21: The exhilarating dances of the gauchos, the exotic tango and the beautiful music and traditional dances of Argentina will be artfully performed by the young members of the Compania Argentina de Danzas.

July 16 – 27: The lively folk songs and dances of Poland will be presented in beautiful traditional costumes by this troupe from the Wisla Folk Song and Dance Ensemble.

**********

Disney is now testing an Interactive Ordering System at Pecos Bills in the Magic Kingdom and the Sassagoula Floatworks at Port Orleans. The terminals accept credit cards and WDW resort hotel key cards only. They feature graphical menu images from which Guest will make selections.

************

Walt Disney World has changed an important part of the Annual Passholder renewal policy. The new policy states that your renewal Annual Passport becomes effective the day after your current Annual Passport Expires. Previously, if you renewed by mail, you received a voucher which was not activated until you were at the theme park and traded your voucher in for a new Annual Passport.

Full details can be found on the Annual Passholder page at: http://allears.net/pl/apass.htm

************

Pleasure Island guests will be rockin' this July when the Summer Concert Series brings special musical talent to Downtown Disney. All concerts are included in regular Pleasure Island admission, $19.95 plus tax. Acts confirmed to date include:

July 7 – Survivor and Outfield
July 14 – Kool & The Gang
July 29 – Paul Rodgers & Bad Company
August 8 – Gerald Levert
For more information, phone 407-934-7781.

*************

A new international information center has opened in Downtown Disney's West Side across from Forty Thirst Street. The center is designed to assist guests from all over the world.

*************

Annual Passport Holders can now receive a discount on Cirque du Soleil tickets for a Limted Time. It's 20% off for the passholder only July 1- August 30, for 6 & 9pm shows excluding Saturday nights.

************

Disney Adventures Magazine will present a family carnival from July 31-August 3 on the Boardwalk from 5:00pm to 10:00pm. The event will feature a bike and blade stunt show, interactive games, the Disney Adventures Trivia Challenge and more…

ESPN on the Boardwalk now has large signs for the 2 queues to enter. One is for the smoking and self-seating section, the other is for the non-smoking assigned seating area.

************

The new Bus Loading Zone opened at Animal Kingdom recently. The new zone was added because there will be more busses stopping at AK next year with the opening of the Wilderness Lodge Villas (January), the Animal Kingdom Lodge (April) and the Pop Century Resort (late 2001).

Want to learn more about these new resorts? Visit the WDWIG Hotel FAQ page at http://allears.net/acc/faq_hot.htm

************

Lots of changes are taking place at WDW in both the theme parks and resort hotels. Make your voice heard by stopping at the Guest Services desk and filling out a comment card.

************

What is your (or your child's) Favorite Thing to do in World Showcase in Epcot?? Your submission could appear in WDWIG later this month! Send your ideas to [email protected]

************

Don't miss out on RADP-V coming this December to WDW! This is the fifth annual gathering of Disney Internet fans at WDW in Florida. Special Guests at RADP-V include Jennifer Watson and Dave Marx of Passporter WDW 2000 and Rick and Gayle Perlmutter of WDW for Couples With or Without Children.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Editor's Note: This story/information was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all current rates, information and other details before planning your trip.