Ask Magically Speaking

In each issue we like to answer questions from you. What are your questions? Are you wondering about a certain attraction? Are you curious about a resort or cruise? Do you have some nagging little trivia question that you are just dying to know the answer to? If so, please send them to us. We have a great team of Disney experts and sleuths who would love to answer your questions! If you have a question, send it to us at magicallyspeaking@themouseforless.com.

Ask Magically Speaking is a regular feature in the Magically Speaking newsletter. The following Ask Magically Speaking was published in the October 22, 2007 issue
of Magically Speaking ISSN: 1556-3863

Q. Can you tell me the pros and cons of the PassPorter and Disney Dream Book? I would like to get one for our next trip. (Submitted by Anne)

A. Sure, Anne! The Disney Dream Book is a book offered at Disney parks. We published a tip from a reader a couple of issues ago describing it: "The book is a zippered binder embroidered on the front with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto standing in front of Cinderella Castle. It comes with a detachable lanyard-type strap for carrying. Inside there are five divider tabs labeled Characters, Attractions, Resort, Restaurants and My Dreams. There is also paper for autographs and photo sleeves, pressed penny-holder pages, stickers, holders for passes and pins, a zip pocket and blank paper. I think day planner-type refill paper might even fit in it (it is a three-ring binder). It even comes with a trading pin!"

PassPorter is a guide book with planning functions built in. There are pages describing everything from rides to resorts, along with built-in worksheets and nifty pockets called "PassPockets," which are designed to hold papers and have key information recorded right on them.

While both books use a tab-type system, we think that they are designed for different functions. The Disney Dream Book is strictly for organizing yourself and requires a lot of do-it-yourself work to set it up. On the plus side, it's a nice tool if you already have your own system for doing things. PassPorter has lots more information and is designed to make planning a trip easy. It's great for those who want to just pick it up and begin using it. PassPorter also is a nice tool to have with you on your trip if you have questions about a ride, park, or most importantly, a place to eat.

Can't decide? Never fear. Our editor, Carol, believes you can never have too much information or be too organized, and has them both!

Q. Thanks for the great info! For our next trip, we will have Park Hopper passes (without the "waterparks and more" option). Four of us would like to visit a water park and two will be golfing one day during our stay. Will we be able to purchase and use a waterpark ticket in the morning and still use our Park Hopper tickets to meet up in the evening? (Submitted by stahrrs6)

A. Most definitely! Even if you add the Water Park Fun & More Option to your tickets and DIDN'T have the Park Hopping option, you'd be able to visit a water park and a main park on the same day. In this case especially, the two tickets are completely separate so there's nothing preventing you from doing what you'd like, even if the rules were different. It is worth keeping in mind, however, that for just under $10 more than what your admission to the water park will cost, you can add the Water Park Fun & More option, which will give you the option to visit the water parks again or DisneyQuest or Pleasure Island or the Wide World of Sports. With new Magic Your Way (MYW) tickets, you'll get as many Plus visits as there are days on the ticket, so a 10-day MYW ticket receives 10 Plus park visits – combine this with the No Expiration option and this could be a huge money saver in the future too! As a reminder, you can also upgrade tickets individually so not all tickets have to have the same length and options, even if you initially purchased them through a package.