From: tanida@esosun.css.gov (Tom Tanida)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.disney
Subject: rec.arts.disney FAQ (part 2)
Date: 14 Sep 92 17:09:40 GMT
Reply-To: tanida@esosun.css.gov (Tom Tanida)

Frequently Asked Questions List For rec.arts.disney, part 2
Version 0.9, last revised 9/13/92

     This is part two of the FAQ file for rec.arts.disney.  I have tried to
include the questions and threads which arise most often, as well as some
interesting facts.  Most of the information came from articles posted to
rec.arts.disney since July 1990, about the time the group was started,
although I'm missing quite a few articles from early on.  Your input to this
list is highly appreciated.
     The purpose of this list is to reduce the number of redundant
questions posted to rec.arts.disney.  Personally, however, I would invite
discussion on questions included in this list if this list is not complete
enough.  For example, one of the questions in part one lists the voices of
popular Disney characters and where to find more info, but if the character
is not listed here, I would still encourage you to post and ask, especially
if the character is more obscure.  Also, I couldn't possibly write the
"complete guide to taking kids to the Disney Theme Parks" because there is
no truly complete guide.  Although I have offered some information and
advice here (the information here is that which is most commonly
suggested), I would still welcome discussion on the topic since everybody
has their own opinions about what rides to go on, what to see, when to go,
what restaurants to eat at in the area, etc.  Again, however, I hope that
this list will reduce the amount of redundant information posted to the
net.  I also hope this list will provide a unified source of information
about Disney related material and provide a valuable reference for all.

     This is part two of the list, consisting of general topics and
questions, as well as some time critical information.  Part one of the
list, which is contained in a separate article, contains general topics and
questions and timely information.

     There are three sub-parts:
          1) A list of the questions alone
          2) Answers to Theme Park Questions
          3) Answers to questions about Disney Trivia

     Send comments, corrections, suggestions, and inside information to:
tanida@esosun.css.gov.  I am sure that no matter how long I work on this
that it will never be perfect, but it doesn't hurt to try.  :-)  If you
prefer CompuServe access, I'm at 76655,344.  On Prodigy I'm xgsn74a.  On
America On-Line, I'm TanidaT64.  On the Sierra Network, I'm at mailbox 2173
(Sierra1).  (Now all I need is GEnie and MCI Mail.)

     If you would like a PostScript version of this document, which has
much better formatting, feel free to send me a request; I can either mail
it to you, or we can find a mutual FTP site.  This document was originally
created in MS Word For Windows 2.0.

Part I- Questions

Theme park questions (those marked with * can be found in the Disneyland
FAQ, from adrian@lexcel.com):

*1) What are the park hours?
*2) What rides are currently shut down for refurbishing?  What current
     construction is going on?
*3) What are the current prices at {WDW, Disneyland}?
*4) How do I beat the crowds?
*5) If I've been to the Magic Kingdom in WDW, what parts of Disneyland can
     I skip?
*6) Where should I stay when visiting {WDW, Disneyland}?
7) What's the best time to go to {WDW, Disneyland}?
8) My child is 3 years old.  Is that old enough to enjoy Disneyland/WDW?
9) What are good attractions to take younger children to?
10) Other considerations for children (strollers, etc.)
11) Some interesting things to look for at the theme parks
12) Differences between the Magic Kingdom at WDW and Disneyland
13) Who created the music from the Main Street Electrical Parade?
14) What is SpectroMagic at Walt Disney World?
15) What is Fantasmic! at Disneyland?  How do I beat the crowds?
16) What is a "Character Breakfast"?
17) What is the Disney Vacation Club?
18) What are some good guide books on travel to {WDW/Disneyland?

Other facts (proposed):

1) A Disney lexicon
2) Technical errors in Disney animated feature films
3) List of Jungle Cruise jokes
4) Misc trivia
Part II- Answers to Theme Park Questions

Theme park questions:
The answers to questions #1-6 for Disneyland are in the Disneyland FAQ,
available from adrian@lexcel.com, posted monthly.

*1) What are the park hours?

     See the Disneyland FAQ for the Disneyland hours.
     If someone out there has a long term WDW schedule, I'd be interested
in putting it here.  In the meantime, the hours vary depending on the time
of year, even between the three parks at WDW, so you can call WDW directly
at (407)-824-4321 to get the exact hours.  Note that the Main Street
section of the Magic Kingdom at WDW will often open 30 minutes to an hour
ahead of the official opening time.

*2) What rides are currently shut down for refurbishing?  What current
     construction is going on?

     If there's someone out there who regularly goes to WDW and is willing
to keep the group updated, here's a big chance to help out. :-)
     Otherwise, you can contact the respective theme parks directly.  The
number for Disneyland is (714)-999-4565.  WDW: (407)-824-4321

*3) What are the current prices at {WDW, Disneyland}?

     The following table lists prices for Passports to WDW.  If staying at
a Disney resort, you may benefit if you can find a package deal that
includes lodging and a passport.

Passport type        General       MKC Club Members
                     Public
Five Day Super       $152 plus tax $147 plus tax
Pass, guest
Five Day Super       $120 plus tax $115 plus tax
Pass, child (3-9)
Four Day Super       $116 plus tax $111 plus tax
Pass, guest
Four Day Super       $90 plus tax  $85 plus tax
Pass, child (3-9)
Annual Passport,     $190 plus tax $175 plus tax
guest
Annual Passport,     $165 plus tax $155 plus tax
child
One-day, one park    $33 plus tax  $31.02 plus tax
ticket, guest
One-day, one park    $26 plus      $24.20 plus tax
ticket, child        tax

Taken from the MKC price guide:
     A Five Day Super Pass includes unlimited admission to the Disney-MGM
Studios Theme Park, Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot Center any five days with
no expiration date.  Plus unlimited admission for seven days to Typhoon
Lagoon, Rver Country, Discovery Island and Pleasure Island (valid for seven
days after first visit to Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot Center or the Disney-
MGM Studios Theme Park).  It also includes unlimited use of the
transportation system linking the parks.
     A Four Day Super Pass is the same as the Five Day, just for four days
instead of five.
     An Annual Passport includes twelve months of unlimted admission to the
Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park, the Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot Center
during regular operating hours.  It also includes special advance
reservation privileges for Walt disney World restaurants, free parking and
unlimited use of the transportation system linking the Parks.
     A One-Day One Park Ticket includes one day's admission to either the
Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park, Magic Kingdom Park or Epcot Center and bus
transportation between the Transportation and Ticket Center, and Magic
Kingdom Park, Epcot Center or the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park.

*4) How do I beat the crowds?

     One of the best strategies is to arrive early, before the park opens.
An hour after opening is too late, by then, the lines have built up to a
full frenzy.  Another strategy, generally for those without kids, is to
take on the more popular rides late in the evening (after 9pm, through
midnight, if you're there at the time of year when the park is open late).
Also, the lines do shorten a little during major shows (the Main Street
Electrical Parade, SpectroMagic at WDW, or Fantasmic! at Disneyland) and
during dinner time.

*5) If I've been to the Magic Kingdom in WDW, what parts of Disneyland can
     I skip?

*6) Where should I stay when visiting {WDW, Disneyland}?

7) What's the best time to go to {WDW, Disneyland}?

     For WDW, here's a quick and dirty table, from best to worst:
     1) October, through a week before Christmas, except Thanksgiving
     2) Post New Years through a couple weeks before Easter
     3) Post Easter through Memorial Day
     4) President's Day weekend
     5) Spring Break week (the week up to and including Easter)
     6) Memorial Day through the end of Summer
     7) Thanksgiving weekend
     8) Christmas through the New Year

     Note that on the holidays themselves (e.g. Christmas) there will be
periods where the park is nearly empty while people celebrate (e.g.
Christmas morning)..

8) My child is 3 years old.  Is that old enough to enjoy Disneyland/WDW?

     As always, it depends on the kids and the patience of the parent.  Two
or three is about a minimum age (otherwise, the child is pretty much just
along for the ride), but even children this young can get quite a bit of
enjoyment from the visit.  Children of this age might enjoy meeting the
characters (in the park, or at a Character Breakfast (see #16 below)), and
some of the milder rides.  Detracting from the enjoyment would be the
patience of the kids waiting in line for the rides; you probably know how
to judge/handle your own child's patience levels better than I do.  :-)
     To fully appreciate Disneyland/WDW, seven or so is probably a better
age.

9) What are good attractions to take younger children to?

     (I'll take younger to mean below 5 years of age here.)
     Almost always OK:
     Jungle Cruise
     Swiss Family Treehouse (though some find this too dull and crowded)
     Dumbo
     It's A Small World
     Peter Pan's Flight
     PeopleMover
     Walt Disney World/Disneyland Railroad
     Mickey's Starland Show (WDW)
     Country Bear Jamboree
     Tom Sawyer's Island
     Cinderella's Carousel
     Journey Into Imagination (EPCOT)
     Kitchen Caberet (EPCOT)
     Universe of Energy (EPCOT)
     The Great Movie Ride (Disney-MGM)
     Disney Animation Tour (Disney-MGM)
     Anything in the EPCOT World Showcase, with the possible exception of
          the Norway Maelstrom ride.
     
     Possible fright factor:
     Haunted Mansion
     Tea Cups (motion sickness)
     Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (not as wild as the name suggests)
     Space Mountain
     Star Tours
     Captain EO (I'd be wary of the volume)
     Pirates of the Caribbean (can be threatening to the unaware, includes
          a couple of plunges)
     Body Wars (EPCOT; can be generally nauseating to people of any age)

     As always with kids, your mileage may vary; a good strategy would be
to start with the milder rides and work your kid up to more "aggressive"
rides if you think they're up to it.
     Also note that meeting Disney characters themselves is not a given;
some kids can be terrified of a gigantic Mickey or Goofy.  Start from a
distance and work forward.
     There is a "fright factor" chart in the 1992 edition of the Unofficial
Guide to Walt Disney World, by Bob Sehlinger (see question #18 for a list
of guide books).

10) Other considerations for children (strollers, etc.)

     (This question may be broken up and expanded to include phone numbers
and specific locations in the future.)
     Physical health: In the summer months especially at WDW, it is easy
for kids (and adults) to get sunburned and dehydrated.  Bring along plenty
of bottled water (much better than sugary sodas) and sunscreen; with the
crowds you'll otherwise have to stand in line at the refreshment stands or
drinking fountains, and if it's a hot day, you might have to stop often.
Also guard against blisters (use broken-in shoes and consider two pairs of
thin socks over one pair of thick socks).  Make note of the First Aid
centers (there is one in each of the three theme parks).
     Temperment:  It's up to you, the parent to keep your temper.  It might
not be easy, given the crowds and the long waits for certain rides, the
heat, etc.  The best thing to do is to make sure you enjoy yourself.
Maximizing your vacation is not a matter of cramming yourself on as many
rides as possible: it's a good idea, especially with kids, to take time out
for a breather periodically (not just standing in line).  Find a place to
sit down with some ice cream, or even return to the hotel room after lunch
for a short nap.
     Strollers: Strollers are available for rent at each of the theme
parks.  The stroller centers are near the entrances, and the process of
getting a stroller is fairly quick and easy.  Rule number one is to keep
your receipt.  Rule number two is to keep your receipt (and don't keep it
in the stroller itself).  It's easy for your stroller to get swiped- not
because there are roving packs of stroller thieves, but because people
might mistake your stroller for theirs.  If this should happen, you can go
to the stroller center, show your receipt, and get a new one (they won't
charge you to replace it).  A good idea is to attach something to the
stroller that will uniquely identify it as yours (nothing of great value,
of course), such as a piece of paper with your name on it or a bright
scarf.
     Babysitting services:  There aren't any services inside the parks
themselves, but there are childcare services at the resorts.  In general,
you must have a reservation.  They can be expensive (e.g. $6 per hour, with
an $18 minimum), but include free video games, Dsiney movies, games and
activities, and visits by a Disney character each night.  They accept kids
from 3-12 years of age.  There is also a "Fairy Godmother" service
available (also not cheap), who will come to your room at any hour of the
day, 24 hours a day, and can even take care of your pet.
     Infants/Toddlers:  All of the theme parks have Baby Care services,
which have everything you need for changing diapers, making formula, etc.
Supplies for purchase can be found at these places as well.
     Lost children:  You may or may not be surprised at how easy it is to
get your child lost.  When you exit rides and shows, you should take your
child by the hand to make sure they don't get lost in the bustle of people
exiting.  Also keep in mind there may be more than one exit to a bathroom;
should your child wander out of the one you don't expect, he or she may
find themselves to be lost.  Also keep track of your kids during parades-
they might otherwise wander off while trying to get a better viewpoint.

11) Some interesting things to look for at the theme parks

     WDW:
     Hidden Mickeys <list being compiled>
     
     Disneyland:
     - The Park Entrance, designed to look like a red carpet
     - Apartment above the Disneyland Fire Station; apartment in the fourth
          floor of the Castle; offices above Main Street
     - The names on the windows on the second story of the buildings on
          Main Street.  These are named for notable people who were
          involved in the creation of Disneyland.
     - The Disney Gallery, above Pirates of the Caribbean in New Orleans
          Square, of interest to those into animation
     - Telegraph operator at Frontierland/New Orleans Square, which types
          out a Morse code version of Walt's opening day speech
     - The Club 33 entrance, at New Orleans Square, near the Blue Bayou
          restaurant
     - The Haunted Mansion knight
     - Snow White's Grotto, to the right of the Castle before you enter
          Fantasyland.  Note the song in the Wishing Well.  Also note the
          dwarves are the same size as Snow White.
     - Platform where Tinkerbell lands as the Fantasy in the Sky fireworks
          begin; a fort tower located behind the Frontierland buildings
          hidden by trees, where she slams into some mattresses at the end
     - Infrared sensor bathrooms, located near Videopolis, which turn the
          water on when you put your hands under the faucet, and flush the
          toilets when you step away
     - Paul Reuben (Pee-Wee Herman) as the voice of the pilot of Star
          Tours.


12) Differences between the Magic Kingdom at WDW and Disneyland

13) Who created the music from the Main Street Electrical Parade?

     The music, which is titled "Baroque Hoedown," was written by Jean-
Jacques Perry and Gershon Kingsley.  The electronically synthesized version
which you hear during the parade was arranged and performed by Don Dorsey,
noted synthesizer performer.
     The introduction, as the music starts:
          "Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls
          Disneyland proudly presents
          Our spectacular festival paegent of nighttime magic
             and imagination
          In thousands of sparkling lights and electro-syntho-magnetic
             musical sounds
          The Main Street Electrical Parade!"
     Incidentally, you can request a summary of the parade with a
description of each of the floats from Disneyland Guest Relations via mail.
(Unfortunately, I lost my summary, but it was probably out of date anyway,
as the parade changes periodically.)
     The soundtrack to the The Main Street Electrical Parade is available
on two different albums: the Fantasmic! soundtrack (Disneyland Records and
Tapes, DIDX 013173) and the "Music of Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and
Epcot Center" soundtrack (Disneyland Records and Tapes, CD-007).  The
Fantasmic! soundtrack's version is more current.

14) What is SpectroMagic at Walt Disney World?

     SpectroMagic at WDW is the successor to the Main Street Electrical
Parade.  It use fiber optics and live costumed actors and, like the Main
Street Electrical Parade, features floats of varying themes.  Opinions on
SpectroMagic being better than the Electrical Parade vary.

15) What is Fantasmic! at Disneyland?  How do I beat the crowds?

     Incidentally, there is a Fantasmic! soundtrack available, which also
includes the full soundtrack to the Main Street Electrical Parade (it's
more up to date than the version included on the "Music of Disneyland, Walt
Disney World, and Epcot Center" album released in 1990).  Unfortunately,
the only place I've seen this sold is at Disneyland itself, but if anyone
reading this knows where else it can be found, drop me a line.

16) What is a "Character Breakfast"?

     A "Character Breakfast" is a breakfast held at specific locations
early in the day where you (and your kids, of course) have the opportunity
to eat breakfast while meeting popular Disney characters.  They are held at
different locations (listed below).  Some locations need a reservation in
advance. They do cost a little extra (around $10 for adults), but kids
under 3 eat free, and kids 3-11 eat at reduced children's rates (around
$6-7).  All of the characters come and visit every table, so there is no
pushing and shoving to meet them.  There are also Character Brunches and
Dinners, also included below.  Young kids generally *love* this.

Location            Time          Notes
Contemporary        8-11 am       No reservations
Resort:
Contemporary Cafe
(WDW)
Disney Beach Club:  7:30-11am     No reservations
Cape May Restaurant
(WDW)
Dolphin Hotel:      Th,Su 8:30a-  Reservations: (407)-934-4085
Ristorante          12:30p
Carnevale (WDW)
Grand Floridian:    7:30-noon     Reservations: (407)-824-2383
1900 Park Fare
(Breakfast)
Grand Floridian:    5-9 pm        Reservations: (407)-824-2383.
1900 Park Fare                    $18 adults, $9 children.
(Dinner)
Pleasure Island:    8:30 am       Reservations: (407)-934-7639
Empress Lilly       seating,
Riverboat (WDW)     10:30 am
                    seating
Polynesian Resort:  7:30-10:30    Reservations: (407)-824-1391
Tangaroa Terrace    am
(WDW)
Stargate Restaurant until 11am    Counter-eatery; no reservations;
(EPCOT)                           not necessary to purchase
                                  anything
Swan Hotel: Garden  W,Sa 8-11am   No reservations.  Info:
Grove (WDW)                       (407)-934-1281
Tomorrowland        7:30-10am     Exclusive to those who get this
Terrace, in WDW                   as part of a package; early
                                  admission to park with voucher
WDW Village: Chef   5:30-10 pm    Better than average food, but you
Mickey's Village                  only get to meet Mickey.
Restaurant
Disneyland Hotel,   7:30-10 am    Contact the hotel for exact
Disneyland                        information
Plaza Inn,          7:30-10 am    No reservations
Disneyland

     This information is probably incomplete, as I suspect WDW/Disneyland
change their schedules and add and delete locations.  It might be a good
idea to check with your hotel (if it's a Disney resort) or the Guest
Relations of  the park you will be visiting (see question #99 in part 1 of
the FAQ for phone numbers).

17) What is the Disney Vacation Club?

     There was a thread on this in mid-March 1992.  Here are two key
messages here:

          From: nederost@hpcc01.corp.hp.com (Tom Nederost)
          Newsgroups: rec.arts.disney
          Subject: Re: Buying Vacations
          Message-ID: <61450002@hpcc01.corp.hp.com>
          Date: 4 Mar 92 20:37:59 GMT
          References: <947@transfer.stratus.com>
          Organization: the HP Corporate notes server
          Lines: 78
          
          The "buy a vacation" concept you mentioned is the Disney
          Vacation Club at Walt Disney World.  Disney is being very
          careful not to use the terminology of "timeshare" or
          "interval ownership" with this project, but in essense, the
          Disney Vacation Club is another variation on the timeshare
          concept.
          
          I toured the DVC in January.  DVC is a large complex of
          condo-type units clustered around the western side of the
          Lake Buena Vista Golf Course and directly south of Port
          Orleans.  Disney is selling a 50 year ownership interest in
          the Disney Vacation CLUB...not in a particular timeshare
          unit as is more common in the timeshare industry.
          
          For a minimum investment of about $12,500, a DVC member gets
          a set number of points to use toward accommodation purchases
          each year for 50 years.  They have studio, one, two, and
          three bedroom units...all the units are beautiful finished
          inside with attractive landscaping and golfcourse or water
          views.  The units feature ceramic tile baths (some with
          separate tub and shower) and corian countertops in the
          kitchens.  The studio is rather small (smaller than a hotel
          room at Disney World) but the other size units feature a
          full kitchen and living area and are quite spacious.
          
          A DVC member can request any size unit at any time during
          the year...no minimum stays.  You can come several times
          each year as long as you have enough points left.  The
          larger the unit, the more points it costs for each night
          your stay there.  For example, a studio may cost 100 points
          per night and a 3 bedroom "Grand Villa" may cost 400 points
          per night.
          
          Disney has also established about 5 different "seasons."  A
          studio unit during the "value season" (least popular time)
          may cost 100 points per night, but the same size unit during
          the "holiday season" (Christmas and Easter) may cost 300
          points per night.
          
          The minimum ownership interest requires about a $12k
          investment, however, memberships can cost much more (I think
          $60k was the max)...for that investment, you'd receive
          enough points to stay in a three bedroom unit for 7 days
          during the "holiday season."
          
          There is no daily maid service provided at the DVC and there
          is a yearly maintenance fee (which wasn't all that cheap
          from what I remember).
          
          Disney is selling the DVC memberships like hot cakes, but I
          didn't find the concept all that appealing.  There is no
          real ownership interest in real property and it reverts back
          to Disney in 50 years.  Also, reservation requests are on a
          first come, first served basis.  If all the units are
          reserved during the week you want to visit, you're out of
          luck.
          
          The other project Disney is working on is it's new city
          called "Celebration." This city will be built on Disney
          World's southernmost property...near the intersection of US
          192 and I-4.  This will be a city of about 20,000 people.
          Disney is not building it as a vacation or second home
          community... they want permanent residents there.
          
          The entire project is still under governmental review and
          Disney has received a lot of criticism for some of it's
          planning.  Disney is planning to build both multi-family and
          single family residences in four residential villages which
          surround a town center.  Disney has not official release
          much information on this project.  I have read the
          Development of Regional Impact report that Disney had to
          file with the Osceola County Planning Committee and could
          speculate that the firsthousing won't be available in
          "Celebration" until the '94-'95 time frame and will continue
          to be developed until 2010.
          
          Although Disney won't release any pricing information, the
          DRI did give some indication of what the average
          construction costs would be.  From that, I can speculate
          that the CHEAPEST condo at Celebration will start at $125k
          and the CHEAPEST single family house at $200k.  Rest assured
          they'll be some Million dollar beauties there as well.
          
          IMHO, The Disney Vacation Club is not for me.  Celebration
          sounds more appealing but will certainly put a dent in my
          wallet.
          
          Tom
          nederost@hpcc01.corp.hp.com

          From: Chris.Harrower@cpanet.UUCP (Chris Harrower)
          Newsgroups: rec.arts.disney
          Subject: Buying Vacations
          Message-ID: <699972557.0@cpanet.UUCP>
          Date: 6 Mar 92 15:02:38 GMT
          Sender: FredMail@cpanet.UUCP
          Lines: 87
          
           > Any comments?
          
          On Monday I had a chance to visit the Preview Center at the
          Vacation Club Resort (VCR).  Unlike other timeshares, you
          are not locked into a specific time period or length of stay
          each year. Disney has developed a system where you purchase
          points, then use those points for each stay at the VCR.
          (Like other timeshares you are actually purchasing just a
          small percentage of one of the buildings at the VCR.  But
          here, you can stay at any size property anywhere at the
          VCR).
          
          Heres a rundown of how the point sytem works. At the VCR you
          purchase points which are allocated yearly. A minimum
          purchase of 230 points is required.  Each night of a stay
          requires a certain number of points. Daily point values are
          based on unit type and season, and follows the chart below.
          (In the chart the first number is the points required on a
          Sun-Thur stay, the second for Fri-Sat).
          
          SEASON          Studio    1 Bedroom   2 Bedroom   Grand
          Villa
          
          Adventure       7/17       14/35        19/47        31/77
          
          Choice          8/21       17/42        23/57        37/92
          
          Dream           10/25      20/50        27/67        45/112
          
          Magic           11/28      23/57        31/77        52/130
          
          Premier         15/38      31/77        42/105       68/170
          
          Adventure season is 1/1-1/31, 9/1-9/30 and 12/1-12/14.
          Choice season is 10/1-11/25, 11/29-11/30 and 12/15-12/23.
          Dream season is 2/1-2/15, 5/1-6/10, 8/16-8/31.
          Magic season is 2/16-4/11, 4/26-4/30, 6/11-8/15 and 11/26-
          11/28.
          Premier season is 4/12-4/25 and 12/24-12/31.
          
          Note that these dates will change based on Spring Vacation
          and Thanksgiving.
          
          Studios, which are about the size of a hotel room include a
          microwave, coffee maker and refridgerator and sleeps four.
          The one bedroom units include a full kitchen and living room
          (with a sofa bed), and also sleeps four.  The two bedroom
          units are a combination of a studio and one bedroom unit and
          sleeps eight.  (I did not get to see the Grand Villas, but
          know they are two floors and sleep 12).
          
          You can plan your trip for whenever you like for however
          number of nights you want (based on availability).
          Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance.  You
          can "borrow" up to half your alloted yearly points from the
          following year, or you can "bank" unused points to the
          following year (with some resrictions).
          
          For example:  You purchase 300 points.  This entitles you to
          300 points per year until 2042, when the plan ends. In 1992,
          you book a five day stay (Sun-Fri) in October in a one
          bedroom home in January (14x5=70 points), and a three day
          weekend in late December in a studio (2x38 plus 15 = 91
          points). That's 161 points all together.  You can bank all
          139 remaining points for 1993 if you do so by July 1st 1992.
          If you delay in banking your points some will be lost.  If
          you do bank your points, you will have 439 for 1993.
          
          You must purchase at least 230 points.  Each point costs $51
          (a one time purchase). Additionally there is a yearly charge
          of about $2.45 per point for expenses (mainatnance, taxes,
          the reservationists, etc).  This yearly charge will vary.
          
          Until 2000, you will also receive special daily passes to
          the MK, the Studios and EPCOT. Unlike other one day passes
          these can be used in more than one park on the same day, but
          they can only be used while staying at the VCR. You receive
          one pass for every night spent in a Studio, two for each
          night at the 1 bedroom units, three passes for each night at
          2 bedroom units and four passes for each night in the Grand
          Villas.
          
          (IMO, for someone who normally travels to WDW for about 14
          days/year in the off season and stays on property, this deal
          looks good.  Assuming you stay in a studio, you would be
          able to do it with just the minimum number of points.  On
          the other hand, you will loose the variety of sampling the
          other Disney Resorts, the beach area is tiny, and although
          bus service will be provided, the location of the Resort
          dosen't provide easy access to either EPCOT or the MK.
          Also, the one bedroom units are spacious and VERY nice.
          After seeing them you may not want to stay in a studio).

18) What are some good guide books on travel to Walt Disney
     World/Disneyland?

     Guide books can be found in the Travel section of your favorite
bookstore.  They are generally grouped under the California (for
Disneyland) or Florida (for WDW) sections, under domestic travel.
     The best all around guide for planning your trip and finding good
advice is probably one of the The Unofficial Guide books by Bob Sehlinger.
The Fodor's travel guide is not very useful, except perhaps for restaurants
in the area.  The "Official" guide books are OK as references to the
various services at the parks.

Birnbaum, Steve, Guide to Disneyland
     Avon Books, updated yearly
Birnbaum, Steve, Guide to Walt Disney World
     Avon Books, updated yearly
     ISBN: 0-380-71004-8
Labeled as the "official" Disney sanctioned guide

Ritz, Stacy, Disney World and Beyond
     Ulysses Press
     ISBN 0-915233-37-1

Sehlinger, Bob, The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland
     Prentice Hall Press, updated yearly
Sehlinger, Bob, The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
     Prentice Hall Press, updated yearly
     ISBN 0-13-951047-8
Thorough, including sections on preparations for kids, evaluations of every
ride, and clever strategies for waiting in line.  A must get.

Wiley, Kim Wright, Walt Disney World With Kids
     Prima Publishing
     ISBN 1-55958-140-9
Another good one for those going to WDW with children.  Written by an
experienced mom.


Other facts (proposed):

1) A Disney lexicon

2) Technical errors in Disney animated feature films
     <currently being collected; I have quite a few already>
3) List of Jungle Cruise jokes
     <long- may make available separately>
4) Misc trivia
     <separate list>
Newsgroups: rec.arts.disney