(taken from www.tugbbs.com*)

“Using the fast pass system is a great way to minimize your time in lines once you get a system. Get a pass for the most new or popular attraction you want to see as early as possible and then work from there. When you are allowed another fast pass, make sure you know which one you are getting next and it is fairly easy to see and do the less “popular at the moment” things and shops in between. We have had very positive experiences and I don’t feel like we stand in line all day. I know this sounds dorky, but sometimes I even have a book or something with me if the line is long and my family has been together all day

I have brought all manner of food and drink into the park and have never had a problem. They search (really a cursory glance) into your bag but have never mentioned it. I’m not sure if there is an actual policy or not.
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One tip with FP’s (Fast Pass); Disney won’t let you on early but they will let you on late. We ended up going to see Nemo which conflicted with our FP return time. We were an hour or so past the time on the ticket and they had no problem with it and admitted us. I have since found out that Disney, as of now, doesn’t enforce that part. They understand that you may be in line for something else or in another part of the park. Just don’t go trying to show up at 7pm for an 11 am fastpass or you might not get in. That means you could technically have more than one fastpass at a time - you can get another when the window for the first one expires. Many times, we got a FP for the ride we were about to ride so we could ride that favorite twice. Even when you get one first thing in the am, the return time is like 45 minutes later.

We took a couple of water bottles that we refilled in the drinking fountains. We also took those portable drink mixes to put in them after we refilled them; Fla water has a funny taste to me and the drink mix covered it. We also took trail mix, granola bars and pb crackers. We wanted protein type snacks and not sugary ones that would mess with our blood sugar and give us highs and lows in energy. It worked really well. We were also at the gate when they opened so we could head back to the resort for an afternoon nap in order to return in the evening.

We also bought the Unofficial Guide to Disney and utilized their touring plans. They give you an order in which to ride in order to minimize your wait time. We have used it three times and never waited in line more than 20 minutes. The down side of this is that you walk on so many rides that you miss the queing that Disney does so well.

Disney asks how many are in each party just before you get on the ride and will put two groups together if needed. There is a seperate standby line, which we didn’t use, that may be the single rider line. I am not sure.
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Here’s a tip - If you’re going to EPCOT and have a particular restaurant in mind, make your reservation ASAP, even if it’s a month or more before you go. Some of those places book up 6 months in advance, and you may not get in if you wait ’til you get there.”

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* Timeshare Users Group Online Forums(29,000 members) www.tugbbs.com a web site with a bulletin board devoted to timeshares. Scroll down to read topics. It is free to register and participate in the forums.

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“The announcement from US Airways in June that it was going to start charging coach passengers $2 for soft drinks and bottled water — water! — on all its domestic flights, as well as $1 for coffee or tea, is only the latest sign that when it comes to flying these days, there increasingly is no such thing as a free lunch.

The other major carriers have yet to follow US Airways’ lead — though it may just be a matter of time. But some airlines are finding creative ways to up the ante, by adding new nonalcoholic beverages to their offerings, like Monster Energy drinks and Vitaminwater, and charging for them. Meanwhile, all domestic airlines but Continental have replaced free meals in coach on flights in the United States with at least some food sales.

Buying your own food or drinks at the airport is one alternative to being held economic hostage by the airlines, but who has time to wait in line for water when you’re late for your connecting flight? You can also pack a lunch at home — but just make sure your salad dressing is in a three-ounce container, inside a one-quart, zip-top plastic bag to get through security.

So what exactly do you get these days? What follows is a sampling of the current food and drink policies for flights within the United States, and what you can expect to shell out for a little sustenance. (The offerings are slightly better on international flights, on which most foreign carriers continue to offer free alcoholic drinks, meals and snacks. But most United States carriers do not give out alcoholic drinks on trans-Atlantic routes.)” (via nytimes.com) by MICHELLE HIGGINS

Pointswizard.com Spin: READ MORE about specific airlines policies

” What to Pack

You can’t help being on the road for work, but you can do something about how long your trip has to take. Check out these 10 time saving tips for business travelers, so you can spend less time on the travel, and more time on the business.

1. Keep a Packed Bag

Even if you don’t know when your next business trip will be, get in the habit of re-packing your carry-on bag with fresh clothing and essentials when you return from being on the road. It may seem like an annoyance, but this step will save you valuable minutes the next time your alarm goes off at 4 a.m. for an early morning flight and all you have to do it reach for a bag and go.

2. Fly Regional Airports
Your travel agent may steer you towards the big hubs, where there are more flight choices, but flying out of smaller airports can save you time and hassle. Security lines, traffic, parking, and the check-in process are often easier and quicker at smaller or regional airports, so be sure to consider all of your options before booking.
3. Book Direct Flights
This sounds simple, but your company travel agent will likely book you on the cheapest (and often longest) flight. Do some research ahead of time so you’ll be armed with alternatives to suggested itineraries. Taking direct flights to and from your destination can often mean savings beyond just your time. You may, for example, be able to avoid overnight stays, which will save on potential hotel, car and meal expenses.
4. Check In Online
As the airlines continue to cut staff, check-in lines at the airport will only continue to get worse. Checking in online will allow you to bypass this step and proceed directly to security. Bookmark this handy online check-in tool, where you can check in to multiple airlines from one place.
Note: Checking in online will have been in vain if you have luggage to check - always travel with carry-on sized bags!
5. Select Your Seat
Ask that your travel agent seat you near the front of the plane whenever possible (this is after you have requested your first class upgrade, of course!). You can check your seat assignment as you check in online, and make changes if seats have become available further to the front. Being able to hop off the plane quickly - and avoid throngs of amateur travelers in the aisles - will save time and your sanity.
6. Sign Up for a Clear Security Pass
Available at a number of the nation’s most-traveled airports (and growing), the new Clear security pass is a high-tech card that allows pre-screened travelers to bypass long airport security lines. Initial enrollment is $128 for one year. An online application and in-person appointment are necessary for card activation, but the hours you will save over a lifetime of travel make it well worth the initial time and effort invested.” (via businesstravel.about.com) by Greig Waddell

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“What could be better than an exhilarating course amid stunning scenery, with coddling creature comforts before and after your round? From the classic Old Course Hotel in St. Andrews, Scotland, to the brand-new Grand Del Mar Resort in San Diego, with its Tom Fazio-designed holes, their readers chose the ultimate golf properties.

The Complete List
From amenities to pricing information, we’ve got everything you need to start swinging
The Best in Course Design
A course with superb design can make or break your game. Here are the ones that impressed—and challenged—you most

The Best in Service
Incredible service—or lack thereof—can make or break a stay. At these high scorers, the top-notch treatment goes beyond the green

The Best in Food/Dining
These days, more golf resorts are going gourmet, with fine dining facilities becoming par for the course

The Best in Accommodations
From spectacular views to the plushest pillows, these luxury rooms offer the finest amenities

The 2008 Golf Trends
Learn how to unwind after a round and use computer technology to improve your putt—the latest golf trends in 2008″ (via .concierge.com )

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SkyMed transports members to their hospital of choice not just to the closest appropriate
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Learn about the SkyMed difference.

SkyMed offers peace of mind to travelers. When our members suffer medical emergencies while traveling more than 100 air miles from home, our solution returns them to their local hospital and medical care providers. Many plans sold as “emergency travel” insurance merely provide transport to the closest “appropriate” hospital. The closest “appropriate” hospital can be thousands of miles from home! Travelers who suffer serious medical problems can be left stranded by the very “emergency travel” insurance they relied upon for protection. You can buy for a trip or for a year or more.

In many cases, the “appropriate” hospital is outside of the country covered by the traveler’s medical insurance. In comparison, SkyMed is a complete package - while other plans leave the patient stranded at a distant location, SkyMed returns the member, spouse or companion, their children and/or grandchildren, stranded vehicles and pets — to the only place that really matters…home.

SkyMed coverage

Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Bahamas, Caribbean, Costa Rica, Belize and the USA, including Alaska and Hawaii.

SkyMed Membership provides:

* Hospital-to-Hospital Emergency Air Transport
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* Commercial Carrier Medical Escort Flights
* Escort Transportation
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* Vehicle Return
* Visitor Transportation
* Return Transportation After Recovery
* Incidental Expense Allowance
* Organ Retrieval
* Organ Recipient Transportation
* Physical Remains Return

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New higher rates(due to fuel costs) start tomorrow Aug. 15

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Ends at 4:59:59 p.m. ET on 8/25/08.