1 . Nobody likes waiting in long lines at amusement parks, especially when you are with babies. Disneyland or Disney World are known for their splendid rides, attractions and large crowds as well. The familiar result is that many guests have spent a lot of time just waiting in lines while visiting the theme parks, which annoys the majority.
Until recently, both parks made use of the FastPass system to keep guests moving. On certain rides, park-goers could obtain a ticket that allowed them to come back within a specific time window. At that point, they would wait on a special line for seating. As explained in a recent YouTube share, the system worked similarly to a real queue. Instead of waiting in line, guests could continue to explore the park and, most importantly for Disney, spend more money at shops and restaurants.
While the FastPass system became popular, usage ended during the recent pandemic（流行病）. With both the California and Florida theme parks operating at reduced visiting number, the space taken up by FastPass kiosks（售货亭）was instead used for socially distanced lines.
In its place, Disney has developed a new planning tool called Disney Genie. The online app, which became available in Disney World in October, allows guests to create a path for their visit. By using park data that's updated throughout the day, the app will help guests plan out their visit so that they can hit the rides and attractions that they want to in the most convenient way. Guests using the app pay an extra fee and get the option to book the next available time to ride select attractions.
1. What may upset most visitors of Disney?| A．Spending most of the time waiting in lines. | B．Poor equipment in theme parks. |
| C．Fewer attractions. | D．High prices at restaurants. |
| A．Lower ticket fees | B．Less visitors in Disney |
| C．Extra income at shops in Disney | D．Having a comfortable and better seat. |
| A．The Rise of the New APP | B．FastPass System Became Popular |
| C．YouTube Share Makes a Difference | D．How Disney Manages Crowds at its Theme Parke |
| A．Computer programmers. | B．Travelers to Disney World |
| C．Businessmen of supermarkets. | D．Foreign entertainment park builders, |
| A．Tourist and guide. | B．Strangers. | C．Friends. |
3 . Do you feel a little bored with your daily work? How to relieve this kind of boredom? Actually, there are a wide range of exciting holidays waiting for you.
Trekking（徒步）tours
There are some trekking tours to some well-known places such as Machu Picchu or the Everest Base Camp Trek, as well as some nearer places to our home in the Highlands of Scotland. You don't need to be very sporty, just fairly fit. You'll have fun enjoying nature with a group of new friends. Some of the holidays include camping, so we'll transport the tents for you!
Polar expeditions
Take a journey to Antarctica or the northern Arctic；explore a land of wonderful wildlife. Our experts will explain everything about the two poles as you watch the penguins in Antarctica or whales and polar bears in the Arctic. There's no greater adventure than travelling to the ends of the earth.
Activity holidays
Our activity holidays are for people who love sports while enjoying natural beauty. We have a huge variety of water, snow or desert holidays. We'll take you diving in the Red Sea or white water rafting in Canada. If you prefer snow, you can try skiing or snowboarding in the Alps. For those who like warmer weather, we also have sand-boarding or camel safaris（游猎）.
Cultural journeys
Our cultural journeys will help you discover ancient civilizations: India, Thailand, Egypt and many more. Visit temples, palaces and ancient ruins-just remember to bring your camera! Get to know local ways of life by exploring markets, trying foreign foods and meeting local people.
1. Which activity will you choose if you love taking adventures?| A．Trekking tours. | B．Polar expeditions. | C．Activity holidays. | D．Cultural journeys. |
| A．Egypt. | B．India. | C．Canada. | D．Thailand. |
| A．Going camping. | B．Going skiing. | C．Enjoying nature. | D．Doing water sports. |
4 . A Journey to the Yosemite Firefall
Each year, thousands of people are attracted to the Yosemite National Park in California for a chance of seeing —and photographing ——the unique “firefall”. The amazing “firefall” comes to life only when there is enough water from the melting（融化）snow to keep the Horsetail Fall flowing and when the light of the setting sun hits the waterfall at the right angle. It can only be seen for a short time in February on clear sunny days.
This year, the weather isn’t stopping the “firefall” from happening, but it is making the journey to see it more difficult.
“What would have been a 10-minute walk turned into a two-hour hike through deep snow,” photographer Ryan Fitzsimons said about his recent trip to see the phenomenon. “Our clothes were all wet by the time we got to a viewing site. But the heavy snow made the sight much more beautiful since the waterfall is much bigger this year.”
Another photographer Andy Heitz was making his first trip to see the “firefall”. He had to wait five hours in the extreme cold for his turn to take a picture.
“I got to the site at about 12:00 at noon. The place was already filled with hundreds of people waiting to see and photograph the ‘firefall’. I was so lucky that I shot a really wonderful burner! I was completely amazed with what I saw,” he said. “You know, only on a couple days of the year in February and when the sun sets down at the perfect angle to shine on Yosemite’s Horsetail Fall can we see the ‘Fire Fall’. I’ll never forget what I have seen.’’
The “firefall” should continue to be there from 20 to 24 February. But park officials said that there’s no guarantee（保证）that visitors will see it on any given day.
1. When might be the best time to take pictures of the “firefall”?| A．Early in the morning. | B．At noon. |
| C．Late in the afternoon. | D．At night. |
| A．There wouldn’t be enough snow. | B．It might be too cloudy. |
| C．The waterfall might not freeze. | D．The snow might melt too fast. |
| A．A worker in the kitchen. |
| B．The fire in the Yosemite National Park. |
| C．A part of a cooker or stove. |
| D．The unique Horsetail Fall in the setting sun. |
| A．To introduce an attraction. | B．To give suggestions for a trip. |
| C．To advertise a park in the US. | D．To explain what is a “firefall”. |
5 . Alameda Recreation and Park Department(ARPD)
TEEN TRIP TO THE LELAND HIGH SNOW PLAY
For Teens Currently in 6th to 12th Grades
LELAND HIGH SNOW PLAY -- Class # 8389
Friday, December 9
8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Meet at THE UNDERGROUND (Veteran's Building -- 2203 Central Avenue)
Cost per person: $50 ($60 after January 22)---- Includes:Lunch, Admission and Transportation
With a 4,000 square feet day-use lodge, the Leland High Snow Play has a huge supply of tubes to choose from along with awesome tows (拖车) that will tow you up to the top of the hill. Our varied terrains (地形) have something for everyone while the lodge provides a snack bar, video games, pool tables, five indoor rest rooms, a warm fire and a sun deck with plenty of tables and chairs overlooking the play area outside.
Be sure to bring warm clothing and prepare for the cold, but dress in layers in case it warms up. Wear dry boots, socks, and sunscreen. If possible, bring a mobile phone in case of emergency, as well as money for snacks and a light dinner: or bring your own food and drinks.
Meet at The Underground (Veteran's Building -- 2203 Central Avenue) -- don't be late!
Do not bring electronic or fragile items during the trip. The ARPD is not responsible for your personal belongings or money.
Refunds are issued only if the ARPD cancels this trip due to weather conditions.
Click here to download the registration form and "Leland High Snow Play Liability(责任) Form"
• Register in person, or mail the completed form to Leland High Snow Play, Inc. Send the liability form and payment to the ARPD Office, 2226 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda.
• Fax the registration and liability forms accepted with VISA, (510) 747--7566.
• Online registrations available at www.arpdeplay.com. Make sure you bring your completed liability form.
1. For people who want to take part in the activity, what do they need to do?| A．Make a reservation online. |
| B．Climb the hill themselves. |
| C．Pay for dinner themselves. |
| D．Pay for tows individually. |
| A．The weather at the hill changeable. |
| B．Children should be accompanied by parents. |
| C．12-year-old children are not allowed on the trip. |
| D．The trip will involve outdoor activities only. |
| A．To explain the details of a school activity. |
| B．To introduce a famous tour agency. |
| C．To persuade teenagers to climb a snowy mountain. |
| D．To advertise a trip to the Leland High Snow Play. |
6 . France has the most beautiful castles throughout Europe. Here are some of the best French castles to visit. You’ll surely want to visit one of them during your travels in France. Have a look and enjoy!
Chateau de Versailles
The Chateau de Versailles is about 20kms southwest of Paris. When the castle was built, Versailles was a small village. Today, however, it is a famous area in Paris. The castle was built as a small hunting lodge (乡间小屋) for Louis XIII in the 1620s. Years later, he made it bigger. Later, louis XIV also made it larger, making it one of the largest palaces of the world.
Chateau de Chambord
The Chateau de Chambord is one of the largest castles around the world. It sits in the Loire Valley. Being at the heart of Europe’s largest enclosed wooded park, Chambord, it was built for King Francis I to serve as a hunting lodge. It is one of the world’s most well-known castles in the world because of its French Renaissance (文艺复兴) building.
Chateau de Chenonceau
As one of the most famous castles in the Loire Valley, the castle was built during the 11th century on the River Cher. It was passed through many bands. The castle was not destroyed during the French Revolution because it was the only bridge across the river for many miles.
Chateau de Chantilly
This historic castle sits in the town of Chantilly, France. This beautiful castle is made up of two buildings: the Petit Chateau built around 1560 for Anne de Montmorency, and the Grand Chateau which was destroyed during the French Revolution and rebuilt in the 1870s. There are many interesting pieces of 17th century history about the castle. Every two years a fireworks competition is held in the castle gardens.
1. What makes the Chateau de Chambord special?| A．Its long history. | B．Its wealthy owner. |
| C．Its building style. | D．Its fireworks competition. |
| A．It was far from Paris. | B．It played a very important role. |
| C．It hid in the Loire Valley. | D．It was built by a famous French king. |
| A．The Chateau de Chantilly. | B．The Chateau de Chenonceau. |
| C．The Chateau de Chambord. | D．The Chateau de Versailles. |
