As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.
So it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our long-running forums. They came online in 2000 and brought together so many wonderful Disney fans. We had friendships form, careers launch, couples marry, children born ... all because of this amazing community.
Thank you to each of you who were a part of this community. You made it possible.
And a very special thank you to our Guides (moderators), past and present, who kept our forums a happy place to be. You are the glue that held everything together, and we are forever grateful to you. Thank you aliceinwdw, Caldercup, MrsM, WillCAD, Fortissimo, GingerJ, HiddenMickey, CRCrazy, Eeyoresmom, disneyknut, disneydani, Cam22, chezp, WDWfan, Luvsun, KMB733, rescuesk, OhToodles!, Colexis Mom, lfredsbo, HiddenMickey, DrDolphin, DopeyGirl, duck addict, Disneybine, PixieMichele, Sandra Bostwick, Eeyore Tattoo, DyanKJ130, Suzy Q'Disney, LilMarcieMouse, AllisonG, Belle*, Chrissi, Brant, DawnDenise, Crystalloubear, Disneymom9092, FanOfMickey, Goofy4Goofy, GoofyMom, Home4us123, iamgrumpy, ilovedisney247, Jennifer2003, Jenny Pooh, KrisLuvsDisney, Ladyt, Laughaholic88, LauraBelle Hime, Lilianna, LizardCop, Loobyoxlip, lukeandbrooksmom, marisag, michnash, MickeyMAC, OffKilter_Lynn, PamelaK, Poor_Eeyore, ripkensnana, RobDVC, SHEANA1226, Shell of the South, snoozin, Statelady01, Tara O'Hara, tigger22, Tink and Co., Tinkerbelz, WDWJAMBA, wdwlovers, Wendyismyname, whoSEZ, WildforWD, and WvuGrrrl. You made the magic.
We want to personally thank Sara Varney, who coordinated our community for many years (among so many other things she did for us), and Cheryl Pendry, our Message Board Manager who helped train our Guides, and Ginger Jabour, who helped us with the PassPorter-specific forums and Live! Guides. Thank you for your time, energy, and enthusiasm. You made it all happen.
There are other changes as well.
Why? Well, the world has changed. And change with it, we must. The lyrics to "We Go On" for IllumiNations say it best:
We go on to the joy and through the tears
We go on to discover new frontiers
Moving on with the current of the years.
We go on
Moving forward now as one
Moving on with a spirit born to run
Ever on with each rising sun.
To a new day, we go on.
It's time to move on and move forward.
PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.
But eventually, we must move on and move forward. It is the right thing to do.
So we are retiring this newsletter, as we simply cannot keep up with it. Many thanks to Mouse Fan Travel who supported it all these years, to All Ears and MousePlanet who helped us with news, to our many article contributors, and -- most importantly -- to Sara Varney who edited our newsletter so wonderfully for years and years.
And we are no longer charging for the Live Guides. If you have a subscription, it's yours to keep for the lifetime of the Live Guides at no additional cost. The Live Guides will stay online, barring server issues and technical problems, for all of 2019.
That said, PassPorter is not going away. Most of the resources will remain online for as long as we can support them, and after that we will find ways to make whatever we can available. PassPorter means a great deal to us, and to many of you, and we will do our best to keep it alive in whatever way we can. Our server costs are high, and they'll need to come out of our pockets, so in the future you can expect some changes so we can bring those costs down.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your amazing support over the years. Without you, there's no way us little guys could have made something like this happen and given the "big guys" a run for their money. PassPorter was consistently the #3 guidebook after the Unofficial and Official guides, which was really unheard of for such a small company to do. We ROCKED it thanks to you and your support and love!
If you miss us, you can still find some of us online. Sara started a new blog at DisneyParkPrincess.com -- I strongly urge you to visit and get on her mailing list. She IS the Disney park princess and knows Disney backward and forward. And I am blogging as well at JenniferMaker.com, which is a little craft blog I started a couple of years ago to make ends meet. You can see and hear me in my craft show at https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifermaker . Many PassPorter readers and fans are on Facebook, in groups they formed like the PassPorter Trip Reports and PassPorter Crafting Challenge (if you join, just let them know you read about it in the newsletter). And some of our most devoted community members started a forum of their own at Pixie Dust Lane and all are invited over.
So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!
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Who: The Laplante Family – Judi, Keith, Luke and Brooke and their secret surprise guests
What: MISSION: Possible!
Where: WDW – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
When: August 15, 2009, 8AM
How: Any way we could pull it off as a family!
So, we were up at 3:30AM and out the door by 4:30AMEST. We had 152 miles or so in front of us, heading southwest to Orlando and our happy place. Here’s some background on MISSION: Possible!
We’ve known Tricia Davids and her DH Roger for over a year now from here on the boards. Tricia and I quickly became cyber friends and share a lot in common besides or love for WDW. Since Tricia and Roger are from the other side of the beautiful USA in Santa Barbara, CA, the chances of us seeing each other were slim. Things happen for a reason in my world, I truly believe this. Last year many of you may remember that Tricia and Roger had a trip planned to WDW and had to cancel the trip. We were still living in MA and we wouldn’t have been able to see them when they visited as we were going a month later. Now, a year later, they have another trip planned and we are living in FL! Tricia and I briefly discussed the possibility of meeting but with just moving in, the kids starting school, me the new job – it was all up in the air. Until I talked to my family about it. WHAT? Why can’t we meet Tricia and Roger? They were devastated! And they were right to be. Tricia and Roger are so good to my family – ALWAYS sending postcards from DL (this week one from WDW already), Easter baskets, housewarming gifts – you name it. They have become part of our family in many ways. How could we make this work?
Last Sunday we all sat down as a family and came up with our plan. Since I am Tricia’s TA and had booked the trip for them, I knew when/where she had ADRs – that was the piece we needed. On Saturday, Agust 15th they had an ADR at Hollywood and Vine at 8AM. Hmmmmmmm……..what would be the chances I could snag one at the same time? BINGO! – exactly the same time!! I told the kids what we would need to do. We would all have to agree to go to bed early Friday night and get up VERY early Saturday morning in order to pull this off. They totally understood and without hesitation agreed. And off we drove!
We arrived at the parking lot of DHS at 7:15AM. The first thing we needed to do was to pick-up our FL Annual Passes at the Will Call window. The window opened at 7:30AM and CM Felix gladly assisted us. The kids told him about our surprise and he gave them each a “What will you celebrate?” pin. The Security Guard came over and gave them each a Junior Security sticker. There was no one around except for the CMs working and all of us – it was fun being there that early and watching everyone starting the magical day!
We knew Tricia and Roger would be arriving shortly via the Disney bus from Wilderness Lodge so we went way off to the side and hid somewhat out of the way to watch the guests entering the park. Luke and Brooke were both all decked out in the hats and shirts Tricia and Roger had sent them from DL as part of their housewarming gift bags this week. After only a couple of minutes our targets were in our sights! The kids were ready to explode!
We headed in the direction of the entrance and I sent the kids on ahead of Keith and me. Luke and Brooke approached Tricia and Roger unexpectedly and said, “Hi Roger and Tricia, do you recognize us?” Then they spotted Keith and me. It was wonderful!
More to come.......
Last edited by lukeandbrookesmom; 08-16-2009 at 04:52 PM..
PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book! Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95.
We all headed into the empty park for our early ADR at Hollywood and Vine. The restaurant was pretty much empty the whole time we were in there – not full at all. The breakfast buffet was delicious and the character interaction was wonderful for the three kids. You are questioning where the extra child came from? Well, that would be Roger! If anyone needs to find the magic that is Disney, then my suggestion is to take a trip with Roger and you will find it! They had such a fun time with Leo, JoJo, Goliath, and June (or was it July or May Roger?). During our breakfast one of the buffet cook CMs came over to visit Luke and Brooke, bringing them a light-up Tink and Lightening McQueen clip-on. Their faces lit up with the gifts as well! Hmmmmm…….Roger? How did Justin get these clips? That was part of the magic of Disney that Roger and Tricia so naturally spread. Our server Sip from Indonesia was exceptional as well, and our day was off to a great start!
The "kids" with Leo-
My hidden Mickey!
He's such a big kid!
With Justin, the buffet cook. He is in the College Program, from Johnson and Wales College and was a sweetheart!
Still more coming.....
Last edited by lukeandbrookesmom; 08-16-2009 at 04:53 PM..
How wonderful! I thought it might involve Roger and Tricia!!!! But I didn't realize they didn't know you were coming! What a lovely surprise!!! More please!!!!
How fun and exciting! Congrats for pulling it off.
__________________
ºOº ~*~
Oct '99: CSR ~ May '02: CR ~ Nov '04: SOG ~ May '06: SOG ~ Dec '07: Solo @ Pop ~ May '08: Pop w/friends ~ Oct '08: SOG ~ Dec '09: Pop w/LeAnn ~ Sept '10: Solo @ Pop ~ Spring '11: AKL ~ Jan '12: Pop for 1/2 Marathon ~ Sept '12: 1st trip for DL 1/2 Marathon? ~ Feb '13: Pop w/pals? ~ Mar '13: Tokyo Disney w/PP's?
PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book! Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95.
Off to Toy Story Mania we went! The wait time was already 40 minutes but in line we hopped. It’s such a fun queue and time flies. Luke had already claimed Rogers as his car partner and Brooke teamed up with Daddy so I could ride with Tricia. That ride is just so much fun!
Next on the list was Star Tours. This is the one ride, along with the Teacups, that I just can’t do because of the motion. The rest of the gang headed onto the ride which was only a 20 minute wait and I hung out in the Tatooine Traders shop and waited. I met up with a nice couple who were both wearing Boston Red Sox hats and talked with them for a bit. My happy family of Jedi fighters joined me again.
We headed now toward Rock ‘n Roller Coaster. Luke was never tall enough to ride this and he now was, along with his courage being there now. On the way, the High School Musical 3 show was starting so we stopped to watch. What a great show! Those kids performing were amazing. It was extremely hot, not to mention the Florida humidity was at its peak, and they didn’t miss a beat. Constant smiles on their faces and they all seemed to be loving what they do. Brooke was tagged by a performer to go out and dance with them, too!
Off to RnRC – would Luke still want to try it with Roger and mommy? He got into the queue with us (40 minute wait) as Brooke, Tricia and Keith waited outside. He enjoyed the inside of the queue with all the album covers and such. But, hey Roger – who is Hillary Duff? He also enjoyed the recording studio bit and now we were into the alley. His hand was holding onto mine a bit tighter and he was asking questions a mile a minute about the ride specifics as he watched the cars taking off. OK, we’re into the gate now, and he’s in the car with me!!! I held onto his little hand as he white knuckled the shoulder handled and we took off! This is my absolute, hands-down favorite ride so when we got off I immediately asked how he liked it. “Well, I’m not sure mommy. I could see when we were going upside down and I didn't like that part.” He had a lot of hesitation in his voice. OK, at least he tried it, I’m good with that.
(What happened to my princes????)
(What would her pre-school kids think?)
From there we headed to the Backlot Express for some lunch and Roger was trading pins along the way. Tricia and I got in line to order the food and the rest of the gang went to get a table. Keith was kind enough to find a table for four and let us know where it was. Tricia and I looked at each other…….did he not realize there are 6 of us? Were Tricia and I going to sit on the floor and eat? That’s all he could find at that point as it was lunch time and very busy so he and Roger were going to stand. By the time we got the food they had snagged a table for six. The food was good, we were reenergized and headed off to Lights, Motion, Action!
The show was great – those stunt performers are amazing! The bleachers were full but at least there was a nice breeze and we were shaded from the incredibly hot sun. OK, even the breeze was hot, but it was a breeze.
After Lights, Motor, Action! we headed into the Backlot Tour. They changed it so now on the tram it’s a ‘canned’ voice – not as good in my opinion but it’s still a fun attraction.
It started to sprinkle lightly so we popped into the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids playground and the kids (including Roger, off course!) burned off some energy in there for a little bit.
It only sprinkled for a couple of minutes so we headed back toward the front of the park to see Voyage of the Little Mermaid. It’s such a cute show that we all enjoyed and the AC during that time of day is an added bonus!
The Magic of Animation was next – one of my favorites, too. Gotta love Mushu! In the character area we saw Sorcerer Mickey, Frozone from the Incredibles and the characters from UP! The UP! Characters were awesome! Brooke was posing with Dug the Dog when she said ‘Squirrel!” Within a nano-second Dug was in position! It was sooooooooo funny!
Just as we finished up with the UP! characters the doors opened everywhere and bunch of characters arrived for meet ‘n greets – perfect timing! We saw Mary Poppins who asked if the kids could say Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious backwards. When they said no, she made them turn their backs to us and say it – too cute!
We also met with Pinocchio and Gepetto, Pluto and Goofy, Mr. Incredible and Elastigril, King Richard from Robin Hood and the Queen from Snow White. The Queen was awesome – I really think Brooke was afraid of her. She was really in character and fun to watch and interact with though.
At this point Luke asks, “Mommy, can we go on Rock n’ Roller Coaster again?” WHAT? My baby is all grown up and loves RNRC!!! Wooooooohooooooo! But first, I headed over to Tower of Terror with Roger and Keith for a ride. Luke and Brooke refused to even consider this ride and happily waited outside with Tricia who didn’t want to ride it either. We got a great photo of the three of us – Roger, see no evil; Judi – hear no evil; and Keith-speak no evil!
We hopped onto RNRC again and Tricia, Keith and Brooke headed to ride Star Tours again. This time when RNRC ended Luke’s response before we even got out of the car was, “SWEET! I love this ride!” I have a riding partner for life.
Tricia had texted Roger asking if we were done because she had just found out that the park closed at 7PM this night. We caught up as a group again and Brooke gave Tricia the WDW 2009 pin and Luke gave Roger the Star Tours pin we had gotten for them. Brooke was now crying because she realized our day had come to an end and we all headed slowly to the front of the park. We didn’t say our goodbyes, we said our see you laters as we know we will. Another friends for life PPer story. We will be planning our trip to DL very soon! We love you Tricia and Roger and can’t wait to read your full trip report my friends!
MISSION: Possible! Accomplished!
Last edited by lukeandbrookesmom; 08-16-2009 at 04:54 PM..
About This Page: 
Things happen for a reason in my world, I truly believe this.
Last year many of you may remember that Tricia and Roger had a trip planned to WDW and had to cancel the trip. We were still living in MA and we wouldn’t have been able to see them when they visited as we were going a month later. Now, a year later, they have another trip planned and we are living in FL!
Tricia and I briefly discussed the possibility of meeting but with just moving in, the kids starting school, me the new job – it was all up in the air. Until I talked to my family about it. WHAT?
Why can’t we meet Tricia and Roger?
They were devastated!
How could we make this work? 
and get up VERY early Saturday morning in order to pull this off. They totally understood and without hesitation agreed.
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
and the character interaction was wonderful for the three kids. You are questioning where the extra child came from?
If anyone needs to find the magic that is Disney, then my suggestion is to take a trip with Roger and you will find it!
]
Disney Magic - Oct 2015
ºOº ~*~ 
Reese
Parlor Panther in 'stalking mode'
The rest of the gang headed onto the ride which was only a 20 minute wait and I hung out in the Tatooine Traders shop and waited. I met up with a nice couple who were both wearing Boston Red Sox hats and talked with them for a bit. My happy family of Jedi fighters joined me again.
He also enjoyed the recording studio bit and now we were into the alley. His hand was holding onto mine a bit tighter and he was asking questions 
He had a lot of hesitation in his voice. OK, at least he tried it, I’m good with that.
The bleachers were full but at least there was a nice breeze and we were shaded from the incredibly hot sun. OK, even the breeze was hot, but it was a breeze.
and happily waited outside with Tricia who didn’t want to ride it either. We got a great photo of the three of us – Roger, see no evil; Judi – hear no evil; and Keith-speak no evil! 
because she realized our day had come to an end and we all headed slowly to the front of the park. We didn’t say our goodbyes, we said our see you laters as we know we will.
Hybrid Mode
