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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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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DH and I will be in Boston for 3 days prior to a cruise in September. I have a good list of all the things we want to see and do, but could use some recommendations of places to eat. A couple seafood places that I've heard of are The Neptune Oyster Bar, The Island Creek Oyster Bar and Atlantic Fish Co. Any opinions on these three and anything else would be appreciated. Thanks!
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I like Atlantic Fish and also No Name for fresh fish. One of my favorite restaurants anywhere is Henrietta's Table across the river in Cambridge. Easy to access via public transportation, serving brunch, lunch and dinner. Fresh, local ingredients, perfectly cooked and served. I was there for lunch last week and it was scrumptious! Henrietta's Table - Lunch Menu - honest to goodness New England cooking at the Charles Hotel, Cambridge, MA
I like Atlantic Fish and also No Name for fresh fish. One of my favorite restaurants anywhere is Henrietta's Table across the river in Cambridge. Easy to access via public transportation, serving brunch, lunch and dinner. Fresh, local ingredients, perfectly cooked and served. I was there for lunch last week and it was scrumptious! Henrietta's Table - Lunch Menu - honest to goodness New England cooking at the Charles Hotel, Cambridge, MA
Do you think Atlantic Fish and No Name are better than the other two seafood places I listed above? I'll check out Henrietta's Table, thanks for the suggestions!
Have you been there? I've heard other opinions that is nothing but a tourist trap, that the food and service are not that good. I'd love to go if it's worth it, but don't want to waste money on food that isn't good just to see the place.
Have you been there? I've heard other opinions that is nothing but a tourist trap, that the food and service are not that good. I'd love to go if it's worth it, but don't want to waste money on food that isn't good just to see the place.
I've been there, but not for many years, just because I'm a vegetarian and this is a carnivore's delight! It actually is (or was, can't vouch for it within the last 10 years) pretty good for a great piece of beef, corn bread, indian pudding. HUGE portions, famously rude waitresses (!!). If you're in the Faneuil Hall area, and feel like a big meal, give it a try.
I used to love Durgin Park. Notice I said USED TO. I know it's a tourist trap. There is NO AC in the place and you can definitely tell it's been around forever. The food is meh, I'd say home cooking, buttttttt, I make way better food than they do. I haven't been in a few years, but the biggest reason is this. About 3 or 4 years ago, my friend and I took our sons to the tree lighting ceremony in Fanueil Hall. We decided to take them to Durgin Park for dinner. Not my first choice, I wanted something different, but there was virtually no wait there and at least 45 minutes everywhere else. My son must've been either 3 or 4. He's 7, so I'm not sure if it was 4 years ago and he was 3 or vice versa. Anywho, it was a special treat, and he wanted a soda. So I got him one. Well, usually when he got soda he was all over it like white on rice. This night he just wasn't drinking it like he usually does. I took a sip and it tasted "off". I gave it to my friend and she immediately said there was rum in it. The waitress was so rude about it, the bartender dumped it out before the manager could see it. The manager was great, he comped our whole meal and took my number and called a few days later to check on my son. On the advice of a few people, I called the licensing commission in Boston to let them know and the woman was so rude to me, she just couldn't believe I gave my son soda. Anyway, we've been back a few times since then and I always test the kids drinks first.
But, moving on from that, my recommendations are definitely a nice Italian place in the North End. And as for the pastries in the North End, I do love Mike's. It's what I imagine heaven is like. But....the lines, especially in the summer/early fall, are out the door insane and there is no order in the place. You just get in a line and where you end up is where you end up. I accidentally found Bova's Bakery, which is like a 5 minute walk from Hanover St. Their cannollis are far and away the best I've ever had. And they're open 24 hours! Or at least they used to be. I love LTK (Legal Test Kitchen) in the Seaport District. Another favorite, actually all time favorite of mine is Jasper White's Summer Shack. It's in Cambridge, right across from the Alewife train station. Their clambake is to.die.for.
Not a restaurant as such, but a great place to get food is Quincy Market near Faneuil Hall in Downtown Boston. There are masses of food choices in there, and a neat seating area in the centre. The lobster rolls are to die for!
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I used to love Durgin Park. Notice I said USED TO. I know it's a tourist trap. There is NO AC in the place and you can definitely tell it's been around forever. The food is meh, I'd say home cooking, buttttttt, I make way better food than they do. I haven't been in a few years, but the biggest reason is this. About 3 or 4 years ago, my friend and I took our sons to the tree lighting ceremony in Fanueil Hall. We decided to take them to Durgin Park for dinner. Not my first choice, I wanted something different, but there was virtually no wait there and at least 45 minutes everywhere else. My son must've been either 3 or 4. He's 7, so I'm not sure if it was 4 years ago and he was 3 or vice versa. Anywho, it was a special treat, and he wanted a soda. So I got him one. Well, usually when he got soda he was all over it like white on rice. This night he just wasn't drinking it like he usually does. I took a sip and it tasted "off". I gave it to my friend and she immediately said there was rum in it. The waitress was so rude about it, the bartender dumped it out before the manager could see it. The manager was great, he comped our whole meal and took my number and called a few days later to check on my son. On the advice of a few people, I called the licensing commission in Boston to let them know and the woman was so rude to me, she just couldn't believe I gave my son soda. Anyway, we've been back a few times since then and I always test the kids drinks first.
But, moving on from that, my recommendations are definitely a nice Italian place in the North End. And as for the pastries in the North End, I do love Mike's. It's what I imagine heaven is like. But....the lines, especially in the summer/early fall, are out the door insane and there is no order in the place. You just get in a line and where you end up is where you end up. I accidentally found Bova's Bakery, which is like a 5 minute walk from Hanover St. Their cannollis are far and away the best I've ever had. And they're open 24 hours! Or at least they used to be. I love LTK (Legal Test Kitchen) in the Seaport District. Another favorite, actually all time favorite of mine is Jasper White's Summer Shack. It's in Cambridge, right across from the Alewife train station. Their clambake is to.die.for.
Thank goodness your son didn't drink any more of that drink than he did! I'm glad the manager handled it well even though the waitress and bartender did not.
An Italian meal in the North End is on our "must do" list, I've been given several suggestions, is there one you like best? As far as pastries, we're not too big on them in general, but may need to try a cannolli just say we did .
There are lots of Italian restaurants in the North End (within walking distance of New England Aquarium and Quincy Market). One of our favorites is La Famiglia LaFamiglia Giorgio Italian Restaurant Boston Massachusetts 112 Salem Street North End Boston , however, we haven't been in a few years. Welcome To Mike's Pastry! (index.html) is fabulous. Best Cannoli's ever! About 10 years ago, my parents tried a new Italian restaurant every time they went to Boston (My dad has weekend tickets to the Red Sox, so they used to go up on Saturday & spend the night) and they never had anything bad to say about any of the places they tried.
Thanks for the info Dyan! We are going to a Red Sox game vs. the Yankees on 9/13! We also plan to tour the park earlier in the day. Right now my plan is dinner at The Island Creek Oyster Bar between the tour and game, but I may change that according to recommendations. This restaurant is voted #1 on Tripadvisor, but I also value the opinions of fellow Passporters, so any advice you can give is appreciated!
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I had not heard of the Island Oyster Bar, so my curiosity got the best of me and I used Google Maps to find it. As Laurie said, it is definitely within walking distance of Fenway Park...Google Maps 'says' a 7 minute walk.
Since it is a week-day, the gates to Fenway are set to open 90 minutes before game time, so the Yankees batting practice will more-than-likely be finished by then. (I still love to go to games early and we go a LOT) Pre-game ceremonies seem to be starting earlier and earlier; I think it was close to 45 minutes before gametime on Sunday. They will be presenting the Red Sox's Roberto Clemente Award nominee, when you are there. Also, some night's there are promotions, but they don't usually add them to the schedule more than a week in advance. This year, they have had quite a few former players available in the Yawkey Way Store (inside the gates on Yawkey Way by Gates A & D). They have been located in the 'Clubhouse' area. We have been given free photos and then the player autographs it for free. DS has asked the two we have seen if he can have a photo with them; both have invited him behind the table for a photo. Both were very nice experiences. Be sure to check the schedule before you go - the promotions are indicated on the calendar with a *.
You can bring in a bag/backpack. It will be searched and they will put a tag on it (like the former EMH wristbands at WDW). You can also bring in water bottles - as long as the seal is NOT broken. Glass bottles are not allowed. We have not had a problem with having snacks in our bags. (DS has brought in bags of M&M's before; many times I have had a bag of cough drops).
Since it is a Yankees game, your DH will be patted down. (DS was this past weekend)
Food at the concession stands are the standard fare. If you decide you would like to try a Fenway Frank, you might want to stay away from the boiled ones. Some of the concession stands and all of the vendors in the stands carry boiled. (It's rumored they only change the water a couple of times a season Blech! ) They have great grilled ones in the park behind the seats in Section 19. I'm sure they have them in other areas of the park; Section 19 is just close to where we sit. Do you know where you are sitting?
If you get a soda, splurge and go for the souvenir cup (only at concession stands). The cups have been great this year for the 100 Years celebration. They also wash nicely in the top rack of the dishwasher.
Red Sox/Yankees games can get a little heated in the stands sometimes, although it has gotten better since 2004. We haven't run into any problems, but we have seen people taken out by Boston's finest - far fewer than there used to be. If there is an issue around you and you aren't close to a security person, text the offending person's location to Fenway Security (23215). They don't tolerate any foolishness.
Not sure what else I can add, but will come back if I can think of anything else.
If you land Ed as your Tour Guide - he's a FABULOUS guy - tell him Dyan, the lady who landed him on the Kennedy Center Honors (Sweet Caroline) says hello!
We ate a great little Italian place in the North End area, Piccolo Venzia, and it was really great. Family run, quality food. While maybe touristy, we did go to Union Oyster House and enjoyed it.
Dyan, thanks so much for all the information on the Red Sox game, my DH is looking forward to this more than anything else on the entire trip! Our seats are in section 7, I hope they are decent and that people are well behaved , I'd never given any thought to that matter, so I'm glad for the heads up.
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As Laurie said, it is definitely within walking distance of Fenway Park...Google Maps 'says' a 7 minute walk.
Blech! 
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