Forums Closed
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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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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!
Best wishes for a wonderful and magical new year!
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Welcome! We're happy you've found the PassPorter Community -- the friendliest place to plan your vacation to Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, and the world in general! You are now viewing the PassPorter Message Board Community as a guest, which gives you limited access. As our guest, feel free to browse our messages by selecting the forum you want to visit from the list below.
To post messages and ask questions, join our FREE community today and you'll get access to tools and resources not available to guests, such as our vacation countown timers, "living" avatars, private messaging system, database searches, downloads, and a special PassPorter discount code. Registration is fast, simple, and completely free. Just click the Join Our Community link.
If you think you've already joined, log in below now. If you don't remember your member name or password, please visit our Member Name and Password Recovery page. You are also welcome to contact us.
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09-20-2006, 10:39 PM
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#91
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Community Rank: Explorer 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Posts: 13,817
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 2 Day 3 Done Updated 9/15
Great photos! I love that little train. It always reminds me of Mr. Rogers trolley!
The kids look like they're having a grand time with their fans.
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09-21-2006, 12:06 AM
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#92
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Community Rank: Adventurer 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Wentzville, MO
Posts: 818
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 2 Day 3 Done Updated 9/15
[ QUOTE ]
I also haven't seen Miyaki but it is on my "list".
[/ QUOTE ]
[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/yeahthat.gif[/img]
Can't wait for more!
Steph A
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09-21-2006, 01:37 AM
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#93
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Community Rank: Globetrotter 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Manchester, England
Posts: 3,595
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 2 Day 3 Done Updated 9/15
I haven't seen that much of WS and love to read reports on it.
It sounds as if you had a great time - I'll definitely try to check out Miyaki on my next trip.
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09-21-2006, 02:40 AM
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#94
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PassPorter Message Board Manager
 PassPorter Guide Author
Community Rank: Legend VIP 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Maidstone, Kent, UK
Concierge Level: 3
Posts: 190,285
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 2 Day 3 Done Updated 9/15
Odd that Colin got a second wind when he saw the trains! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/whistling2.gif[/img] And take about nature in action in China! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/jawdrop.gif[/img] The next installment doesn't sound too promising....
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09-21-2006, 07:05 AM
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#95
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Community Rank: Trailblazer 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 5,668
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 2 Day 3 Done Updated 9/15
Your pics are wonderful Marnie! That's amazing that you saw that bird eat the baby frog [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] Can't wait to read about your great meal and Not so Happy Surprise. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
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09-21-2006, 10:13 AM
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#96
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Community Rank: Explorer
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Longfellow's "Jewel by the Sea"
Posts: 14,165
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 2 Day 3 Done Updated 9/15
Yuck, that frog snack was gross! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
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09-21-2006, 11:09 AM
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#97
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Community Rank: Scout 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Methuen,MA
Posts: 4,499
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 2 Day 3 Done Updated 9/15
great updates marnie- Alexa looked so cute even with the pink sandals! Colin looked cute in the red hummer
can't wait for more
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09-21-2006, 02:49 PM
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#98
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Community Rank: Explorer
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: New York
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 7,960
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 2 Day 3 Done Updated 9/15
Wonderful update, Marnie! I have seen Miyuki, too, and agree that she is amazing! Looking forward to more (but it doesn't sound too promising [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]).
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09-21-2006, 05:06 PM
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#99
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Community Rank: Scout
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Grand Blanc, MI
Concierge Level: 4
Posts: 4,238
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 2 Day 3 Done Updated 9/15
More great updates, thanks! Alexa is adorable in her Jasmine outfit, even if it is itchy and Colin looked right at home in that Hummer! Sounds like you had a nice day at Epcot! I have to ask though, who is Miyaki and what is her show?
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09-21-2006, 05:58 PM
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#100
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Community Rank: Globetrotter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,651
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 2 Day 3 Done Updated 9/15
Oh, my, flashback with the Chinese fans - Melanie broke hers on our trip last summer after about 2-3 days of solid fanning!
And I think Joshua would receive a second wind at the train display, as well!
Great updates, ready for more!
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09-21-2006, 08:15 PM
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#101
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RED SOX NATION!!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Connecticut
Concierge Level: 9
Posts: 136,854
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 2 Day 3 Done Updated 9/15
[ QUOTE ]
I have to ask though, who is Miyaki and what is her show?
[/ QUOTE ]
Miyuki is the candymaker in Japan. She has a booth right outside of the entrance to the Japanese store. She has scheduled times for performances, so check your times guide the next time you are there. She makes amazing creations [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]
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09-22-2006, 10:00 AM
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#102
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Community Rank: Scout
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Grand Blanc, MI
Concierge Level: 4
Posts: 4,238
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 2 Day 3 Done Updated 9/15
Thanks Marnie! She sounds fun, we'll definitely check her out next time. Hurry back!
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09-22-2006, 12:26 PM
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#103
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RED SOX NATION!!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Connecticut
Concierge Level: 9
Posts: 136,854
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 2 Day 3 Done Updated 9/15
<font color="blue"> Day 5 Part 3 - A Great Meal and a Happy Surpise, NOT
We finally made our way back to the BC. It had to be close to 3:00 by this point, if not later. Time to swim [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]
We all changed and headed for the pool. We had a good time swimming, and made our way over to the bottom of the big slide, where the kiddie slide was. I don’t think we did the big slide today, I think that was left for tomorrow. Matt did go and get a life jacket for Colin. He gave his room number (or card number) and we were able to keep the jacket for the remainder of our stay [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]
   
We left the pool late, it had to be close to 4:45. We had an ADR at Spoodles for 5:30 [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] No time for naps today [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img] We were quick with the showers, and just decided to walk over to Spoodles instead of taking the boat (which was the right decision, as it took 5 minutes to walk)! We made our way inside, and were seated immediately. It was already hopping in there, and was quite crowded! This was our first time eating here, mainly due to the dining plan, but I thought we’d all get something out of the menu!
For appetizers, I had the Garlic Shrimp, and Matt had a Greek Salad. The kids got appetizers here too, and both had a cheese flatbread (which frankly was their meal because they were too stuffed to eat anything else). And the kids had Shirley Temples. I told the waitress that I’d pay out of pocket for them as I didn’t know if they were covered, but she said no problem [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/thanx.gif[/img] It was here that I sprung the big surprise that I had reserved the Breathless for tonight. SURPRISE! Matt wasn’t happy. Remember, he didn’t have his nap, and neither did Colin. He just wanted to go back and take it slow tonight. So I told him that yes he could, but we’d be getting up at 8 to go to the marina. Happy freakin’ surprise!! NOT!! Ugh! The things I do, I tell ya!
And I forgot to take pictures of the meals, until Alexa reminded me at dessert time. So no appetizer and entrée pictures [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/sorry.gif[/img] For the entrée, I had the Oak Fired NY Strip, and Matt had the Fettucini Alfredo. Alexa had grilled cheese, and Colin and PB&J. Can you say stuffed to the gills [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] And we’ve still got dessert to go! Matt had the vanilla bean crème brulee, I had the Happiest Celebration of Earth cake (white chocolate orange cake), Alexa had chocolate chip cookies and milk, and Colin had the build your own chocolate sundae! YUM-O!! Take a look at the desserts!
   
The total including tip for this meal was $143.60. Thank you free dining [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img] We used 4 TS credits! I have to say, one of the best meals on the trip [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] We’ll definitely be coming back here!
It was 6:30 by the time we left, so there was still time for a quick nap, and Matt and Colin took advantage of that. Alexa played with her Legos. Just after 8, we packed our stuff and headed down to the marina. We checked in, I paid the bill [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/ouch.gif[/img] and we had a short wait before Aaron (our driver) was ready to go.
   
Aaron took us down toward the MGM dock, and then on the way back, he layed on the throttle and we got a little taste of speed [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] Such a nice boat, and I’d highly recommend even just a 30 minute ride on this baby (which would be much cheaper)! Aaron said the boat was high maintenance due to the teak, and they send it out every year for maintenance. Aaron also ran some of the kids fishing trips (which Matt was interested in) and said they use hot dogs as bait for the kids [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] He also said that if you took the early morning fishing excursion out of the YC marina, you got to go inside the Epcot lagoon (as we had witnessed a boat there this morning)! That would be cool. We were soon docking under the bridge in England, and waited for the show to begin.
It was a great show, and it was very cool to be eye level with it. The winds shifted a bit and the smoke headed this way, but it didn’t block the view, and just had the smell of the fireworks in it. I videotaped the show, and Colin was latched on to me (although he survived the fireworks). Once it was over, we untied from the bridge, and actually went into a big of the WS lagoon before turning around and heading back to the marina. We stocked up on the drinks and chips that Aaron had brought (since we had paid for them anyway) and exited the boat. All in all, a great time, and I’m so glad that I was able to get it! I think Matt and the kids were too (at least Alexa) as they all enjoyed it!
We went back to the room, and called it a night at that point. We were all exhausted as it had been a long (and hot) day. Tomorrow would be another early morning!
Memories of our Fifth Day
The weather today was ……..hot and humid, low 90s
The best thing today was…….riding on the Breathless
The worst thing today was ………waiting in line for TT and having it break down.
The funniest thing today was……the bird in China eating the frog
Today we tried……Spoodles and the Breathless
And the result was……..a great meal and a fantastic boat ride.
The most magical moment today was……..Alexa getting her pink flamingo from Miyuki!
Coming up next……….Little Ones EMH, and what to you mean it’s full??
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09-22-2006, 12:40 PM
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#104
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Tinkerbell's Aunt
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: McHenry IL
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 13,254
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 2 Day 3 Done Updated 9/15
Marnie - Your family may not have been jumping for joy, but I sure would have been! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] the boat looks amazing and I can't think of a better way to watch Illuminations!
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09-22-2006, 01:03 PM
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#105
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Community Rank: Trailblazer
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 5,325
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 2 Day 3 Done Updated 9/15
The boat ride looks wonderful! I would have been extremely excited with your surprise! Men. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]
Great update! Spoodles looks really good!
Can't wait to hear more!
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