The "Thank Goodness for Normal" Trip PTR - Page 8 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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!
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.
Registered Message Board Members save 30% off PassPorter guidebooks! When you register you'll have access to a discount coupon good for 30% off the list price of PassPorter books in our online store.
I try to ignore the "issues" other families go through...not knowing about ADRs, time issues, crying children, etc. I just suck as a people watcher. But....no one could have ignored the family on the boat with us. It was a husband, wife and 5 children under the age of 6. And they were struggling, not just with the kids, but with each other. Apparently the dad thought that when you went to MK the kids could run around without parental supervision. They were debating whether to go home the next day or not and they had only gotten there the day before. And their ressies were for a week.
WHAT IDIOTS!!!!
Reminds me of when I was at my brother's house for a party and I overheard someone say how they left MK after 20 minutes because there was nothing but princesses. REALLY?? Haunted Mansion, POC, Space Mountain, BTMR, Splash Mountain, etc... Have you heard of ANY of these???
Your trip sounds so magical. I love all the special moments that you got to have. I feel the same way about Le Cellier. We were there last July and I'm not sure if it was because we had such high expectations, but we thought it was just ok. Can't wait for more.
Today's theme will be rain...as in rain, rain, rain. I could probably just end the report now with that note. But even WDW in the rain then home in the sun. So today was a relaxing DHS day. We only had a 12:00pm ADR at 50's to worry about.
We ate breakfast at OPR...everyone was pretty happy. I'm sure I had a bagel, because that's what I have pretty much every day of my life. The boys probably had other things, but who cares about them. We caught a bus to DHS...not rope drop, but not bad. First thing I MADE, yes, MADE, everyone do was get to TSMM for fast passes. They weren't ripe until after our lunch, but who cares we got them. No one, at this point, could figure out why I thought this was a coupe...but then I explained and they still didn't get it. Then they noticed the line...then they got it.
Off to The Magic of Disney Animation. We had a great time with Mushu and then took pics with Sorceror Mickey and the UP! characters. Dug was thrilled DS had brought his Kevin. Don't ask about the pics...it's a horrid mom mess-up with Photopass and I'm just glad none of them have ever asked. But we had a blast there anyway. When we got out it was pouring....as in rain. (Note: see theme.) We headed over to the GMR and had a good time. DS likes this ride for some reason. As usual we got the gangster version.
Then we wandered, and I mean wandered, over to the backlot tour. It was nice to go on it with the boys this year....last year it was just DH and I. 100_1872.jpg
After the backlot tour we booked it to 50s. This is DH's favorite TS in the parks. We had a really good waiter last year and a pretty good one this year. We always get the onion rings to split and then I got pot roast and a sundae. DH and SS got the meatloaf and the brownie sundaes. DS got chicken strips. All three boys got milkshakes They know back in the real world there's no milkshakes and dessert at home.
Then we headed over to Muppets and had fun. DH loves muppets. In fact he collects the pins and has both Rawlfs...including the one spelled the wrong way. I even got him the Swedish Chef for his bday next week.
It was time for our FPs to ripen so over we headed to TSMM. We only waited about 15 minutes, but I thought it was worth it. DS and I in one car, DH and SS in another. Now...I loved this game, but SS can't see 3D after having his cornea fried by radiation so he thought it was just okay. DH and DS (both protective of SS) take their cue from him and so it's not a must do for us. They all prefer Buzz LIghtyear. DS particularly won't like anything his big bro can't enjoy.
But after all that it was time to get to mom's favorite part of the park...ToT and RNRRC. ToT was a walk on and SS and I rode it. For some reason DS, who is nomrally an adreniline junkie, is freaked out by this one. And I'm not sure what he and DH talked about but when SS and I came off, DS wanted to try it. So off we went. He had a blast and was very proud of riding it but doesn't ever want to go again. DS and I headed over to RNRRC. DH and SS don't do roller coasters...not really. SS will do SM but that's because he can't see anything. DS and wandered over and we were in luck...it was a 10 minute wait. DS was flirting with the teen girls Yup...my 7 year old cassanova. The girls were convinced he was going to chicken out. And a few older men in front of us did, but not DS. In fact when we got up to the limo and one of the older guys said chicken exit DS whispered to me "Wuss". He did this at ToT too. Anywho, one limo ride later DS was feeling rather proud of himself and wanted to celebrate with a Mickey bar.
He decided DH and SS didn't deserve one because they didn't go on both. Then it was off to some shopping and pin trading on the way out. Right as we were leaving it began to pour. (see theme of story) We made it back to CBR, relaxed and I think the boys went swimming. In fact I know they did because we met them at OPR for dinner and then they went swimming again. I'm pretty sure I hit the hot tub tonight, but no one introduced me to my son this time.
Weather: wet, wet, and wet
best thing: meeting UP! characters
worst: rain and DH left his Oakland Raiders windbreaker on the bus
funniest thing: Dug's reaction to DS's Kevin
Tried: TSMM
Result: too short, and boys didn't like it
Magical Moment : Mushu show and DS doing ToT and RNRRC
Rain Rain Go Away!!! It did clear later that day (we ended up at Epcot today & Kona' for dinner). Isn't 50's PT great?? We ate there the day before.....the pot roast is YUMMY!!!
Great pictures & great TR!!!! So glad you had a good day at DHS despite the rain!!!
Registered Message Board Members Get Our Free Newsletter! When you register you'll have the option to sign up for our weekly PassPorter Newsletter. It's chock-full of feature articles; news; tips; contests; photos; and special offers in our online store.
A friend of our can't see 3D either because of eye issues. He went on TSMM when we were there in January but he wasn't as excited as the rest of the group.
This was probably the best day I have ever had at WDW EVER!!! And because I was so busy having a good time I think the pics are pretty limited. This was one of those days where we had no where to go and all day to get there. Although it didn't have the best start. We had a 9:10am CM ADR. Now, we're not huge fans of the fab five, but we do consider them pretty important so we figured we would knock them all out at once and have the boys favorite meal. So we woke up to Stitch on speaker phone because I refuse to be the only one with hearing loss and we made it to MK in great time. We walked over to CR and that was kind of cool. After finding CM we checked in, had the photo and were shown our seats. We had a nice view of the park and the boys thought that was cool. Our waitress...well, she was not a happy camper and I think that might have set the tone. She couldn't be bothered...and not just with us but with anyone. The good news was it was over quick. The boys thought the food was okay, but nothing spectacular.
After breakfast we took the monorail over to MK and decided we would just spend the day there. DH LOVES Main St so we decided to let him set the pace. The boys had told him about the glass blower so off we went. Although there was no one demonstrating the CM in the store said there would be soon so we walked back towards the Exposition Hall. I had never spent much time there but when we went around back DH noticed they were playing the classic cartoons we had to watch them all. Characters kept coming back and forth, but the boys had a really good time just watching the cartoons and taking photo ops.
When we finished there we went back and DH got to see a glass blowing demo. We saw some street performers, checked out the art and just strolled. Now, I'm not a huge parade person and I don't think I've ever seen much of one at MK, but when we came out of the Emporium the Celebrate parade was going by. OMG....DH loved it and it really was very good. I may have to give parades a bigger chance from now on. What was funny was after not seeing a parade in MK before, I ran intot his one about 4 times over the next two days.
We decided to start in Tomorrowland and work our way around. We did Stitch, Buzz, COP, and SM. SM post rehab is not really any better. For some reason it felt bumpier and there is one part now where you feel like you are leaving the track. But the line is better with the games...so we'll call it a wash. Next the boys needed bathroom breaks and refreshments. (See..cause and effect theory.) While we were sitting outside the bathrooms waiting for SS to get his snack PUSH showed up. DH and DS were enthralled. He picked DS to "talk" to and DS was amazed...it truly was a magical moment. When I figured out who was controlling PUSH I had DH slip him a Magical Moments card. Where else can a garbage can tell you how cool your red sneakers are. SS got there in time and thought it was neat too. But he's too old to do any more than nod.
Then we hit the Laugh Floor. With all of Tomorrowland done it was off to repeats in Tomorrowland. We must have waited in line at PP because it's in my notes, but I really thought that was earlier in the week. We did SW again too...that's my fav. DH and I did HM while SS and DS went off and did BTMRR and POTC. In fact they did them each twice while we went to HM and just strolled.
When we all got back together we went on the Liberty Belle Riverboat. This was another first for us. It was a nice way to slow down. Since DS and SS were probably a little bored by the end I decided to reward them with their first ever churros. They loved them. They loved them lots!!! We made it over to BTMRR in time for a walk on and DH waited for us. It was getting later in the afternoon so we decided to make our way to the gate and hit POTC on the way. There was no line and we were on and off in a matter of moments..Capt Jack would be proud. SS and I realized we didn't have Dole Whips in our hands and went to rectify that while DH went on what became known as the great bathroom hunt. DS hit the Treehouse and we waited for him.
Once we were all back together we strolled out of Adventureland and DH suggested going through the Emporium on the way out. I think we did a reallly good job of limiting the retail therapy. But that may be me being in denial.
We got a fast bus and were back to CBR in no time. SS and DS decided to go for a swim. I said I would bring clothes and we would come get them at dinner time. The last time we were at CBR we ate at Shutters and DH and SS loved it so we decided to go again tonight.
DH and I headed over to the pool around 6 or so. The boys were okay with getting out of the pool as long as we promised they could go swim after dinner Now...I don't usually see a lot of reviews for Shutters here...but I have to say this was probably the best meal of the entire trip after Ohana. The food was good, the service was PHENOMENAL and it was completely relaxed. We had shrimp fritters for an app, DH had the special, SS had the shrimp with pasta, and I had the strip. I never have the strip...but this was great. Dessert was tres leches, key lime and cheesecake. Our waiter was great. He didn't just make recommendations for the food, but for the trip too. We didn't have to ask for refills and he took the time to talk to us. I did follow up with a letter once we got home. But I couldn't rave enough.
The boys finished up the day swimming and DH and I actually took a stroll.
Weather: perfect
Best thing: whole day in park and seeing parade
worst thing: line in PP
funniest thing: PUSH
tried: new SM
reslut: different but no better
most magical: waiter at shutters and PUSH
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.
About This Page: 
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
They were debating whether to go home the next day or not and they had only gotten there the day before. And their ressies were for a week. 
![[SIGPIC]](signaturepics/sigpic27594_7.gif)
Deb
No one, at this point, could figure out why I thought this was a coupe...but then I explained and they still didn't get it. Then they noticed the line...then they got it.
They know back in the real world there's no milkshakes and dessert at home.
DS and I headed over to RNRRC. DH and SS don't do roller coasters...not really. SS will do SM but that's because he can't see anything. DS and wandered over and we were in luck...it was a 10 minute wait. DS was flirting with the teen girls 
Then it was off to some shopping and pin trading on the way out. Right as we were leaving it began to pour. (see theme of story) We made it back to CBR, relaxed and I think the boys went swimming. In fact I know they did because we met them at OPR for dinner and then they went swimming again. I'm pretty sure I hit the hot tub tonight, but no one introduced me to my son this time.
ToT!
It did clear later that day (we ended up at Epcot today & Kona' for dinner
Susan
PassPorter Guide Author
Linear Mode
