Come sail away, Come sail away, Come sail away with me TR Completed 2/8/2012 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
I've done two non-DVC bookings using points. One was at the Disneyland Hotel, years ago, the other for a weekend stay at the Loews Regency in NYC. Both were smooth and easy to book, and very nice but you definitely get more value for your points at a DVC property. If you're short on cash and have extra points, it's a great perk, but the value in DVC is Disney. (I think a weekend night at the Regency is around 60 points!!)
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 know, but for the points I want it is going to be a big chunk of change. Then my other question is, you still have to add on park tickets and dining. Then, how are the other DVC places you can go, ( non-Disney.....I know, the horror) like Europe or out west for skiing??? I never hear anyone talk about those places. I have alot of questions.
Ok, first off, there are so many other Disney places you can go on your points. We've been to Disneyland three times on our points, once at the Disneyland Hotel and twice at the Grand Californian, we've taken three cruises on our points (two we paid for both of us, a three-night cruise and the Alaskan cruise a few weeks ago and the other we paid for one of us on the Med cruise), as well as one stay at Disneyland Paris. You can also use your points for Adventures by Disney, Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disney, so lots of Disney options. And, as others have mentioned, there's also Hilton Head, Vero Beach and now Aulani in Hawai'i to enjoy.
We've also used our points to stay at the Fairmont in San Francisco, the Coronado in San Diego and the Royal Garden in London, so we've made really good use of them.
you have to add on park tickets, but with the $100 discount on an Annual Pass for DVC members, that's a very nice perk to have and helps a lot and you get dining discounts at various restaurants, as well as discounts on backstage tours - all things to bear in mind.
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.
Ok, first off, there are so many other Disney places you can go on your points. We've been to Disneyland three times on our points, once at the Disneyland Hotel and twice at the Grand Californian, we've taken three cruises on our points (two we paid for both of us, a three-night cruise and the Alaskan cruise a few weeks ago and the other we paid for one of us on the Med cruise), as well as one stay at Disneyland Paris. You can also use your points for Adventures by Disney, Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disney, so lots of Disney options. And, as others have mentioned, there's also Hilton Head, Vero Beach and now Aulani in Hawai'i to enjoy.
We've also used our points to stay at the Fairmont in San Francisco, the Coronado in San Diego and the Royal Garden in London, so we've made really good use of them.
you have to add on park tickets, but with the $100 discount on an Annual Pass for DVC members, that's a very nice perk to have and helps a lot and you get dining discounts at various restaurants, as well as discounts on backstage tours - all things to bear in mind.
Can you tell I love being a DVC member?
LOL, yes I CAN tell how much you love DVC and I enjoy hearing about all of it from you guys. Looks like Arnaud and I will have lots to discuss out on our verandah every night while the kids are sleeping
I also wanted to ask you again about the spa treatment you did on the Dream this past year. I remember you saying it was a special or a combo treatment?? It stuck in my head at the time, but now I can't remember what it was and it sounded fabulous, do you remember the name of the service/price? Thank you soo much
Ok, first off, there are so many other Disney places you can go on your points. We've been to Disneyland three times on our points, once at the Disneyland Hotel and twice at the Grand Californian, we've taken three cruises on our points (two we paid for both of us, a three-night cruise and the Alaskan cruise a few weeks ago and the other we paid for one of us on the Med cruise), as well as one stay at Disneyland Paris. You can also use your points for Adventures by Disney, Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disney, so lots of Disney options. And, as others have mentioned, there's also Hilton Head, Vero Beach and now Aulani in Hawai'i to enjoy.
We've also used our points to stay at the Fairmont in San Francisco, the Coronado in San Diego and the Royal Garden in London, so we've made really good use of them.
you have to add on park tickets, but with the $100 discount on an Annual Pass for DVC members, that's a very nice perk to have and helps a lot and you get dining discounts at various restaurants, as well as discounts on backstage tours - all things to bear in mind.
Can you tell I love being a DVC member?
There are so many things I've been able to do just because I was able to use my DVC points. While I haven't done nearly as much as Cheryl, I have been very lucky. Another thing I considered before taking the plunge was the amount of money I spend on a hotel stay each time I go or a Disney cruise. If you were putting that money into the DVC, it would be paid off in no time instead of just spending it on a one time vacation.
LOL, yes I CAN tell how much you love DVC and I enjoy hearing about all of it from you guys. Looks like Arnaud and I will have lots to discuss out on our verandah every night while the kids are sleeping
I also wanted to ask you again about the spa treatment you did on the Dream this past year. I remember you saying it was a special or a combo treatment?? It stuck in my head at the time, but now I can't remember what it was and it sounded fabulous, do you remember the name of the service/price? Thank you soo much
I'm not sure it was me. The only thing we got on the Dream was the pass for the Rainforest for the entirity of our cruise. I did get an amazing combination treatment on our Alaskan cruise, but that was the Wonder and that was a special deal on board.
I'm not sure it was me. The only thing we got on the Dream was the pass for the Rainforest for the entirity of our cruise. I did get an amazing combination treatment on our Alaskan cruise, but that was the Wonder and that was a special deal on board.
Ok, I'm an idiot and sure screwed up someone's TR. I remember reading about on the first day the spa having a raffle of a spa service? I'll just head right to the spa that afternoon and see what deals they have going..........geez, I'm sure I can find something that will work
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.
There are so many things I've been able to do just because I was able to use my DVC points. While I haven't done nearly as much as Cheryl, I have been very lucky. Another thing I considered before taking the plunge was the amount of money I spend on a hotel stay each time I go or a Disney cruise. If you were putting that money into the DVC, it would be paid off in no time instead of just spending it on a one time vacation.
Like what? Indulge me. Anything other than DW, DL or DCL?
Taking it all in
Ok, I'm an idiot and sure screwed up someone's TR. I remember reading about on the first day the spa having a raffle of a spa service? I'll just head right to the spa that afternoon and see what deals they have going..........geez, I'm sure I can find something that will work
You know what, I'm the idiot! I had totally forgotten about the raffle and the special offer that they did there, which I did take - that night. Gosh, my memory is not what it used to be. : The problem is I don't think you'll have any way of knowing what deals they're going to offer until that afternoon when you board. It may be something that appeals (as it did to me, although it obviously wasn't THAT memorable! ) or it may not... of course you may luck out with the raffle or you may not. There's just no guarantees on anything with this approach....
I'm dancing with you....can't believe the cruise is so close now. I am going to chime in on the DVC wagon now...I put it off, and off - my rep had the patience of a saint because it was about 3 years from our first conversation to when I bought in and all I can say is I wish I did it sooner. When I think of what I spent on our trips for those three years I was deciding...definitely would worth putting that to my DVC payment instead.
As for mother with a million questions at the IEP meeting - that would be me. I used to think I was driving them crazy then at the end of last year her counseler at the school e-mailed me to say that she really commends me on taking such an active role in Angel's education - she said she has a lot of kids whose parents come in for the initial IEP meeting and then she does not hear from them again for the rest of the year. I call her, e-mail her - I question this poor lady all year long but I want to know what is going on and how she is doing.
About This Page: 
Disney Magic - Oct 2015
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
PassPorter Guide Author
) like Europe or out west for skiing??? I never hear anyone talk about those places. I have alot of questions.
you have to add on park tickets, but with the $100 discount on an Annual Pass for DVC members, that's a very nice perk to have and helps a lot 
and you get dining discounts at various restaurants, as well as discounts on backstage tours - all things to bear in mind. 
There are so many things I've been able to do just because I was able to use my DVC points. While I haven't done nearly as much as Cheryl, I have been very lucky. Another thing I considered before taking the plunge was the amount of money I spend on a hotel stay each time I go or a Disney cruise. If you were putting that money into the DVC, it would be paid off in no time instead of just spending it on a one time vacation.
The only thing we got on the Dream was the pass for the Rainforest for the entirity of our cruise. I did get an amazing combination treatment on our Alaskan cruise, but that was the Wonder and that was a special deal on board.
. I remember reading about on the first day the spa having a raffle of a spa service? I'll just head right to the spa that afternoon and see what deals they have going..........geez, I'm sure I can find something that will work
I had totally forgotten about the raffle and the special offer that they did there, which I did take - that night. Gosh, my memory is not what it used to be. 
: The problem is I don't think you'll have any way of knowing what deals they're going to offer until that afternoon when you board. It may be something that appeals (as it did to me, although it obviously wasn't THAT memorable! 
) or it may not... of course you may luck out with the raffle or you may not. There's just no guarantees on anything with this approach....
Linear Mode
