Sailing with the Gang..DCL Magic, 2016 updated 6/21/2016 - Page 14 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
Sadly, I was already getting pretty tired. My plan had been to stay till park closing but I was fading fast.
I put that out of my mind though and headed off to ride some rides.
First was It’s a Small World.
I was using only my phone and point and shoot camera today, so my pictures were not as good as what I normally take, but since I have taken so many of these same pictures over the years, I was ok with that.
And this is pirate Dave. Why do I call him Dave? Well my BIL is named Dave and he loves cats (and all animals) and we have a zillion farm cats and he is always caring for them…especially the disgusting mangy ones. He also used to drink rum…a LOT. He no longer drinks but years ago we named this pirate Dave because he was holding a rum bottle and calling for the kitties.
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.
So I wanted a snack now. (I don’t even think I was hungry but trying to get all the good snacks in before I had to leave tomorrow) I actually wanted a Dole whip float with orange icecream. As many of you know, they have moved the Dole whip stand and traded places with citrus swirl stand. The Dole whip stand had a long line so I went for the citrus swirl. I did ask the next day if I could get a Dole whip float with orange/citrus ice-cream and it is a no go any longer. I know Dole had made some regulations over the past year or so and I guess this is one of them. ONLY Dole Whip floats can be made with the pineapple. At least that is what the CM told me.
At some point I texted Kelly as her and Charlotte were also extending their trip a few days. We had planned to meet up tonight and hang out. Kelly replied that they had slept half the day and were just too tired. I have to admit I was kind of glad because I was so tired and achy that I wasn’t sure I could hang out very long.
I am not sure if I hit any other rides today because if I did I didn’t take pictures. I was now fading fast though and decided I just had to go back and get some rest. Plus I needed to be sure my bags were packed properly and weighed the right amount.
Once in my room I started rearranging things in my suitcase. I had bought some stuff today that needed to be fitted in. I also had a box to mail back home so I packed that thing with anything I could that wasn’t essential. I had maps and brochures in there, most of my receipts and some of the gifts that friends had given me. I made sure to pack it till it was completely full. Every ounce not in my suitcase was a benefit for me.
Once that was packed I taped it up (I had brought a small roll of packing tape) and put the label on it. I am going to do this for all future trips. It was such a wise decision.
I moved things around in my suitcases and got it somewhat set. I would have to put more in in the morning but I got tippy as full and heavy as I could, allowing room in the big suitcase and carryon for anything I needed to put in in the morning.
Then I flicked on Stacy on the TV (She just isn’t as fun as she used to be) and drifted off to sleep.
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 had a later flight today. Actually originally I had a 10 AM flight, then moved it to a few hours later and then about 1 week before the trip I moved it to even later because it worked better for my sister to pick me up after work hours rather than taking time off to come get me. I think it cost me maybe 20 to move it to the later time and for a few more hours in Florida it was worth it.
I got up and got myself ready. My plan was to head to the MK for opening. I had a plan….the Mine Train. I knew this would be my only chance to get in line when it wasn’t too horribly long.
I took my box up to the main building and asked where I should leave it to be sent. That area was not open and the CM told me I couldn’t just leave it. So I would have to come back. UGH! This sucker was HEAVY!!!!
I decided to have some breakfast and check back after.
Luckily when I was done eating I saw a lady approaching the desk that I was to leave my box at for mailing. She was surprised that I had the shipping label on it already. She said most need to pay for shipping there. Nope! I came prepared.
I headed back to my room and called bell services to come get my bags. Now I didn’t ask for anyone in particular because I was now running late and I just wanted to get them checked in. The same guy who helped me yesterday did show up though and he carted my bags off to resort airline check in and I got that all squared away. I love this option!
This time (this is my 2nd time ever riding it and the first time I walked through the whole queue and was on the first or 2nd train of the day) I was able to take some pictures while waiting.
I was so happy I was able to get on this ride and that the line wasn’t too bad. Of course by the time I got off the line had pretty much doubled. That’s OK there was still one other bucket list thing to do this morning and I headed that way.
I was very impressed with the new queue. It definitely is 100 times better than just waiting in line outside and staring at the back of the heads of others. I really want to take Claire on here in Oct just so see can see this new queue.
Oh how neat to see the standby line for the Mine Train - we've only ever done Fastpasses, so we've never seen it and I don't ever recall seeing photos in anyone else's trip reports either. Thanks for sharing those.
So glad that you got to ride some favorites before heading out! I love the queue for PP! I usually only ride it with a FP but I did the standby last year and was so impressed by it! So sad that your TR is coming to an end soon.
Oh how neat to see the standby line for the Mine Train - we've only ever done Fastpasses, so we've never seen it and I don't ever recall seeing photos in anyone else's trip reports either. Thanks for sharing those.
It is a really cute queue, but I hope in the future to get FP's for it. LOL.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lindawdw
So glad that you got to ride some favorites before heading out! I love the queue for PP! I usually only ride it with a FP but I did the standby last year and was so impressed by it! So sad that your TR is coming to an end soon.
I don’t remember how long it took me to get through the Peter Pan queue, but it wasn’t too long and at least it was entertaining. Soon I was on my ride vehicle.
And then a ride on Haunted Mansion. We had ridden this as a group earlier in the trip. I forget who I rode with…I am pretty sure it was Brook and 1 other. The thing is, I sometimes forget I have a big booty. We crammed 3 of us in there and oh my!.... it was not comfortable at all and I kept apologizing. I should’ve taken my own car.
This time I was on my own and could spread my booty across the whole seat if I wanted to. LOL
I don’t think I have ever gone through the whole interactive queue here, so I took several pictures.
I am in no way a complete germaphobe but queues like this where everyone touches everything gives me the heebie jeebies at times. Whenever we do Pooh I have the hand sanitizer on hand and I constantly dump it on Claire’s hands.
I relaxed and just enjoyed the ride and it was fun as always.
I can’t remember if I rode Pirates again, but I am thinking I did and since I took pictures the night before I didn’t even bother. I think I may have gotten a dole whip float too at some point.
Time was ticking and though I had more time I could technically stay in the park for, I am always worried about how long transportation will take. And I also wanted to take some more pictures at All Star Sports. So I made the decision to leave now and head back.
Bye Mary!
I did go in and out of some shops as I made my way up front. I can’t remember if I bought anything, but knowing I only had my carry on now with me, if I did it had to be small.
No one goes back at this time of day. In fact I was at the Sports pick up and the bus driver from Music told me to just jump on his bus as he had no one and would just drop me off.
I had some troubles getting pictures of them though as a mother and daughter were there taking pictures and would not move. It was pretty obvious I was there to take some quick shots and they acted like they were the only ones in the world…and they really were in their own reality because after a while the mother goes…oh I am so sorry. I never saw you.
I had to go to the bathroom so I headed back towards my room which wasn’t too far away. It was still before 11 so technically I should still be able to use my room. I was annoyed this morning not to find a Do Not Disturb card anywhere in the room or with the folder.
Mousekeeping was just a few doors down so I hoped my room was good to go. NOPE! She had been there already. I decided not to go in and dirty it but it irritated the heck out of me. I will ask for a do not disturb in the future if one isn’t there. Mousekeeping is famous for always knocking on our door at 8 AM on our check out dates. Skip will answer in his underwear to scare them off. LOL. My feeling is, if check out is at 11 do not even think about knocking till 11:01. One time at Pop one Mousekeeper tried to tell us she needed to clean the room then to be on schedule and we still had an hour before check out. I told her we were not even close to being packed so too bad.
So, since the room was cleaned I headed back up to the main building to use the bathroom.
I know it doesn’t look like my walk was long, but it actually was. I just didn’t take the normal 5 zillion pictures I normally do. I still had time before I had to go to the airport and I got to thinking that I should probably eat lunch beforehand. Last time I took ME, the security lines were long and then I had to rush to get a bag of food to take on the plane. I knew I would need a full meal before I landed so I might as well eat now to save my fellow passengers from my Hangriness.
It did take a while to check out though. There was a guy in front of me who had a bunch of quick serve credits he had not used yet and he was leaving today so they were converting them over to snack credits. He had a pretty big family with him (I assume kids and grandkids) and he had a tray full of snacks and they sent him to get a few more to use up his credits. I believe it was 1 Quick serve that converted into 3 snacks.
While sitting there I checked the weather….yeah it had been windy and in the 60’s for the last week…Today was much better.
I decided to get my carryons now. The guy who had helped me before was standing there and when I handed in my ticket to the lady he said…I know which bags are hers. LOL. I am sure the beautiful blue of my bags was something he remembered too.
I headed around the front and found a bench and just sat and rested. I was still early but I had finally given in to the fact I would have to go home today.
Finally I had to go in and go through security. I think the lines moved ok but I honestly don’t remember. I just know Orlando is a pain. I have since gotten Global Entry which includes TSA precheck (though it’s not guaranteed for every time). It’s good for 5 years and for me, if I fly once a year, it will be worth it to me. Claire is included to go through TSA precheck till she is 12 or 13 I believe. After that I will probably get it for her too.
Once off the plane I hit the bathrooms and texted my sister to let her know I landed. I flew in and out of Columbus because it’s often cheaper and direct and my sister and Aunt both live there so I have someone to take me to and from the airport and I can spend the night for free if I come in the night before.
The bags weren’t out right away and I texted Amanda that if she came around right now I could stick my carry ons in her car and then get my bags when they came out and it would be less hassle for me. Unfortunately she could not get there fast enough and the bags came out so I stumbled with 3 bags and made it out to wait for her.
We threw them in her car once we arrived and headed back to her house. We did stop to get some fast food for me too so that I could fill my belly up again before my drive home.
While gone, she had started my car to warm it up a few times and I think the wiper blade fell off so she had that replaced while I was gone. Once we got to her place I hit my automatic starter to warm up the car. She was staring at me in amazement. She said she didn’t know I had that feature and had been going out and starting it and sitting in it each time. Ooops…sorry.
She invited me to stay the night again, and if it was just me, I would have, but I knew at home I had a little girl missing her mama and I needed to get home. Skip was probably missing me too, but he would never admit it.
I took off then after a bit for the 2 plus hour ride home. I think I stopped for another diet coke at some point and used a restroom at McDonalds.
The ride was uneventful as far as I remember and I made it home in good time.
At home Claire was waiting for me and I was so tired, but had to give the hugs and love she needed. I did open my suitcases up and found a few of the things I bought for her and told her I would find the rest later. That kept her a bit happy.
I think Skip was already in bed…he is such a wild guy. Haha. Hi, I’m home….hi, I’m sleeping.
I must say I did give instructions that no dishes were to be piled in the sink or dirty clothes laying on the bathroom floors and I was pleasantly surprised that for the most part things were picked up….probably an hour before I got home, but at least they were picked up.
The next day started the unpacking, laundry and the Disney Blues, but I was so busy with work and home life that I didn’t have a lot of time to think about that.
And that ends my cruise and last days at Disney World portion of my trip report…..thanks so much for hanging in and following along.
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.