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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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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09-17-2006, 08:57 AM
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#31
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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
Love the update! I really like the Curious George water area! How fun for the kids! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]
Can't wait to hear about the Beach Club!
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09-17-2006, 09:31 AM
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#32
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Community Rank: Globetrotter 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: NC
Posts: 3,536
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 2 Day 3 Done Updated 9/15
Wow, I didn't even notice that there was a Curious George area at US. I guess we were too busy hitting the other side up. Great updates and pictures.
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09-17-2006, 11:43 AM
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#33
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Community Rank: Trekker 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Southern Maine
Concierge Level: 7
Posts: 1,552
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 2 Day 3 Done Updated 9/15
Sounds like you had a great day 'on the Dark Side'. The pics of the kids playing in the water are great! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] Can't wait to hear about the Beach Club and dinner. Hurry back!
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09-17-2006, 11:55 AM
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#34
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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 4 Part 2......Is this an upgrade?? And a fantastic meal
We got to drive thru the purple gates, and I had to take a picture since we don’t usually get to do this (we come down Sherberth Road).
We pulled up at the Beach Club, were given a parking pass, and headed down to drop off the luggage. Colin had finally managed to fall asleep, so we loaded him into the stroller, and Alexa and I headed inside with him while Matt went to park the car. There were a few people in line ahead of us (another convention it appears – I really need to find a job that has conventions at Disney [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] ) but I was soon at the front desk. The CM explained all about the dining plan, gave us some literature about it, and told us not to use a TS credit at Beaches & Cream (and to pay out of pocket)! Knew that one already [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] He also asked for the hotel voucher. Yikes. Good thing I had put that in one of the pockets [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] He gave us our room number (1583 – SCORE first floor) and we were soon on our way to the room!
What a great room we ended up with. I must say, in all our times staying at the BC, we have never been disappointed with the room or the location. I wasn’t sure if this was an upgrade to a water view or not, because we were just past the BCMarketplace and to the right, overlooking the sand volleyball court. If I sat on the patio, I could see water. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] It was a connecting room, which I had asked not to have, but we didn’t hear a peep out of anyone over there [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img] I couldn’t have asked for a better location [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]
The luggage arrived soon after, and I started unpacking yet again. Matt took his nap, and Alexa took one as well. Once everything was away, it was time to rouse them up, take showers, and get ready for dinner at the Cali Grill. Everyone was thrilled with me again for making them dress up, but I figured if anything, more people would be dressed at the Cali Grill (and I was right)! And this was also good practice for the cruise [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]
We drove over to the Contemporary, as it was about 6:15 and our ADR was at 7. We showed our ID, found a spot, and were soon inside the building. There were signs everywhere letting you know that for right now, you could check in for the Cali Grill on the 14th floor and didn’t have to go to the 2nd floor like I guess had been the practice. Once the doors opened on the 14th floor, we were warmly greeted by the CMs and we signed in. We were at least 15 minutes early, but that didn’t matter and we were seated right away, after hearing “Happy Anniversary” from the CMs. That was nice.
Eric was our server, and he also wished us a “Happy Anniversary”. We didn’t get a table by the window, but we did get one right near the sushi bar and open kitchen, so we had plenty to entertain us. It was already quite busy, and the restaurant was quite loud. I guess I didn’t have to worry about the kids making a lot of noise here [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img]
I decided not to use the dining plan here, as I just didn’t think we’d get the money’s worth for 2 TS. I just used the DDE card instead. We started off with some appetizers. I got the 4 cheese flatbread with basil and sun dried tomato drizzle, and Matt had the Dunganese Crab California rolls. Boy, was that a big portion. It could have been his meal. The same for the flatbread.
 
Matt took the kids out on the overlook and took a bunch of pictures.
       
The kids ordered pizza and macaroni and cheese. Colin wouldn’t touch his macaroni, and I’m not sure what he ate, if anything. Eric brought them out at the same time as our appetizers, so that helped to entertain the kids at least.
 
For entrees, I had the Dayboat Scallops (I was trying to eat light [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] ) and Matt had the Spit Roasted Chicken. They both were delicious!
 
For dessert, we ordered the kids the Rice Krispy sushi, Colin wanted a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and Matt and I split a Banana and Butterscotch custard thingy. It came with an Anniversary Message on it, how cute!
  
The bill came to just over $100 with the DDE discount for the 4 of us, so I was happy not to use 2 TS credits. Before we left, I headed out to the overlook and snapped some pictures.
     
It was 8:30 by the time we were done, so we just headed back to the resort. Since we didn’t end up swimming earlier in the day, we made up for it now and headed to the pool. First up with another family picture before we put on our swimsuits.
It was too late to get Colin a lifejacket, so we just stayed in the shallow beach area over by the Yacht Club. It was very cool though to hear the IllumiNations music and watch the fireworks while sitting in the pool (although we couldn’t see all of them). Someone had left some noodles on the beach, so we scooped those up [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/thanx.gif[/img] Thankfully one was pink (for Alexa) and the other was green (for Colin). We got out just before 10 when they closed the pool and headed back to the room for tubs and showers again. Everyone except for Matt was in bed and asleep by 11. He opted to go to Walmart yet again to get a camera bag for his new camera, and some ear plugs for Alexa because her ears were starting to bother her again. I know it was well after midnight when he returned.
Memories of our Fourth Day
The weather today was……hot and humid, low 90s, with a quick shower at 4:30.
The best thing today was ……..dinner at the California Grill.
The worst thing today was…..having to do laundry and pack by myself (and then unpack again).
The funniest thing today was ……..the kids having a blast on the Woody Woodpecker roller coaster.
Today we tried…….California Grill
And the result was………a great meal (why hadn’t we tried this before [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/foreheadslap.gif[/img] )!
The most magical moment today was……..the great room and location at the Beach Club.
Coming Up Next………Lots of lines, a candy surprise, a great meal, and a boat ride
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09-17-2006, 12:26 PM
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#35
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Community Rank: Passenger 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 38
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 2 Day 3 Done Updated 9/15
<font color="blue">Just caught up. Great trip report [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] more please. </font>
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09-17-2006, 12:40 PM
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#36
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Community Rank: Explorer 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 7,386
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 2 Day 4 Done Updated 9/17
Marnie, I'm thoroughly enjoying every word of your trip report - more please!
Joy
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09-17-2006, 12:44 PM
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#37
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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
What an awesome meal you guys had at the California Grill and what superb views from there as well, the lighting is beautiful! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]
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09-17-2006, 01:19 PM
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#38
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Community Rank: Scout 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Lafayette, LA & BCV
Concierge Level: 7
Posts: 4,751
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 2 Day 3 Done Updated 9/15
The scallops at California Grill look wonderful. I will have to try those the next time I am there!
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09-17-2006, 02:06 PM
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#39
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Community Rank: Globetrotter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Celebration, FL
Posts: 3,915
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 2 Day 3 Done Updated 9/15
Nice update, sorry there was so much rain! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rain.gif[/img]
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09-17-2006, 02:11 PM
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#40
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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
Your food looks delicious. I must try the Cali Grill.
And I can't wait to hear more about the Beach Club.
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09-17-2006, 02:17 PM
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#41
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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
Great update! We will have to try California Grill sometime. It sounds wonderful and the view is incredible!!!!
Steph A
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09-17-2006, 02:23 PM
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#42
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Community Rank: Legend Extraordinaire 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Ohio Football Hall Of Fame
Posts: 42,304
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 2 Day 3 Done Updated 9/15
Great update Marnie!! Glad to hear you got such a wonderful room at the Beach Club! YOur meal at Cali Grill looked really delicious. Glad to hear that it is a little noisy there, I was afraid to take the kids fearing it was very quiet. Can't wait to read more!!!
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09-17-2006, 02:37 PM
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#43
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Community Rank: Globetrotter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Celebration, FL
Posts: 3,915
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 2 Day 3 Done Updated 9/15
Okay, I was a little behind..haha...love the pics from the Cali Grill and I am glad you have a great room! I look forward to reading more. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
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09-17-2006, 02:50 PM
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#44
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Community Rank: Explorer
Join Date: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,478
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 2 Day 3 Done Updated 9/15
Whew! All caught up again, Marnie. Somehow your report slipped away from me and I missed a couple of installments. I wanted to say the pictures of the kids after BBB were great. Boys at Colin's age are so unaware of societal taboo's. They just know fun when they see it! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] When my DS Chris was three, he wanted nothing more than a pair of Little Mermaid sandals - oh, and a Barbie doll. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img]
Your day at US looked like a lot of fun too. Looking forward to your next installment.
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09-17-2006, 03:39 PM
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#45
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Community Rank: Globetrotter
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: NC
Posts: 3,536
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 2 Day 3 Done Updated 9/15
Great update, that food looked [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] !
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