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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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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09-21-2001, 02:52 PM
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#16
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Community Rank: Adventurer 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Schenectady, NY
Posts: 787
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Re: Bob\'s Disney Trip 9/9 - 9/15/2001
Beth, you know I can't swear to it, but I think I remember the last scene. I remember that it was shut down due to technical difficulties.
You folks probably won't believe this, but I was on a payphone during the moment of silence and playing of God Bless America making my Mears reservations.
Thanks for making me remember that.
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09-21-2001, 08:45 PM
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#17
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Community Rank: Globetrotter 
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Toms River, NJ
Posts: 3,062
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Re: Bob\'s Disney Trip 9/9 - 9/15/2001
Congrats on getting in the hot seat! It just kills me that ya can only be in the hot seat once a month now, but I can definitely see why, there were a lot of people who I saw who kept showing up after they won, once you've had the taste of it, you want the whole cake [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]. Great job, waiting for the trip home report!
P.S., do ya remember the Pokemon question, don't give the choices, I just want to see if any of us can get it [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
-Jose Carioca
[ 09-22-2001: Message edited by: Joe Carioca ]
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09-21-2001, 10:28 PM
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#18
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Community Rank: Jetsetter 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Mont Belvieu, TX
Concierge Level: 3
Posts: 2,086
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Re: Bob\'s Disney Trip 9/9 - 9/15/2001
Great report! Sounds like you had a wonderful vacation. I think it is good that you went ahead and enjoyed yourself. I think traumatic events should make us all realize how short and precious life really is and that we better make the most of it. mary
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09-22-2001, 12:43 AM
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#19
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Community Rank: Jetsetter
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: NJ
Posts: 2,825
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Re: Bob\'s Disney Trip 9/9 - 9/15/2001
Bob, so AA was up and running again later in the day? Did the show the last scene? Cause when we saw it (right after the moment of silence) it had "technical" difficulties.
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09-22-2001, 07:56 AM
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#20
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Community Rank: Adventurer
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Schenectady, NY
Posts: 787
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Re: Bob\'s Disney Trip 9/9 - 9/15/2001
No, I really don't remember the Pokemon question. It had something to do with a boromba? or something like that. The question was asked what is a combination of two things and gave a description of them. And boromba ? was the answer.
Anyway, on to the trip home:
9/15/01 Saturday AKA the trip home.
I have packed the night before, so all I've got to do after Mickey wakes me up is shower. After that, I head to the front of AS Sp to wait on Mears. Around 7:20, a van shows up and it has an extra seat, so I figure instead of waiting until 7:45, I'll just catch that one.
I board the van and we head to the airport passing the new Pop Century resort. This looks like a fun place to stay. I may have to try it once they finish it.
We get to the airport and I grab another one of the carts for $2. I head inside to see the longest line of my trip. There's a queue for US Airways just about going around the airport. Now, I didn't eat breakfast because I figured that I could grab something once I got done in line.
I get in line real close to 8am and do not reach a representative until 9:45. Almost two hours later. Where's the fastpass system when you need it? [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
There's heavy security. I notice several signs saying "all toy weapons must be checked at counter" and "no knives of any kind past this point."
After getting my seat assignment, I grab some breakfast around 10am and head to the metal detectors.
I go thru and procede to the gate after taking the tram ride. I was scheduled to fly out at 12:50 on flight 57. After stopping in Charlotte, this flight is scheduled to go to San Fransisco. The gate attendants make an announcement saying that there are seats available on the flight leaving immediately before mine and it's only destination is Charlotte. I take the earlier flight. During this flight, after reaching altitude, a big burly man with a GI haircut got up and stood outside the pilot's door. He never moved from that position until the captain made the "we are now decending" announcement. He then sat down right were he came from. I never asked who he was.
My flight landed and I proceded to the gate for my last leg. This is a prop plane and we head back to Knoxville.
Landing on runway 5 left, the plane heads to the terminal and I exit. Baggage claim here is faster than at MCO, but that's probably because there's fewer people on this plane.
I grab another cart and head towards my car. $42 dollars for parking and I'm headed home.
As I am going home, I already miss Mickey. I really miss the Mickey wakeups.
I arrive home safe and sound after about an hour drive.
Tomorrow, I'll post my overall review including my thoughts on the Deluxe Passporter. Till then, good luck, phaser's on stun, Kirk out.
[ 09-22-2001: Message edited by: bobwerner ]
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09-22-2001, 09:56 PM
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#21
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Community Rank: Trailblazer 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Pittsburgh, PA , USA
Posts: 5,943
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Re: Bob\'s Disney Trip 9/9 - 9/15/2001
Bob,
Thanks for the great trip report.
I think you may have actually stumbled upon a great idea - fast pass for airport checkin - now if only the airlines would catch on! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
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09-23-2001, 09:57 AM
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#22
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Community Rank: Adventurer
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Schenectady, NY
Posts: 787
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Re: Bob\'s Disney Trip 9/9 - 9/15/2001
Other things I may have forgotten and reviews:
I did the "leave a legacy" in Epcot. I'm waiting to find out where my picture will be. There is a $5 discount if you're a AAA member.
The Passporter:
I found this an invaluable tool. I really used mine throughout the entire trip. The passpockets came in handy to keep all my receipts throughout my trip. I could then compare them to my bill before I left.
The AS Sp Resort. I really like this resort. This is the longest period of time that I've spent at WDW. I will definately stay on-site from now on. This was my second stay at AS Sp, the first was for three days April '95.
What else can I say about WDW that I haven't already covered? I didn't realize how long it had been <6 years!> since I was there. I have to go more often.
Oh, I did answer my own question about hand stamps. I really didn't need one. Even though there are signs that say so. I got stamped the first day, and never had to show it. I just came and went as I pleased the rest of the week.
Videotaping:
The only time I couldn't video was on the Keys to the Kingdom tour. I never was asked to turn my camera off anywhere else except the Universe of Energy during Ellen's dream sequence.
Poncho's: I had mine from an earlier trip and I am glad I brought it. Around 3pm everyday it rained for around 30 mins and Friday was a deluge.
Refillable mugs: I didn't have any problems with my mug that I brought.
I had purchased a multipack of cereal before leaving, this saved me over $2 every day.
Finally, I want to thank all the folks on this board that answered my questions. You are the greatest. Jennifer and Dave, I really do wish I had heard of the Passporter years ago.
Other sites that helped alot were the Disneydollarless site, R.A.D.P., Pete Werner's site, wdwgolf.com and wdwig.com.
Until my next WDW vacation <I want to go for the 100 year anniversary.> TTFN
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09-24-2001, 10:23 AM
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#23
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Community Rank: Adventurer
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Schenectady, NY
Posts: 787
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Re: Bob\'s Disney Trip 9/9 - 9/15/2001
One last thing...
I spent less then $145 for the full week. I charged absolutely everything to my room.
I did purchase an E-ticket for tuesday, but due to WDW closing, they issued me a refund.
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09-30-2001, 12:38 AM
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#24
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Community Rank: Traveler 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Birmingham, AL
Posts: 372
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Re: Bob\'s Disney Trip 9/9 - 9/15/2001
Bob,
Great report! Please let me know how your video of Fantasmic! turns out. I really want to borrow or rent a video camera for my trip in 25 short days, but I still can't decide if it is worth taking it. If your video is good, I might have to!
Also, I'm traveling solo in Oct. I'm looking forward to touring at my own pace and having everything to myself more and more, but I'm still a little anxious. Can you comment a little on that?
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*
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Sponsored links
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10-01-2001, 11:31 AM
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#25
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Community Rank: Adventurer
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Schenectady, NY
Posts: 787
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Re: Bob\'s Disney Trip 9/9 - 9/15/2001
Well, It's never bothered me to travel alone. This was my first vacation without my mother <she passed away on Dec. 28, 2000>. I met so many people. Disney is like a home away from home for me. You meet so many friendly people. It's like they've known you thier whole life.
Mingle, talk to someone in line. If you really want to get noticed, get some bubbles and blow them or make sheep noises while in line.
Most of all, let the kid in you out. Don't let your lost boy stay lost. <If you want to know the reference here, watch Peter Pan or Hook>.
I've always perclaimed that once I enter the gates to the MK, I turn six again.
If you want more info, just email me.
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10-11-2001, 08:26 PM
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#26
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Community Rank: Scout 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: SE Texas!
Posts: 4,882
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Re: Bob\'s Disney Trip 9/9 - 9/15/2001
Bob,
Thanks for sharing your report. I am glad you had a good time. Excellent tip re: meeting Mickey in MGM. I, too, thought this was just a sign -- not really a true "meeting place." I will check it out.
It sounds like you had a good time, despite all else that was going on in the world.
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