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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
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01-02-2003, 10:12 PM
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#91
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Community Rank: Trailblazer 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Pittsburgh, PA , USA
Posts: 5,943
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Re: Tikibird\'s Whirlwind Weekend at WDW - Completed! - ASMu 12/12-12/15 2002
Quote:
Originally posted by Elliot'sDragon:
When is your next trip to WDW?
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<font size="2" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">Ahh, December 2003. (Of course that's also what I was saying up until a week before my trip in December 2002 [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] ) Joe, we would love [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img] to read one of YOUR trip reports, too!
nanajoy, Yes, I saw the Lincoln Logs. I actually debated over them or the print, but settled on the print, because I had a spot on the wall for it, and no room for the Lincoln Logs, although I once had the entire recreation of Main St. in my living room until our ex-cat jumped on it! [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] I'd love to see a picture!
Thanks so much for the kinds words, everyone! [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img] I have some more pictures to scan, but hope to be able to wrap this up over the weekend. |
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01-03-2003, 12:53 AM
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#92
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Community Rank: Traveler 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Ohio
Posts: 474
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Re: Tikibird\'s Whirlwind Weekend at WDW - Completed! - ASMu 12/12-12/15 2002
I love your pictures! Makes me wish I were there right now!
Looking forward to reading more...
Sallie
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01-03-2003, 11:58 AM
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#93
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Community Rank: Globetrotter 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Richardson, TX
Concierge Level: 3
Posts: 3,357
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Re: Tikibird\'s Whirlwind Weekend at WDW - Completed! - ASMu 12/12-12/15 2002
Just caught up to your TR. I love it! You must have had an awesome time! I look forward to reading more.
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01-03-2003, 01:46 PM
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#94
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Community Rank: Traveler
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Staten Island NY
Posts: 245
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Re: Tikibird\'s Whirlwind Weekend at WDW - Completed! - ASMu 12/12-12/15 2002
Great TR keep it coming [img]graemlins/puter.gif[/img]
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01-03-2003, 08:28 PM
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#95
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Community Rank: Trailblazer
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Pittsburgh, PA , USA
Posts: 5,943
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Re: Tikibird\'s Whirlwind Weekend at WDW - Completed! - ASMu 12/12-12/15 2002
Day Three, Part Three - the Illuminations Cruise!
I decide to drive to the Yacht Club, where the marina was for us to meet for the cruise. It takes a while to find a space, but I do, but the convention center, and then head to the lobby.
I had never been to the YC before, and enjoy seeing the lobby decked out in its Christmas finest.
Again, I enjoy the resort, but is not my first choice for someplace to stay. (Guess you can't bet what that is!)
There is still over an hour before I have to meet for the cruise, so I take advantage of the free hot cider in the lobby and enjoy listening to a brass band that was playing Christmas carols. I walk outside the property to make sure I knew where the marina is, and walk around Storm Along Bay, which is deserted (it is now about 40 degrees out!). I manage to pull myself away from the lure of Beaches and Cream, walk through the arcade, and then settle on one of the white rockers on the porch-like area outside the YC. This is one of my favorite memories of the trip. It was so peaceful and quiet, and a perfect time to talk to God about what had been going on my life (and there had been a lot lately, part of the reason I just wanted to get away from it all). It’s great to know He’s always there, wherever I am physically, emotionally, or spiritually. After some quiet time, I’m feeling a bit hungry, so find a package of 2 Mickey shortbread cookies in the gift shop for $1.00. Yummy! And then there is the tote bag I have wanted since last trip. Well, seeing as I won’t be able to fit everything I have in the two bags I brought with me, I think I need to have this, too! It is nice to take the waist pouch off and carry around the tote, for a change.
Then, it’s time!!! I meet up at the dock with Deb and Shontell, and get to meet some new people, as well. There are three boats going out, and I am told that I am going to be on the Stitch boat! Awesome! All of us on the Lilo and Stitch boats get leis to wear, and we get out picture taken while waiting for a few stragglers, who never show up.
Turns out, the Stitch boat only has five people, and Lilo has three. What luxury! Ron is our driver, and he is great fun!
Ron
He says he has been driving for Deb’s meets for 4 years, now, and wanted to make sure he got a button (we receive RADP Illuminations buttons, as well). He tells us that when he was little, he went to see Snow White when it opened in the theaters. He liked it until the witch showed up, and he then ran out of the theater and straight home! His mother asked him what happened, and he said “There was this awful lady!” He has never seen the movie straight through!
Ron takes myself, and two couples, the Rosens and the Carlsons (Bruce and Kris, who have a great WDW picture site – www.wdwfun.com check it out!) out on the water, and thankfully gives us some blankets for our laps because it is so cold. This boat is beautiful and comfortable – high class!
The Rosens
Myself (don’t I look like a kid on Christmas morning?!!), Bruce and Kris Carlson
We have a drawing for a prize, and the pixie dust is still with me – I win! I get a great Donald Duck T-shirt!
First we tour the Epcot resort waters and drive past Boardwalk (I had only seen this from a distance before), and then over the MGM. As the boat pulls up to the edge of the Epcot park water, we wait for one more boat, and then pull up next to it.
This was an absolutely incredible experience! Everyone above us was looking down at us like “Who are they? (I felt like royalty or something)” and it felt as though we had a private viewing of Illuminations. This is the way to see this show – although we all agreed that we are really spoiled, now, and will want to take this cruise all the time!
The view is perfect - the wind must be blowing the smoke in a differnt direction.
After we get back to the dock, I thank Deb again for the special touch of magic that she brought to my trip (I told a friend about it today, and she said, “No way, you’re making that up!”) I am so happy that I got this opportunity, and it was even better because it was so unexpected.
I think about going to the Virgin Megastore to look for some CDs for the kids, but wisely decide to go back to ASMu and pack, which I do. Shower and lights out at 11:30 p.m., as I’m planning on an early morning tomorrow – breakfast and the MK are calling!
Next up – Day Four (last day), Part One – Breakfast at Boma
[ 01-04-2003, 08:24 AM: Message edited by: tikibird ]
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01-03-2003, 08:46 PM
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#96
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Community Rank: Jetsetter 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: New York City
Posts: 2,471
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Re: Tikibird\'s Whirlwind Weekend at WDW - Completed! - ASMu 12/12-12/15 2002
WHat a great experience!
I have used the rockers from prayer time too.
WDW is a great place to prayer. I always have a great peace when I'm there.
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Sponsored links
Check out the many e-books by PassPorter. The e-books are free to download if you have a PassPorter's Club pass.
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01-03-2003, 10:29 PM
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#97
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Community Rank: Globetrotter
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: East Haven, CT, USA
Posts: 3,406
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Re: Tikibird\'s Whirlwind Weekend at WDW - Completed! - ASMu 12/12-12/15 2002
Wow, Sandy! Your sure have managed to squeeze lots of stuff into this trip! Loving the report, keep up the good work!
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01-04-2003, 09:01 AM
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#98
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Community Rank: Jetsetter
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 2,066
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Re: Tikibird\'s Whirlwind Weekend at WDW - Completed! - ASMu 12/12-12/15 2002
Sandy,
Is this the best trip or WHAT? Sounds like you had a great time on your Illuminations cruise. I love that you got so much time to yourself this trip. More, more, more.........Please, more? Just kidding, I will wait patiently for more. Thanks for sharing your great memories.
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01-04-2003, 10:56 PM
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#99
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Community Rank: Adventurer 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: ILLINOIS
Posts: 512
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Re: Tikibird\'s Whirlwind Weekend at WDW - Completed! - ASMu 12/12-12/15 2002
wow Tiki!
your report is fantastic! i am really enjoying reading your fun,and magical adventure. thanks so much for writing it,you are doing a great job!
[img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img]
Laura
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01-04-2003, 11:13 PM
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#100
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Community Rank: Adventurer
Join Date: May 2002
Location: ILLINOIS
Posts: 512
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Re: Tikibird\'s Whirlwind Weekend at WDW - Completed! - ASMu 12/12-12/15 2002
forgot to tell you how much i loved your holiday photos..the pictures of your adventure & you are all beautiful!
p.s...LOVE your pooh hat..SO cute!
Laura [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
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01-04-2003, 11:37 PM
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#101
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Community Rank: Jetsetter
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Posts: 2,323
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Re: Tikibird\'s Whirlwind Weekend at WDW - Completed! - ASMu 12/12-12/15 2002
You do look like a kid on Christmas morning and you lost your chins too!
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01-05-2003, 12:02 AM
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#102
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Community Rank: Adventurer
Join Date: May 2002
Location: ILLINOIS
Posts: 512
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Re: Tikibird\'s Whirlwind Weekend at WDW - Completed! - ASMu 12/12-12/15 2002
bump...hoping tikibird might see this and add a new installment sunday [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img]
Laura
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Sponsored links
Check out the many e-books by PassPorter. The e-books are free to download if you have a PassPorter's Club pass.
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01-05-2003, 01:28 PM
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#103
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Community Rank: Trailblazer
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Pittsburgh, PA , USA
Posts: 5,943
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Re: Tikibird\'s Whirlwind Weekend at WDW - Completed! - ASMu 12/12-12/15 2002
Day Four, Part One – Breakfast at Boma
Mickey wakes me up for the final time this trip, and it’s 5:45 a.m., but I know I have to get up ‘cause there are still big doin’s goin on! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
I’ve got half of a day to finish seeing and doing all that I can before I have to head back to the airport. Fortunately, just about everything is already packed (and good thing I bought that third bag!). I have a PS at Boma for 7:00 a.m., and am ready to go by 6:20 a.m. I call the front desk, as there is no express check out slip on my door. I’m told I’ll have to go to the front desk to pick it up if I am leaving now. Sigh!
I pack up all my things and stagger under the weight of them to get out of the car (This was ONE moment that I missed my family! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] ). I am envisioning another long wait at the front desk, but fortunately, the lobby is empty, and I am able to get my receipt in just a few minutes.
The AKL is quite close to ASMu, so I get there pretty quickly. The lobby is gorgeous, but I realize that, given a choice, I still have to pick WL over this resort. The whole vibe of the place is just a bit too dark for me, and I prefer the homey and peaceful atmosphere of WL. However, I quite enjoy my stroll around the lobby and taking in the holiday decorations there.
I get downstairs to Boma around 6:50 a.m., and am asked to wait a few minutes before I am seated. Turns out I am the first one for breakfast, and am seated shortly.
I have been to Boma once before, for dinner, and really enjoyed the food and the pressed coffee, so I was anxious to try it for breakfast, after reading many positive reviews (see, it really helps to read all those trip reports!)
My waiter arrives and I order a pot of pressed coffee (which I know will be tough to finish on my own, but figure I will need the caffeine to hit as many attractions as I can in the MK and then get to the airport). I also sound like a regular by asking for Frunch, my waiter thinks I have been there frequently!
Off to the buffet! I had the Bushman’s skillet, which was like a big omelet/frittata with some yummy veggies and tomatoes in it. The pork roast was wonderful (unlike the one at H&V the night before) and I loved the mustard sauce that went with it. I skipped the more traditional items, and tried pap, which is a hot, white cornmeal cereal. I added some brown sugar, and it was awesome! Down at the other end I found some fresh pineapple, some of the best cornbread I ever had, and the most scrumptious pastry ever! It had apple filling, a light pastry, icing, and blanched sliced almonds on the top. Went so well with the coffee (and no Food Police in sight!) that I had to get one more piece! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
This is the best breakfast buffet I have had at WDW – the price was $14.99 for breakfast and $5.99 for the pot of coffee.
Okay, now that I am totally stuffed, I have a few minutes to check out the lobby some more. I see this very cool view area that I didn’t notice last trip.
Unfortunately, I have yet to see animal number one while here. I take some more pictures of the tree and lobby.
I then look at my watch, and realize I need to high tail it over to Magic Morning at the MK!
Next up – Day Four, Part Two – Magic Morning at the MK
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01-05-2003, 01:48 PM
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#104
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Community Rank: Traveler
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Michigan
Posts: 400
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Re: Tikibird\'s Whirlwind Weekend at WDW - Completed! - ASMu 12/12-12/15 2002
Just sat down to read your report today Sandy and all I can say is AWESOME, SIMPLY AWESOME [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] I'm lovin every bit of it. From the pictures to the meals to the little touches of Magic....
more please [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
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01-05-2003, 02:01 PM
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#105
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Community Rank: Jetsetter
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: New York City
Posts: 2,471
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Re: Tikibird\'s Whirlwind Weekend at WDW - Completed! - ASMu 12/12-12/15 2002
I read this installement with a sadness that this would be the last installemnet.....What a tease!
Great beginning to the ending!
I am loving this report!
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