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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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!
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It really only will impact the early risers and ones who wish to be at park opening - particularly MK. It also affects traffic, especially those driving their own cars. Disney Transport knows how to get around it so it's not an issue for buses. Except maybe time-wise, allow a little extra. But people in cars will be re-routed since roads are closed. Take a look at the course here http://adisneyworldsports.disney.go....honMap2010.pdf
and you can see the road from EP to MK is the biggest road used. I believe it's down to 1 lane each way for traffic. The runners have the other lane(s). The majority of the pre-post race and finish line is in the far (east side, I think)parking lot. We actually start our race though out on the street that goes from/to Epcot.
As far as the parks are concerned, it doesn't really affect much as far as people congestion. They rope off sections of MK and EP for the runners to go through. Generally speaking, most of the crowd steers clear of the runners with the occasional "Wooo!! Go Tanya!!!" (we have names on our number bibs) But inevitably, the crowd needs to cross the runners' path at some points. So they have certain areas with CM's guarding the *crosswalk* and the CM's really do make the crowd wait for a good clean opening to cross infront of the runners. I did see someone get decked by a runner in 2008 cuz they actually stopped to take a picture of us runners coming at him. Duh. Anyway, like I said the race should be over around 10am or so, maybe 10:30 at the very latest since we start at 5:45 am. They have a 3 1/2 hour pace requirement, but it takes quite awhile to get everyone across that start line.
I hope that answers your question!!! I've only done the 08 Half and it was lots of fun. Tons of people run/walk it, I do it that way too. Makes it easier and less intimidating. But yes, you still really do need to be in fairly good shape!! You should try it next year! I'll be doing the DL Half this Sept. and then the Full Marathon in Jan. '11. Now that is scary.
Wonderful! Thanks for all of the information!
Do you happen to know what the "easiest" of the Disney marathons is? I'm just starting to work out again after having babies. (who are now 3 and 4!!) Combined with being busy with them and revelling in the fact that I didn't "have" to like I did when I was in the Air Force, well...lots of excuses. But, I'm really starting to enjoy time in the gym again and truthfully, our Disney trip is a huge motivator...so I'm thinking a Disney marathon would be a tremendous motivator!
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*whew* I'm not the only one! I didn't mean to sound all whiny. I know that it's quite a simple solution, we just don't go to EMH that night and maybe go for a second day at Epcot instead. I am totally grateful for the one night we have. The MIL is a sensitive topic lately...love her to death, but well, she has made it her duty to call me everyday since Scott has been gone (again, sweet as can be, I know she's just checking up on me), has tried to visit every weekend (so, basically living with me 3/7 of the time) ordered some HIDEOUS shirts and mandated we all wear them, both for his homecoming and at Disney...let alone that whole inviting herself to his homecoming. *sigh* There I go, I'm whining again...just ready for some space from MIL...NOT a vacation with her!
Your plans look great! I think it's smart to have options for your last two days. Maybe once your MIL gets to spend some time with her DS she'll be a little more cooperative with your plans. In the mean time, go ahead and complain; we get it! (My MIL called every day of the deployment, too! What's up with that??)
Sorry to hear about hideous shirts. Is that for every day? At least you'll be able to find each other easily! What do they look like?
I'm glad you got past your panic. That's no fun! If you're anything like me, you'll feel a lot calmer about the whole thing once your DH is safely home. Not long now!
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Your plans look great! I think it's smart to have options for your last two days. Maybe once your MIL gets to spend some time with her DS she'll be a little more cooperative with your plans. In the mean time, go ahead and complain; we get it! (My MIL called every day of the deployment, too! What's up with that??)
Sorry to hear about hideous shirts. Is that for every day? At least you'll be able to find each other easily! What do they look like?
I'm glad you got past your panic. That's no fun! If you're anything like me, you'll feel a lot calmer about the whole thing once your DH is safely home. Not long now!
You know, I fully get that the intentions are well, and I do have a great relationship with her as far as the standard mother-in-law relationships go...I'm just, well smothered. I feel like I'm being treated like a little kid deemed incompetent instead of a fully able 28 year old woman.
The shirts are a real hot issue with me. I was going to get ones made from zazzle...they have patriotic Mickey's and I thought I could do one that said something like, "Welcome Home, Scott..." on the front, and then on the back, "Now let's go to Disney World!" Perfect, could be used for both occasions.
I told her about these, then after discussions with my husband, we decided it might not be the smartest idea to be so flashy with it all. Lots of military haters out there who don't get that my husband just wants to protect his country and has to take some orders that not all agree with, then Disney World just being such an international community...my husband's sort of a dead giveaway with the hair anyway, but still, just thought it best not to draw extra attention our way. I told MIL this.
So December rolls around and she calls me all excited about these shirts. They're all boy shirts, mine is 2 sizes too large. They have a big screen printed flag and she got our last name followed by "Defenders of Freedom." VERY flashy. I haven't had the heart to remind her that we all decided not to do this. DH and I really aren't t-shirt people, but on occasion, sure...and we're REALLY not big pattern people. Aside from a few Mickey shirts (I do really like the ones that are ladies cut), all of my clothes are plain. So, pretty much everything about these is going outside my comfort level.
I had the perfect little outfits picked out for the kids prior to this...Scott had me on assignment to find the "perfect" homecoming outfit and I feel like she just snatched all of that thunder from me. I wanted to look pretty, not wear an oversized t-shirt and jeans. Cleary, I'm on this website, I like to plan things!
I don't know why I'm so very bothered by this. My eye is twitching as I'm writing this. (a common stress symptom for me) I just don't want to walk around in something I'm SO uncomfortable in while on vacation with all the pictures.
Ha! Apparently I wasn't "officially done whining about MIL." I hate being so negative...but darn it, it does feel good to vent!
Just get it all out. I must have missed the t-shirt thing previously, but wow!
I'm sure everything will work out in the end! Good Luck with your planning!
Vent all you want! It'll make you feel better!
I know MIL has good intentions; but I'd be kinda stressed with the shirts and stuff too....... I know it's hard; cuz you don't want to hurt feelings over something that was meant for the best, but you also want to do things the way you planned..... I can 100% relate! At the end of the day; it will all be great no matter how all the details unfold!
Wouldn't it be horrible if you got toothpaste on the shirt or spilled something on it that morning? Or couldn't find the shirts after putting them in a "safe" place??
I don't blame you - I would want to look my best for my husband!!
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.
Wouldn't it be horrible if you got toothpaste on the shirt or spilled something on it that morning? Or couldn't find the shirts after putting them in a "safe" place??
I don't blame you - I would want to look my best for my husband!!
Haha! I can't believe that thought hadn't occurred to me yet. I think I've figured out that I'm throwing this one on my husband. I know I already told her about the "too much attention" issues...but I think if it came from Scott, she'd remember it/it would mean more.
And it really isn't a lie. There are always power point briefings that need to be reviewed yearly or quarterly that discourage such things. When I was in the Air Force, we HAD to wear our uniforms if we flew and the government bought the ticket. Now, even that is VERY discouraged.
So, that gets me out of Disney World, just not the homecoming. At least half the battle can be won.
Shifting gears a little, as this has turned into my rant about MIL's and flashy t-shirts...
I recieved my DME tags and booklet, as well as the Disney Destinations packet with the vouchers and luggage tags!
Waaaaay back in the early planning stages of this trip, when we were discussing when to go, my husband said, "Well, I don't know if I want to go RIGHT after I get home because you're going to be a nut packing." (he knows me well, I can't be offended by the truth ) To which I replied, "Do you know me at all? I'll be DONE packing before you get home." Which, typical Kellie, sure...but I'm so all over the place. Excitement, stress, and we are a lot busier now that Emily has gotten a little life of her own.
This is where I am with packing: A bunch of stuff I've accumulated thrown into bags that I have measured to make sure they meet SW airlines regulations. Not quite close to being done and MY HUSBAND COMES HOME IN 10 DAYS! Time to get moving!
It looks like Florida has started to warm up a wee bit, but I really don't know what to pack. Emily and I are fairly easy, we've got pants that roll up into capri's, some shirts and a hoodie. I bought Logan some plain long sleeve white tee's that we can put underneath his short sleeve shirts on a cool day. But still...without a good forecast, this time of year is just tricky to pack for.
I do have a good dent on toiletries and I have a full stash of sanitizing supplies. Mousekeeping has been a bit hit or miss in our past and I've watched Dateline specials about hotel rooms one too many times.
But, I have no list yet. So, there's my Disney objective for the day!
You know, I fully get that the intentions are well, and I do have a great relationship with her as far as the standard mother-in-law relationships go...I'm just, well smothered. I feel like I'm being treated like a little kid deemed incompetent instead of a fully able 28 year old woman.
The shirts are a real hot issue with me. I was going to get ones made from zazzle...they have patriotic Mickey's and I thought I could do one that said something like, "Welcome Home, Scott..." on the front, and then on the back, "Now let's go to Disney World!" Perfect, could be used for both occasions.
I told her about these, then after discussions with my husband, we decided it might not be the smartest idea to be so flashy with it all. Lots of military haters out there who don't get that my husband just wants to protect his country and has to take some orders that not all agree with, then Disney World just being such an international community...my husband's sort of a dead giveaway with the hair anyway, but still, just thought it best not to draw extra attention our way. I told MIL this.
So December rolls around and she calls me all excited about these shirts. They're all boy shirts, mine is 2 sizes too large. They have a big screen printed flag and she got our last name followed by "Defenders of Freedom." VERY flashy. I haven't had the heart to remind her that we all decided not to do this. DH and I really aren't t-shirt people, but on occasion, sure...and we're REALLY not big pattern people. Aside from a few Mickey shirts (I do really like the ones that are ladies cut), all of my clothes are plain. So, pretty much everything about these is going outside my comfort level.
I had the perfect little outfits picked out for the kids prior to this...Scott had me on assignment to find the "perfect" homecoming outfit and I feel like she just snatched all of that thunder from me. I wanted to look pretty, not wear an oversized t-shirt and jeans. Cleary, I'm on this website, I like to plan things!
I don't know why I'm so very bothered by this. My eye is twitching as I'm writing this. (a common stress symptom for me) I just don't want to walk around in something I'm SO uncomfortable in while on vacation with all the pictures.
Ha! Apparently I wasn't "officially done whining about MIL." I hate being so negative...but darn it, it does feel good to vent!
I hear ya Kellie- we must have the same MIL! we so don't have the same taste in clothes,she is from the South, and loves loud patterns, flashy stuff, weird colors, so not my taste, as you said, I like solids, plain stuff, more "pretty" things.
Don't sweat it, most of us are there. Feel free to speak your mind with her, stand up for yourself and your family, in 18 years, it took me 10 of them before I did that- don't suffer like I did! Now, she respects me almost as much as I deserve, and our relationship is better for me having taken control of the situation. GO for it!
I do have a good dent on toiletries and I have a full stash of sanitizing supplies. Mousekeeping has been a bit hit or miss in our past and I've watched Dateline specials about hotel rooms one too many times.
But, I have no list yet. So, there's my Disney objective for the day!
Thanks for reminding me Kel, I need to pack some sanitizing stuff for the room, I usually do Clorox wipes- those are the easiest.