Our Stop and Smell the Roses (a.ka. ditching the itinerary) Trip Report- COMPLETE!! 2/16 - Page 9 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
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.
awesome purse. Love the looks of it. Cant pictures as well. Cant wait to hear about the last date night!
Thanks! I'll be back with the rest of day 7 later today.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SARAHROO42
LOVE the purse!!! I hope they still have them when we go in March!
Quote:
Originally Posted by elisa1006
YAY! The reveal has been made. I love your purse! I can't wait to get one in May 31st. HAHA
Thanks and I can't wait to see yours! Come back and post pictures!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by eff051102
Love the bag! Can't wait to hear more.
Thanks -- more on the way.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lablady
Awesome TR!! Sounds like you had a great time so far.
I totally understand the tears over the Narcoosee (sp) debacle! I probably would've done the same thing! It's bad enough to have your plans derailed, but to have it done by someone who clearly could've made it right would've made me feel like it was personal!! I'm glad you were still able to relax and enjoy the evening.
Can't wait to hear the rest!
Aw, thanks! I appreciate that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
More great updates and pictures! Love the purse!
Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by tdhc
Great TR! Looking forward to reading the rest!
Thanks for reading!
Quote:
Originally Posted by debrabrown
It is mighty perty indeed! Glad you took your time to pick just the right one. Anxious to hear about the rest of your trip!
-- I'm glad I took my time too, although DH and DD will tell a different story.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
the purse! You did an excellent job of picking out the pattern. I can't wait to check these out when we go in June.
Word on "the street" is that there's a new pattern coming out so maybe you'll get to see that too (and report back for the fans at home).
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Love the purse!
Quote:
Originally Posted by ilovedisney247
Love your purse! I'm happy you found one you liked! Can't wait to hear about dinner!
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.
After dropping DD at the Neverland Club we walked to the TTC and hopped the monorail to Epcot for date night. First stop was Soarin’. Good thing we’d gotten FPs earlier in the day because the stand-by line was a 60 minute wait. We sat next to a little boy who was riding for the first time and he was so excited.
We were originally booked to have dinner at Marrakesh this night, but between lunch at Tangierine and dinner at Kouzzina earlier in the week, we’d had our fill of that type of cuisine so we’d cancelled the ADR. Our new plan was to snack around the world – sort of our own mini version of the F&WF.
First stop was France for a Grand Marnier slushie.
Oh boy was this delicious! We shared it but I secretly wish I’d gotten my own. It was made even better by the gorgeous view from the café table we’d gotten right by the wall along the water.
In that last picture you can see the scrim where the construction is going on for the CS restaurant in Mexico.
I also had DH get us an order of crepes with chocolate sauce. I've wanted to try these forever! Oh my, they were so good. We gobbled them up so fast that they escaped photos!
As part of our new “stop and smell the roses” attitude, our goal for the night was to explore parts of WS that we generally skip over. I think sometimes we go on auto-pilot when we’re touring and we do the same things over and over, generally staying in the front parts of the countries and not really exploring the backs of the pavilions.
It’s been years since I’ve gone through Morocco. So many pretty details, especially at this time of night.
Our next stop was Japan, where we were hoping to get some sushi. On our first visit together we’d eaten in the little sushi room next to Teppan Edo. I didn’t realize that this is now gone and had been incorporated into the larger Tokyo Dining dining room. On a whim we decided to ask if they had any tables for two available (a long shot on an EMH Friday night!) and much to my surprise they were able to seat us right away! At that point our “snack around the world” plan went out the window and we decided to just go for a regular dinner.
I started off with a glass of pinot grigio and DH had a saki martini – a cherry blossom it was called. I really loved the look of the space that used to be the sushi room. There was a screen showing soothing images of Japan. Then at one point during our meal it went to a live-cam of the sushi chefs and they did a demonstration.
We ordered several dishes to share. We started off with seaweed salad.
Next we had a spicy tuna crunch roll and a California roll.
For our entrée we share the shrimp and scallop tempura platter.
Everything was delicious and our server was a total sweetheart! She came over and chatted with us about Japanese cuisine – she was curious to know if we eat it often (we do!) and what our favorites are. I’m so glad we decided to wing-it because it gave us the chance to try a new place.
After dinner we headed down to the candy kiosk to pick up my latest obsession, Pocky! I bought a box at Border’s to put in DH’s Christmas stocking and we were hooked. We picked up a large box of the almond crush and a few large boxes of the regular chocolate.
More Pocky inside the department store!
We found a dark chocolate version, which we picked up as a gift for my dad. I always have to secure my wallet when I enter Mitsukoshi because I invariably see tons of things I want. Like this bullet train platter that they use for the kids’ meals in the restaurant.
So wanted it but I resisted.
Or this cute guy (DD would’ve loved him).
Resisted again!
After a good amount of browsing we moved on to the U.S.A. to pick up some pressed pennies for DD. We also bought the new 2-CD park soundtrack. We listened to it on the way home from the airport and it’s great!
We took a stroll through Italy. I loved the look of the outdoor dining at Tutto Italia. This one is definitely on my list for next time!
Would you believe that in 16 trips to WDW I have never, ever gone into the China pavilion?? I can’t do 360 degree movies (I get too dizzy) so since we can’t do the attraction here we end up passing by the whole pavilion. Boy, what was I missing? It is so pretty in here.
More cuteness in this store too – love these towel/washcloth sets presented as pastries.
(hey, no calories!)
We hadn’t had dessert and I was still craving ice cream so after a quick browse through Mousegears, we headed toward Fountainview. Unfortunately the line was out the door (it actually looked like they had a CM at a podium letting people in). We didn’t feel like waiting so we settled for a frozen banana from the snack cart.
By now it was getting close to DD’s pick-up time so we took a quick ride on SE before hopping the monorail back. On the way to our room we stopped at Gasparilla’s for some soft-serve ice cream. That was probably a mistake because DD ended up wired!
Some pics of the Sugar Loaf lounge in it's peaceful (closed) state.
We couldn’t get DD to settle down until about 11 p.m. At this point we figured it was highly likely that we’d need to cancel our ‘Ohana ADR for breakfast the next morning. We decided to sleep on it and make the call in the morning.
PassPorter Guide Community Rank: Legend Extraordinaire
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ballston Lake, NY
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 46,162
Post Thanks / Like
Likes (Given): 94
Likes (Received): 241
Thanks (Given): 0
Thanks (Received): 139
Pixie Dust (Given): 3
Pixie Dust (Received): 4
I miss a lot when I'm away from the boards for the weekend! Great updates. It looks like you had a great couple of days. Next time I really want to try the afternoon tea. It looks like a lot of fun.
That purse is so cute! Aww It sounds like you and your husband had a great date night. I'm having so much fun reading your trip report btw, thanks for all the great pics!
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.
All caught up!! Wonderful report & pictures!! I your purse!! I came across several styles, including the one you chose at Mouse about Town in DHS. I took some pics and will post them later in my TR. They are so cute!!
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.
Your date night looks wonderful -- a Grand Mariner Slushie, the chocolate crepes (which I love to get as a snack), beautiful views from World Showcase, and a score on dining at Tokyo Dining!
Great updates!! I'm so looking forward to tea again in a few months - I'm glad you enjoyed it. And how great to have several date nights! Score!
Enjoy your tea!
Quote:
Originally Posted by KMB733
I miss a lot when I'm away from the boards for the weekend! Great updates. It looks like you had a great couple of days. Next time I really want to try the afternoon tea. It looks like a lot of fun.
You definitely should try tea -- it's so relaxing and great food!
Quote:
Originally Posted by xrosario
That purse is so cute! Aww It sounds like you and your husband had a great date night. I'm having so much fun reading your trip report btw, thanks for all the great pics!
Thanks so much!
Quote:
Originally Posted by elisa1006
Great update. Sounds like you and your dh had a wonderful evening strolling WS. The last day is always sad.
I know.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
What a great night! Love the pictures!
Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by debrabrown
Sounds like a fabulous (and tasty!) date night.
It was! As we sit here preparing for a blizzard, I wish I was in WS with a slushie right about now.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
What a great night - and I am so with you about having to hold on to my purse whenever we go into Mitsukoshi as well!
Haha! It's one of my favorite places to shop. Good thing there isn't one at the local mall.
Quote:
Originally Posted by islandgirl
All caught up!! Wonderful report & pictures!! I your purse!! I came across several styles, including the one you chose at Mouse about Town in DHS. I took some pics and will post them later in my TR. They are so cute!!
Can't wait to see your pictures! I think the shop at DHS is the only one I missed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
Your date night looks wonderful -- a Grand Mariner Slushie, the chocolate crepes (which I love to get as a snack), beautiful views from World Showcase, and a score on dining at Tokyo Dining!
It was a great night. I'm so glad that we discovered the kids' club because it's a win-win for everyone. DD has a great time and we get a date night. Perfect.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hugmonster
Just caught up. Great pictures. How expense was the Tea?
Tea was about $70 and that included 2 Buckinghams, 1 Mrs. Potts (the kids tea), one side order of strawberries for DD ($6.95), tax and tip. We could've done without the side order of strawberries because the waitress said DD could subsitute them for her pastries. I figured she'd balk at not getting pastries but in the end, all she wanted was the strawberries for dessert anyway. I think the Buckingham itsself was somewhere around $20.
About This Page: 
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
.
.
Anxious to hear about the rest of your trip!
.
I can't wait to check these out when we go in June. 
I can’t do 360 degree movies (I get too dizzy) so since we can’t do the attraction here we end up passing by the whole pavilion. Boy, what was I missing? It is so pretty in here.
Disney Magic - Oct 2015
Deb
PassPorter Guide Author
Susan
Dreams, Wishes, Hopes... these are the parts of childhood we should never lose.
.
Linear Mode
