Solo and Not So Solo TR - updated with final Magical Moment! - Page 8 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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 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.
you are so funny, and when i get home (if THAT ever happens...he he he), i will be putting my own version of some of the trip on here....underwear...geeze...it was a pair of tights...ha ha ha.....and i brought her PLENTY of warm stuff to potentially wear as it was brrrrr chilllllly cold during our visit. what a great time the trip was and we were constantly full from all the wonderful delightful food! meeting up with allison and melissa and their families was so marvelous. it is great to chat with other disney-holics (and disney divas such as yours truly!). i love that certain something that binds us all together almost immediately, don't you????
We managed to get a self pic right before our train took off.
We did Haunted Mansion sometime that day -- you needed to know that.
Then we walked around a bit. Rather than standing in line to get my pic with Cowboy Goofy, I simply leaned in as Sheri took this:
So I got another glam shot of Sheri:
Sheri got a text message from Dawn -- some of you know her as Gray (and on the PP boards she's GrayGables). Dawn has recently been named Guest Show Manager of Disney's All Star Resort (yep, the whole big thing -- ). She was off that day and said she'd be bringing her daughters to the MK later on. I was excited to see her again -- she was one of the last PassPorters I met last May during the Decade of Dreams celebration at WDW, and I really enjoyed talking with her.
Sheri and I headed back to Tomorrowland. There was a special Cast Member I wanted to find because he'd given me a magical moment last May.
.
Hey, Sheri -- my last message was in the works when you sent yours. Yes, I figured you would start putting your own "spin" on my recollections. Well, you just hold your horses, young lady!
And now, back to our story. . . .
Last May, a great Cast Member in Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies gave me a magical moment. I'd asked about a particular Goofy item I'd seen some people wearing, and he was sorry to have to disappoint me by saying he didn't know where I could buy the product. Then he'd left the "on stage" part of the store and disappeared for a few minutes, returning to ask, "Do you collect Goofy hats only, or do you collect anything Goofy?" To which I'd replied, "I collect EVERYTHING Goofy," and then he presented me with a Goofy pin that can't be bought in any store -- it has to be bestowed on you by a Cast Member. So I'd gotten my picture taken with him, and Sheri, and Ann (Luvsun on the PP boards). Anybody remember that story?
Well, I brought that Goofy pin with me last week just so I could seek out Bill. We got to Auntie Gravity's and I walked right up to him, showed him the pin (which was now on my Disney bag) and reminded him of our last meeting. He was so excited, he came around the counter and hugged me.
How is THAT?
In the picture below, my finger is pointing to the orange Goofy pin that Bill had given me last year.
I was disappointed to hear that Bill had NOT received a copy of the glowing email I'd sent to Disney about his generosity. And Bill was disappointed, too. But he pointed to his name badge and explained that the special emblem on it is reserved for the most recognized and deserving Cast Members, so my letter may have played a part in his receiving that. I sure hope so!
The next time YOU'RE in Tomorrowland, go into Auntie Gravity's and see if Bill is there. Tell him hello from me, will you?
One good turn leads to another, and one magic moment can lead to another as well. Soon after leaving Auntie Gravity's, I decided the afternoon had warmed up enough for me to have a Mickey Bar -- I mean, what trip would be complete without consuming a Mickey Bar?
I stood in a growing line in front of an ice cream vendor who was clearly being trained and having difficulty with the cash register. As I stood patiently with my $4, waiting for the trainee to take my money and give me $.50 change, the training manager saw my birthday button and exclaimed, "Today's your birthday -- enjoy your ice cream -- it's a gift from Disney!"
Wh-aat? A FREE MICKEY BAR?!?!?!?! I insisted that Sheri get a photo of this momentous occasion!
Of course, the manager was probably just looking for a way to speed up the line a little -- but that's OK. I'll take it!
Then I tried to strike a Sheri-like (I mean diva-like ) pose.
Oh, I'm going to pay for that comment, aren't I? Come on, Sheri -- give it your best shot!
Then Sheri and I decided to ride Tomorrowland Transit Authority (TTA), which both of us insist should still be called the WEDway People Mover. As we got to the end of the line, a threesome was approaching: it's Dawn (Gray) and her two daughters! So Gray, Sheri and I got into the first car and made her two daughters get in the one behind ours. Here's Gray with her daughters' faces showing over her shoulder.
It was SO GREAT to see Gray again! She is so much fun!
The girls and Gray went off to do their own thing while Sheri and I did Buzz Lightyear. (Of course, Sheri beat me -- everybody does ).
Then Gray ditched her daughters (or they ditched her -- with teenagers it's a mutual thing ). I really-really-really wanted to see Mickey's PhilharMagic one more time, and I asked Gray what she thinks about that. She just looked at me for a moment, and then said, "It's my favorite attraction."
Heck, let's GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sheri and Gray with their "opry glasses."
The three of us posed for some VERY silly PhotoPass pics -- I'll add some of those after Alison-Sheri-Cindy make final selections and I get the CD. We just and had the poor photographer tied up in knots, taking all kinds of crazy shots.
It was getting close to 5:00pm, and I knew there was no way I could have dinner at 8:30 at Narcoosees -- the only time I'd been able to book. So we asked Gray if she was hungry, and she was! So the three of us walked through Fantasyland and then down to Main Street for a bit of shopping, and then headed to the monorail so we could try to walk into Ohana for 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.
Sheri tried calling in a ressie but was told they can't take ressies if you're within an hour of when you want to eat -- but that if we could get there at 5:05, we might not have to wait long. So Gray, Sheri and I took the monorail to the Polynesian. None of us had ever eaten at Ohana's, so it was a wonderful new experience for us to share.
We may have waited almost 30 minutes -- I can't be sure, because my thinking became cloudy soon after beginning my beverage. I was all set to order something on the menu, but then the server told us about the house specialty which ISN'T on the menu. I say that whenever you have the opportunity to drink from a real pineapple, you should do so -- no matter the consequences!
Here is a Lapu Lapu, and you simply MUST try one if you're ready to get snockered. Notice the size of my Lapu Lapu in comparison with Sheri's Mojito.
It was scrumptious. Gray stuck to iced tea and simply kept laughing -- I can't imagine why.
I got up to use the facilities and managed to take a decent shot of the greenery.
Hey now, it's ALMOST in focus!
When I got back from the "facilities," our table was ready. Good, because we were all famished. (All that cold weather makes you hungry, right? )
We didn't know what to expect, and for those of you unfamiliar with Ohana, let me tell you: it's an all-you-care-to-eat meal, but your server brings it all to you. (Good -- I don't think I could have stayed upright in a buffet line. )
Appetizers:
We scarfed up the salad so fast that I didn't get a photo of it, but it was lovely greens with an Asian dressing -- really, really good. Did it have oranges in it? I think it did, but I have no photo proof -- but it was yummy.
Then we were served four grilled meats -- chicken, pork, beef, and shrimp. Yum!
.
.
Dessert was Pineapple Bread Pudding. OMG, I've gone to heaven again!
Then we stopped at the "facilities" on the way out, and I was definitely listing to port. Sheri was still in the restroom as I began to frantically go through my bag, which I'd set on the floor. Gray, amused, said "Can I help you find something?" and I gasped, "Yes -- have you seen my camera???" She crooked her index finger to point down to the camera which was hanging on a strap around my neck! As we laughed so hard we cried, I grabbed her and pleaded, "PLEASE don't tell Sheri!"
Of course, Sheri came out just as I said that, so I had to 'fess up. My oh my, were we giddy then. Time to roll ourselves outta there!
On the way out, we spotted some drums, so I asked Sheri and Gray to play something for me.
The merriment continued for some time, and then Sheri and Gray wanted to go shopping at Downtown Disney. (They were probably hoping to ditch me there. )
Sheri had a car, and Gray had a car, so we met her over there at DD. I was definitely winding DOWN and could hardly keep my eyes open. (Definitely a cheap drunk. ) But I managed to toddle along after them. We went into Tren-D (for Disney) and I amused myself by taking pictures of various objects while the others shopped.
OK, as far as the mickey bar is concerned and your diva-esque pose....marvelous, dahling. too cold for yours truly to enjoy ice cream, plus i was still a bit full from pecos bill. my favorite thing here, though, is the "forced perspective" featuring your lapu-lapu and my pineapple mojito...ha ha ha. pretty good shot, i must say. i think the three of us should meet up at ohana's again in the fall for a repeat dinner. my goodness we laughed and laughed. i think my sides are still sore a week later! i just loved hanging out with you two....imagine, three english majors at a table...ha ha ha. (yeah, um, i have THAT degree as well. was very useful and led me to my career in nursing...ha ha ha)
So we're still at Tren-D, and I can see why Sheri likes it so much -- Minnie is everywhere!
Then Sheri wanted the three of us to pose for some PhotoPass pics, so more silliness ensued. I'll share some of those after we get the CD.
Then it was time for Sheri and me to hit the road -- or to be more precise, to hit our respective BEDS. Gray would soon be meeting up with her daughters. Gray -- I hope to see you the next time I'm in the Happy Place!
Gee, another great night's sleep. . . I don't sleep this well at HOME, but then I also don't drink this much at home!
and yes, i think i had to nudge you a time or two to keep you from falling asleep in the car...ha ha ha. yep, best night i think i have ever had at disney with the two of you ladies...omg......(sorry, Y....but we are planning on you joining us in october.....)
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.
How meeting up with fellow PPs!! Ohana food looks soooo good, especially the Pineapple Bread Pudding! I just might have to check it out next trip! More please!!!
Sheri, our messages cross paths again! We've got to stop meeting like this! Or else we should meet like this all the time! I had SO MUCH FUN with you! I definitely would love to go to Ohana's again with you and Gray, oh yes I would!
And now, back to our story.
DME would be picking me up at 12:50pm for my 3:50pm flight home. Since I'd figured we'd be out late the night before, I'd booked a late breakfast at Whispering Canyon (WL). Sheri and I packed up all our stuff and I left my bags with the Bell Service. We got in her car, which started making really weird noises immediately. Uh oh. After investigation, it appeared that a major belt was slipping off its watch-you-ma-call-it (I hope you understand my technical terms) -- and it was shredding itself in the process. Not good.
We found out where the nearest service station was, and hugged goodbye so Sheri could get her car fixed to the point that she could drive it home that afternoon.
Friday was a cold and rainy day, so I wasn't as sad as I normally am about leaving WDW. "Yep, it's time," I thought. By now, it was around 10:00 and I was really hungry. Sheri had recommended the Captain's Grille at her beloved Yacht Club, and since I couldn't get into Kouzzina at that time (a one-hour wait -- no way!), I bundled up as best I could (unfortunately, my Goofy sweatshirt was buried in my luggage since I didn't think I'd be spending much time outside that morning), opened my WDW umbrella, and trudged around the lake to YC. I waited 5-10 minutes and then was shown to a table.
Since breakfast is my favorite meal when dining out, I had no trouble loading up my plate. I'd decided to wear my Mickey vest again, but this time with a white blouse. Clearly, photos were called for.
My meal:
And I asked one of the Cast Members to record my loveliness for posterity.
Now, what to do with my remaining two hours of freedom until DME whisked me to the airport? It was so cold and wet outside, I thought about going back to the BW and sitting in the lobby -- for about 5 seconds. Then I said, "Nossirree -- you've got an AP, and you can walk to Epcot." So that's what I did.
Yeah guys, I agree -- it's too dark and cold and rainy today! But we're at Disney, so who cares?!?!
I was pretty sure I couldn't get on Soarin' but I had to try, so I headed to The Land right away. It was after 10:30, so no dice.
So I went on an attraction that I hadn't tried in 15+ years. Do you recognize this face?
Well, how about now?
"Imagination, imagination. . . ." I was humming and whistling all the way back out into the soggy day.
.
yep, the belt on the whooziemawhatchit was broken and i had to cut part of it off just to get to the car care center...a whole nother story! but, it also gave me time to enjoy a little more magic as well while they replaced the belt...(they also wanted to replace the um "harmonic balancer" which they said was loose...yeah, i don't think so....over $1000 in repairs and hours and hours. people, i gotta get back to work the next day!) anywho, i had them just replace the major belt and it was only $120.00. lorraine can feel my pain about the whole incident (lorraine, if you are reading this, you know what i mean!). i tried to call cindy and catch up for a little while longer, but it was not to be...our phone messages crossed paths and i heard from her alas as she was about to board the DME and i was enjoying lunch at Nine Dragons (ala cheryl and wendy!). the belt is still working wonderfully and i check it every day. i was so afraid i'd have to be getting a new car...i love love love the one i have now...and don't want to get rid of it ever ever ever.....
About This Page: 
PassPorter Guide Author
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
). She was off that day and said she'd be bringing her daughters to the MK later on. I was excited to see her again -- she was one of the last PassPorters I met last May during the Decade of Dreams celebration at WDW, and I really enjoyed talking with her.
is THAT?
).
Susan
)
Gray -- I hope to see you the next time I'm in the Happy Place!
But we're at Disney, so who cares?!?!
Linear Mode
