An Animal Kingdom State of Being with Cam and Fam COMPLETED 9/18 - Page 43 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
I completely understand your frustration with your check in. They could have a least given you access to the club level so you could grab a snack!!! I agree..they need to really step up their computer technology. It drives me nuts when I try to get on the website and it is down AGAIN!!
That is what amazed me as I showed the first CM our confirmation letter, which clearly said Club Level, but she said she had nothing to prove that on her end. I wish I had taken her name as she was pretty much worthless as help.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lauriep
That is NOT the way to step into the Disney bubble! You're right--computer issues are all too frequent at Disney and are no excuse for the kind of non-service you got. There's got to be a better way to handle a crash. It happens so often you'd think a back-up plan would be normal procedure. And poor Luke, hobbling along.
Glad you got in a couple of rides and some shopping at least.
We had planned on going to a park for a short time anyway, but we had hoped to get checked in so when Luke was tired and sore, we could just head to our room. He really earned a medal for all the standing he had to do that day on his poor feet.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HollyH
I'm so sorry that you had to wait so long to check in! I would have been a bit peeved that I missed 2 food services in the lounge due to their computer problems. And now both Luke's toes are troubling him . I'm glad to hear that the magic is coming..... I can't wait to see your view! (We are currently waitlisted for a concierge studio for our April trip and I'm curious to hear about your experiences).
Later today I hope to get up my first update with info on staying club level.
Quote:
Originally Posted by nmeeboer
Loving this read! Getting us VERY excited for our next trip just a few weeks away. My 6 year old loves the idea of the goodie bags for the airline staff. Can I ask what you generally include?
For the goodie bags, I usually include some novelty items. This year I found magic eight balls, mini Uno cards, and rubber ducks at Wal-Mart. The crew really loved the rubber ducks. I also found some office supplies at Wal-Mart, including fancy paper clips and magnets. We always include some candy, mints, and/or gum.
Quote:
Originally Posted by islandgirl
Sorry about Luke's fall! I know it can put a bit of a damper on things when you aren't quite up to par. I know having that bug while I was there in Feb. made me push myself harder, and I also had to cut some of my days short as I just didn't feel good. I can imagine Luke's pain by the end of the day....{he is a trooper though!!} Also, I'm sorry about check-in....again, I know how you feel. Our check-in at BC took forever too!!! It really can start things off on a less than magical note! Glad you got a little time in at DHS! Oh, and I the flip flops {and all of your other purchases even though I'm not a HP fan!!!.) Hope the magic begins....SOON!
Luke did need to turn in earlier in the evenings than he normally would have, but mine and Stefanie's legs were glad for rest, too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by B.M.
Wow, that check-in sounds ridiculous! I agree with you they should have a back up plan incase the computers go down! And I had not even thought about the concierge lounge offerings until you mentioned it towards the end of your update.... I would have been upset about that also! It really seems like they could have allowed you into the lounge while they worked out their problems.....
Glad you had AP's and were able to enjoy the studio's- if you had regular park tickets and didn't have a days tickets alloted for check in day- that really would have a been a long 6+ hours!!
At least we had our own back up plan!
Quote:
Originally Posted by BettyBeBop
Oh my! Your check-in woes must have been very frustrating. Those upgrades have been giving Disney fits over the past months. I am with you on the IT staff. They need to get it together and also come up with that back-up plan. Their computer problems should not interfere with your day - especially at Club Level. I can't wait to hear how the magic improves.
The magic will be coming very soon!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wolfy6688
Ugh! I'm sorry about your check-in issues. I absolutely agree there should be a backup plan.
Let's hope there are back up plans in the future.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MinnieMary
Wow what a nightmare checking in. We checked in the same day at the Polynesian and they still were able to do it manually. It took the CM a while, but it wasn't more than about 15 minutes. I think we arrived there about 11:30 am or so? Not sure why they couldn't get you checked in at AKL? I'm sure things will go much smoother for you the rest of your trip.
That is very interesting as both the CMs at AKL insisted that no one was able to check in in any way all across the WDW resort. I'm beginning to suspect that AKL doesn't like working without computers.
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.
So sorry about the mess checking in. But I love your attitude--nothing gets you down! And I think it's great that you have written to Disney. Let us know what they say!
Cam did you book this vacation with SADDLECRAP TOURS all these malfunctions Peeves the poltergiest attacking poor Luke Backwards pants emergencies You might want to consider getting a new travel agent Don't think Ms D. Umbrage has your best intrest at heart or is keeping an eye on you
Ugh! Check in at AKL for you was not good! :
And it wasn't much better for us either! Although we were met by a CM from Club Level outside when we arrived. She took us up to the Club Level check in desk - so we bypassed the lobby check in desk. But once we were upstairs it went downhill from there! My reservation was not in my name - it was in Allen's! I am still not sure how that happened since I am the only one who ever calls for reservations in this family!! Anyway - an hour and a half after arriving and after 4 attempts at cutting our room keys, we finally had keys that worked - but our room was not ready!
You know, I have never heard of anyone having problems checking in to AKL before now! And after your experience and then mine, I am sadly disappointed!
I did enjoy the lounge goodies. But we weren't always there at the right time to enjoy them.
So do you think you will try club level again??
I am interested to know what you hear from Disney, if anything!
So, moving on.....I am glad you were able to do some fun park time while waiting for your room!
And I the picture of you in your giraffe ears! So cute!
I am very excited about your future updates!!
Ugh! Check in at AKL for you was not good! :
And it wasn't much better for us either! Although we were met by a CM from Club Level outside when we arrived. She took us up to the Club Level check in desk - so we bypassed the lobby check in desk. But once we were upstairs it went downhill from there! My reservation was not in my name - it was in Allen's! I am still not sure how that happened since I am the only one who ever calls for reservations in this family!! Anyway - an hour and a half after arriving and after 4 attempts at cutting our room keys, we finally had keys that worked - but our room was not ready!
You know, I have never heard of anyone having problems checking in to AKL before now! And after your experience and then mine, I am sadly disappointed!
I did enjoy the lounge goodies. But we weren't always there at the right time to enjoy them.
So do you think you will try club level again??
I am interested to know what you hear from Disney, if anything!
So, moving on.....I am glad you were able to do some fun park time while waiting for your room!
And I the picture of you in your giraffe ears! So cute!
I am very excited about your future updates!!
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.
Oh and I have the Mickey breakfast pj's on as we speak (or type)...definitely my favorite! Thank goodness for the Disney Parks section at the Disney Store!
What a nightmare trying to get checked in! Glad you finally got a room. At least you were able to get to a park in the meantime, and that cupcake looks divine
So sorry to hear about the ordeal in getting checked in! I cannot believe they don't have a master list someplace for those checking in club level that day. That doesn't seem to take a rocket scientist to say it's a good idea to just print that each morning - or the night before - so if there's a problem when someone arrives, they can still have access to the club lounge. I hope you get some kind of response back from your letter. And hope the club experience was much better from that point on!
So sorry about the mess checking in. But I love your attitude--nothing gets you down! And I think it's great that you have written to Disney. Let us know what they say!
I plan on letting you all know as soon as they respond back.
Quote:
Originally Posted by davishomeschool
Hurry Cam! I can't help but feel that you are going to tell us that you slept on the lobby chairs that first night !
Rest assured we all three slept in beds, though there will be glitch to that as well.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Luvsun
Ugh! Check in at AKL for you was not good! :
And it wasn't much better for us either! Although we were met by a CM from Club Level outside when we arrived. She took us up to the Club Level check in desk - so we bypassed the lobby check in desk. But once we were upstairs it went downhill from there! My reservation was not in my name - it was in Allen's! I am still not sure how that happened since I am the only one who ever calls for reservations in this family!! Anyway - an hour and a half after arriving and after 4 attempts at cutting our room keys, we finally had keys that worked - but our room was not ready!
You know, I have never heard of anyone having problems checking in to AKL before now! And after your experience and then mine, I am sadly disappointed!
I did enjoy the lounge goodies. But we weren't always there at the right time to enjoy them.
So do you think you will try club level again??
I am interested to know what you hear from Disney, if anything!
So, moving on.....I am glad you were able to do some fun park time while waiting for your room!
And I the picture of you in your giraffe ears! So cute!
I am very excited about your future updates!!
I was a little surprise that no one met us at the door, but since we came by shuttle instead of DME, I thought that was the reason. Instead it was because they couldn't check us in, so I guess they figured if they ignored us they wouldn't have to deal with us.
We'll not rush to stay club level again at least not at AKL. We were treated much better when we were surprised with Club Level back in November at Beach Club.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DMA
Wow! How did you keep your cool with all the waiting!
I love the pictures of AKL! They're so bright! The few times we visited AKL my pictures of the lobby came out quite dark.
I took them with the back of the lobby to my back so that the light was pouring into the lobby instead of directly in front of the camera.
Quote:
Originally Posted by emilyandlogansmom
Wow! The AKL lobby is beautiful! I had the general idea, but definitely enjoyed your pictures!
I can't believe you had such struggles getting checked in! I would've been upset with that at a value resort, let alone being DVC and club level!
I had no idea that ToT had more than 1 library. Apparently I'll need to pay better attention next time.
Alright...I fully expect the mishaps to be done (seems like you've had enough for 5 trips!) and the magic to begin!
I had always noticed the one to the right but for some reason we've always gone into the one on the left.
Quote:
Originally Posted by emilyandlogansmom
Oh and I have the Mickey breakfast pj's on as we speak (or type)...definitely my favorite! Thank goodness for the Disney Parks section at the Disney Store!
I noticed these were for sale on there after we got back home. I do love mine!
Quote:
Originally Posted by KMB733
What a nightmare trying to get checked in! Glad you finally got a room. At least you were able to get to a park in the meantime, and that cupcake looks divine
Wow! I'm shocked at the level of non-service you received checking in! I can't believe they didn't let you upstairs. I wouldve asked to speak to a manager after that first CM. So happy to hear you didn't let it get to you too much!
Wow! I can't believe they asked you to come back instead of checking you in. Surely, there has to be a backup plan for power outages or computer failures. You are so patient. I think I would have been a little testier.
And the Sanuk flip flops! Aren't they the best! LOVE THEM!!