First Ever Disneyland Trip Updated 10/13 - Page 25 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
Just catching up. I can't believe you're still waiting for those reservations to open up! Sheesh! Thanks for sharing the pics of your walk - it looks very peaceful. And that your Dad's surgery went well!
__________________
Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
It sure has been a while since I posted. But I am all caught up on this TR. Right after the February trip to WDW I took with my daughter, I was told I would be going to DL at the end of June for work purposes. Now for those of you that work in a high school, the end of June is crazy time to say the least. So the timing was B.A.D. However, they needed me to go with our tech director and my boss for some training. It was held at the Disneyland Hotel. How could I complain! It was 6 days of non stop training, but I did manage to get into the park one late afternoon. Here is my take on my experience.
Disneyland hotel is a must see experience, if only for walking through the main lobby and studying all the old original pictures of Walt. I could have looked at them for hours! Then of course, there is Trader Sams. This place is so nice to sit outside on the terrace and listen to the music. Great atmosphere and flatbread pizza.
We ate at Tortilla Joe's not 1x but TWICE. it was really good. Sit outside and people watch! and if you time it correctly, you can see the fireworks pretty much right in front of you as you eat.
When I went into the park (Disneyland not CA) it was sooo crowded but the end of June it is expected I am told. Anyway, the best part for me was not to be aggravated by the crowd level, but rather to "appreciate" being in the same Park that Walt himself created and opened. To walk where he walked was a thrill to me. That was enough to put a smile on my face the whole time! Oh and Pirates and Space Mountain are different that WDW versions and not be missed. I also was able to ride Storybook Canal which was so worth it - again for nostalgia purposes.
I may not be the most versed in DL, but I was just there, so feel to ask me questions....Have Fun! - Diane
Diane, thanks so much for your thoughts. They are all so helpful. Storybook Canal is one that I do not want to miss, even if it's not really a big ride.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DMA
I had to look up the "Deutsch You Want Me Baby" nail color. Very pretty!
Our cooler weather got me into a bit of a fall mood, though it is a little early.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperDave
Hope all goes well with your Dad's surgery tomorrow!
Sorry, it's the same old story with the ADRs!
Thanks for clarifying the refurb on the Choo Choo as $8 million, although a lot is more realistic than $ 8 billion! I do know the entire DTD project is $2 billion and I couldn't of imagined the amount being spent on that resort.
I'm just glad I finally found the letter that had the original info. Who knows where my mind was when I was writing my notes.
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.
I had to laugh when you said Luke declared your scrapbook "very good". He sounds just like Mark and I'm usually saying to him "any other comments?" as I want all the feedback I can get to improve, but I never get anything else...
Luke did comment on some of my photos and how well they were taken, but he hardly ever comments on my scrapping skills.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Coop
for your dad!
, Tracy!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lauriep
Hope all goes well this weekend, Cam!
I was so happy when I saw in the Parks Blog the update on the gorilla family and I love all the new names. I've gotten in the habit of scanning the blog every morning now. It's hard to believe that Flint and Cory are a year old already!
I had the same thought when I reading the blog. How could they be a year old. Then I remembered how captivated I was by them both on our October trip last year.
Just catching up. I can't believe you're still waiting for those reservations to open up! Sheesh! Thanks for sharing the pics of your walk - it looks very peaceful. And that your Dad's surgery went well!
I'm really baffled by the slowness with the reservations for dinner and the packages.
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.
First, the most important news, my dad’s surgery went well, and the doctor even repaired a stomach hernia. Unfortunately, he was in a great deal of pain right afterwards, which delayed his getting to go home until they felt that was under control. He was given a pain pill, but it did nothing to decrease the pain. Then a second pain med was given via IV. Once it started and we knew it would be a little while for he was released, June sent Luke and I out to eat lunch. We headed to an Arby’s just down the road. Back at the hospital, we rode the elevator back up to recovery and as the doors opened I noticed people waiting to get on. The next moment I realized it was Daddy, June, and a nurse. Perfect timing! :waytogo. A little more bad news – Daddy got sick at his stomach when he stood up. We Morgans do not tolerate anesthesia nor pain meds well. But he was happy to finally be going home. At home he got sick a couple more times before settling into his recliner where he has been napping ever since. The doctor was very pleased with how everything went, so we just need to manage his pain and nausea. Thanks again for all the pixies and well wishes!
On the Disneyland planning front, as we were getting ready for our trip this morning, Luke gave me two options: one, head to Louisville as planned the night before our flight, paying for a hotel plus parking or two, take the Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps Tour. Now some concerns we’ve had that lead to the two options. The Best Western that we used last October when we also flew out of Louisville doesn’t have opening for the day we need. The next option a La Quinta actually had better reviews on tripadvisor.com, so Luke had reserved a room. But then a few days ago in his researching he discovered that their shuttle stops operating at 10:30 PM, and our flight, if it is on time, is not due to land until 10:45 PM. We could take a taxi back, but that is more money. We could park the Edge at a parking place Luke has found, but again that is more money. So what to do? Additionally, about 3 weeks ago, we lost the only key fob to Luke’s Volvo. He bought it used and it only came with one set of keys. We have searched through our house every single day since, covering the house, the garage, and the yard. The cost of replacing the key fob is around $200. We also feared we’d have to pay an excessive towing fee to get it from our town to the Volvo dealership in Evansville about 45 to 50 minutes away. Thank goodness, Luke’s brother reminded us he has a car carrier so that part will only cost a gas. We haven’t given up and started to process the new key, but it may be in the near future. So we have to keep that potential expense in mind. So basically, Luke let me know we truly can’t afford everything unless as he put it this morning some large sum of money just falls in our laps. I’m sure you all guessed immediately which option I chose -- #2. I’d rather leave at o’dark thirty and save the hotel money and get a chance to see and hear some Walt Disney/Disneyland history. That was the option Luke was hoping I would choose. We are both so excited!
On the ADR front, nada, zilch, nil. But I’m going on a tour!
PS – Dad is finally awake and somewhat better feeling.
I am very glad that the surgery went well. But I can so sympathize with the reaction to the anesthesia. It is rough. I hope he feels all better very soon. And about the car fob I hope that magically appears too!
But on another note I am super excited you got the tour. I cannot wait to hear all about it!
Happy to hear your Dad's surgery went well and that he is feeling better this evening. Hopefully a little Disney magic will help your key fob appear. The Walk in Walt's Footsteps sounds really great and I am anxious to hear all about it. We were at DL in December 2014 and took the Holiday Time at Disneyland and Disney California Story Tours. We enjoyed both tours and there is a truly magical surprise at the end of the Disney California Story Tour. Hope things open up soon on the ADR front!
Glad to hear that your dad's surgery went well and that he is starting to get over the anesthesia. Be sure that he stays well hydrated as that seems to help me flush it out of my system. Also, I am sure his doctor mentioned this with his hernia, but, make sure he doesn't lift anything heavy or strain too much as that can cause problems.
I am also glad that you are going to get to do the tour. I hope you both enjoy it as much as we did!! If they let you, please make sure to get lots of pictures of the apartmant ( like I think you would miss that opportunity)
__________________
Waiting for our next adventure after enjoying our Alaska cruise. Jenn
All caught up! The path you guys walk on looks very much like one of my favorite running paths. Funny that they are so similar given you live in KY and me in NY. Happy that your Dad's surgery went well and he is home. Very cool that you and Luke are doing the tour! that you find Luke's keys.
About This Page: 
for your Dad! And safe travels for you & Luke.
Disney Magic - Oct 2015
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
And 
but the end of June it is expected I am told. Anyway, the best part for me was not to be aggravated by the crowd level, but rather to "appreciate" being in the same Park that Walt himself created and opened. To walk where he walked was a thrill to me. That was enough to put a smile on my face the whole time! Oh and Pirates and Space Mountain are different that WDW versions and not be missed. I also was able to ride Storybook Canal which was so worth it - again for nostalgia purposes. 
, Tracy! 
Sorry that the packages still haven't been release! 
Pixies for your Daddy and his surgery! 
I’m sure you all guessed immediately which option I chose -- #2. I’d rather leave at o’dark thirty and save the hotel money and get a chance to see and hear some Walt Disney/Disneyland history. That was the option Luke was hoping I would choose. We are both so excited! 
Waiting for our next adventure after enjoying our Alaska cruise. 
PassPorter Guide Author
Linear Mode
