How The Western Caribbean Was Won! Completed 8/10/2016 - Page 16 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
Sounds like a nice walking tour. I enjoy these walking tours. I took one once of the old Sydney in Australia and the guide was telling us all the history. I found it very interesting.
It was quite enjoyable and glad I had a good guide!
Quote:
Originally Posted by wheezie
Great photos, I especially like the banyan trees! The tour sounds interesting!
Glad you liked the photos. The banyan trees are quite unique! I really enjoyed the tour.
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
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.
Great tour! We tried conch fritters in Mallory Square, too. They were pretty good!
Yes they were quite good and something I had never had before.
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
What a great little intro to key west! Tours like that are great where you still have time to explore a bit on your own after getting your bearings
I enjoyed it and am in complete agreement with you!
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
After descending from the tower and taking in some great views of Key West, I returned to ground level in Mallory Square. Although, this area is a bit touristy, I kind of like it with all the various shops and snack bars. I was a bit hungry, so I decided to indulge in one of Key West’s most famous food staples and that was a slice of Key Lime pie. I had that along with a mango smoothie. The Key Lime Pie was quite tasty and so enjoyable. I hadn’t had lunch yet but was fine at the moment as I had breakfast at Cabana’s around 10 am, but would probably need something to tie me over before dinner at 8:15.
After enjoying my pie, I did a bit of walking in the area away from Mallory Square and visited some of the shops. I was looking for a Key West tee shirt and after visits to several shops, I found one I liked and not too bad in price for $15.
Before going on this trip, I did a bit of research on Key West and some of the well known bars and eateries in town, that I may want to try for lunch. About a week before this trip one of them (Hog’s Breath Saloon) was featured on a Travel Channel program and looked good. I had also thought about Sloppy Joe’s Bar on Duval Street, which is even more well known, but decided on the former.
It was only a couple blocks from Mallory Square and when I got there, they had a band playing outside and was quite crowded. There was no seating to be had, so I went inside and you could still hear the band, who was quite good with mostly rock standards. It seemed like it was happy hour, but being Sunday wasn’t, but then again, I think it’s always happy hour in Key West!
I sat up at the bar and looked at the food and beverage menus. I wasn’t going to get a big meal, so was just interested in an appetizer of some sort. I was looking for something unique to the area and settled on a bowl of conch chowder along with some kind of Key Lime beverage. I forget what was in it, but there were various liquors in it and I know there was rum. It was quite good as I love Key Lime! The conch chowder was very good as well and quite flavorful with a bit of spiciness to it!
After finishing my so-called lunch, I visited the large gift shop and bought another tee shirt. They were of thicker quality than the one, I bought earlier, but almost double in price! Key West is not known for being cheap! By now it was about 4:30 pm or so. It was a bit hot out and I decided to head back to the Magic, even though I could have explored more in town like the southern most point in the USA, which was a bit of a walk from here! Besides, I had some things I needed to take care of back onboard.
Another of the Customs House, which is now the Key West History Museum.
Like this in the rear of the Customs House
Back home!
Going back on the ship was basically like airport security without the liquids policy, but was quite efficient and not too much of a line. I scanned my KTTW card and put my bags through screening and I was back on the Magic! I returned to my room and took a few photos!
Next, I went up to deck 9 to get some cold water from the beverage station as it was a hot day!
Quiet Cove pool
Promenade Lounge
Next, I went to Guest Services on deck 3 for a couple of things. First I wanted to transfer my Disney Visa Reward dollars over to my cruise charges to keep the costs down a bit. This was a bit complicated as they contacted Chase Visa and then I had to give them the rewards card number that I got at Guest Services and some other info. I was then able to transfer this to my onboard charges. It was $137, so a nice credit to my account.
Next, I inquired about beverage seminars that still had openings and they gave me a list of what was still available. There was a cognac tasting in Cove Café tomorrow night at 10:30 pm, so I signed up for that and they gave me my ticket for this event. Should be a good one and costs $25. Just as I was leaving a CM was selling glasses of Sangria in the atrium area near Lumiere’s and I got one of those! It was enjoyable!
Mickey in front of Lumiere’s
Shortly, I returned to my room for a bit and rest before getting ready for dinner. Just watched some TV and went on my deck to take in the scenery outside.
The scene in Mallory Square as they await the nightly sundown festivities! Quite a crowd. It was not like this 1 ½ hours ago, when I returned to the Magic!
After some down time in my room, I got ready for dinner and went to Keys Lounge to watch the sunset as I knew there would be a good view from the large porthole windows they have. I got a table by one of the windows and the view did not disappoint! We would also be departing Key West shortly at about 7:45 pm as the all aboard is 7:30. While, I was at Keys, Nick was there playing piano and remembered me from last night. While enjoying the sunset and Nick’s show on piano, I had a glass of Chardonnay before dinner.
Nice start!
Too bad for the reflection, but still looks good.
Almost gone!
I enjoyed Nick’s show as I did the scenery outside which was amazing! Dinner tonight was approaching, which would be at Animator’s Palate on deck 4. I settled my bill and took the stairs one level up. Before, going to AP, I went out on the ship length deck on 4 for a couple of photos!
The Magic at sea on to its’ next destination of Grand Cayman
After some time out on deck 4, I went inside and to Animator’s Palate for dinner.
NEXT: Will I Enjoy This As Much As Others Here Have?
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
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.
Great update, Dave!! Soinds like a wonderful afternoon in Key West!! I am so glad you are thoroughly enjoying this cruise!!
I had a good time in Key West but wish I had seen more of the town as I wanted to go to the southern most point and see it! But that was a bit of a walk. Besides, it was quite hot out, so I did want to get back to the Magic. Enjoying this cruise very much so far!
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
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.
What a beautiful sunset! I'm glad you got to enjoy some key lime pie! We had frozen chocolate-covered key lime pie on a stick in Key West and it was soooooooooo good!
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.
It was quite amazing and one of the better ones and especially on a cruise!
Quote:
Originally Posted by a_bernard
Beautiful photos, i would love to visit Key West one day. it looks so charming.
It certainly is and you should visit!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pris
What a gorgeous sunset.
I absolutely loved it and especially heading out from Key West on the open waters and enjoying a glass of wine before dinner! How can you beat this?
Quote:
Originally Posted by pamcarey
What a beautiful sunset! I'm glad you got to enjoy some key lime pie! We had frozen chocolate-covered key lime pie on a stick in Key West and it was soooooooooo good!
The Key Lime Pie was so good as that was sort of pre-lunch...if you want to call it that?
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
I love the way sunsets look from the ships! Beautiful pictures!
Same here ! Even better being in Keys Lounge with that incredible view and enjoying every bit of it! Glad I had the 2nd seating for dinner!
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
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.
About This Page: 
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
I hadn’t had lunch yet but was fine at the moment as I had breakfast at Cabana’s around 10 am, but would probably need something to tie me over before dinner at 8:15.
The conch chowder was very good as well and quite flavorful with a bit of spiciness to it! 
Key West is not known for being cheap! 
I got a table by one of the windows and the view did not disappoint! 
But that was a bit of a walk. Besides, it was quite hot out, so I did want to get back to the Magic. Enjoying this cruise very much so far! 
PassPorter Guide Author
Linear Mode
