A Promise Kept: A Cam and Fam PTR Updated 10/9 - Page 6 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
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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.
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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!
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YAY!!! So glad that you were able to get the flight booked and it sounds like your drive will be easy to the airport! Looking forward to hearing more of your plans.
You are so lucky to be able to use Alegiant and get decent flight times. Alegiant in out airport doesn't travel to that many destinations and the times are bad as well. I am glad that you get to fly.
The two airports near us that have Allegiant only have flights to Sanford, so we couldn't really travel to other destinations. But Sanford works for us.
Quote:
Originally Posted by purplegal
Great flight plans seems like you had lots of options to pick from.
We did have several, but the one we chose worked the best.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperDave
The flight plans look good as do the resort changes!
Thanks! We weren't sure when we got home just how easy or difficult getting flights would be, but thank goodness it worked out.
Hooray for a couple extra days, and nicely done with getting a flight with a quicker drive time!
We will probably be spoiled after these flights with the shorter drive to the airport and back to home.
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Originally Posted by DMA
Flight plans look great!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nemo125
Flight plans look great!!! But what a bummer that we are missing you by just a few hours. That is our last day and our flight leaves at 7:20 pm from MCO - so we'll be leaving at 4:30 pm or so from the resort when MDE picks us up. Bummer. Well maybe next time!
Bummer, indeed! I was so hoping we'd get to see you and Ann this trip with our added days.
Yay for extra time at Disney! I'm glad you were able to find flights at a closer airport.
I could never complain over more Disney time!
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Originally Posted by elisa1006
That's great you found decent fares and added to your trip to boot!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
The decision to fly turned out well, making us very happy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
I am still so sad we're only just missing you, as you'll be at WDW when we had originally planned to go back there. By planning to go to NYC, we miss you again. One day...
I think this is the closest we've gotten to meeting, so maybe the next time it will finally happen.
I can't wait to follow along. There's nothing better than enjoying WDW than with family.
This will be the Vaughns third trip with us, and we can't wait to make all kinds of new memories.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pris
I'm so glad you were able to score good and convenient flights and times. So what if you are "forced" to spend a couple of extra days at Disney! What sacrifices we sometimes must make.
Thanks! This is a sacrifice I don't mind making!
Quote:
Originally Posted by jackid2
Plans look great. So glad you get to fly. We just did a drive from Chicago to Snowmass, CO and it felt like the drive lasted for ever. 18.5 hours and we had to spot a lot because of our boys, so I think total it was just under 24. Flying is so much easier.
We really like the idea of less travel time and more fun time.
Glad you were able to find good flights! Bummer about the 40 lb weight limit. Spirit has the same weight limit which makes it tricky when you're packing. It's surprising what a difference 10 lbs make.
I know what you mean. We are going to have to pack very carefully.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SharonK0527
Congrats on the flights! We are flying Spirit Airlines to Fort Lauderdale in November and their bag weight limit is 40 lbs. as well. The lower weight limit definitely forces you to pack carefully and prevents over-packing.
Can't wait to hear more about your plans!
I thinking as I read your post that I mind need to start some packing lists so I can plan this out to stay in the 40 lb. limit.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grammy Grumpy
So glad you got your flights and other transportation arranged. It's getting closer. But, I am bummed we will miss you guys by just a few days!
I remember when the Bagman Days started that a few folks checked to see if we could come, but I had to keep this promise. We could have the two extra days at the front, but we couldn't afford any more.
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.
YAY!!! So glad that you were able to get the flight booked and it sounds like your drive will be easy to the airport! Looking forward to hearing more of your plans.
I am totally excited over flying this time. We just recently learned that the road we normally take to this airport is going to be down to one lane. Luke is checking into an alternate route so we don't have to leave home any earlier.
Congrats on the flights and the extra days. The 40 pounds checked bag limit would be difficult for me. And then, I would be charged for carry on with a computer and a camera bag.
Congrats on the flights and the extra days. The 40 pounds checked bag limit would be difficult for me. And then, I would be charged for carry on with a computer and a camera bag.
It can be difficult with the bags, but like anything else you get used to it. I've done two Rick Steves' tours in Europe with both being about two weeks and you're allowed one carry on bag and your main bag is 22*14*9. That's the limit for carry on and this is for two weeks. You get used to it and only bring what you need and not what you may use as a difference!
I love his tours and you just be accustomed to the situation and it does work well for me and the others on the tour. Usually, about 20 travelers and not tourists as a big difference with the two! You also bring your bags to the hotel and usually with some walking and why this is done. Always, family owned centrally located European hotels.
Love his tour philosophy and my next tour will most likely be one of his! As I've gone to WDW between his tours, I've actually scaled my bags back over the years. No big deal for me now!
The key is to not over pack as so many of us do and so often! I know I do it, but less often now!
.
__________________
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!
Last edited by SuperDave; 08-10-2016 at 10:26 PM..
Congrats on the flights and the extra days. The 40 pounds checked bag limit would be difficult for me. And then, I would be charged for carry on with a computer and a camera bag.
We are paying extra for one carryone, but my camera will fit in the backpack with the laptop, which we will not be charged for as it fits under the seat.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperDave
It can be difficult with the bags, but like anything else you get used to it. I've done two Rick Steves' tours in Europe with both being about two weeks and you're allowed one carry on bag and your main bag is 22*14*9. That's the limit for carry on and this is for two weeks. You get used to it and only bring what you need and not what you may use as a difference!
I love his tours and you just be accustomed to the situation and it does work well for me and the others on the tour. Usually, about 20 travelers and not tourists as a big difference with the two! You also bring your bags to the hotel and usually with some walking and why this is done. Always, family owned centrally located European hotels.
Love his tour philosophy and my next tour will most likely be one of his! As I've gone to WDW between his tours, I've actually scaled my bags back over the years. No big deal for me now!
The key is to not over pack as so many of us do and so often! I know I do it, but less often now!
.
We'll definitely be packing what we need and not a lot of extras that we think we might use.
Quote:
Originally Posted by wheezie
I'm so glad you were able to work out the flights and you got to add extra days!
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Now that the gang’s all here, I think introductions are in order, and since I love organization, we’ll be listed in chronological sequence from oldest to youngest.
Cam (Me, 58, 22 trips to WDW/1 trip to DLR) I am a retired high school English teacher, but I think of myself more as a counselor now because I volunteer as one every Wednesday at a crisis pregnancy center. I grew up with Disney, watching The Mickey Mouse Club and Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color. My Dad named his first dog Mickey because he had grown up with the short films. So I had several Mickey Mouse toys as a kid. One which I still have is a Mickey squeaky bath toy that proudly sits by our Jacuzzi tub. The first Disney movie that I have true memories of is Bambi. My family was in Louisville of a teaching conference Dad was attending. Bambi was the first part of a double feature with some Dean Martin/Jerry Lewis movie. I laughed, I cried, and in the end, I loved it. But a visit to a Disney park did not happen until I was nearly a legal adult. At 20 and ¾ I traveled with some friends from church to Cocoa Beach for spring break. My one must do was Disney World, and I knew instantly that someday I’d be bringing my kids here as kids, no waiting until they were adults. Stefanie used to have a talk with parents who hadn’t gotten their kiddos to Disney yet. So I guess I transferred this belief to her by osmosis. I love to tell stories, and my family depends on me to preserve our story whether in written word, photos, or oral retellings. I used to tell my senior English students that in ancient times I would have been a tribal storyteller or scop. And so I will bringing you all along for the tales I will tell.
Luke (my best friend and husband, 55 at trip time with his 56th birthday on our last park day, 22 trips) Luke is a retired information systems manager, think IT guy. He is not nearly as computer saturated as when he was working, but he is still on call to family and friends and even friends of family and friends who need computer assistance. Our growth as Disneyphiles is quite similar. He remembers The Mickey Mouse Club and Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color as kid, too. The first Disney movie he probably saw was Mary Poppins, a favorite of all three of us Matthews. He has loved trains from an early age, and since we’ve been married, he has collected a number of Disney train sets. He is working, transforming Stefanie’s bedroom into a train room. One day half of it will be Disney themed and the other half Christmas themed, though there will be quite a bit of crossover because a big part of the Christmas portion is the Department 56 Disney Christmas village. His first visit to WDW was a day after mine on the very same spring break trip (explaining that is a whole other story )
John (June’s DH/my DBiL, 55 at trip time, but will be 56 three weeks after we get home, 3 trips with us) We sometimes refer to him as John The Vaughn because that is how Stefanie referred to him. John is a physical therapist and sports trainer. When they lived in Nashville he worked with the Predators hockey team. Now he works with high school teams at mine and June’s alma mater. John is also an excellent photographer and a creative artist. In fact, he used to be a commercial artist until he felt he need to help others more through his work and went back to school to become a PT. One of my favorite photos from our first visit to WDW with them is one of John late at night while MK is shutting down. He is lying on his stomach in the middle of Main Street, working on a creative shot of the castle. At 6’4” John towers over the rest of us, especially June and me as we are only 5’3”. He has a carpet of gray hair, so with that and his height, we can usually found him in a crowd if we get separated.
June (My youngest sister, 52, 3 trips with us and at least one without) Stefanie nicknamed June, June The Bug, after John The Vaughn came into the family. (BTW Their first dog was named Ben and Stefanie dubbed him, Ben The Labrador Dog.)June has always been the most outgoing of the three of us sisters. She was a cheerleader in high school and still has a voice that projects. A bit of family trivia, John was a cheerleader at the college where the four of us attended. June is one of the most generous and hospitable people I know. She quit her job back in 1988 to live with us as Stefanie’s nanny after the bone marrow transplant, all so I could go back to work and keep our health insurance. June works as nurse at a doctor’s office and takes care of all of Daddy’s medical issues now. Patients find her compassionate and genuinely caring. She has a wacky sense of humor that has kept us all in stitches and used to embarrass my mom who would respond, “Oh June!”
Morgan Taylor (June’s daughter/my niece, 15 1/2, 4th trip with us – actually Morgan and JP have only been to WDW with us) Morgan is a vibrant teenager full of love, compassion, and beauty. June recently let me know that Morgan has grown to 5’4”, and feels she now towers over her mom and me. In the best ways she reminds me of her mom, though that might make Morgan might roll her eyes at that because June loves to embarrass her kids. She has a great sense of humor and loves to give bear hugs to her aunt who is always in need of more. Morgan is also very bright and as a high school sophomore she is taking her second year of pre-AP course work. Her favorite Disney characters are Rapunzel and Pocohantas. I asked her what she was looking forward to the most, her response was crazy rides (she’ll be Luke’s buddy) and food. All of the Vaughns are going to love the F&WF. She also shares my love of Animal Kingdom and Epcot.
John Paul II (June’s son/my nephew, 11 ½, 3rd trip with us) The first word that comes to mind when I think about JP is inquisitive. He has taken things apart since he was really little just to see how they work. Once he removed all the light bulbs that he could reach, and no one was the wiser until they got home after dark. But probably the funniest of his experiments when he put the cat in the fridge to see if he would survive until morning. Thankfully, it did. He still is fascinated with electronics and technology. Last year he saved up his own money to buy an Apple watch. John Paul was born the day after Pope John Paul II died. When I announced his birth to my co-workers they immediately assumed he’d been named after the pope. Nope, he was named after his dad. He will be in the 6th grade, his first year in middle school, and like his sister does very well. His favorite Disney movie is The Lion King. Until I had to tell him it would be down for refurbishment, he was looking forward to riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Love your introductions! You really are an awesome storyteller!
I had to laugh at your description of John on his stomach setting up a photo. Reminded me of my brother who for many years was a creative director for an ad agency. He takes forever to set up a family shot!
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You get used to it and only bring what you need and not what you may use as a difference! 
You also bring your bags to the hotel and usually with some walking and why this is done. Always, family owned centrally located European hotels. 
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