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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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!
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Sounds like a fun day at MK! Glad you got to ride HM and POC and I enjoyed your story about how you moved up the line. Some people are obnoxious when you're waiting on lines at Disney. I agree with you about the fences at the Disney pools now. It just takes away from the landscape beauty and makes it feels so closed off and restricted. I know the legal reason why they did it but I just don't like it.
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I agree with you about the fences at the Disney pools now. It just takes away from the landscape beauty and makes it feels so closed off and restricted. I know the legal reason why they did it but I just don't like it.
I don't like the fences either. I understand why they did it, but it's such a bummer. It changes the feel of the resorts around the pool areas.
How cool to shop at the Cast Member store with some great discounts! Nice time in the MK with some attractions. That bag check line is insane!
It really was so cool top be able to see the store and go in.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pamcarey
I bet that Walmart was cool! I went in a Walgreens near Disney that was full of Disney stuff.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
It has so much Disney stuff. I may have to make a stop there in the future just to get stuff.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
Finishing your MK time with a Dole Whip sounds perfect! Great pictures of Pop! Oops about that toll road.
I have read they now have the dole whip floats on the ships too! But they cost...I think $4.75 for a regular one and more for ones with alcohol. Claire is super excited. I told her if we don't get one at the park before we board the ship in a few weeks then I will for sure let her get one on the ship. Plus she has some gift cards that we will apply to our onboard account, so I can see her wanting to use them for this. LOL.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lindawdw
Sounds like a fun day at MK! Glad you got to ride HM and POC and I enjoyed your story about how you moved up the line. Some people are obnoxious when you're waiting on lines at Disney. I agree with you about the fences at the Disney pools now. It just takes away from the landscape beauty and makes it feels so closed off and restricted. I know the legal reason why they did it but I just don't like it.
J is really fun and it was so nice to just spend time with her and we laugh about some of the stupidest things, which is fun too.
I miss how open the pools used to feel too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pamcarey
I don't like the fences either. I understand why they did it, but it's such a bummer. It changes the feel of the resorts around the pool areas.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
It really does. I loved when we used to stay at Pop in a poolside road and then could walk right out and sit by the pool.
Finally I made it back and ran back to the room and tidied up a bit and then I headed off to MCO to pick up Lenora. I made decent time, but I of course had to stop at all the tolls…..not knowing that my car had the auto opt in.
She was ready and waiting when I arrived and we loaded her stuff up in the back of the van…and totally laughed at all the room I had in it for just me so far and headed on our way. Lenora told me that on her flight she sat next to some people who were going to sail the Epic tomorrow. Wouldn’t it be funny if we ran into them when touring….but we knew the chance of that were pretty slim to none.
We were both ready to have some dinner and her choice was to check out something in Disney Springs….which works for me! Well, it was a Friday night and we weren’t the only ones with that idea. The parking garages were all full and we were directed to park across the street and walk down the sidewalk and then to the bridge over the road.
We thought about some different choices and it came down to either DLuxe burger or the new pizza place. We decided to head in that direction and check out the lines.
While I waited, Lenora went to check and see if the pizza place was any better….and got lost for a bit. LOL. But she said it was really no better, so we stuck it out here.
And back to Springhill Suites. The parking lot was jammed packed and we had to park way out over near the TownPlace Suites, which is connected to Springhill.
Lenora got settled in and we chatted for a while and then went to sleep.
It was another really fun day and I didn’t do any of the new things I had planned to do but I was totally ok with that. I got to hang out with J and that was so much fun. I had all sorts of new fun coming up yet too.
Nice finish to this day with dinner at D-Luxe Burger! We loved our meal here last October, and like you we went on a weekend day (Saturday) so it was a long wait.
Looks like a good time in Disney Springs. Can't believe how crowded it was and that you couldn't park in one of the garages! Glad you enjoyed your meal at D-Luxe Burger and you have to expect it to be expensive being at Disney!
__________________
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!
It is amazing that with the two large parking decks that they still get filled up like that!!! Your meal looked so delicious from D-Lux Burgers. We found the parking lot at Springhill Suites quite crowded at night also.
Your burger looks so good! I hope to find time to check out D'luxe Burger on some trip! I think the pizza place in Disney Springs is called Blaze, and I just noticed this past weekend that there's a Blaze in Boston. I'll have to check it out soon!
Nice finish to this day with dinner at D-Luxe Burger! We loved our meal here last October, and like you we went on a weekend day (Saturday) so it was a long wait.
It was so tasty...I am craving a burger right now!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperDave
Looks like a good time in Disney Springs. Can't believe how crowded it was and that you couldn't park in one of the garages! Glad you enjoyed your meal at D-Luxe Burger and you have to expect it to be expensive being at Disney!
I heard this is an issue a lot still and they are making another garage too to help.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lindawdw
It is amazing that with the two large parking decks that they still get filled up like that!!! Your meal looked so delicious from D-Lux Burgers. We found the parking lot at Springhill Suites quite crowded at night also.
I know. I have heard another one is going to be built. That area really has changed so much over the years. I kind of miss the old Downtown Disney.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pamcarey
Your burger looks so good! I hope to find time to check out D'luxe Burger on some trip! I think the pizza place in Disney Springs is called Blaze, and I just noticed this past weekend that there's a Blaze in Boston. I'll have to check it out soon!
My friend J loves that place. One of these days I'll try it.
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It was my last full day before our work event started…but we still had work plans today. I got up early and got showered and ready.
I went outside and thought……Wow, it’s pretty foggy today. I was a little shocked. I have never been to Florida really when the fog was heavy, though I know it happens and I always love seeing pictures of people at Disney with thick fog trying to capture the castle or some other icon.
I met up with Lenora and we got some breakfast and got packed up and I took my bags out to the van.
Going through the pool area was the fastest route.
I believe I pulled the van around the front to pick up the rest of the bags and Lenora and then we programed our phones and headed off. We were actually leaving a little later than planned and Lenora was worried about that, but I knew we would be fine.
We chatted away as we drove and before long we could see the ships as we approached. Now we were heading to tour the NCL Epic……but the Fantasy was also in port….and I may have been a bit more excited about that. LOL.
We pulled up and told them we were coming to tour the Epic and we were not sure where to park. We got lucky and they directed us to just park in the employee parking lot. Yay!!!!
As we walked to the terminal and tried to figure out where to check in at we noticed that people were still getting off the ship. I made a comment that that was kind of late for them to be getting off. It was about 10:15ish and usually they will try to have the ship cleared out by then. We walked up and asked someone where to go and they pointed us to someone else. Lots of confusion and no one seemed to know anything.
We finally found someone who told us to wait there and a lady said she had a group touring today as well and to just stick with them. We found out she was a BDM (Business Development Manager) for NCL and she had a group coming in by bus. She said that because of the fog this morning, the ship was just starting to disembark as it only arrived just a bit ago. Aha! That explains why people were coming out….and I never even put 2 and 2 together when I saw the thick fog this morning. Well that sucks! But there was nothing we could do about it. The BDM was a little gruff, but I think that was just her personality. We chatted with her a bit and then just kind of waited to be called. Usually they take touring groups in a back way but she insisted on going in the regular way as it is so much easier and they said yes, but then they had to go search for our names to be sure we were on the list as well. I am really glad we found this lady as we would have never known to find this back way area to board on our own.
After a bit, the tour bus group arrived….they had been stuck in traffic trying to get into the port…sounds like we arrive right before the backup started…and once they all gathered we were let into the Terminal. We had to have our name checked off a list and hand over our passports till we got back off the ship. Lenora and I were told we had to have passports to get on, but I was pretty sure we could have with a license and birth certificate and sure enough most of the bus group just has a drivers license.
I was surprised at how nice it was. In my experience every other Terminal I have been in besides Disney’s one in Port Canaveral has had more of a warehouse feel to it.
But somewhere along the line someone changed their mind and we never did go in there. Dang!
They had us all sit in an area and we took up a couple of rows of chairs. They asked that we stayed together so that when we were called we could easily make our way on. We would be the first group on, but it could be an hour or 2 yet. UGH!.
The majority of the bus tour group were elderly people, mainly women with a few men in tow. We started talking with a couple of the ladies who were friends and they were hysterical. They were starving and they were going to have a sit down lunch and they couldn’t wait to get on. I knew the feeling. I was getting hungry too.
They eventually started letting the rest of the passengers into the terminal too and it became very full and loud.
Looking forward to seeing your tour of the Epic! The terminal certainly filled up fast! Some nice photos of The Fantasy!
__________________
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!
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.
We decided once we boarded we would head to the buffet and get lunch. We already knew we would not be able to see all the rooms now and time on the ship was not going to be nearly as much as we originally planned as they told us we had to be off the ship by a certain time (I believe it was 3)
Every so often we would see more people go through the hallway to get off the ship. And then it started being 1 or 2 here and there. Seriously? You are hours late to get in port and you still can’t get your butt off the ship in a timely fashion. One lady was walking so slow like she hadn’t a care in the world…then her slower friend comes up behind her and they stop every so often to take selfies. Good grief!
It was also really hot in the terminal. I thought that was strange and wondered why they hadn’t turned the air on or up with so many people in there. It was hot before all the people arrived. After a bit, one of the ladies from the bus group started to not feel well and before you knew it she passed out. NCL seemed slow to respond but I guess they hadn’t gotten word, but a couple of passengers were EMT’s and they helped her more than anything. One NCL person did tell someone else to go and be sure the air is on and up as it was way too hot in here. I felt bad for the poor lady.
Soon after that we got the OK to be let on the ship. I later read that others were mad that “some group” got to board before the Haven Guest did. LOL. I am sure they were only minutes behind us.
We were given 2 names to ask for to help us get set up. We had been asking for these 2 people since we arrived, only to be told they were on the ship. If we had not found this group, we really would have been lost trying to get on and where to go.
And we finally found the person we were supposed to meet up with. She gave a list of rooms and room keys for each room. She told us to go to the Haven first as those people would have access to their rooms shortly…so we headed to the elevator and told the man manning it we were headed that way to tour it and he took us up.
For those that don’t know, The Haven is like the concierge type rooms on NCL. The rooms are nicer, they get extra perks, and they usually have a private pool and in most cases a whole private area as to where their rooms are. They are pricey, but some of the perks you get are worth it if you watch the prices. Always compare when pricing a room out because the extra cost to go to the Haven may be worth it.
I don’t have my list with me (it’s in a folder somewhere) so I can’t remember each type of room, but some are more “fancy” than others. Now I will also say, that NCL’s decorating is totally different than some other lines, especially Disney. So it might not be for everyone, however the price compared to Disney is usually much cheaper.
We really enjoyed the Haven and both of us would love to sail in this area someday. On my last NCL cruise, I was on the Jewel and I got what is called a Penthouse Suite. It was not located in the Haven, and for the most part I did not have access to the Haven, (except when we sailed to the glacier and had an invite to see it from there) but my room was bigger than most rooms and I had many of the other perks that Haven guests get…but it was at a better price. If the Haven is out of your price range, but the ship you want to sail has a penthouse suite….go for it. We still had some great perks and a super roomy room.
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Some people are obnoxious when you're waiting on lines at Disney.
I agree with you about the fences at the Disney pools now. It just takes away from the landscape beauty and makes it feels so closed off and restricted.
I know the legal reason why they did it but I just don't like it.
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Thank
Pixie Dust
Great pictures of Pop! Oops about that toll road. 
Glad you enjoyed your meal at D-Luxe Burger 
Sorry the fog backed everything up.
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