A Magical 10 Night Trip, The 10th Month and The Orlando Trifecta- PTR - UPDATED 10/2 - Page 12 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
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.
Glad you were able to get back into the California Grill as I know how much you enjoy that restaurant! Your fast passes look great and I agree that getting the Pandora rides can be tough and I've learned that you should try right away for the days further into your trip.
How silly that you can't make a ressie for 1, but that you have to trick the system by booking for 2 and then modifying sheesh. Glad you got it, and cleverly so.
Congrats on Flights of Passage - it's a challenge for sure. All your FP sound great and you've got quite the line-up there for a very enjoyable trip.
__________________
Don't let your heart be filled with sorrow, for all you know, tomorrow, the dream that you wish will come true.
Great job on the fastpasses!
And a belated Happy Anniversary Remembrance for your parents--thats a sweet tribute to them.
I was very happy with the FP+s I got. I always remember these dates each year.
__________________
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!
Great FP plans! Congrats on getting the CG ressie!
Glad I was finally able to get an ADR for the Cali! Quite happy with the FP+s.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Glad you were able to rearrange everything!
Oh boy, it sounds like making Fastpass+ reservations for the Pandora attractions could be a nightmare.
It wasn't easy but glad all of my plans fell into place and was able to work them out. So glad I got the Cali in the end. Flight of Passage is the tough one to get as there was plenty of availability for Na'vi River Journey.
__________________
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 great luck in getting the Cali Grill, Dave!! You are going o love BICE!! Great Fastpass + choices and congrats on getting the good stuff!!
So happy with the Cali as that was the toughest part of changing some of my plans, but worked out! Looking forward to BICE and exploring the Portofino Resort a bit. Glad I was able to get what I wanted for the FP+s.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lindawdw
Glad you were able to get back into the California Grill as I know how much you enjoy that restaurant! Your fast passes look great and I agree that getting the Pandora rides can be tough and I've learned that you should try right away for the days further into your trip.
Very happy I got the Cali for my trip after changing my plans. I thought getting the Pandora attractions was going to be a nightmare, but it worked out. Even though it wasn't for the days I originally wanted. I think trying for these further in your trip is the key.
__________________
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!
How silly that you can't make a ressie for 1, but that you have to trick the system by booking for 2 and then modifying sheesh. Glad you got it, and cleverly so.
Congrats on Flights of Passage - it's a challenge for sure. All your FP sound great and you've got quite the line-up there for a very enjoyable trip.
It weird sometimes with the ADRs and some will be like this and others won't be! Glad it worked out. I learned this trick when I use to call for my ADRs and CMs would do this. Quite happy with my FP+s and it will certainly be an enjoyable trip!
__________________
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.
Rearranging the two days with the MK wasn't difficult at the time as it was prior to making my FP+s, which was good! I was worried about not getting the Cali, but still had Citrico's, which may be one of the most underrated signature eateries in Disney. I just prefer the CG, which I feel is a little bit better and love the ambience with the views outside, food and fireworks when I have the opp! So glad it all worked out for me!
__________________
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.
Thanks. I'm quite happy with them and got every one of them I desired! Some are on different days than I wished, but it's all good!
__________________
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!
Thursday, August 10th I decided I wanted to change a few of my ADRS. The days and locations will not change but just some modifying of the times.
First, was for Paddlefish which I changed from 7:30 pm to 7 pm on Sunday, October 8th. Just thought a little earlier would be better. Next was Flying Fish, which I changed from 8:35 pm to 7:50 pm on Friday, October 13th. I was hoping for 7:30 pm, but this is the best I can do, unless I wanted 5:30 pm, which is too early. Finally, I changed Spice Road Table from 11:45 am to 12:20 pm on Saturday, October 14th. This is because I will be in Studios prior to this and have a FP+ for Toy Story at 11:20 am. I will probably walk to Epcot after TSM and should make it on time. I could also do this one at rope drop and skip my FP+ for this. We’ll see. My pickup to the airport from the Dolphin should be around 2:30 pm and I should make it back there in time after lunch. I will just have to get my bags from bell services when I get there.
Friday, August 11th I received an email from BICE Restaurant regarding my ADR and unfortunately it stated that they have cancelled my reservation for Saturday, October 7th. I called BICE directly and they said I shouldn’t have been allowed to make my ADR on OpenTable. They said they are closed to the public on this day as well as October 6th.
After this I went back on OpenTable and made an ADR for BICE on Wednesday, October 4th at 7 pm, which is my arrival day. I may be quite tired for dinner as it will be such a long day with a 6:30 am flight. I may have to nap a bit in the afternoon, when I return from Universal before dinner. I had a prior ADR for today at Emeril’s Tchoup in the Royal Pacific (my resort), but I prefer BICE. I cancelled the ADR for Emeril’s.
After this, I tried making an ADR for Emeril’s Tchoup on Saturday, October 7th on OpenTable. It said there was no availability for this day. I called the restaurant and they said they are also closed to the public on this day as well as the 6th, just like BICE. This is odd and rather disappointing! There must be some big event going on with both restaurants closed for both days. Unfortunately, I have conflicts on other days and won’t be able to dine here on this trip. It must wait for a future trip! I was hoping to dine at both BICE and Emeril’s Tchoup.
Saturday, August 12th I changed my FP+ on Tuesday, October 10th for Festival of the Lion King from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm with an upcoming conflict which is below.
After reading Cam’s WDW TR I thought the Caring for Giants tour in the AK looks like a great experience and is very reasonably priced. I called WDW reservations and booked the 1 pm offering on this day. It lasts about an hour and is an experience of seeing elephants up close and some of the backstage areas, where the elephants are kept. Check in is 15 minutes prior and is adjacent to the Kilimanjaro Safaris entrance. Regular cost is $30 but I got a 15% discount with my Disney Visa card and only $25.50. I’m looking forward to this tour.
Saturday, August 19th I still had an opening for dinner in Universal on Saturday, October 7th. One of the eateries that appealed to me was Anojito’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine on City Walk. I tried making an ADR online through another booking site and you can only make these up to 30 days in advance and only for two or more diners. This was a bit disappointing. I will probably do a walk up and hope they have availability and if not I will have dinner at the bar.
Saturday, August 27th I downloaded the Lyft app on my phone and customized it with my profile. I plan on using this transportation service to get from the Royal Pacific resort to SeaWorld. Universal does not have direct transportation as there are pickups at the other resorts and then dropped off at a central location before shuttle pickup to SeaWorld. Sounds a bit inconvenient to me and I think Lyft is a much better option!
I called Anojito’s restaurant directly and I asked them about making an ADR for a solo diner on Saturday, October 7th. I was quite happy as they accommodated me by booking this ADR. I got one for 7:30 pm and near the stage as they have Mexican themed musical entertainment in the restaurant, which should add to the experience here. When I made the reservation the woman I talked to on the phone suggested the near stage seating, which I went for.
Saturday, September 2nd I made a lunch ADR on Universal’s City Walk for Emeril’s Restaurant on Saturday, October 7th at 1 pm. They don’t have an extensive menu, but there are some offerings that appeal to me. They feature Louisiana and Creole inspired cuisine. Well, at least I will be dining at one of Emeril's eateries in USO, but being my second choice of his as Tchoup looks so good at the Royal Pacific!
NEXT: Receiving Some Amazing and Unexpected Disney Magic!!!
__________________
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; 09-25-2017 at 08:00 PM..
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.