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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
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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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Why: Our 34th Anniversary, also no more marriages or college tuition!! And also a little bit of business for Muffin
Meets: You were all most welcome!!
As most of you are aware, we love Chicago!! We started going there many years ago as when Muffin's business was first starting out, it was a territory for him. The very first time I was there, I fell in love!!
I was mostly on my own and walked everywhere! I went to the Aquarium, Navy Pier and Grant Park. On our trips following, we have also been to the Field Museum, The Chicago Art Institute, Greektown and Northwestern University. We adore it all!!
For this trip, our main focus was to see Hamilton at the Private Bank (now the CIBC) theater! We ate at some amazing places and we, once again, got to fly 1st Class!! I got to explore the city on my own and I also made a return trip to the Art Institute.
After Chicago, we were on the road for a couple of days and on Wednesday afternoon, we flew to Nashville to finish up the trip!!. We had a wonderful time and I hope you can join me for a short TR. As soon as I get my pictures squared away, I will fill in the details!!
Looking forward to the details and photos! Sounds like you had a great time!
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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.
Yeah to no more tuition payments!! As a life-long Chicago Suburbanite, I'm curious at the mention of Joliet...not somewhere many think of as a destination unless your visiting Blues Brothers prison.
Looking forward to the details and photos! Sounds like you had a great time!
We did!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
I saw some of your photos on Facebook and it looked like you had a great time. I can't wait to hear more about it.
it was an awesome trip!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Poobah7206
Yeah to no more tuition payments!! As a life-long Chicago Suburbanite, I'm curious at the mention of Joliet...not somewhere many think of as a destination unless your visiting Blues Brothers prison.
Oh that is all it is. Muffin had some business there.
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So, this morning, we got up at around 6 AM to catch our flight to Chicago at 10. Katie and Andy were nice enough to come over last night with their dog, Maddie, to watch the house and Lilly for the week. We were out the door after feeding and walking Lilly by 8. We didn't even have time to stop at our usual Starbucks this morning. Instead, we grabbed a coffee at the airport.
At the airport
The flight to Orlando was on American and it was uneventful. We sat in row 1, which was awesome for getting off the plane. Our luggage came up promptly and before we knew it, we were off to the Hyatt Regency on the Riverfront.
At PHL before takeoff
All this meant for this short flight was that we were able to plug our electronics in
DJ Muffin
And we are off!
My yummy Mimosa
Our flight landed at noon and we checked in at the Hyatt around 1 PM, but our room was not ready so we walked around the Riverfront area.
Out front of the Hyatt
These police dog statues were all over the downtown area
A HOHO bus
the Riverfront area
More gorgeous riverfront
You could rent these kayaks but we were not that brave
We went to Howell's and Hood for a drink and a snack. Muffin got a glass of Sauvignon Blanc:
MOHUA SAUVIGNON BLANC - Marlborough, New Zealand 13
He said it was delicious!!
I had a really nice IPA called:
BRICKSTONE BREWING CO - BOURBONNAIS, IL
HOP SKIP 'N' I'M DRUNK 7.8% ABV
Intensely hopped with loads of Citra and Amarillo and brewed with a huge malt backbone.
$9
I know this is a really crazy name, but it was delicious and I am happy to report I was not inebriated!!
GOURMET TOTS / 11
Smoked potato, prosciutto, truffle crème fraiche
The pretzel bites were amazing and the Gourmet Tots were a little too oniony for me, but this is becoming a go to place for us in Chi town!!
Before we were done our food, we got a text that our room was ready, so when we were all settled up, we walked back to the Hyatt and got our room keys. We unpacked, freshened up and headed back out.
We went to the Riverwalk and asked about the cruise we were taking tonight and we were told that we could catch the boat right where we entered the Riverwalk which was about two blocks from the Hyatt. We continued on to walk down Michigan Avenue and scoped out the place we were going to eat tonight, which was called Catch 35. The restaurant looked decent but the whole building was under construction, so we looked at each other and said, "Nah".
We quickly went to open table and saw a listing with availability for Shaw's Crab house. This place was highly rated and looked interesting and fun so we booked it for 5:00 PM.
We continued our walk and did some window shopping and before we knew it, it was time to head to dinner. When we first arrived at Shaw's, we weren't at all sure this would be a great experience. We checked in anyway and then went to the Oyster bar side of the retaurant for a drink and I must say, it looked very cafeteria like. The service, however, was amazing and we each got a delicious glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
By the time we finished our wine, it was just about 5 PM and we were escorted to the restaurant side of Shaw's. We were immediately impressed at the contrast between the Oyster bar side and the restaurant side of the establishment.
We were seated in a nice booth and our waitress, Paula, was amazing!! Muffin had put in our reservation that we were celebrating our 34th Anniversary and she treated us like royalty!! She went over the menu and made some recommendations. She was completely attentive without being obtrusive and made the evening special.
After much deliberation, we ordered as follows:
Muffin got:
CLASSIC SHRIMP COCKTAIL (6) served chilled, cocktail sauce.
He said it was the best shrimp cocktail he had ever tasted. I had one of the shrimp and I must concur!!
SURF & SURF steamed alaskan red king crab legs & 8 oz maine lobster tail
I must say, this was also just the absolute best, sweetest and meatiest crab I have ever tasted and the lobster was exquisite!!!
For dessert, the restaurant gave us this:
Poor Muffin could not partake but it was scrumptious!!
We both cannot wait to return here and I am highly recommending this place to everyone!!!
After the best seafood meal ever, we headed back to the Riverfront area and took a few photos along the way:
This is where it goes downhill just a little. We exchanged our vouchers for tickets and got in line for the night river cruise when suddenly, Muffin said, " I don't feel so great." He said that he didn't think he could make the cruise and encouraged he to still do it but there was no way I was going by myself.
I would be lying if I said I wasn't mildly disappointed but my concern for Muffin far outweighed this and I insisted on heading back to the Hyatt with him. He not only felt terrible physically, he was very upset that we had to cancel the cruise. I told him we would have many more Chicago adventures and that we could do it next time and really, I wasn't upset.
We stopped at the ticket booth and the nice lady there told us that we could still use our vouchers tomorrow. We did not realistically think we would be able to do this but thanked her for her kindness before heading back to the Hyatt.
By the time we got back, Muffin was feeling a little better. I got him some tea and tucked him in and told him I would not be far behind him. I honestly think it was a combination of the fact that it had been a long day and we were both fighting colds.
I went to the Big Bar in the lobby and got a nice glass of wine and met two guys from New Mexico while there who were fun to talk to. After my drink, I headed straight to bed myself.
Oh I am so sorry Muffin wasn't feeling well and you had to bail on the cruise. That is such a shame, after the rest of the day was so wonderful.
I had to do a double take when you said Shaw's. I thought "that looks familiar" and I went back and checked and that's where we ate in 2008 when we first visited Chicago with Lesley (wdwfan on the boards) and her daughter and we had the most amazing meal there too. I can still taste how good the seafood was!
Glad all went well with the flights and your hotel room looks quite nice and in a great location of Chicago along the riverfront. Too bad you had to miss the cruise because Muffin wasn't feeling well. Your meal at Shaw's looked amazing and I'm sure you're glad you changed it from your original choice!
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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 your photos of the Chicago river front! Dinner looked delicious, but so sorry that Muffin began to feel ill and you had to cancel the river cruise.
Oh I am so sorry Muffin wasn't feeling well and you had to bail on the cruise. That is such a shame, after the rest of the day was so wonderful.
I had to do a double take when you said Shaw's. I thought "that looks familiar" and I went back and checked and that's where we ate in 2008 when we first visited Chicago with Lesley (wdwfan on the boards) and her daughter and we had the most amazing meal there too. I can still taste how good the seafood was!
. That's so funny that you also ate at Shaw's!! That place was awesome!! Missing the cruise was just a small bummer and leaves us something to do next year!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperDave
Glad all went well with the flights and your hotel room looks quite nice and in a great location of Chicago along the riverfront. Too bad you had to miss the cruise because Muffin wasn't feeling well. Your meal at Shaw's looked amazing and I'm sure you're glad you changed it from your original choice!
It was a nice hotel, but as you'll find out, the bed was not nice.. More to do next time and dinner was top notch!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
What a great first day! Sorry Muffinwas feeling poorly at the end and you had to skip the cruise! Looks like you had some great eats!
It was an overall great day!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
I love your photos of the Chicago river front! Dinner looked delicious, but so sorry that Muffin began to feel ill and you had to cancel the river cruise.
Thanks, Cam!. Just a small glitch to an otherwise wonderful day!!
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This morning, I got up around 6 AM after restless night's sleep. The bed was just awful on my back and the pillows were terrible! 😞 We have been many places and I am not a complainer but honestly, I really did not sleep well on this bed and we would be here for another night. Muffin was sleeping, so I went up to the club lounge to get some coffee and check out the breakfast offerings. We were staying on the 34th floor of the hotel and the club was on the 35th. It's one of those hotels where club people have to scan their key in the elevator and that always makes me feel like a movie star!! Anyway!
The views from the lounge were phenomenal!! I sat by a window sipping my coffee, making a few trip notes and admiring the gorgeous city of Chicago at sunrise!!
When I went back downstairs, Muffin was stirring, so I jumped in the shower. While I was drying my hair, he did the same and we both ventured back up to the lounge for breakfast. He could tell I hadn't slept well, but I didn't want to make a big deal out of it. He offered to change resorts, but I said I could suck it up for one more night. Back to breakfast! They had fresh salmon, smoked sausage, Brie and lots of great breads along with the standard breakfast fare available.
After filling our tummies, we went for a morning walk all night the river. It was already warm with a predicted high of 91 degrees today!! That is my only other complaint with this trip. The weather was way too hot for Chicago this time of year and did not break until we got to Nashville!!
We walked to Navy Pier and I must say, it is coming along beautifully!! This time, last year, it was still under lots of construction. The Navy Pier Ferris Wheel is done now and although we did not ride it, it looks awesome!! A carousel and a swing ride have been added along with another ride for kids. The city has done a great job with these additions!!
There were also lots of Steelers fans in town and there was an outdoor bar that was hopping at 9:30 AM!! The Steelers lost today but I have a feeling those guys didn't care!
We walked the whole length of the pier and then headed back to the Hyatt to chill out for a bit before getting ready for Hamilton. We watched some TV and tooled around on our electronic attachments to pass the time.
We left to see the show at around 1:00 PM and were at the theater by 1:20. The doors were not open yet but there were a fair amount of people there. The theater started letting people in at 1:30 PM and I got in line for a cocktail. They had one called the Hamilton so of course I had to try it but it was awful! I am not a spirits drinker to begin with so I should have known better! This drink was made with Hennessy and ginger ale and after taking one sip, I chucked it and got back in line for a nice glass of champagne!!
The theater is small in comparison to ones I have previously been on but it is full of old world charm. The stage remains the same throughout the show and the actors just bring in props. The show is two and a half hours long with a 15 minute intermission and it went by so fast!! The only glitch was at intermission, a small piece of something fell down from the ceiling. Thank goodness it did not land on anyone but it made the break just a bit longer and at one point, we were wondering if we were going to get to see the second half. However! A guy with a broom came out and cleaned the debris up and the lights went down!! Muffin and I both thought it was wonderful and worth every penny!! We can't wait for it to come to Philly!!
We left the theater at 5:00 PM and decided to walk to dinner. We were at Sullivan's by 5:20 PM, which was a bit early for our dinner reservation at 6 so we went to the bar and got a glass of wine. There was an awesome piano player/singer there who was taking requests and we had so much fun with him!!
This was my drink. It was an Elderflower martini and it was goooood!!
We were then escorted to our table and immediately given a glass of champagne on the house for our anniversary along with a card and some flower petals! The entire meal continued in this fashion and our waiter, Dave, was outstanding. The meal was spectacular!!
I seem to have lost our dinner pictures but Muffin ordered a Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with cocktail sauce, Louis sauce and lemon and Filet Mignonette, 8 oz. He said everything was delicious! I got a combination platter which included Caesar Salad, Shrimp and Lobster bisque and a 6 oz. Filet Mignonette. The whole platter was to die for!! The filets were perfectly cooked and seriously melted in your mouth!!
The manager came around and also gave us a complimentary peanut butter pie for dessert!!
Dave then took our picture and at the end of the meal, he handed us a souvenir card with our photo inside!!
It was a wonderful, romantic experience!! The whole meal only came to 120 bucks and we had a 100 dollar gift card so it wound up costing us 50 bucks!!
After dinner, we walked back to the Hyatt and did some sightseeing on the way. we stopped for a nightcap at the Big Bar on the second floor.
My husband & I were in the city that day too and it was so hot!! I think it was like the 4th or 5th day in a row with record breaking temperatures. We took the train in and saw a lot of Steeler fans (and Bear fans) too!
Your dinner looks divine--you hit two very good ones on your trip.
__________________
Raelynn
Last edited by Poobah7206; 10-02-2017 at 08:59 AM..
Too bad you had such a hard time sleeping! There's nothing like you're bed at home and some hotel beds are just not cooperative or to your liking! Glad you enjoyed Hamilton and better in a small theater. Nice photos along the river front and the skyline. Dinner sounded really good at Sullivan's and the staff certainly took care of you for your anniversary. The bar looks incredible there as well as the Big Bar after dinner. The latter reminds me of the outdoor bar at Paradiso 37 in DS.
__________________
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!
About This Page: 
And also a little bit of business for Muffin
We started going there many years ago as when Muffin's business was first starting out, it was a territory for him. The very first time I was there, I fell in love!!
We ate at some amazing places and we, once again, got to fly 1st Class!!
I got to explore the city on my own and I also made a return trip to the Art Institute.
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Pixie Dust
Sounds like you had a great time!
PassPorter Guide Author
The service, however, was amazing and we each got a delicious glass of Sauvignon Blanc. 
That is such a shame, after the rest of the day was so wonderful. 
That is my only other complaint with this trip. The weather was way too hot for Chicago this time of year and did not break until we got to Nashville!!
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