4 Parks, 2 Days, 1 Backpack: The Trip Report Complete! - Page 10 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
PassPorter Guide Community Rank: Legend Extraordinaire
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 31,940
Post Thanks / Like
Likes (Given): 2
Likes (Received): 7
Thanks (Given): 0
Thanks (Received): 1
Pixie Dust (Given): 0
Pixie Dust (Received): 0
LONG day - but very productive day! Like Cathy said - I learn so much about restaurants and bars from you... San Angel has never really been on my must do list, or even on my ok to do list. I can get much better mexican food elsewhere (when you grow up in New Mexico and go to college in Texas - well, nuff said).
Glad you got to see both Illuminations and Fantasmic. I know some people love Fantasmic - and I adore the DL version. WDW version doesn't do much for me.
LOVED your zen moment of relaxation on ToT... before the ride stopped. That would freak me out - just a little bit.
Wow, that was one heck of a long day! You did get a lot done though - sorry about the smoke in IllumiNations, that's the worst when that happens.
It really does sort of take the magic out of the show when you are coughing up a storm and struggling to breath--oh well--it'll wait until next trip.
Quote:
Originally Posted by buzzspal2
What a super day. Thanks for the photos of Fantasmic, It is my favorite. I missed last January.
Glad I could help!
Quote:
Originally Posted by unewillow
Wow, that's a long and full day, but it looked awesome.
I agree with you 100% about the Pocahontas section, everytime I see Fantasmic! I find myself wondering why they picked this movie to include. I also find the whole thing a little disjointed. But, I love the glow animals and the dragon.
It made me remember why we often skip Fantasmic! When did Fantasmic start--was it shortly after Pocahontas was released?
Quote:
Originally Posted by skateycat
what a fantastic trip! glad you were able to get down here for a few days of fun. and i LOVE your photos...such talent! i am also wondering about the CM's with the green shirts and what the significance of it all is....
The Brazil shirts have me really wondering?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wendyismyname
Hey Heather? Was that burger at Liberty Inn good? just making sure you're awake.
I am glad I didn't "die" with the reading of San Anger Inn since it was so short lived!
Okay, so hmmm, if you'd like a sit down meal but not a lot of time in which to take out of your day, this seems the place! You know, that was how it happened in 2009 at Rose and Crown for me, Amy and Cheryl. Took no time to get the food. Sounds tasty though and that margarita looked good.
I would have love to see that Journey cover band, I too love me some Journey!!
I still can't believe you hot-footed it to the studios! I would have crashed before then, but I do love your touring style! You made the most of you first day there and you did it in a relaxing way! I'm not a huge fan of Fantasmic! for the same reasons you stated.
Okay, can't wait to see what you do next!
It was actually a pretty relaxing day--even though it was long--the only thing not relaxing was the sea of people storming the Theatre for Fantasmic! You would think now that it is showing every night, twice a night it would be less of a zoo.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lauriep
LONG day, but a good one! I've stopped going to Fantasmic! The crowds there are more unpleasant than anywhere else and I've often felt unsafe being so low-to-the-ground in the scooter. And, as you say, the story line is very weak and just doesn't move me like Illuminations. I can find zen moments almost anywhere, anytime, but you've got me beat by having one on ToT!
Hmm I would definitely write a letter to Disney about how that stampede makes you feel! I'm sure they don't want people who are in scooters or wheelchairs to feel scared. Maybe that would get them to change the process to something like the World of Color Fast Passes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by cubfancolleen
What a full day!! you are a rock star - doing Illuminations AND Fantasmic in one night. Not sure I'd have the stamina. And the ice cream sounded like the perfect way to end a (nearly) perfect day!
The ice cream sundae hit the spot!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lexiemom
That was the day that just kept going! I can't believe you made it to F! after Illuminations. I would have been a zombie by then. Great tips for the summer time heat. Can't wait to hear about day 2!
I was a zombie by the time I got back to my room. I didn't even need to have a glass of wine to help me fall asleep--which was good, because I didn't actually have any wine to consume.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcc0313
I almost forgot we were still on the first day Love that you got to see both Illuminations and Fantasmic, I agree the travel time between both parks on the boat many times leaves a lot to be desired, we have made it to DHS from Epcot faster than the boat a few times...we even made it to DHS faster than the boat once and that was after walking to the BW, waiting for a bus and finally jumping into a cab...when we finally pulled up we finally saw a boat floating in the distance towards the park
We usually leave Fantasmic as the last scene is in progress...the madhouse getting out of that theater is crazy. Glad that the Disney buses were still following the memo...and that your bus waiting for you before it took off. Now that is Disney service
It was like Disney knew when I was planning on coming or going almost the entire trip--one little snafu on Tuesday though.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lazanya
What a long day for you! But you certainly did a lot!
I did manage to accomplish quite a bit--really the only goal for the whole day was to see Impressions de France. Which I loved!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dlandmom2
You sure did get a lot done! I think that's one really great thing about travelling alone...you get to do whatever you want whenever you want. If you want to do a marathon 18 hour day, you can, but if you decide you want to stop early or change course, you can do that too!
Can't wait to see what the next day brings!
I love solo trips for just that reason. I don't have to worry about pleasing anyone but myself, which is kind of nice because I spend all day waiting on other people and trying to anticipate everyone else's needs.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sc507
Found it! Now to find time to read through this one
You can do it! (It isn't going to be very long)
Quote:
Originally Posted by DrDolphin
LONG day - but very productive day! Like Cathy said - I learn so much about restaurants and bars from you... San Angel has never really been on my must do list, or even on my ok to do list. I can get much better mexican food elsewhere (when you grow up in New Mexico and go to college in Texas - well, nuff said).
Glad you got to see both Illuminations and Fantasmic. I know some people love Fantasmic - and I adore the DL version. WDW version doesn't do much for me.
LOVED your zen moment of relaxation on ToT... before the ride stopped. That would freak me out - just a little bit.
Can't wait to read about day 2.
I know how you feel about Mexican food. We didn't have very many good Mexican restaurants in New Orleans until after Katrina. Now we have actual Mexicans living in NOLA and the number of Mexican places has tripled and some of them are VERY good--and cheap. I can tell when I've found a good one because I'm the only one who is Mexican in the room and typically the only female as well.
Lovin' this report. A little jealous as well! Last Disney trip was in December. No new trip in the works. Must pay for college instead.
While the reason behind your trip wasn't great, I love how you've turned the whole thing into a positive experience!
We once got completely covered with smoke and ash during Illuminations in that same spot. You were smart to leave when you could. I do think Fantasmic! started around the same time Pocahontas came out. Disneyland's version doesn't have it, and I think Disneyland's story makes more sense. Although I do love Pocahontas...
I slept really well in my nice huge king bed and woke up just before my alarm and wake up call. Yes I both set my phone alarm and a wake up call because I was really tired the night before, but I didn't want to miss rope drop at Animal Kingdom. I decided the night before that the MK was out because it was Morning Extra Magic Hours and I'd have to get up an hour earlier. I just wouldn't have gotten enough sleep. I know I've gotten enough when I wake up before the alarm, otherwise I know I didn't get to bed early enough, like say this morning. I hit the snooze button too many times and ended up having to drive myself in to work. (Driving takes 5 minutes walking takes 25 minutes.)
I got up and out to the buses and waited about 5 minutes for a pick up with an almost empty bus. I was the only one who got on at Music.
I stopped at the coffee kiosk outside the gates and got a double expresso, which I had them dump over ice and then added cream and splenda. Breakfast of champions. Don't worry my breakfast gets MUCH better in a little bit.
I caught the opening show from the left side, as I would not be racing to Everest this morning, but to the Safari instead.
I ended up on the second Safari of the morning. I was right at the front when the rope dropped, but I just don't feel the need to run or jog to the rides. I walk at a pretty good clip, but not THAT fast and my legs are short. I walk about a 13 minute mile when I'm trying, but I wasn't trying.
I asked for the front slot on the left side of the vehicle--I think it is the best spot for photos, although the last row left side is good as well. The right side just misses a lot. (That would be the last person loaded into the row.)
Backside of a rhino
Did you know that hippos don't really like water, but it is safer for raising young?
My croc pics came out blurry--it was pretty bumpy.
Two kinds of giraffes this morning: reticulated and can some one help me with the other one? Is it a Rothchild or a Smokey? The spots remind me of Maple Leaves.
Wildebeasts
I LOVE Flamingos. I also love that these don't have that artificial pink color that the ones at my zoo have. The zoo puts some kind of supplemental dye in the food that makes them neon pink.
You can see some baby grey Flamingos in this one:
Holy cow that rhino got close to the truck! They were waiting to cross into their area, which they did right after we moved past.
The male Lion was up and having his morning roar:
Up close:
Isn't he beautiful!
And then it was nap time:
These guys are just beautiful and I don't think I remember seeing them up close before
Hello Ostrich!
Do you know what's missing? We did not see a single Elephant on this Safari. I think they might be the last animals let onto the area--as it was clear that the white rinos were just loading in. I thought about taking another trip round, but decided I had had enough. I picked up a FP for later, which I never used. This Safari was particularly bumpy and adding to that they've fixed the bridge--the one that shakes. It felt like our driver (and the one ahead of him) were plowing through the areas where they knew the animals weren't out yet.
I headed for the Forest Trail next.
I'm not sure if you can make out the hippo hiding in the back
I took this one using the Fish Eye lens on my camera and it is awesome if I do say so myself
The hippo's skull is huge!
On to the gorillas!
Lily is getting so big
I like this shot too!
Then it was time for breakfast! I headed to the Kusifari Bakery intending on ordering a white chocolate elephant cupcake--until I discovered that they have a new offering. The Cotton Top Tamarin Cupcake, can you say Oh My God!
The cupcake itself is chocolate chocolate chip and was moist and delish! The frosting is white buttercream and then there's all that chocolate on top. I ate all of the cupcake part, but only had a few bites of the chocolate. In case you are wondering the Tamarin head is a lollipop stuck into the cupcake. Talk about a calorie heavy breakfast, but I always have a cupcake for breakfast once on my solo trips. It has become kind of a tradition. Usually it is from Starring Rolls, but this offering was too good to pass up!
I made my way to Camp Minnie Mickey next, as it was just about to open. Tomorrow you get to see all of my fun character photos!
You did well on that safari with the lion shot and the baby flamingoes - I've never seen any of those before, now I think about it, so I had no idea what they looked like!
Just found your TR - how cool you could do an impromptu solo trip!
Your photo of the fish is great! The Pagani trail is my new found love - we went for the first time two trips ago and now it's a must do each time. Have to check up on Lily and see the underwater hippos!!
Thanks for posting the Voices of Liberty video - they are terrific. I've never heard them before! I added them to our itinerary for next month.
I love the shot of the flamingos!! They are one of my favorite animals. I also vet he fish-eye of the fish. I just bought me a Canon Elph 100 and it has a bunch of those settings and I fell in love with it first click!
Awesome looking cupcake! now I want something sweet.
Wonderful AK photos! Amazing to see the lion standing up and actually looking alert. The fish-eye shot is incredible--I never really understood what that setting can do, but that was a perfect subject to illustrate. The giraffe are Reticulated and (I think) Masai. The Rothschild giraffe is very similar, but doesn't have any spots on its lower legs. They're both gorgeous!
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.
Great safari pics, especially the lion and the rhino! Can't believe the rhino was so close! And cool shot with the fish-eye lens!
What to say about your breakfast, other than 'I WANT ONE NOW,'?! and since I am about to go down to the breakfast buffet at a hotel (taking DS to camp), I think my chances are SLIM. But I think I will try the cupcake for breakfast craze you've started on our next trip!
Also, I agree the DL version of Fantasmic is much better! That came out at least 18 years ago, as we were still living in LA, and got to see the premiere of F!
PassPorter Guide Community Rank: Legend Extraordinaire
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ballston Lake, NY
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 46,162
Post Thanks / Like
Likes (Given): 94
Likes (Received): 241
Thanks (Given): 0
Thanks (Received): 139
Pixie Dust (Given): 3
Pixie Dust (Received): 4
I'm caught up on the last 2 updates! It's awesome that you got to fit IllumiNations and Fantasmic both in the same night! What a great way to finish up your first day. You've already seen a lot and it doesn't sound like the park is even open yet! And I can't think of anything better for breakfast than that cupcake
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
You did get a lot done though - sorry about the smoke in IllumiNations, that's the worst when that happens. 
Must pay for college instead. 
PassPorter Guide Author
Karen
That cupcake looks amazing! 
Linear Mode
