An Animal Kingdom State of Being with Cam and Fam COMPLETED 9/18 - Page 110 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
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.
Out of town for a few days so I had some catching up to do. I love the picture of the bottom of Spaceship Earth that Luke took. Looks like your morning at the pool was lots of fun and a great way to cool off.
How ironic that you took a picture of his feet, after all the trouble that he's been having with them this trip!
The pool looked so nice--almost makes me wish I liked swimming.
I know what you mean about being nervous/anxious about the new school year--I can't wait to get to know "my" new kiddos every year, but am always afraid that I will be hopeless/clueless and won't be able to teach them a thing. But they're always so smart, that I think they'd learn the material despite my best efforts! You're going to be great, don't worry.
Looking forward to the next installment!
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.
Is that the pool at Kidani or Jambo? It looks so cool that it almost wants me to go back to WDW during the summer. LOL But I so love the weather in November.
It is the pool at Kidani.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ilovedisney247
Great update Cam! And don't worry about your new classes--I just know you are going to be wonderful!
I'm feeling a bit better today about beginning this year, though I had to sit through 5 hours of information dissemination. I got very squirmy before we broke for lunch. :rolf:
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Looks like a really fun day, especially at the pool!
The pool was lots of fun!
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaisynDonald
What a great relaxing day!! I hope I can do that when we are at the AKL in Dec., I'm usually on the go the whole trip!! This year will be alot different since my 2 year old grandson will be there. He is so excited to go see "grammie's castle"!!
That is so sweet! My DNephew believes that Luke, Stefanie, and I live in the castle.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Coop
I know that long walk! We didn't count the steps but I know that it is long! Great day at the pool! (oh and DHS! hehehe)
Luke came up with idea of counting the steps because Stefanie kept asking us how far it was.
Quote:
Originally Posted by WeRDisneyFanatics
What a fun morning at the pool! I love the Tangled bathing suit - adorable!
What a great day so far. LOVE those type of Disney days. So fun and relaxing. Cool purchases too!!
Relaxing at WDW one of my favorite things to do!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Charlie97
That water looked really nice. I was at the beach with the family this past Wed, although it was nice, it was nowhere near as relaxing or tranquil as it appears in your pictures. It was nice to see the quotes up on the pool wall, and I have always been fascinated with reading quotes and proverbs. Nice shot of the feet; reminds me of the kind of shots DD would get of me. For some reason, she catches me in really weird poses or situations like that; which is why I don't let her take pictures of me anymore. Being a Star Wars Family, we are trying for the weekends next year, hopefully we can pull it off. DS is practicing his use of the force on me every now and then, and says he will fight Vader if he sees him at Disney next year. On that note; I love the SW stuff that you bought and also look forward to more of your trip.
Luke and I kept commenting on how beautiful the water was and it was very refreshing from the heat and humidity. We have been to SWW since 2003 and always find lots of fun stuff to do.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roxie2006
Really enjoyed the pool pics. It had to be nice just to really relax and enjoy!! All your pictures at DHS came out great. TOT makes a good pic so does RNR's upside down car. Everyone walked away with some very nice treasures. In all looked like a great day!!
I really liked Luke's upside down car shot!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheeser
I love it so far...but I can't see the pics from the last post.
Holy cow, this is what I get for being offline for two months and a few days. (Being 109 pages behind, that is) I'm just flabbergasted at all the stuff you've gotten to do on this trip so far, so my thoughts are all scattered and in no particular order.
I must say, that Butterbeer is delish. I got the frozen variety (since I'm a total sucker for frozen slushie-type drinks) and frankly, I don't think there's any chance I'll get the other variety on return visits to the Wizarding World. It's basically a creamy cream soda w/ a nice butterscotch-y topping to it. Very delicious, and I'd highly recommend the frozen one, because it's perfect for a hot day.
The Stefanie-isms are hysterical too. "Coke grease"? That's a new one, LOL. And I definitely might have to use the term "saddlecrap" in my vocabulary. It looks like something that you could describe as being bad, or sort of disappointing. And I had to stifle some major laughter at "I'm NOT normal!", mainly because I never would've been so assertive about my non-normalness at her age.
And the parade. Holy cow, the parade. I had no idea that that parade actually used families in the cars (and especially YOUR family), now I will have to see it for myself on a return visit to The Bubble. In fact, AK will definitely need to be explored in much greater detail than I was able to get the first time through.
And I think taking pics of your purchases is a swell idea. Certainly might have to "borrow" that idea for my next trip! Speaking of "borrowing" ideas, I definitely will have to work on making goodie bags for the flight crew of my next flight whenever I fly again! That was so cool what Stef got to do there!
BJ
Glad you've joined in!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Principessa_di_Fata
The picture of Luke's feet made me literally LOL. I'm still giggling, actually. It was the perfect shot, seriously. You couldn't have planned that.
Sounds like a nice relaxing morning. You sound like me with the multi-tasking, except I do that at night usually, before bed. Syncing the iPod, pulling photos off of the camera, writing up the TR, posting the pictures to Facebook, uploading them to Photobucket for the TR, and oftentimes posting for a live TR. Phew!
I wondered if some other PPers might get the multi-tasking!
Quote:
Originally Posted by scrappyjae
Great updates! Looked like a very relaxing morning at the pool. I would love to be there right now!
If I remember correctly, today is your first day back at school. Hope it all went well. We still have a little over 2 weeks. This is the last year that I have to deal with Public School and to tell you the truth...I am very ready for it to end. It will be so nice to plan a vacation for when we want to go and not around days off of school.
Today was my first day back, without students though. We had a faculty meeting all day long, but we have lots of new stuff going on and needed the information.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mousestruck
We absolutely love the pool at Kidani. It is a wonderful way to start the day. Sounds like you're off to more fun at DHS!
The pool looks nice and refreshing! Great pictures from DHS and great purchases too. I love the Return of the Mouse poster!
I can't wait to get the poster framed!
Quote:
Originally Posted by debrabrown
Love the SW stuff!
Quote:
Originally Posted by nalexander
Wow I had a lot to catch up on.
Sounds like you guys continue to have a great time.
Love all the SW stuff.
We really had a terrific vacation!
Quote:
Originally Posted by WeLuvTheWorld
Out of town for a few days so I had some catching up to do. I love the picture of the bottom of Spaceship Earth that Luke took. Looks like your morning at the pool was lots of fun and a great way to cool off.
Luke has an eye for very interesting shots!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Baloo
How ironic that you took a picture of his feet, after all the trouble that he's been having with them this trip!
The pool looked so nice--almost makes me wish I liked swimming.
I know what you mean about being nervous/anxious about the new school year--I can't wait to get to know "my" new kiddos every year, but am always afraid that I will be hopeless/clueless and won't be able to teach them a thing. But they're always so smart, that I think they'd learn the material despite my best efforts! You're going to be great, don't worry.
Looking forward to the next installment!
I had talked with June while getting JP’s shirt to make sure I got the right size and she wanted an update on all our Disney fun. As we came onto Hollywood Boulevard, we realized the new Pixar Parade was in full swing. We didn’t have the best spots as we were late to the party, but Luke still got a few good shots while Stefanie and I bounced up down with each new float.
Then we moved to The Magic of Disney Animation, watching the Mushu movie this time. Afterwards we only had tme for one autograph session. Stefanie at first chose Pooh, but then switched to The Incredibles. While waiting Mrs. Incredible left, but Mr. Incredible and Frozone were there to greet Stefanie.
Now we walked to Mama Melrose’s to make our 4:20 ADR with the Fantasmic Package, but they were backed up and running 35 minutes behind. The hostess suggested we come back in that amount of time. We walked through the Muppet Shop and right into Muppet Vision 3D for the pre-show. Lots of laughing at corny jokes and stunts!
When we left the Muppets behind, we returned to Mama’s, visiting the restrooms first and then I checked us in again. Within a couple of minutes we were shown to our table and Brahim took our drink orders. Brahim would prove to be an excellent server, the second best of our trip. When he realized Stefanie wanted a kid’s menu, he was shocked that she had not been given the princess treatment. After getting her menu, he returned with liquid refreshment and explained our meal deal with the Fantasmic package. We each could get any appetizer for one, any entrée, and any dessert for the fixed price, much better than the old limited menu. I had the Chicken Campello and Caesar Salad with Chocolate Amarettini Cheesecake. Luke picked the pork chop and Caesar Salad with Chocolate Cannelloni Cake. Princess Stefanie decided on Minestrone (actually her mom and dad ate this), spaghetti with meat sauce and an ice cream sundae (on Sunday). She made me eat a bite because as she said, “You have to Momma because we’re at Disney.” Now who can argue with that!
After paying, I checked the Lines app on my phone. Backstage Tours was showing a 5 minute wait, so it became our next goal. The first area of the tour was done totally without guest volunteers. A little weird, but I kind of liked it! I also like the new queue for the tram as we were all lined up in an orderly fashion to board, rather than everyone darting toward the tram as soon as it arrived. The automated narration is still just okay, but Catastrophe Canyon was as cool as always.
Our next goal was to retrace our steps to find Jedi Mickey and R2MK, but unfortunately they had already retired for the evening. Since we were near The Great Movie ride and the wait was practically a walk on we boarded. We had a Granny Gangster who was a little unsettling playing the tough guy, but it made the ride interesting.
Back outside, I wanted to check out the pins under the hat as they usually have some of the exclusives. I scored the D23 pin and while I was waiting to pay Luke noticed SWW characters coming up to be in the stage show in front of the hat. He got some great shots of everyone. So !
Princess Leia is waving to Stefanie.
We attempted to move around to the front of the stage but it was too crowded as well as too hot to stand around for the next half hour. Instead we took a restroom break and then joined a quickly growing Fantasmic package line into the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater. Quite a walk and reminded us of the walk to our room each night.
We headed to seats between Ursula and Sebastian, finally finding ours places 8 rows from the front, seats 4, 5, and 6. Great view in the spray zone! I headed back up to get us more cokes, waiting in another more organized queue to reach the registered. The process seemed to make the ordering much smoother. We hadn’t seen this show since October 2009, so I chose to put the camera away and just absorb it all. this show! Amazing!
We waited out the initial mad exit from the amphitheater. But as we began moving toward the aisle, a foreign tour group stampeded up the bleachers, putting themselves and us in danger. Luke turned security CM blocking them and forcing them to use the stairs as the rest of us were doing. We got the strangest looks from them, but then the announcement warning against doing just that came on again and they turned into well-mannered folks. (Clearly, they did understand English !) From there on we walked out at a comfortable pace and with room to breathe. We came out by the station, turning right to attempt Toy Story Midway Mania. The street was a little congested at first, but thinned out considerably at the hat. Getting a bus right at the end of Fantasmic wouldn’t have been easy yet anyway.
At TSMM the posted wait was 60 minutes. I caught up on notes, while we walked the queue. We had loads of fun, but riding that late our arms an hand were tired out very quickly. Scores: Luke = 138, 200 beaver, Best in Car; Cam = 98,900 white rabbit; Stefanie = 12, 800 armadillo. As Stefanie told me, looking up with the biggest grin, “This game is FUN!”
From here at 10:50 we strolled through One Man’s Dream, pondering over each display, exiting about 11:10, ready to go home.
At the bus Stop, we decided not to ride standing, but to wait for the next bus. My knees have been swollen from arthritis and bracing to remain standing on a bus when I’m already tired was aggravating the problem. In the end we were glad we waited as we got to see Ann and Carly again, talking while waiting for the bus. We had a smooth ride back to AKLV with hugs and goodbyes before heading to our respective rooms.
Back at the room I sorted out a load of laundry for tomorrow as Stefanie wanted her black shorts for Tuesday. Luke got of his feet and took pain medicine while Stefanie and I got ready for bed. Before falling to sleep, I finished the day’s notes, though I realized typing this up that I had totally left out the Pixar Parade. Thank goodness for the pictures to jog my memory. Lights were out by 12:39.
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
Deb
I'm feeling a bit better today about beginning this year, though I had to sit through 5 hours of information dissemination. I got very squirmy before we broke for lunch. :rolf:
. Cool purchases too!!
. On that note; I love the SW stuff that you bought and also look forward to more of your trip.
Since we were near The Great Movie ride and the wait was practically a walk on we boarded. We had a Granny Gangster who was a little unsettling playing the tough guy, but it made the ride interesting. 
! 
this show! Amazing! 
!) From there on we walked out at a comfortable pace and with room to breathe. We came out by the station, turning right to attempt Toy Story Midway Mania. The street was a little congested at first, but thinned out considerably at the hat. Getting a bus right at the end of Fantasmic wouldn’t have been easy yet anyway. 
Sounds like a Fantasmic night! 
Linear Mode
