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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
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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.
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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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You all did quite a bit done on a short MK day. Sorry it was crowded, but an afternoon break sounded like the smart choice. Looks like a fun dinner at CM, and so nice of them to work at seating you all together.
Glad you enjoyed your time at the MK even with the long standby wait times on the rides that your SIL wanted to go on. It worked well for your family to go back for the afternoon break for a nap and shower before heading out for dinner. My DH and I tend to do that also. I like the Contemporary basically because it reminds me of Walt's vision for what he wanted for WDW, and I always say I feel his presence there, but the decor is not my favorite. I do love the fact that you can walk to the MK from that resort though!
All things considered, the day with extended family went pretty well! You still got a lot done at MK, and had time alone with your family as well. I'm in agreement about the style and ambience of the lobby area at the Contemporary, but it really is a nice place to stay. To me, the location, and having walking access to the MK puts it above the Polynesian or Grand Floridian. I think it's cool having the monorail right in the hotel, but I'm not a big monorail fan. I know I'm in the minority, maybe a minority of one, but I'd choose a bus over the monorail any day!
I'm pretty sure the rooms are beautiful, but the lobby isn't anything to write about.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperDave
Seems like you got in a lot of attraction in at the MK! Looked like a fun day and the weather seemed to hold out! I guess you had a good meal over at CMs but too bad the desserts didn't seem that good. I've never ate there as I've never had much interest. I think better character meals can be found at the CP and 1900 PF. I've never stayed at the CR, but have always wanted to, even though it doesn't have the theming as other resorts do.
I've tried Crystal Palace for dinner and it was way better than CM dinner. I haven't tried 1900 PF but maybe I should try it for dinner just so my boys can get picked on by the evil stepsisters, especially Mr. Too-cool-for-everything AJ.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Great day at MK! Love the pictures! Dinner looked good as well (sorry about your nephew)!
Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by patclairesmom
Great day at MK. Long waits stinks, but hey, what can you do. I agree with you about the Contemporary. Not my style at all.
Glad I'm not the only one that thinks this way.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
You all did quite a bit done on a short MK day. Sorry it was crowded, but an afternoon break sounded like the smart choice. Looks like a fun dinner at CM, and so nice of them to work at seating you all together.
Yeah, we never would have made it through the day without the break.
Quote:
Originally Posted by goofyboysmama
Great updates! Family, rides, naps, Chef Mickey's - sounds like a great time to me
Pretty good, right?
Quote:
Originally Posted by lindawdw
Glad you enjoyed your time at the MK even with the long standby wait times on the rides that your SIL wanted to go on. It worked well for your family to go back for the afternoon break for a nap and shower before heading out for dinner. My DH and I tend to do that also. I like the Contemporary basically because it reminds me of Walt's vision for what he wanted for WDW, and I always say I feel his presence there, but the decor is not my favorite. I do love the fact that you can walk to the MK from that resort though!
The proximity to MK is the best part. Of course, if I was offered a free stay there I'd happily accept. I'd just walk through the lobby with my eyes closed.
Sounds like a nice easy-going day! Sometimes you just need to not rush in the morning and take a decent mid-day break Sorry the CR isn't your thing, but at least dinner was yummy and looks like some great character interaction!
I totally agree with you about the Contemporary. It is a nice resort, but just doesn't have that Disney feel to me. It seems to businesslike and cold, not as inviting as the other Deluxes. Glad Chef Mickey's was a great time!
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We didn't have a park planned for today but we still had to wake up early because we had to pick up our rental at the CCC. We quickly got ready and headed out.
The day before I had arranged for a pick-up and it arrived promptly. We were soon on our way to CCC. The office was mostly empty, with only 2 people ahead of us who were already at the counter.
Soon it was our turn and I gave them our info. We had rented with Alamo and they give you the second driver free. The reservation was in Arben's name, so I quickly got my wallet out so I could hand her my driver's license and be added as a second driver. Well, my license wasn't there. I, being the exaggerated person that I am, completely panicked. I kept it all in and finished the process. The clerk offered me the full tank package for an extra $50. I declined as I thought we'd never consume that much gas.
We went outside and found our car, which was a VW Passat. Our original plan had us heading off site after getting the car, but since my license was missing we decided to go back to Kidani. Of course, my overactive imagination was thinking of all sorts of scenarios. One of them being that I wouldn't be able to find it and wouldn't be able to fly back home. I'm so tragic.
Anyways, we arrived at Kidani and I got off with AJ and Abniel while Arben and Adriel waited in the car by the curb. I quickly started raiding the room. I knew I had shown my id at check-in. We looked everywhere and I finally found it in a pocket of the bag I travelled with. Crisis averted, we headed down.
When we got to the car Adriel had a pretty funny story to share with us. But first, I must refresh your memories. As I'd mentioned in my PTR, Arben does not speak English. He was born and raised in PR so Spanish is his main and only language. The boys and I do speak English; I was born in NJ and lived there until I was 10 before moving to PR and my kids go to bilingual school. You see where this is going, right?
While Arben was waiting in the car, a CM approached him and asked him if he was checking in. Arben didn't understand what he said but managed to answer this: "No, it's my son". Really, he couldn't even say wife. And what does that even mean? Apparently the CM understood or thought he was crazy, because he walked away. Of course, when we got to the car Adriel was laughing and he told us what had happened. We all laughed so hard tears were rolling down our face. In between my laughter attack I managed to ask Adriel why didn't he help out his dad and answered the CM's question. Well, he was too busy laughing at his dad's expense. The mockery continued for a little while. Arben laughed at himself too so there were no hurt feelings.
It was time to get our shopping done and the outlets were calling my name. We drove through Intl. Drive (we were headed to the outlets over there) so we could show the kids around. It's kind of a slow drive because of all the stop lights. We arrived at our first destination which was Ross at the Outlet Marketplace. We don't have Ross stores in PR so I like to visit them when I come to the US. We spent a good hour there, with everyone purchasing a good amount of clothes.
Afterwards we went next door to Dollar Tree (we don't have those either) and proceeded to go a little crazy buying snacks and other things. Then it was off to the Orlando Premium Outlets. Apparently everyone had the same idea as us. It was packed, to the point that we spent almost 20 minutes looking for a parking space. We almost gave up, before finally finding a spot.
By this time we were hungry, so we went in search of food first. The boys had Subway, while Arben and I had Chicken Now. After our tummies were full we realized it was getting late. We had a reservation at NBA City with sil, so we decided to head out. But before we could leave I had to visit the Disney outlet store. I got a couple of things there, including some trading pins. After our purchases we made our way to the car. If it weren't for our reservation, we would've stayed longer. Oh well...
We were soon at Disney property and driving under this gate.
We went to the parking garage and found a spot. As we were getting the bags out of the trunk, a car stopped in front of us. This couple was heading home (apparently before their vacation was to be over) and asked us if we had the refillable mugs. I said no and she offered me their two mugs, which were good until June 16. I thought that was so sweet of them and thanked them profusely. We got to our room and put away our purchases. Of course the boys wanted to use the mugs immediately. I washed them thoroughly and then they went off to get them filled. Afterwards, we started getting ready. I wanted us to leave with plenty of time in case we got lost or encountered traffic.
It was really easy getting to US as everything is pretty well marked with lots of signs. When we got to the tolls, I realized that after 6:00 pm parking costs $5. It was 5:50. Regular parking is $17 so it was a no brainer. We quickly backed out and parked on the side. Everyone had the same brilliant idea, as there were lots of cars just waiting around. When the clock struck 6 we got in line again.
My sil was already at City Walk, having paid the full parking price. We paid, parked and then made the looong walk over to City Walk. We found sil and started heading over to NBA City.
I don't remember who's basketball player's hand was this but it makes my hand look teeny tiny.
It wasn't quite time for our reservation so the boys spent the time at the gift shop. My boys are huge NBA fans so they went a little crazy there. They were using their own money for this. AJ bought himself a new OKC Thunder cap; Adriel bought a Golden State Warriors cap and a Stephen Curry t-shirt; Abniel bought nothing. He was just overwhelmed with all the things he wanted but of course he couldn't have it all. Since he couldn't make up his mind he decided to buy nothing. He is gonna make such a fine teenager...
We were seated and placed our orders. I think Adriel had pizza, Abniel had a burger and AJ also had a burger. Arben ha a chicken flatbread and I had salmon with pasta. The food was ehh.
Arben's flatbread
My pasta that looks more like soup.
After we ate, I talked to Abniel and convinced him to go back to the shop. After looking around, he settled on a Miami Heat cap and a Dwyane Wade doll. The boys had been eyeing some socks, so I convinced Daddy to buy them each a pair of the NBA All Stars Game socks. They were pretty happy.
Here are the boys and Little Wade
We watched the game for a while (Miami Heat vs SA Spurs) but then we were kind of kicked out. We started making our way out to the car. It was sprinkling a bit and the skies looked menacing. Thankfully the rain held out.
The dark side... Stay away, stay away
We needed some groceries so we went in search of a Walmart. Not being too familiar with the area we couldn't find one. So we headed to the Target that we did know how to get to, on Hw 192. Yeah, pretty far. We bought a couple of things.
We got to Kidani, put the things away and hit the sack.
Sounds like a nice easy-going day! Sometimes you just need to not rush in the morning and take a decent mid-day break Sorry the CR isn't your thing, but at least dinner was yummy and looks like some great character interaction!
Dinner was pretty good and the characters were adorable and funny, especially that Goofy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JKnott17
Great day!
I totally agree with you about the Contemporary. It is a nice resort, but just doesn't have that Disney feel to me. It seems to businesslike and cold, not as inviting as the other Deluxes. Glad Chef Mickey's was a great time!
Yes, you hit the nail on the head. It's very businesslike. And I've seen pictures of the rooms and although nice, I think my kids would break something.
A little craziness from Disney to US and back to Kidani! That was nice of that couple to give you their refillable mugs,,,but glad you washed them out thoroughly as you don't know what they've been through!
__________________
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 day! My son loves NBA City restaurant. Great gift shop but you're right about the food. I love the basketballs outside, are their hands really that big???
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I had the same experience with my license on our last morning at the WL one year when we went to get our boarding passes at the resort to fly home! I searched my wallet, backpack (felt like a 100 times) and couldn't find it. After total panic set it, I found it in my wallet in a compartment that I never use. It's a scary feeling though! Glad you enjoyed your evening at the NBA City restaurant. Your next title update doesn't sound promising with your car
That was a fun update. The ol' DL panic is always scary. Sounds like everyone enjoyed the shopping and the day outside the parks. I'm a little worried about the next update.
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I, being the exaggerated person that I am, completely panicked. I kept it all in and finished the process. The clerk offered me the full tank package for an extra $50. I declined as I thought we'd never consume that much gas.
I'm so tragic. 
Really, he couldn't even say wife. And what does that even mean? Apparently the CM understood or thought he was crazy, 
because he walked away. Of course, when we got to the car Adriel was laughing and he told us what had happened. We all laughed so hard tears were rolling down our face. 
In between my laughter attack I managed to ask Adriel why didn't he help out his dad and answered the CM's question. Well, he was too busy laughing at his dad's expense. The mockery continued for a little while. 
Arben laughed at himself too so there were no hurt feelings.
It was packed, to the point that we spent almost 20 minutes looking for a parking space. 
We almost gave up, before finally finding a spot.
Stay away, stay away
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