Ditching the Hubbies for Mousefest - Final Thoughts COMPLETED 3/4/08 - Page 18 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
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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
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Moving on with the current of the years.
We go on
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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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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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That whole interaction with the "er" at the Adventurer's Club was a hoot. Fletcher and Otis were asking about the Mousefest/PassPorter gang and wanted to know how we all seemed to know each other.
I think it was Carol who said we were PassPorters. To which Fletcher said "you don't look like Passports -- they're little books, right?" Carol explained that it's a BIG guide book we're fans of and it's called PassPorter, adding "like 'Passport' with an 'er' on the end."
"Oh," said Fletcher.... "An 'er'... That's what makes you all friends -- your shared love of the 'er'?" He turned to Otis -- "Do YOU have an 'er'?"
I got a big giggle when Fletcher realized that his NAME had an 'er' in it.
Well, much fun was created as they postulated what an 'er' could be and it got downright bawdy for a while. Hathaway Brown then joined in and sat down with Dave Marx. Let's just say that Hathaway is rather proud of his 'er' and it got even bawdier! At one point, I suggested that Hathaway's 'er' wasn't anything to write home about and he replied, "Madam, I could touch you with my 'er' from over HERE!"
I really enjoyed the AC alot, but I wish it had a better A/C, if you know what I mean. That place was H.O.T. So hot, in fact, that I started feeling a little 'off' and couldn't enjoy some of the shows because it got so stifling and I couldn't go back into the Library.
I did get to see the Mask Room show and Miss Karen and Hathaway Brown had a great time teasing each other.
Then, in the Trophy Rooom, Sharon got a close-up look at Fletcher's 'er'.... I so wish I'd had my camera out -- that picture would've been PRICELESS!!
But, the part of the night that makes me get flushed all over happened in the very last few minutes that we were there... when the butler Graves started chatting with a gang of us. He was a nice looking gent and very quick on the referential joke, but it was his voice that absolutely turned my married-for-17-years knees to Jell-O -- all rich, warm baritone that sounded like Bailey's tastes. At one point, he made a comment that had a wickedly hot double-meaning and, I kid you not, he managed to make Karen and me and Sharon all blush -- in one fell swoop!! I actually felt my eyelids flutter and had to start fanning myself.
But, the part of the night that makes me get flushed all over happened in the very last few minutes that we were there... when the butler Graves started chatting with a gang of us. He was a nice looking gent and very quick on the referential joke, but it was his voice that absolutely turned my married-for-17-years knees to Jell-O -- all rich, warm baritone that sounded like Bailey's tastes. At one point, he made a comment that had a wickedly hot double-meaning and, I kid you not, he managed to make Karen and me and Sharon all blush -- in one fell swoop!! I actually felt my eyelids flutter and had to start fanning myself.
NO WAY! I can't believe the CLT had a flustered moment. That must have beeen SOME comment.
How fun is it to look at the pictures of the salon at AC and recognize everybody!! PassPorters definitely took over the joint that night! I'm bummed I missed out on the "er" discussion though. When Hathaway told Steve to start following him around like a news camera and then Steve's disc filled up and he had to change it and then he started following Hathaway around again.... I still laugh thinking about that!
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Oh my Dawn!! I just read your entire trip report so far and you girls are having so much fun! I found myself laughing right out loud! And those pictures - what great pictures of so many things!
I don't want this TR to end - especially since I just started it!
Can't wait to read more!
Dawn- I just caught up and I'm loving re-living every moment. You had me cracking up with your Spanish that comes out French. I feel like there's a Saturday Night Live skit in there somewhere. And, you are my very, very best friend for posting those pics of us with Pooh and Friends. I love how I'm crouching down a bit and still towering over Eileen. I AM GIGANTOR! Love, love, love it.
And, y'all, before I saw Eileen's description of the Adventurer's Club, she read me what she wrote over the phone. Hearing it in her voice was almost as delicious as Graves the butler. And, yes, unbelieving souls, Graves could make even the CLT blush. That man was like BUTTER!
Dawn, I'm so glad we got to spend so much time together. You and Tiff are an absolute delight! Off to read your other trip report now (and to make plans to be at Disneyland as the same time as you!)
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Karen, aka Zack's Mom - Lover of all Things Disney and the San Francisco Giants!
Good times, good times! It looks like y'all had fun at AK without me. I was shopping at DTD and missed out! But I'm so glad you and Tiff were able to join us again for dinner at WCC. AC was a lot of fun, too. And don't worry, I forgive Tiff for sticking me in the "sucker seat." Sorry to see this ending, but glad you've got another TR going to keep me busy!
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Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
AC was a lot of fun, too. And don't worry, I forgive Tiff for sticking me in the "sucker seat."
That's RIGHT!! I forgot that Tiff arranged it so that you and I were in that section of the room. As she placed us very carefully and kept telling us to move over a few inches, I kept thinking "what is going to happen?" Thank goodness it didn't happen to ME!!
Oh, Sharon.... I'm sitting here in a puddle of giggles over the thought of your face when you were confronted with Fletcher's "er"... Priceless! Absolutely PRICELESS!!
Day 6: Our Meal with Tigger and Eeyore and some final moments in the Magic Kingdom
LAST DAY: Our Meal with Tigger and Eeyore and Some Final Moments in MK!
Last day! Yes, unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Our wake-up call came earlier than it had all week. We got ready and packed those last minute things into the suitcases. A knock on our door and the same CM that brought us to our room was standing at the door. He remembered us and got our bags out to the cart. One quick run through the room and we were back to lobby. Since we forgot to tip him when we dropped him off, we tipped him well this time around.
We checked our suitcases in at RAC since we were flying NWA, which was really nice. It was weird not having to worry about them until we arrived in Indy, but it didn’t worry us. We checked our carry-ons in with Bell Services and off we went to catch a bus. We had a minor wait but we were on our way to the MK and to our final breakfast with our buddies. Now, when I booked this ADR, I told them we were both celebrating our birthdays as it was a halfway point between my b-day and Tiff’s. To make us feel even more special, we had picked up a Birthday button for each of us the day before at AK Guest Services. We were committing the lies and deceit that Anastasia talked about. Oh well!
We arrived at MK and got through the breakfast line rather quickly. We made our way to the Crystal Palace, and I got us checked in. We were called to our table about 10 minutes later and we were delighted that our table had streamers and Mickey confetti! We were seated in the same area as we were in June 2006. Our server explained the whole process to us and took our drink order after filling our available glasses with some OJ. The characters were far enough away so we made our way to the buffet.
After piling the plates with breakfast goodies, we made it back to our table. We were able to enjoy our food for a few minutes before the characters started arriving. Eeyore was the first to make an appearance, followed by Piglet and Tigger quickly soon after.
After those three came and went, we were brought our signed card and cupcake for our birthday! After blowing out our candles, we posed with our card and cupcake.
Yes, we are bad people for stretching the truth on our birthdays but it was the one time we could get together to celebrate it. We must have just missed Pooh when we were seated as it took forever for him to make it around to us. However, we were able to get our pictures with Pooh and settle our bill with our server in short succession.
After taking some pictures of the topiaries (like I do every trip), we headed down Main Street to look in the gift shops. I still had not bought anything to wear and new I need a sweatshirt for the ride home since we were returning to the cold of the Midwest. (Like I need an excuse!) Tiff was still trying to find something for Eric as well. We spent a lot of time wandering around the Emporium. She found a T-shirt that was basic enough for Eric. I first found a navy sweatshirt with Walt Disney World in the retro lettering and Eeyore embroidered in the corner. I carried that around with me and then saw the one that I ended up buying. It was a white (not always smart for me as I tend to miss my mouth) but on the back it had a black and white screen of Walt and Mickey (who had his traditional red shorts and yellow shoes) facing one another on Main Street. It’s become a quick favorite of mine since the trip. Picture will be available in Final Thoughts. After making our purchases, we headed back out onto Main Street. We thought about taking on some rides but now having bags, we decided to do some character searching.
Right in the hub was Chip and Dale, so we made our way into that line. The family in front of us asked if we would take their picture, and they returned the favor. The chipmunks were in great form as always.
We took some shots around the hub and then saw Clarabelle Cow and Horace Horsecollar by the Fire Station. This was a first time meet for the both of us.
We ducked inside the Fire Station to look at all the patches for the fire stations across the world. Tiff told me that her grandfather always brought one in every time he visited WDW. There is a lot of history in that building and I’m glad we took the time to check it out. After leaving the police station, we passed in front of Town Hall just in time for Mary Poppins and Bert to arrive. We were the first in line and took this opportunity for pictures.
After that we decided to take the train over to Toontown and see if we would could catch the Princesses. After the relaxing ride around the park, we arrived in Toontown and headed directly to Toontown Hall of Fame. The line wasn’t too bad for the princesses so we decided to wait it out. We probably waited about 15 minutes before being shown into the Princess Room. We didn’t have any touchy-feely princesses this time around, but some good interaction nonetheless. First was Cindy, then Belle, and finally Aurora.
After our time with the royal group, we knew we had to be heading back to SSR. We hopped the train back to Main Street. We walked down the stairs and turned toward the tunnels to head out when we were stopped by a Dream Team member. They were choosing people and setting up times to have a one-on-one time with a Disney character in Exposition Hall. Unfortunately, all the times were after we would be heading back to the airport. Spoiled again! We thanked her for the opportunity but told her we had to decline as we would be heading to the airport. She wished us a good day and off we went. Our one and only time to be approached by the Dream Team and we have to actually turn it down. Bummer!
We made our way out to the bus stops and was rewarded rather quickly with a bus back to SSR. We decided to burn up our snack credits and get some goodies for the ride home and for the hubbies. After finishing up, we took one last cruise around the gift shop. Tiff ended up buying a navy SSR hoodie that I loved. I purchased a cool SSR shot glass for Chuck’s collection and a magnet for my fridge collection.
After those purchases, we had a potty break and then I ran and got our carry-ons from bell services. We found sound comfy couches to relax on and waited out the last 30 minutes or so. While we were waiting, my mom called and asked me where I was. She had been trying to call me at home and finally called my cell. I told her I was still in WDW and would be headed back home a little later. It was quite funny because she was quite upset then realized it was Monday not Tuesday. Gotta love her!
Unfortunately, the time had come and we boarded our DME bus back to MCO. Since the suitcases had already been taken care of, we headed straight to security. That was a nice feeling. After getting through that maze and catching the monorail to our gates. We deiced to grab some dinner and chose some sandwiches from Miami Subs. Those were actually very good. Definitely something to think about for future airport layovers.
We sauntered down to our gates and were boarded on time. Apparently, I was really tired as I was asleep while we were taxiing. I didn’t even feel take off. We had an uneventful flight and landed in Memphis. The flight attendants told us we could leave our bags on the plane and disembark while they cleaned it and got ready for the next leg of the flight. We did what they said and headed to the bathrooms. When we exited, we noticed on the boards that our flight to Indy was actually at another gate. Panic ensued at this point for a minute. We headed back to the gate we landed at and talked to the gate agent. We asked if this plane was going to Indy and she said that flight had been moved to another plane. We told her that the attendants told us we could leave our bags on the plane and now we needed to get them. She let us go retrieve our bags thankfully, and we took the trek down to the new gate.
After finding our gate and settled in. Tiff found an outlet and tried to see if she could get online. I called Chuck to let him know we were halfway there. Before we knew it, we were boarding our flight home. Another uneventful flight and we landed in Indy. Most of the snow that they got the day we were leaving was gone. We made it to baggage claim and then realized we didn’t have the number to the Quality Inn to call for a pick-up. Tiff called Eric and we eventually got the number. They sent a van for us immediately and dropped us right at our cars.
A few hugs, a few tears occurred as Tiff and I said good-bye in the parking lot. We made the agreement to text one another when we reached home as we both had a 1.5/ 2 hour drive in opposite directions. One final wave and off we went.
So…another trip is in the books and what a fantabulous trip it was. Another GREAT trip with Tiff and spectacular memories of meeting up with tons of other PassPorters.
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PassPorters definitely took over the joint that night! 
When Hathaway told Steve to start following him around like a news camera and then Steve's disc filled up and he had to change it and then he started following Hathaway around again.... I still laugh thinking about that! 
Sorry to see this ending, but glad you've got another TR going to keep me busy!
Oh well! 
The chipmunks were in great form as always.
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