A Disney Trip 10 Years in the Making. PTR 10/14 - 23/2011 - Page 23 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
Great that you were able to get it all worked out and get some money back as well. Hope everything stays the same for now. A small change sure can have a domino effect.
Thanks for the reviews! Sorry about the plane changes! I hope that's the end of them!
I hope so too!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lauriep
Well, it wasn't Disney, but your mini vacation sounds like fun-- at least for the kids. What an incredible hassle with the flights! I hope you don't have to deal with that again.
No it wasn't Disney - what is, but we all did have a really nice time.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
Sounds like you had a basically good weekend! Love the good, the bad, and the ugly descriptions! Glad you were able to get everything worked out with Spirit!
Me too and we did have a nice weekend away.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ilovedisney247
Glad you got to get away a little bit! Sorry you had so many problems with Spirit, but at least it all worked out for you in the end, which is less than I can say about my recent drama with Delta!
Dun- dun dun--Oh No!!!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by KMB733
Sounds like you had a good weekend, despite a few ups and downs! Sorry about all the problems with Spirit airlines. Hope there are no more changes to come!
I hope so as well and I really didn't let it ruin the weekend.
Quote:
Originally Posted by rhinohunter
Great that you were able to get it all worked out and get some money back as well. Hope everything stays the same for now. A small change sure can have a domino effect.
I checked today and I have gotten the credit back to my card so happy about that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lazanya
Sorry about all the changes with your flights.
me too. I've done a little scrambling of things but think we are good now.
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.
I don't know how I missed this PTR, but holy cow am I behind!!! I'm going to go back to the beginning and start from there, but I'm glad some stuff got worked out with the airlines.
We like to go to Lancaster a lot too. I haven't taken Hope to Dutch Wonderland yet, but I honestly don't think they should charge adults full price for a ticket, when most of the rides are made for the kids. Plus, they won't allow you to bring your own food in.
Wildwood brings back so many memories since we used to go there every year when I was a kid. The last time we went was probably back in 2007, just for the day, but I really do love it there.
Glad you had a great weekend. "Watch the tram car please"!!!!
I can't believe all the work you had to do to fix your schedule to accomodate the new flights. At least they gave you some sort of compensation.
My Son's favorite ride!
Quote:
Originally Posted by OCEANGRLLG
Sounds like a pretty good time with just acouple of bumps, but all in all a good get-away! Sorry about the flight change
I always expect a few bumps. At least it happened now and not a week before we were flying.
Quote:
Originally Posted by honeybee723
I don't know how I missed this PTR, but holy cow am I behind!!! I'm going to go back to the beginning and start from there, but I'm glad some stuff got worked out with the airlines.
We like to go to Lancaster a lot too. I haven't taken Hope to Dutch Wonderland yet, but I honestly don't think they should charge adults full price for a ticket, when most of the rides are made for the kids. Plus, they won't allow you to bring your own food in.
Wildwood brings back so many memories since we used to go there every year when I was a kid. The last time we went was probably back in 2007, just for the day, but I really do love it there.
Glad you could join in Melissa. I think Hope would really like DW. I agree the cost is a lot for the adults too but we got a AAA discount. When are you starting your TR?
Ugh! I can imagine what a headache that was! Bad enough when it's just your immediate family you're planning for, but to have all those other people too. I can see why you were frustrated.
WOW! How did I miss this PTR??????? guess I was too busy writing one TR and another PTR?
But I am here now!! Sounds like you have GREAT plans!!! I really like the idea that even with such a large group, everyone will do their own thing and meet up for meals or special event!! Good idea!!! So much easier to move in smaller groups!
To back track a bit:
first time taking child to WDW - it was also my FIRST time!! My DD was 4........and I was 33!!! I had never been before then, so we experienced it together - and let's just say it was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!! (oh yeah - and I was HOOKED.......been back 15 times since..........first time was 2003!!! ) Our very first visit to Disney started with MNSSHP!!! Oh man, what memories!!! DD was OBSESSED with Cinderella at the time ~ she even dressed as Cinderella that night - she saw the castle and just BEAMED (so did I!) and we went to ride Dumbo and she saw Cinderella's Coach (only out during special events and used to be behind Castle) and she informed us that she was going to sit there in her stroller until Cinderella came "home"! I thought " Oh no, we are in for a loooooooooonnnnggg night - lo and behold, about 15-20 min later, Cinderella came out!!!! Luckily - my friend got a pic of both mine and Em's face seeing Cinderella for the first time!!! MAGICAL!!!!!!! Ah.......the memories
Favorite Resort: hmmmm..............this is kinda hard due to the fact that we became DVC members during that first trip (yep - love at first sight!!!) so our first visit we stayed at BWV (the friends we were with were already DVC members and shared a 2 bdrm with us!) after that we have only stayed at SSR, OKW & WL - and a few "extra" trips, we stayed at CSR, ASMovies, ASMusic, and PoP - but I will have to say that at this moment, SSR is my favorite!
Sorry you had such an icky Easter........
WOW!!!! $60/night!!!! That's FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!
MNSSHP: too costume or not costume...........we have done both (oct used to be our favorite time to visit, until DD got further in school - too hard to take the time off now )..........one year we went with our friends again (total of 6) and we all dressed as Pirates - we had a BLAST! Then one year, we all chose different - I was Tink, DH was Capt Hook, and DD was Jasmine. The tees could be a lot of fun! Linda (shadowryter?) has some great designs!!!
Very cool on the stroller!!! less to bring back with you - or actually more room for all those souvies!!!!
Now...........I really need to finish work so that I can go home and finish packing for my next trip in 2 days!!!!
__________________
Lisa Co-Guide to Sharing the Adventure: Disney World Trip Reports
Ugh! I can imagine what a headache that was! Bad enough when it's just your immediate family you're planning for, but to have all those other people too. I can see why you were frustrated.
It's just such a pain and I feel the added stress that so many people are counting on me (5 of them first timers) but hopefully things will be smoothing sailing -or should I say flying- from here.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lfredsbo
WOW! How did I miss this PTR??????? guess I was too busy writing one TR and another PTR?
But I am here now!! Sounds like you have GREAT plans!!! I really like the idea that even with such a large group, everyone will do their own thing and meet up for meals or special event!! Good idea!!! So much easier to move in smaller groups!
To back track a bit:
first time taking child to WDW - it was also my FIRST time!! My DD was 4........and I was 33!!! I had never been before then, so we experienced it together - and let's just say it was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!! (oh yeah - and I was HOOKED.......been back 15 times since..........first time was 2003!!! ) Our very first visit to Disney started with MNSSHP!!! Oh man, what memories!!! DD was OBSESSED with Cinderella at the time ~ she even dressed as Cinderella that night - she saw the castle and just BEAMED (so did I!) and we went to ride Dumbo and she saw Cinderella's Coach (only out during special events and used to be behind Castle) and she informed us that she was going to sit there in her stroller until Cinderella came "home"! I thought " Oh no, we are in for a loooooooooonnnnggg night - lo and behold, about 15-20 min later, Cinderella came out!!!! Luckily - my friend got a pic of both mine and Em's face seeing Cinderella for the first time!!! MAGICAL!!!!!!! Ah.......the memories
Favorite Resort: hmmmm..............this is kinda hard due to the fact that we became DVC members during that first trip (yep - love at first sight!!!) so our first visit we stayed at BWV (the friends we were with were already DVC members and shared a 2 bdrm with us!) after that we have only stayed at SSR, OKW & WL - and a few "extra" trips, we stayed at CSR, ASMovies, ASMusic, and PoP - but I will have to say that at this moment, SSR is my favorite!
Sorry you had such an icky Easter........
WOW!!!! $60/night!!!! That's FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!
MNSSHP: too costume or not costume...........we have done both (oct used to be our favorite time to visit, until DD got further in school - too hard to take the time off now )..........one year we went with our friends again (total of 6) and we all dressed as Pirates - we had a BLAST! Then one year, we all chose different - I was Tink, DH was Capt Hook, and DD was Jasmine. The tees could be a lot of fun! Linda (shadowryter?) has some great designs!!!
Very cool on the stroller!!! less to bring back with you - or actually more room for all those souvies!!!!
Now...........I really need to finish work so that I can go home and finish packing for my next trip in 2 days!!!!
So glad you could join in. I've been enjoying your Lisa's TR and you PTR. I've never stayed at any of the DVC properties. We seem to be FW folks as you still get a kitchen but lower price. I fell in love with the Beach Club one time when I just went to explore the resort but I've never stayed there. We really couldn't pass up 60.00 a night. Since Evan won't be in school yet I can still go in the fall but think this will be it for a long time as we will be summer travelers once he is in school. Good luck with your packing.
Probably the beginning of August. That would give me a good three months to get into the details. I'm so busy right now because we just bought a new house and we moved in this past Friday, so all of my time at home has been consumed by the utter chaos that is my life. Plus, we're leaving for Ocean City on Sunday, so I figured August would be a great time to start.
Probably the beginning of August. That would give me a good three months to get into the details. I'm so busy right now because we just bought a new house and we moved in this past Friday, so all of my time at home has been consumed by the utter chaos that is my life. Plus, we're leaving for Ocean City on Sunday, so I figured August would be a great time to start.
UGH! I moved 2 years ago just about when Evan was 2 1/2 - what an ordeal. I now know why people say it is one of the most stressful things you can go through. Good luck with all the unpacking. OCMD or NJ? I'm going to be hearing to Baltimore Inner Harbor and the aquarium sometime in late July or early August -how far is that from you? PPmeet?? Looking forward to the start of your TR
UGH! I moved 2 years ago just about when Evan was 2 1/2 - what an ordeal. I now know why people say it is one of the most stressful things you can go through. Good luck with all the unpacking. OCMD or NJ? I'm going to be hearing to Baltimore Inner Harbor and the aquarium sometime in late July or early August -how far is that from you? PPmeet?? Looking forward to the start of your TR
When we moved into our townhouse 7 years ago it wasn't too bad, but now that we've added a 2 yeard old to the whole process it's extremely stressful!
We're going to OC MD. Chad's grandparents have a condo right on the ocean side, so we're staying for a week. I'm not a big fan of OC, but it's a free place to stay and I really need a vacation.
I work right near the Inner Harbor, it's about a 10 minute walk from my office. It's a 25 minute drive from my house, but if you're down there on a weekday, maybe I could walk down there for lunch or something. Keep me posted on your plans and hopefully we can work something out.
I feel I have gotten so far behind on everything. My few days away just push me back on work around the house, on work at work and on reading everyone else’s TRs. I think I’m finally getting back into things here, so on with the update…
Nothing earth shattering going on. I got Evan and I matching Lightning McQueen t-shirts and I need to wash them so we can wear them this weekend when we go see Cars2.
I began working on a count down chain as our 100 day mark is coming and that is the date I’ll be using. I printed out some papers with rows on them and the number day it is 100, 99, 98 and the date (as I know there will be days I forget to tear off the ring and that will help keep me on track). I’m coloring them and I need to cut them out, put a sticker on each one and then actually link them together. I want to have it all done and hang it up in the house so when Evan wakes up on the 100th day –it is all done.
I measured the suitcase that I used lasted weekend and it will be fine for the airlines. I still don’t know if I’ll get everything into one or if I’ll need 2 so I need to measure my other suitcases as well. I’m really more concerned with the weight limit than the size.
Movie of the week: I still have Wall-E from the library as we haven’t watched it yet. Some of the new Star Wars movies were on TV this past week and I was watching a little bit of them. Evan came in the room and asked “is this Star Wars?” I think he may be able to sit and watch one I just don’t know if I should do the original or the new series?
Random Disney story:
Back in 1998 we went to Disney and my brother bought a Mad Hatter hat, the giant green one. The thing was like 2 feet tall. My brother is 6 foot to begin with and now he was like 8 feet. It was so easy to spot him in crowds. He did say it was really hot however. One day we were in the Wonders of Life Pavilion and we couldn’t my brother. My SIL and I started looking around but didn’t see him. We thought maybe he was in a side-show thing. There was a small movie theater there I think it was the Making of Me but not sure. I asked the CM there if he had seen a tall man wearing a Mad Hatter hat go into the theater? He said he didn’t know. REALLY? You didn’t notice an 8 foot tall person with a giant green hat on? It wasn’t like the CM said he just came on shift or “no” it was he didn’t know??? Anyway what had happened was my brother took off the hat and was waiting in line for a drink. I told him he couldn’t take his hat off for the rest of the trip.
Coming up next I started a diet – let’s see how it’s going.
Hope you finish the chain in time for Evan to pull off the first link! The weight limit is such a drag now. I always make it with ease on the way to WDW, it's the trip back I worry about!