A Coast to Coast Christmas - Phase One WDW - Page 26 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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!
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Actually, the GV is on two floors and has two entrances. The bedroom with the King bed is on the first level with the kitchen, dining, and great room areas (as was the balcony from which the picture was taken); the two bedrooms with two Queen beds each are on the upper level. There is a loft sitting area with a sofa and TV that overlooks the first level. The GV has four full baths.
If you were in room #8426 - that would have been the 9th floor. The room numbers are one floor lower than the actual floor. We were in 7010 - thus the 8th floor. It's a great view!
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Yay for the wacka wacka eyebrows!! Another favorite smilie!!!
And, even as much as YOU go to Disney, there will always be something new... if only to give fodder to the haters who can't stand change.
Things don't change that fast at Disney. On the December trip, I think the only new things for me were Citricos (which has been around for years) and meeting Phineas and Ferb (who've been around a while - I skipped meeting them on my August & October trips). Hmm... anything else? Oh yes! The gospel group in Epcot (though they aren't new either). Most of the time my new thing these days is something new to me but not actually new.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Principessa_di_Fata
First off, that sounds like an Uh-May-Zing partay! I can't wait for the photos! What a generous thing to do for friends!
Second of all, in four weeks and one day (but who's counting) I will be at AK with a bunch of crazy PP'ers, and I'm now positively determined to find that kangaroo path! The only dilemma is, whose path to follow?
There's lots to see down any path, but the kangaroos are NOT on the path marked with the arrow.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcc0313
First off what a great morning at AK - I will have to admit that I have never found the kangaroos, and I have looked. I was so excited to see Eileen had posted a map...and while her X might not be in the right spot she must be close so I will print and take said map with me and use it on my mission to find the kangaroos (who by the way Angel thinks I have made up because I never find them even though I have shown her proof in other TRs).
Love the invites for the TBSAALTA!!! Party in a Grand Villa - Bob & Larry sure know about style.... I think this is a great addition to the other experiences that they have added to their list (maybe WDW should hire them....they could create their own line of Speical Events ).
Can't wait to hear all about the big soiree.
The best way to find the kangaroos is to take the small looking paths around the TOL. And like I said, there's something great on every path, even if it isn't kangaroos.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wendyismyname
Loving this trip report! Linda, Pete, Joanie, it was so good to finally meet you!! Sharon, Eileen, Karen, Jill, Bob, and Larry it was so wonderful to see you again! All the smiles on your faces made me so thankful that we have this great place, PassPorter, where we all "met"!
I wasnt sure if anyone took photos in the WL lobby because I didn't think of it until much later!
Carlee really enjoyed meeting you all.
I loved meeting Carlee! Now I've met 3 of your 4 kids, one at a time. I still need to meet Gabby.
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Originally Posted by Linnynad
Hi Bob & Larry, I'm Linny........and I think We need to be friends
Really what an amzing event you all are about to have. I am so looking forward to hearing of every juicy detail!!
OK, can we talk kangaroos??? WHAT? I need to knoe more about them, and exactly how to find them. This is amazing to me. Who knew??
Great day at AK!!!
Party or no, Bob & Larry are great friends! I will try put detailed notes and photos of how to find the kangaroos in my March TR!
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Originally Posted by JoJayMom
Why haven't I read this sooner??? I have been LOL, and my family keeps asking me why......Great pics and a great group of ladies and fellas! I can't wait to hear more.
Welcome aboard!
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcneal
ARHHHHH. Sharon, you're killing me.......I need more........PLEASE................................ ...
Sorry! I'd planned to post an update over the weekend, but I got busy. But I'll be posting right after this!
Quote:
Originally Posted by JoJayMom
What a view!! I think Bob & Larry are going to be getting ALOT of friend requests.....
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Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
We relaxed in the lounge for a bit, watching a little football. We needed to see the castle lighting ceremony at the MK tonight, and we had plans to meet up with Amy, so after a bit we caught a bus to the MK.
I took some photos of the windows on Main Street.
We went to the hub and soon found Amy, her DD Kaitlin and Kaitlin’s DBF. It was great to finally meet Amy in person and Kaitlin and Austin as well. They were all just delightful and we chatted up a storm. Then, time for a group photo!
Either we were standing on an incline or Eileen was standing on a box!
Then we all watched the castle lighting ceremony. It’s so cute, and watching the castle lights come on is just magical
The park was closing soon (it was a MVMCP night), but we had big plans anyway, so we headed right out of the park. I got some photos of the other side of Main Street.
We also peeked at Santa’s little village or whatever it’s called, but nobody was home. I understand Santa’s pretty busy that time of year.
We walked over to Bay Lake Tower, because that’s the sight of the To Be Specified At A Later Time Activity, also known as TBSAALTA. I didn’t take very many photos this night, but maybe Larry can share some more?
Anyway, we arrived in the lobby, and I got a quick photo of the BLT Christmas tree.
Then we went up to the grand villa and were treated to a tour of the villa. There was a lovely spread of food, none of which I photographed. I suppose I was too busy eating. We were the first to arrive and soon JoanW arrived with her tiny blender and Yak Attack fixins. Have I mentioned how much I love JoanW? I also finally had a chance to meet Rich and Kathy, after reading their TRs for years.
Poor Bob was feeling under the weather, but better than he’d been. He sounded awful, though. We had a great view, which I did manage to get a few pics of.
When it was time for the castle show, everyone stepped out onto the balcony. Larry had his Keurig and some apple cider K-cups, so I enjoyed some nice hot cider while enjoying the shows. I must confess that it really isn’t a good spot for the Magic, Memories and You show, but it was a nice view of Wishes!
Not sure why, but I just lurve this photo!
Once the fireworks ended, we ate a yummy (and gluten free! ) cake. I barely had room for anything after so much nibbling. And I forgot to mention the fun custom M&M’s! Larry and Bob went all out for the party and we really enjoyed ourselves so much. I’m not sure how they’ll top this, but I think they’ll have fun trying!
The CLQ said goodnight and made our way down to the dock, ready to catch the last boat of the night. For some reason, the CM wasn’t going to the WL (I forget the details), but she looked around and noticed that there were no other boats in sight (in my gut, I think the other boat was docked somewhere hiding ). She agreed to take us and asked the time. It was 5 minutes before the scheduled last boat, and when she asked again, we caught on and told her what time it really was. Hey, it was cold, and if someone is cutting it that close, they learned a much-needed lesson.
We made a stop at Fort Wilderness and then the WL. I think I was asleep first (but I am just going with my gut here ).
Up Next: Some quality time in the Magic Kingdom
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Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
That is so true! We would love them even without a big BLT party. We kept wondering what the event was going to be, kicking around different ideas, but we knew, no matter what, it would be FABulous! And it totally was! They really wowed us!
Loving your trip report. We were there the same time and missed soooo much. First trip with grandsons 2 & 4, so it slowed us down quite a bit. There were two trails we were directed to, first trail was across the road from first aid station just past Pizzafari and for the second we went back by the ITTBAB exits. Both trails were cool as parts you are actually walking under tree limbs, you get such great close up views. We are going back in February and are hoping to spend more time and get lots of photos as my camera broke early in the trip.
Oh, I sure hope somebody provides photos of the food spread! It all sounded spectacular!
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Tanya
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Either we were standing on an incline or Eileen was standing on a box!
Oh.Mah.Gawd -- you're eeeeevil, Sharon!! (but I TOTALLY guffawed...)
Quote:
Originally Posted by PrincessSharon
Then we went up to the grand villa and were treated to a tour of the villa. There was a lovely spread of food, none of which I photographed. I suppose I was too busy eating.
AWESOME SPREAD!! There were littles dishes of nuts and the FABU personalized M&Ms (I so hope Larry has pictures!) scattered around the living room. The table was spread with piles of cheeses, fruit, crackers (and GF bread too ) little amuse bouches that were... crab? Yes -- am I right? I think they were crab. Whatever they were, they were deeeeelicious!
There was also a Bob&Larry approved selection of wines.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PrincessSharon
JoanW arrived with her tiny blender and Yak Attack fixins. Have I mentioned how much I love JoanW?
JoanW's my favorite.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PrincessSharon
I also finally had a chance to meet Rich and Kathy, after reading their TRs for years.
It *was* lovely! Such a nice couple!
Quote:
Originally Posted by PrincessSharon
Poor Bob was feeling under the weather, but better than he’d been. He sounded awful, though.
I was sick too -- I just felt sick, though. Bob SOUNDED sick! Poor guy...
Quote:
Originally Posted by PrincessSharon
Not sure why, but I just lurve this photo!
Probably because I'm blocked from your view.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PrincessSharon
Once the fireworks ended, we ate a yummy (and gluten free! ) cake. I barely had room for anything after so much nibbling. And I forgot to mention the fun custom M&M’s! Larry and Bob went all out for the party and we really enjoyed ourselves so much. I’m not sure how they’ll top this, but I think they’ll have fun trying!
I can't wait!!
Then again... I can't wait for ANY reason to you all again!!! *sniff*
Quote:
Originally Posted by PrincessSharon
It was 5 minutes before the scheduled last boat, and when she asked again, we caught on and told her what time it really was. Hey, it was cold, and if someone is cutting it that close, they learned a much-needed lesson.
That was funny! When we answered her truthfully the first time, she gave us a smirky stink eye. Then she very pointedly asked us the time again. Oooooohhhhhhh! I get it now....
Unfortunately, I was starting to really feel "off" by this night -- little did I know that the illness that ended up felling me for all of December was just grabbing hold at that point. I guess Bob and Larry will just have to do it again sometime.
One of my favorite memories was looking up at the BLT as we walked over from the MK. I saw one of the Grand Villas was dark, but had lovely, twinkly holiday lights strung along the banisters. It looked so magical and homey. I remember sighing and thinking "lucky ducks."
Guess what? WE WERE THE LUCKY DUCKS! That was B&L's villa!!
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On the December trip, I think the only new things for me were Citricos (which has been around for years) and meeting Phineas and Ferb (who've been around a while - I skipped meeting them on my August & October trips). Hmm... anything else? 
Oh yes! The gospel group in Epcot (though they aren't new either). Most of the time my new thing these days is something new to me but not actually new.
I think this is a great addition to the other experiences that they have added to their list (maybe WDW should hire them....they could create their own line of Speical Events 
Hi Bob & Larry, I'm Linny........and I think We need to be friends
Party or no, Bob & Larry are great friends! 
I will try put detailed notes and photos of how to find the kangaroos in my March TR! 
What a view!! I think Bob & Larry are going to be getting ALOT of friend requests.....
magical
We were the first to arrive and soon JoanW arrived with her tiny blender and Yak Attack fixins. Have I mentioned how much I love JoanW? 
We had a great view, which I did manage to get a few pics of.
this photo!
) cake. I barely had room for anything after so much nibbling. And I forgot to mention the fun custom M&M’s! 
Hey, it was cold, and if someone is cutting it that close, they learned a much-needed lesson. 
Great pics! 
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