PTR: Spring Break Lifestyle in the DR! - Page 3 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
Well, yes, the obvious is by airplane silly! Unless of course you want to try to do it by boat! But we had to make the decision if we would all travel together or separately.
After lots of discussion and many hours of checking flights, it was decided that my family would start our vacation a bit early and drive down to NJ the Saturday before the trip (4/12) after Em's dance rehearsals. Steve will be working extremely late (did I mention he works for a major network......yeah, well, he will be working SNL!) so he won't be there when we arrive. But Cindy and I are thinking this will be the best plan, that way her and I can run out on Sunday to get last minute things if needed (we want to bring a few of our own snacks). Then I am sure there will be some wine included in the day/evening somewhere before we all turn in early - as we will have to wake quite early the next morning to head to Newark for our 9am flight to Puerto Plata!!! The other reason why my family chose to do it this way is that the flight is direct from here. Funny thing is, if we had taken the flight from our airport, it would have stopped in Newark and our friends could have joined us then! But we figure half the fun is traveling together!
When we fly back, our flight will arrive back in Newark around 6:30pm, so our plan is to stay the night with our friends another night and spend Easter morning with them before driving home.
So what's included in our "All Inclusive Vacation"..............well, you pretty much name it, it's included!
I will start with arriving to the island - they will transport us back and forth to the resort via shuttle!
In the villas we will have a stocked fridge with sodas, juices, bottled water, beer, and liquor for us adults - and we get to each pick a bottle!!! There is also a full kitchen in the villa - however, I will leave that to the butler to utilize each morning as he comes to prepare our breakfast, that we hope to enjoy at the outside dining table. In the villas all the "usual" resort amenities are included as well - shampoo, conditioner, etc.
Resort Amenities that are included are:
15+ Restaurants
25+ Bars
14 Pools
3 Beaches (including a private VIP Beach that we will be able to use!)
A Nightclub
2 Entertainment Centers with nightly shows
Introductory In-Pool Scuba
Non-Motorized Watersports (Snorkeling equipment, boogie boards, & kayaks)
Tennis, Basketball & Beach Volleyball Courts
Health Club
2 Gyms
Executive Golf course (although Scott will not be able to golf due to shoulder surgery)
Life Size Chess Game
Daily Activities (such as dance lessons, games, yoga, aqua aerobics, kids activities, etc)
Teen Club
Mini-disco
Golf Cart (to get around resort)
We have been told that the sushi and the crepes are amazing here!! So we definitely plan to sample those!
There are also 2 spas on property, and as VIP Guests we will receive a 30% discount if we use them.............I am thinking a massage on the beach might be in order
They also offer several excursions from the resort to activities out in Puerto Plata, however, we just spent last weekend with Steve, Cindy & Kayla to discuss this trip and we are all in agreement that we are not really interested in any of the excursions - some of them are pretty pricey - and many of them are not ones that Scott will be able to participate (due to being only 6 weeks post op at the time of trip) - and there is so much to do right there at the resort.
The one "excursion" that we will probably do is visit Ocean World ~ which as VIP Guests, our tickets are included. Ocean World appears to be a water park/marine animal park. They have sea lions, dolphins, sharks, tigers, etc! Right up our alley! And they will provide transportation!
So as of this moment, we plan to do a whole lot of nothing but relaxing, eating, relaxing, and eating!! And some adult beverages for us grown ups too
__________________
Lisa Co-Guide to Sharing the Adventure: Disney World Trip Reports
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.
With so much to chose from with the amenities...where does one begin or do you go out of your mind?
__________________
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!
It really sounds incredible! I agree, much better to just enjoy all that the resort has to offer than to do outside excursions. There's more than enough already included.
When you come home and get back to reality, you'll feel like you've reverted to peasant life!
Most of us may not be millionaires, but if you have the opportunity to live like one for at least a little bit and can afford it...than go for it! Enjoy yourself as you won't regret it!
__________________
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!
Last edited by SuperDave; 03-26-2014 at 10:18 PM..
Sounds like an amazing time!!!!!!!! Do you have room in your suitcase??? LOL
Ha! Maybe
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperDave
With so much to chose from with the amenities...where does one begin or do you go out of your mind?
I know! It's going to be interesting!
Quote:
Originally Posted by MayraLR
So many great amenities!
Yes!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lauriep
It really sounds incredible! I agree, much better to just enjoy all that the resort has to offer than to do outside excursions. There's more than enough already included.
I hope it is! There seems to be plenty to do there!
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Oh my goodness, that list of amenities! One thing's for sure - you're not going to get bored!
I think we will be able to keep ourselves plenty busy!
Quote:
Originally Posted by purplegal
Looks like a beautiful resort. With all the resort has to offer you should have no problem finding lots to do including some relaxing on the beach.
Thanks! I hope it is!
Quote:
Originally Posted by num1DVCfan
That's a lot of amenities!
Yes!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Looks like there is a lot of stuff to keep you busy at the resort!
Hopefully we will be happy little toes in the sand!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
This trip sounds more fun and relaxing with each update!
I am so looking forward to it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperDave
When you come home and get back to reality, you'll feel like you've reverted to peasant life!
Most of us may not be millionaires, but if you have the opportunity to live like one for at least a little bit and can afford it...than go for it! Enjoy yourself as you won't regret it!
Ha! Reality - what's that???! I know though - this place seems like those places you only see in the movies......or reality shows
Quote:
Originally Posted by mommapants
Travel Plans sound nice. Too bad you are out of Newark - too far north for me, otherwise I'd have tried to visit.
Nothing wrong with a nice relaxing, laid back, butler filled vacation. Doing a whole lotta nothing sounds heavenly
Oh bummer! One of these days!
__________________
Lisa Co-Guide to Sharing the Adventure: Disney World Trip Reports
Sorry I haven't updated much this week - things have been crazy busy - between work, Scott's PT, and then yesterday Emily was hit pretty hard in the back of the head with a basketball - and has a mild concussion ~ which of course, this really bad timing with her dance schedule - she has to sit out and observe and they have been finishing up choreography for their upcoming performance. Oh well, as long as she is feeling better soon!
As far as the trip: I ordered a few, well 6 sundresses from Old Navy and they came in so I have to try them on (I am sure I won't like all of them, but it was a good sale and I knew I could return what I didn't want) and see which ones I am packing! This weekend I am hoping to pull out the travel toiletries and get those in order! And hopefully go through Em's closet to see what she has/needs. I am thinking we will all be in bathing suits/cover ups during the day, and just need dinner outfits!
__________________
Lisa Co-Guide to Sharing the Adventure: Disney World Trip Reports
My two Old Navy tank dresses came in earlier this week. They are actually very cute and comfortable on. Hope you like yours as well! getting everything ready.
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.
About This Page: 
But we had to make the decision if we would all travel together or separately. 
And they will provide transportation! 
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
Deb
PassPorter Guide Author
One thing's for sure - you're not going to get bored! 
Holly: 
One of these days!
getting everything ready.
Linear Mode
