Forever Young: A Disneyland Trip 50 Years in the Making COMPLETED 1/16/16 - Page 37 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
Quite cool seeing Car's Land and DCA all lit up at night! It is a bit odd with DL's version of Soarin' being outside like that and some different theming in the queue. WDW's looks a bit more modern, I guess.
__________________
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!
Thank you! I'm more and more pleased with my nighttime photos.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperDave
Quite cool seeing Car's Land and DCA all lit up at night! It is a bit odd with DL's version of Soarin' being outside like that and some different theming in the queue. WDW's looks a bit more modern, I guess.
I think that would be a good comparison the WDW Soarin' is more modern while the DCA version is more about the history of flight.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lindawdw
You and Luke are so adorable together I loved your pics of Cars Land at night!!!
Thank you! We had quite a bit of fun doing the poses the photographer came up with. Cars Land was incredible at night.
Registered Message Board Members save 30% off PassPorter guidebooks! When you register you'll have access to a discount coupon good for 30% off the list price of PassPorter books in our online store.
Thursday, October 8 – Under the Sea and the Awe of World of Color Wondering what to do after our night tour of Cars Land, I mentioned to Luke that I’d like to get the sweater sweatshirt I had seen at the shop Gone Hollywood earlier in the day. So we headed back over to Hollywood Land where I not only got the sweatshirt, but we also picked up an insulated tote, which is a purchase with purchase item. The sweatshirt and tote came to $65 after the $6.59 DVC discount.
This didn’t take very long so we still had some time before we could enter the reserved area for World of Color dining packages. What to do? We both realized we were thirsty so we stopped at Coke Corner for a large Coke for Luke and a regular Fanta Orange for me. Sipping our drinks we strolled through the park heading toward Pacific Wharf.
We checked the time and even the viewing location. Not time yet! The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure was nearby to the viewing area, so we decided we had to time to fit it in as well. The standby line really kept moving, making it feel like no wait at all. This attraction is very similar to the one at MK, which you will probably note as you look at the photos below.
Finally, as we exited Little Mermaid, we could find our spot to view World of Color. We headed towards the cast members we were told to find. While we’d be under the sea, the area had actually filled up, but we were directed to two options, one right on the water where there were spots in the back of the seated group or just a bit higher right behind this section. We chose the one nearest the water. As we entered, I mentioned to Luke that I thought we had to stand for this show, and debated whether I should even bother attempting to sit down because if I have to get back up, it’s not a pretty nor quick process. Just as soon as the words were out of my mouth, an announcement was made that everyone needed to stand up and move as far forward as possible. Great timing! So folks wanted to hang in the back, so Luke and I wound up in the second row once all the moving had stopped. From here I took a few practice shots.
World of Color – Celebrate The Wonderful World of Disney was a must do, hence the reason for getting the dining package. In the times guide, the show is described as having breathtaking effects, sky-high fountains (no kidding), music, magic, and marvelous memories. I can attest that it had all of these in magical proportions. The show is co-hosted by Neil Patrick Harris who will always be Doogie Howser to me and Mickey Mouse. The show celebrates both Walt Disney and the 60th anniversary of the park he built, Disneyland. We noticed that some folks who seemed to be seasoned veterans of DLR put on their ponchos at a certain point. I turned to Luke, telling him I no longer doubted it. We were going to get wet. He had the shopping bag with my sweatshirt and tote inside, so I told him that if I felt the camera was going to get too wet, we’d put it in that bag.
The “dazzling nighttime water spectacular covers five sequences. Information borrowed from The Disney Blog website.
Opening: The “World of Color” overture and the magic of Tinker Bell’s pixie dust introduce the hosts, Neil Patrick Harris and Mickey Mouse.
It Was All Started By A Mouse: From black-and-white cartoons to Technicolor stardom, “World of Color – Celebrate!” honors Mickey Mouse.
The Golden Age of Animation: A dazzling exploration of Disney animated features stirs hearts with a kaleidoscope of happy memories.
The Dream of Disneyland: A celebration of Disneyland, the “Happiest Place on Earth,” from Walt’s opening day dedication to creating smiles around the world.
Finale – Infinity & Beyond – A Celebration for Years to Come: The inspiring finale expresses the wish that everyone stay “Forever Young” and hold on to their dreams.
I only managed a handful of photos before the water raining down on us made me fear for my camera and it was tucked away in the bag. Notice the young woman in front of me who has the ear hat which syncs with the colors in the show. It was so cool to have her in front of us as that ear hat is so fascinating.
From start to finish, I was in AWE! Next to Illuminations no Disney nighttime show has moved me more. , I wept tears of joy and longing for a little girl who would have loved this show with me. To say I loved it is an understatement. Every night afterwards as I listen to the music from our room, I was moved all over again whether I could see the displays or not. The water that fell on us throughout the show in no way stopped me from looking up into the sky-high fountains as they told a tale not quite as old as time, but still as precious. The exit song is Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” sung by Christine Perri, reminded me that in my heart a little girl still feels the magic of a man and a mouse. The song’s title also seemed fitting as the title for my TR as 50 years after Luke and I first dreamed of going to Disneyland as little kids, we were there and forever young.
From there the night was a little anticlimactic. We were now physically and emotionally drained, so it was time to head home to the Grand California. We exited California Adventure through the resorts private entrance in Grizzly Peak. As we came in to the lobby we stopped at Acorn’s Gifts and Goods to purchase an orange juice and Coke Zero for the room. The alarm was set for 7:00 as we needed to arrive at DL around 9:00 AM the next morning for our tour.
Great time for WOC and seemed like an amazing experience! Great nighttime photos of PP and Mickey Wheel. The latter looks just so ! Glad you got good seats and seems like it was fairly organized! I'm with you as Neil Patrick Harris will always be Doogie to meas well! Where does the time go as he was 16 when the show began (I think 1989) and now is 42! One of my favorite shows ever! Liked his friend Vinnie on the show as well!
__________________
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!
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'm so glad you enjoyed World of Color - isn't it just wonderful? I have to say I'm jealous of that sweatshirt. They didn't have that at all when we were there. If they had done, I'd probably have bought it.
Great time for WOC and seemed like an amazing experience! Great nighttime photos of PP and Mickey Wheel. The latter looks just so ! Glad you got good seats and seems like it was fairly organized! I'm with you as Neil Patrick Harris will always be Doogie to meas well! Where does the time go as he was 16 when the show began (I think 1989) and now is 42! One of my favorite shows ever! Liked his friend Vinnie on the show as well!
It was very organized in the special viewing area for WoC. We even hung back a little afterwards to let the crowd disperse, but that really didn't take very long.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
I'm so glad you enjoyed World of Color - isn't it just wonderful? I have to say I'm jealous of that sweatshirt. They didn't have that at all when we were there. If they had done, I'd probably have bought it.
We kind of thought that the sweatshirt had just been put out this day as we had looked over the tops very closely the past two days. Afterwards, we began to see it in quite a few shops. I've worn it several times and everyone just loves it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
What a great ending to your day! Love all the pictures of the park at night!
Oh, my! I can only imagine how great that show must have been. Your nighttime shots are beautiful.
I had high expectations for this show, and I was not the least bit disappointed. I was most certainly in my happy place.
Quote:
Originally Posted by KMB733
I LOVE World of Color! My favorite night time show at any of the parks. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Love the sweatshirt and the tote bag!
Up close as we were with the fountains raining down on us, I felt totally immersed in the program. I can't wait to see it again, even if I have to wait a few years.
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.