Forums Closed
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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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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!
Best wishes for a wonderful and magical new year!
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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.
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11-14-2005, 03:56 PM
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#61
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Community Rank: Explorer 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: NC
Posts: 12,270
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Re: Stitch, Spooks, and Smiles: Pre Trip Part 1
Great update!! Katie did better than I'll probably be doing!! Glad to hear things went well!
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Sponsored links
Check out the many e-books by PassPorter. The e-books are free to download if you have a PassPorter's Club pass.
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11-14-2005, 06:53 PM
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#62
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Community Rank: Globetrotter 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: NC
Posts: 3,536
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Re: Stitch, Spooks, and Smiles: Pre Trip Part 1
Good for Katie!!!!! Can't wait to read more.
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11-14-2005, 08:41 PM
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#63
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Community Rank: Explorer
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas
Posts: 10,721
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Re: Stitch, Spooks, and Smiles: Pre Trip Part 1
Glad you guys are enjoying reading- I can tell you I am enjoying writing!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zputer.gif[/img]
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Originally, the plan had been for a stop at Publix but we decided we could probably manage okay without the few groceries we had planned on getting. On to the Polynesian! Our journey took us on the Beeline to I-4, which was fun as we usually don’t head to WDW that way. Kevan and I joked about the many “near misses” on I-4 when we lived in Orlando many years ago. Flashbacks of being stuck in traffic on I-4 while in labor with my first child also hit me, funny now but far from humorous then!
I got the cameras ready to record all of the expressions of my kids’ faces as we drove on property. I was especially interested in the girls as this was their first trip after all. “We’re here! We’re here!’ they screamed as we passed the purple gates. Katie smiled and said, “Mom, Minnie!” I could have died and gone to heaven right then and there but our South Seas Paradise was waiting! Pretty soon after, we spotted the monorail which garnered lots of oohs and aahs too. Katie was quick to point out EPCOT. Why oh why was I sooo worried about this child?? [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/foreheadslap.gif[/img]
There wasn’t much activity at the Polynesian when we arrived so we got a few bellhops helping us out with the enormous amount of luggage, carry on’s and the like. Kevan told me to go on ahead and check in, but I waited on everyone as I knew we all should go together for the check in- reasons coming soon.
There was no line and I walked right up to the CM, she was very kind. Turns out that one room was ready but the other was not. She sort of hinted at the fact the other room would be connecting, but actually wouldn’t tell me for sure. ?. I had gotten every request on our reservation- our favorite, the Tokelau building, first floor facing the quiet pool. Normally, we go for a second or third floor room but as we would have FIVE kids, I didn’t want anyone beneath us- even though the rooms are pretty soundproof. I also liked the idea of having a patio rather than a balcony and that way, the kids could sort have a grassy area to play outside the room.
I highly recommend the Tokelau longhouse to anyone booking a garden view. From the second and third floor- if one faces the quiet pool- you can often get a great lagoon and castle view simply by looking to the right. Tokelau is also really nicely located- quiet pool right there, with a short walk to the volcano pool and Great Ceremonial House. But, to each his own- just a few reasons why it’s my favorite.
The CM asked if we would like our customary lei greeting- but of course! We lined the kids up – and I had to lift Emily over the counter as she was too short for the CM to reach. All of the kids really enjoyed it and it was a lovely way to begin our stay.
Aloha!!
Emily really dug the Aloha. I know this because she immediately began telling everyone, Aloha. Aloha this, Aloha that. It was so cute!! Kevan headed back out to Bell Services to give them our claim tickets and took the boys with him so they could ride the golf cart and get the grand tour.
Beverly and I took the girls and we walked towards Tokelau. Beverly hadn’t been here since the 1970’s and remarked on a few of the changes she noticed. Being the shopper she is, I made sure to take her by the Boutiki- I absolutely love this place. She was impressed!
We took our time getting to the room and the boys were already there, with the sliding glass door open. The front desk told us to check in another hour on the status of Beverly’s room, so we just stored all the luggage in ours. The kids were ready to explore, so we took off for the beach. Emily spotted the castle first and ran ahead.
The temperature I should mention, was a not so balmy 50 degrees and it was windy.
We stayed out a few minutes on the beach. I got one of my favorite pictures of the trip right off the bat- it’s in my signature. Matthew was so excited to finally be here! We also walked up to Sunset Point to sit and take in the castle and Seven Seas Lagoon.
The wind was really biting so we decided to head back to the room. We snapped some fun photos on the way back.
Aaron and Matthew check out the landscaping
Emily walked with me and said, “Mama, I like it here!” Me too Emmy, Me too!!
By this time, it was almost 2:30 and we decided to go ahead and check on the room. Not ready. We had ADR’s at Chef Mickey’s for 5 pm so we still had some time to do more exploring. Beverly offered to take any of the kids who wanted to go to the arcade. Katie seemed to be happy to want to stay and color, so everyone else headed out. She was looking a little worn out so I was glad she was able to recognize she needed a rest. She colored and I unpacked. About an hour later, everyone returned and we called again to check on the room- still a no go. Beverly had brought back a 2 liter of Coke and the kids were starting to show signs of “tired”- so we told all of them to take off their shoes, have a Coke and check out TV. Kevin P was quick to remember from our last trip the resort/WDW channels and found it. The kids also enjoyed going through all the park maps we had gotten at check in.
Finally, at 4:00 I called the front desk again, thinking surely the room would be ready. However, the CM told me it was still showing not available. He offered to have someone check for me and call me back. About 5 minutes later, he did so and told me we were good to go. The room? 1943- next door- connecting. It was sort of funny- we had Aaron take Bev’s room card, leave our room, go next door to their room- and then he came back through the connecting doors. For some reason, we all got a big kick out of that- especially Emily, who didn't exactly get the concept of connecting room and yelled at Aaron to "get out of the other people's room" [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img]
We decided to freshen up and go ahead on over to the Contemporary, figuring if we were too early to check in for our Chef Mickey’s ADR, we could browse around the shops. I asked Katie and Emily if they were ready to go meet Mickey for the first time and both of them had HUGE smiles on their faces while heading for the door. Matthew and Kevin were anxious to revisit with their favorite dog, Pluto. Equally as exciting the prospect of that first magical ride on the monorail..
Coming Up: Magical first meetings and reunions with "old friends"..
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Sponsored links
 | | 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. |
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11-14-2005, 09:33 PM
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#64
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Community Rank: Explorer
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: NE Ohio
Concierge Level: 8
Posts: 11,856
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Re: Stitch, Spooks, and Smiles: Pre Trip Part 1
I'm glad to hear that the flight went well and that the kids liked their room. I can't wait to find out how dinner with Mickey went.
liz
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11-14-2005, 09:35 PM
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#65
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Community Rank: Trailblazer 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Chicago Illinois
Posts: 5,421
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Re: Stitch, Spooks, and Smiles: Pre Trip Part 1
Great updates! Katie is doing great. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
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11-14-2005, 09:41 PM
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#66
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Community Rank: Explorer
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Posts: 13,817
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Re: Stitch, Spooks, and Smiles: Pre Trip Part 1
[ QUOTE ]
Emily walked with me and said, “Mama, I like it here!” Me too Emmy, Me too!!
[/ QUOTE ]
[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zcry.gif[/img] That's is just too sweet! I'm glad everything is going so smoothly. More please!
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11-14-2005, 09:42 PM
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#67
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Community Rank: Explorer
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: new york
Posts: 9,202
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Re: Stitch, Spooks, and Smiles: Pre Trip Part 1
more please sounds like you and your family are having a great time at the world.
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11-15-2005, 12:03 AM
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#68
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Community Rank: Day-Tripper
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Oregon
Posts: 13
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Re: Stitch, Spooks, and Smiles: Pre Trip Part 1
"Katie smiled and said, “Mom, Minnie!” I could have died and gone to heaven right then and there..."
That sentence had tears running down my face! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zcry.gif[/img]
I'm glad you are having such a wonderful trip. You have beautiful family!
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11-15-2005, 12:48 AM
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#69
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Dopey's biggest fan!
Join Date: May 2004
Location: China Spring, TX
Concierge Level: 9
Posts: 26,975
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Re: Stitch, Spooks, and Smiles: Pre Trip Part 1
Another great update, Mo!!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
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11-15-2005, 02:23 AM
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#70
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PassPorter Message Board Manager
 PassPorter Guide Author
Community Rank: Legend VIP 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Maidstone, Kent, UK
Concierge Level: 3
Posts: 190,285
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Re: Stitch, Spooks, and Smiles: Pre Trip Part 1
It looks like all of the kids take after you guys and loved the Polynesian - what great photos as you walked around the grounds. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
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11-15-2005, 06:20 AM
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#71
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Community Rank: Trekker 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Maine
Posts: 1,831
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Re: Stitch, Spooks, and Smiles: Pre Trip Part 1
Wonderful update! Looking forward to more!
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11-15-2005, 06:23 AM
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#72
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The Original BagMan
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Shalimar, FL
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 22,002
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Re: Stitch, Spooks, and Smiles: Pre Trip Part 1
There's just nothing like a Mo TR [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]
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11-15-2005, 08:55 AM
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#73
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Community Rank: Explorer
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Niagara Falls
Concierge Level: 3
Posts: 12,431
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Re: Stitch, Spooks, and Smiles: Pre Trip Part 1
[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] & [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img] for Katie!!!!
Can't wait for more! So glad to see you around these parts again!
Jennifer
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11-15-2005, 09:09 AM
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#74
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Community Rank: Explorer
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: New York
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 7,960
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Re: Stitch, Spooks, and Smiles: Pre Trip Part 1
Great update! Hurry back with more, please!
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11-15-2005, 09:12 AM
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#75
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Community Rank: Scout 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Lafayette, LA & BCV
Concierge Level: 7
Posts: 4,751
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Re: Stitch, Spooks, and Smiles: Pre Trip Part 1
Great trip report so far Maureen! I can't wait to hear about Emily and Katie's meeting with Mickey. I think I spotted one of your girls at the Ohana Breakfast with Stitch on October 30th - were you there that morning??
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*
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Sponsored links
| | 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. |
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