How The Western Caribbean Was Won! Completed 8/10/2016 - Page 6 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
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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
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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.
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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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I'm so excited to see more! I hate when people are late picking you up. Whether it's a service or friends. It's just inconsiderate.
This will be ongoing and an update coming up shortly! That shuttle service ticked me off certainly on my pickup!
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Originally Posted by wheezie
Just now signing on. I'm really enjoying it so far!
Glad to hear it and much more to come!
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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!
Just found this and am happy to be signing on! And I'm with Cheryl, let's see some pictures of that tarmac view!
Glad you're here and the photos will be coming soon! Although, one there already in my sig!
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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!
Saturday, April 11 (Part II)
Well after all the kids cleared out of the elevator section, I was finally able to take one and get to my room. My room location was only perhaps, only several rooms down from the elevators on the left (#7131) and not much of a walk, so quite convenient. When I got to my room, I checked it out and was quite pleased with the room. I then called downstairs to have my bag brought up to my room as it was being held as the room wasn’t ready, when I originally tried to check in. I think it was only about five minutes or so.
So now the room....
Bath
Not sure, why it’s so dark in here as the sun was coming in with curtains open?
Funny that these rooms are a bit cheaper than a discounted price at a WDW mod, but much nicer like some of the deluxes. Comparable to Epcot resort rooms!
Masters Golf Tournament on flat screen TV in room.
Is there a better use for my lamp table?
Ok, here you go for all those who want to see the view of the tarmac of MCO from my room! I don’t know why anyone would want to.....?
Nice view of Delta flight at gate. It is a zoom, but not crazy as I had a great view without my camera lens!
One of my favorite aspects on arriving in Orlando and taking the monorail to the central terminal as I’m that much closer to arriving in WDW or cruise!
Southwest Airlines flight taxiing to gate, just after landing.
The views were amazing from my room and was certainly enjoying these! It helps to be patient to wait for a room with a view like this! Many people could care less about watching the planes land, but I love it! First time, with a plane view! It didn’t cost me anything extra either, so even better!
Upper hotel pool about 50 feet from my room, but one floor down. Also, you can see the tarmac behind it.
More of room and comfy chair.
Overall, I’m very pleased with the room and can’t say enough about the incredible views of the tarmac from here. I spent quite a bit of time, this afternoon just relaxing in my room, watching the plane landings from my small deck, enjoying it all and watching some Masters Golf before going downstairs later in the evening for dinner and checking out the bar. The next time, I take a Disney cruise, (if out of Port Canaveral) I will most certainly be staying here and requesting another tarmac view! Should have taken more photos of it....but there are a few more to come!
NEXT: An Amazing Rapid Change In Just Minutes!
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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!
Oh that view is fun - I love it when there's action outside, like a runway or a savannah as I find myself always checking outside to see what's going on!
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.
Oh, that is a great view! My 2 youngest boys would enjoy watching all the planes.
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All was good! Would have preferred flying out of Westchester than JFK as much closer to me and a smaller airport, but I used points on this and the former required many more points!
I love the little airport close to my home. It's about a half hour away and it's so easy and convenient. I'm all for a relaxing traveling experience. I don't like to feel stressed. The main airport is about 2 hours away and it's so big and chaotic. I try to avoid it as much as possible.
It took some time, but I am finally caught up. Great plans for your trip and I loved the pictures of the Orlando Airport Hyatt as we will be staying there in December!!
Oh that view is fun - I love it when there's action outside, like a runway or a savannah as I find myself always checking outside to see what's going on!
Definitely, one of my top room views in a hotel. along with a savannah at AKL back in 2004. Too bad, only one night! I spent quite a bit of time out there just enjoying all the plane traffic!
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Originally Posted by wheezie
Wow, what an awesome view!
It most certainly was and certainly recommend it if you ever have the chance to stay here!
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Originally Posted by MayraLR
Oh, that is a great view! My 2 youngest boys would enjoy watching all the planes.
I love the little airport close to my home. It's about a half hour away and it's so easy and convenient. I'm all for a relaxing traveling experience. I don't like to feel stressed. The main airport is about 2 hours away and it's so big and chaotic. I try to avoid it as much as possible.
Gotta love the smaller airports as things are much easier and just stress free! Best way to travel on departure day is to have a nice and relaxing experience!
I'm sure your boys would love the view from this room. Great that there wasn't any surcharge for these rooms as there doesn't seem to be. Different rates on rooms but in types for king and queen beds, suites etc. Just had to wait a bit for one of these to be ready and so worth it! I'm sure your husband and oldest son may enjoy it as well!
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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 took some time, but I am finally caught up. Great plans for your trip and I loved the pictures of the Orlando Airport Hyatt as we will be staying there in December!!
Glad you're aboard as you had a busy time in WDW! Have been enjoying your TR so mych and your PTR for the December trip! You will love the Hyatt as there are some nice dining and lounge options there. You definitely should try to get a tarmac view if you desire! Just loved it, but not that I needed to tell you that!
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Originally Posted by Asuka
I love the pictures! Is it noisy with the planes being so close? I'd love to have a view of them though.
Glad you like the photos! The view is incredible and you can hear them, when you're out on the deck (not too noisy though) but not so when the deck door is closed! I don't ever recall waking up during the night, because of all the plane landings!
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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!
Great work with a super view! The room looks dark because your light source is the window so when you face it the light is all centered on the window. Put the light source to your back and it brightens up your photo.
Great work with a super view! The room looks dark because your light source is the window so when you face it the light is all centered on the window. Put the light source to your back and it brightens up your photo.
It was well worth waiting for! Thanks for the tip and I will have to remember that one!
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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!
The next couple of hours I just relaxed in my room and watched The Masters golf tournament on my in room TV. I also got my luggage ready for pickup as it would be picked up in my room between 9-10 am in the morning. The carry on, I would be taking with me, so I just removed those items (mainly clothing) that I would need from my large bag, until I got to my stateroom on the Disney Magic tomorrow!
Through the course of the afternoon, I was watching the weather on TV and some severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for the Orlando and Central Florida region. On the map, they were starting to look pretty ominous. I went outside on the deck and it was getting a bit overcast and dark from the north and west. It was nearly 7 pm now and I had been thinking about heading down to the lobby bar and get some dinner as well. I put a hold on this for a bit as we had an amazing rapid change in minutes in the weather conditions outside! Typical of a late afternoon in Florida! I went out on the deck to get some photos of this!
Quite ominous looking!
Conditions were certainly deteriorating from earlier this afternoon.
Much different from this photo, not taken too long ago! I’m sure everyone was out of the pool by now or they’d have one interesting experience in there!
The rain and wind were quite intense and the wind was driving the torrential rain on my deck. So in other words, I was getting pelted by it! There was thunder and lightning in the area, but quite distant at the time and was aware of it.
The visibility had quite diminished in a short period of time! I had one of the local Orlando news programs on and they issued a tornado warning for Osceola County, which isn’t too far away as the south part of WDW is located there. This is the same view as the one overlooking the pool above!
I went downstairs and took a few photos outside the terminal as the rain was coming down quite heavily. We had some thunder and lightning, but nothing too bad here.
The rain was starting to lighten up after a while, so I walked to the lobby bar at the Hyatt to have a glass of wine before dinner. It’s a nice bar, but not too big with a few TVs with sports programming being shown on them. The staff is quite friendly and you don’t have to wait much. It was fairly busy as some were having dinner here as well as drinks. I had a Pinot Noir, which I enjoyed for a while before going to McCoy’s almost adjacent to the bar for dinner. It was nearly 8:30 pm at this time, so a bit later for dinner than usual, but this will be the standard on the Disney Magic as I have the late seating.
I walked to McCoy’s and told the host at check in, that I would just sit up at the bar to have dinner.
Sushi chefs preparing orders in McCoy’s
It seemed quite busy tonight as most tables were full, even though it was 8:30 pm or so. One of the bartenders gave me a menu and before looking it over I ordered a glass of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, which is one of my favorites. I had my mind set on seafood tonight, so the wine was a good choice! I placed my order with the bartender and my first course arrived just minutes later.
Crawfish Chowder. Lots of flavor, plenty of crawfish and a good choice!
My main course. Cedar Plank Wild Salmon (½ portion as I was still a bit full from lunch), Sauteed Spinach with Garlic and Olive Oil, Mango Salsa and Cannelloni Beans with Garlic and Tomatoes.
The salmon was exceptional as were the accompaniments. It was cooked and seasoned perfectly. I almost wish, I went for the larger portion as it was so good! I was quite full after this, so better that I didn’t go for the larger one! I didn’t have room for dessert, so I had an espresso and a Grand Marnier to finish off my dinner.
I’m quite glad I ate here and will definitely be back, the next time I stay at the Hyatt. I remember this restaurant from Cheryl’s TR a couple of years ago (Hawaii trip) and how much she and Mark enjoyed their dinner here!
After leaving the restaurant, I walked around the terminal for a while to get some photos. It’s amazing how quiet it was getting in the terminal now as it was approaching 10 pm.
I wouldn't be seeing Mickey here, but at sea, so all was good!
Hyatt’s lobby.
Lounge area in lobby adjacent to bar.
Lobby bar.
I returned to the lobby bar and had another Grand Marnier along with an espresso. It was about 10:30 pm or so and I wasn’t ready to go to bed yet. Just watched The Masters highlights on one of their TVs for a while. In general the caffeine doesn’t usually bother me too much, so I wasn’t worried about having it at night and not being able to fall asleep! If I can’t, I’ll just blame it on being overly excited for my Disney Magic cruise tomorrow! I was thinking, that in about 12 hours I will be leaving by Disney’s Magic Express for Port Canaveral! Just can’t wait!
At around 11:15 pm, I headed back to my room, but got a few photos before doing so.
The fountain looks so beautiful at night with the backdrop of the Hyatt. Even better as the terminal is pretty empty and no one here to ruin your photo by being in it!
From the lobby level of the Hyatt
I took the elevator up to the 7th floor and went to my room and close this day out. First, I made sure I had my bags ready with my DCL tag attached to the checked luggage and everything I would need for the morning, including my voucher for breakfast. I went out on the deck for a bit to watch the plane traffic and there was some, but not a lot. The monorails were still running as well. I watched some TV for a bit before going to bed at around midnight. Not too late as I had my wake up call set for 7:30 am.
NEXT: They Certainly Keep Them Busy Here!
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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; 08-16-2015 at 05:53 PM..
Great update, Dave!! We just saw firsthand how crazy the weather is in Orlando! Cool pictures of the storm!! Your dinner sounds lovely and I am loving hearing all about the airport Hyatt!!. I especially like the 'ety airport' photos!!
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That shuttle service ticked me off certainly on my pickup! 
When I got to my room, I checked it out and was quite pleased with the room. I then called downstairs to have my bag brought up to my room as it was being held as the room wasn’t ready, when I originally tried to check in. I think it was only about five minutes or so.
First time, with a plane view! It didn’t cost me anything extra either, so even better! 
I spent quite a bit of time, this afternoon just relaxing in my room, watching the plane landings from my small deck, enjoying it all and watching some Masters Golf before going downstairs later in the evening for dinner and checking out the bar. 
PassPorter Guide Author
as I find myself always checking outside to see what's going on! 
and it's so big and chaotic. I try to avoid it as much as possible.
Typical of a late afternoon in Florida! I went out on the deck to get some photos of this!
There was thunder and lightning in the area, but quite distant at the time and was aware of it. 
I had my mind set on seafood tonight, so the wine was a good choice! I placed my order with the bartender and my first course arrived just minutes later. 
I was quite full after this, so better that I didn’t go for the larger one! I didn’t have room for dessert, so I had an espresso and a Grand Marnier to finish off my dinner. 
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