10 Nights of Magic in The Orlando Trifecta-TR - COMPLETE!! 12/10 - Page 69 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
I think there are times for the show on the Tree of Life, as we arrived just as one was finishing, then had to wait for the next one. I didn't realise that, but I guess it makes sense.
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.
What a great finish to your long day. Can you imagine if you were checking in and that crowd was there, you would think you picked the wrong hotel to stay in.
I absolutely loved the Tree of Life show when I saw it in May for the first time!!! Glad you didn't have much of a wait time for the bus back to the Dolphin. Sounds like it was pretty crazy at the bar there but you made a good decision on having a night cap at Bellevue Lounge!
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.
I think there are times for the show on the Tree of Life, as we arrived just as one was finishing, then had to wait for the next one. I didn't realise that, but I guess it makes sense.
Wow, your resort was really packed out!
That probably does and will grab a schedule next time in the AK and see if these are listed. Would like to see the whole show as what I saw, I really enjoyed! The lobby and Phin's were just beyond pack and so loud there! It was definitely time to go elsewhere and the Bellevue Lounge was the right choice!
Quote:
Originally Posted by purplegal
What a great finish to your long day. Can you imagine if you were checking in and that crowd was there, you would think you picked the wrong hotel to stay in.
I enjoyed my AK day so much and nice and relaxing at the end! I don't think, I'd enjoy checking in with those circumstances!
__________________
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!
I absolutely loved the Tree of Life show when I saw it in May for the first time!!! Glad you didn't have much of a wait time for the bus back to the Dolphin. Sounds like it was pretty crazy at the bar there but you made a good decision on having a night cap at Bellevue Lounge!
I enjoyed what I saw of the show and plan to see the entire show next trip! Gotta love when the bus is waiting for you and you're not waiting for the bus! Going to the Bellevue Lounge was definitely the right move as I couldn't deal with that crowd and the noise level. Not the way way for a relaxing end to your day!
Quote:
Originally Posted by pamcarey
I also only saw part of a Tree of Life show on my trip last April. I will try to see a whole on my trip, whenever that is.
I will certainly be doing the same as I want to see the rest of it from the beginning!
__________________
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 pictures of the Tree of Life at night! Sorry the lobby was so crowded at the Dolphin! Glad you were able to go to the Belleview Lounge for a quiet nightcap!
Great pictures of the Tree of Life at night! Sorry the lobby was so crowded at the Dolphin! Glad you were able to go to the Belleview Lounge for a quiet nightcap!
The Tree is quite a new and great experience at night and glad I caught at least some of it. Not a big deal missing Phin's and going to the Bellevue as I experienced this area my first two nights. It's quite a bar and they did quite a job with this new bar and lobby as so beautiful. It was nice to go to another place which is so relaxing and far quieter, being one of my top two lounges on property! Had such a great time and drinks weren't bad either!
__________________
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!
Wednesday, October 11th (Part I) Well, I’m now at about the halfway point of the Disney portion of my trip with three full days left. Today, would be another full itinerary and certainly the longest day of the trip as you’ll find out. It will be quite an enjoyable day with a few firsts for me.
I was up around 7:15 am or so as a bit earlier than usual. Without a FP+ I hope I make it for rope drop at Studios! I will be using my FP+ bookings for another park later today.
After getting ready for my day, I went downstairs and outside and looks like it was going to be nice day even though hot and humid, but no rain in the forecast today. I went to Fuel for breakfast and had a croissant and coffee and enough for a start on my day. I had lunch plans later at Studios, so I didn’t want to have too much.
I was back to my room around 8:30 am as a bit later than I was hoping for as there was a few things I had to do before I headed to Studios. I am going to walk there as I can get there faster than the Friendship Boat with the stops it makes plus one will probably not be at the Dolphin dock waiting for me, so walking is the best way. It usually takes me about 15-20 minutes to walk there.
Once, I was ready, I went downstairs at about 8:45 am through the back entrance and the walkway between the Swan and Dolphin resorts. I took the walkway at the end of this promenade and headed right towards Studios. It was getting warm out but not bothersome during my walk as still early enough without the oppressive heat.
I enjoyed the walk, but there weren’t as many people walking to Studios as I thought there would be for rope drop. I’m not sure if I’ll make it for rope drop, but it should be close as it will depend on the lines to enter the park and scan my MagicBand.
I was getting close as this Studios icon came into view!
In just a few minutes I arrived at Studios. It took me an extra couple of minutes as there was some rerouting from the walking path with the Skyliner construction. It was about 9 am and the rope drop ceremony was just beginning, but I wasn’t through the gates yet. There were good sized lines at the MB kiosks but not too bad. Of course, I was singled out for security screening as well.
At 9:05 am I was through the gates and tried to speed walk to my first attraction of the day as I didn’t have any FP+s for Studios today. It wasn’t easy to speed walk as you can see below!
Quite the crowd, just after rope drop.
I dodged in and out between the pedestrian traffic and did rather well with this. Once I got to the end of the boulevard and arrived at the Chinese Theater I took a right towards Pixar Studios for Toy Story Midway Mania as this would have the longest line. Trying an hour later, the standby wait times will be well over an hour.
I made decent time getting here as you can see!
When I got inside the line was very long already but was moving. One good thing is the line wasn’t outside yet. While the line moved and I got closer to getting on this ride without a FP+ I took some photos of the theming in the queue area.
In about ten minutes or so, I was heading up the stairs and joining the FP+ line. In just a few minutes more I was in my vehicle for a great experience. I always enjoy this ride. I think I was on the ride in about 15 minutes or just a bit more. Glad I arrived here just after park opening, otherwise the situation would be completely different!
I’m quite happy I performed rather well today!
After exiting Toy Story Mania, I began to walk towards Sunset Boulevard for two more attractions. As it was about 45 minutes after park opening, I’m guessing the stand by lines will be a bit longer for Tower of Terror and Rock ‘N” Roll Roller coaster, but hoping they won’t be too bad. The latter I plan on using the single rider line. Unfortunately, this line sometimes doesn’t move that fast and the waits can be rather long, even when there are not a lot of people in this line. The CMs need to do a better job by selecting more people from this line.
Arrival at attraction #2
When I arrived at Tower of Terror the standby line wait time was stated at 45 minutes already as Studios has only been opened for about an hour. I’m hoping the wait time will not be quite that long. It will depend on how many of the elevators are operating. It’s usually just two but sometimes they have all three being used.
The line was moving well and I was inside the lobby in about 20-25 minutes and certainly a vast improvement over the stated wait time. I was happy with this.
Before you knew it, I was entering the pre-ride room in the library for the Twilight Zone episode. Once this was done, I entered the hallway and basement area to get in line for an elevator. I made the smart decision as I usually do to be stationed near the door in the library for easy access. Once, I got outside I chose the closest elevator.
While, I was waiting in line one of the CMs called out for a single rider and I happily volunteered! I was a bit far back in the line but made my way up to my row assignment outside the elevator. Even better as I was assigned row #1! Shortly, our elevator arrived and we boarded for another great ride as each experience is always a bit different.
I love the elevator operators for this attraction as they make the experience a bit haunting and scary for your experience before the ride begins. This would be another great ride as there were many sudden drops and rises with this one as I enjoy so much! One of my favorite WDW attractions.
Great view from the front row!
After another great ride, I exited the attraction and bypassed the gift shop and speed walked to Rock ‘N’ Roll Rollercoaster, which is conveniently close.
I walked over to the single rider line and when I got to the top near the door there were about 15 people before me in line. The CMs were not selecting many from the single ride line and it took about 20 minutes before I entered the pre-show experience in the studio. Once, the show ended and I entered outside for boarding my car, the line was moving quite slow. This was another 20 minutes as the line began just outside the studio exit.
Finally, I was assigned my row and got row 5 or 6. There seemed to be some delays with the cars arriving as not as constant as usual as this added to the delay. Once, I boarded and the ride began it was another great experience and quite exhilarating as always with the high- speed twists, turns and inverts! There was a delay of a couple of minutes when the ride ended before continuing to the disembarking room. Once, we finally arrived there I exited and bypassed the gift shop once again. I did check out my photo from the ride but didn’t purchase a copy.
After exiting the attraction, I checked the time and it was about 11:40 am or so. I had planned on having lunch in Studios today, but I felt it was a little early still for lunch. So, what did I do? Look below!
Time for an encore!
The wait time was stated a little less than my first ride at 35 minutes and I hope the line moves as well as it did for my first ride!
After waiting about 15 minutes or just a bit more, I was just outside the entrance to the lobby. I was glad the line was moving well. I scanned my MagicBand and waited to enter the lobby. In the meantime, I got some photos.
The doors to the library opened and we entered to watch the pre-show. Once again, I was near the exit. As soon as the doors opened I made my way from the basement area to the elevator lines. The lines were a bit long but were moving well. When it came to my row assignment, I lucked out with the front row again!
Our elevator attendant in character
We boarded the elevator row by row and shortly the doors closed and I began another great Tower of Terror experience. It was a little different than earlier today, but probably just as good with the sharp drops.
Once, the ride was over and the doors opened I exited the attraction and bypassed the gift shop once again. I don’t think I’ve ever purchased a thing in one of the attraction gift shops, but this is one I’d consider as it’s one of my favorite attractions.
Soon, I was back on Sunset Boulevard. It was around 12:15 pm or so and time for some lunch. I headed down the boulevard towards my lunch destination.
NEXT: A New Dining Experience, But Not Exactly!
__________________
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; 08-18-2018 at 05:59 PM..
Great start to your day, especially as you needed to be there early since you didn't have FPs.
Glad I got several attractions in early at the start as was the key! I was worried by not having the FPs at the start but it seemed to work out for the best and especially TSMM as that was the one I was worried about most, but luckily got in the line about 15 minutes after opening with a short wait! The waits for TOT weren't bad but not a fan of the single rider line for RNRRC as it moves so slow! How does Luke feel about this as I know he uses this line regularly for this attraction as you don't go on 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; 08-19-2018 at 12:33 AM..
Excellent! Two rides on ToT is wonderful and how great is your wait time for TSMM? WITHOUT A FP+ !
WE haven't ridden RnRC in a couple of years as it's started to mess with Dave a little bit. I miss doing it, but from what you said, single rider line isn't the way to do it!
You got a lot accomplished without fast passes. I like your strategy of getting close to where the doors open, it really speeds up the boarding of rides.
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.