4 Parks, 2 Days, 1 Backpack: The Trip Report Complete! - Page 7 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
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.
Glad it was a good trip!!! Waiting for "the rest of the story"
Won't have to wait long!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lauriep
Loved the quick wrap-up and "lessons learned". If everyone would read and heed these, there would be more happy campers! Welcome back!
Here! Here! Simple rules for simple happiness!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eeyoresmom
Welcome back, Heather! Sounds like a great mini-trip! Can't wait to hear the details!
Coming up!
Quote:
Originally Posted by cubfancolleen
Sounds like a great trip, and one you'll be glad you did with the next week of work.
I am sorry to hear that it seems like San Angel is not going to have been a good experience!
And I cannot believe there was NOTHING new at WDW since your last trip!! I mean, that was AGES ago! (insert sarcastic eye roll here).
Feels like eons to an addict
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nimros
Wow - your "Before-the-TR-Wrap-up/Final-Thoughts" was already so good, you don't even need to write the actual TR! But you know us, we love the details. So when you're rested and ready, we'll be here waiting.
I'm ready and it is on the way
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcc0313
Glad you had such a great trip filled with fun and "zenlike" moments...I loved your wrap-up, very smart "lessons". Can't wait to hear all the details....except San Angel Inn did not sound like a winner at all....(25 minutes) not sure if they rushed you through the meal or if you ended up walking out, either way not good (and that was one of my votes ) but I do want to go and have a burger at Liberty Inn now...
San Angel wasn't THAT bad, but I won't be running back
Quote:
Originally Posted by my2girls
What a great 2 days at WDW!!! Can't wait to read and see the rest of it!!
Pictures in the next update!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Luvsun
Welcome back Heather! It sounds like your little getaway was a good one! I can't wait to read every detail! Although, I did love the little snippets!!
Details on the way
Quote:
Originally Posted by goofysdtr
Loved the teasers, Heather! Glad you got that little getaway. Sounds like you'll need it for your upcoming work schedule!
Back to normal today!
Quote:
Originally Posted by PrincessSharon
Welcome back! I'm really interested to hear the details of your trip, because I often want to take a 2 day trip but then think I won't have time to do anything. And it usually happens in the summer, because I don't often plan summer trips. Because of heat and crowds. Can't wait to hear about it!
The biggest crowds for me were at the food court and the buses back to the resort. As long as you get out to the park early it is just fine!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wendyismyname
I'm glad you're back Heather!!! I love those teasers you threw out there!!! I'm dying to know about San Angel.
NO DYING! I mean it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by disney_duke
I'm totally digging your zen-approach comments as this is how my next few WDW trips will be - post knee surgery! I'll have to stop and listen to my body much more than ever before. Looking forward to your details!
Good luck with the knee!
Quote:
Originally Posted by OhToodles!
Love this!! Not that this situation was stressful or bad, but when I got my new tattoo Sunday I imagined I was on PoTC and the pain disappeared! That's why I listen to Disney music at work too - makes me happier.
Are there pictures of this new tattoo?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dlandmom2
Welcome back! I was thinking of you last night, knowing that you had to go to work after your little vacation. I was really hoping that the vacation went well, so you didn't have to dread going back to work! Sounds like it was!
Can't wait to hear more details. I'd love to do a solo trip some time soon, and it's good to hear the pros and cons of someone who has done it!
I'll put the pros and cons in my real wrap up!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lazanya
Welcome back Heather! Can't wait to hear more of your trip!
WOW! Now that was an intro to a TR!! I would like to know exactly what items you packed (and should have packed) for future reference.
Thanks!
What I packed: 2 Tshirts, 1 nicer shirt, 1 cotton skirt, 1 bike shorts for under skirt, underthings, shampoo, body wash, toothbrush/paste, contacts/solution, pain killer, allergy meds, inhaler, tums, hair brush, mascara, lip goo, sunblock, mini hipster purse. All packed in my Vera Weekender.
What I wore: cargo pants, T shirt, white bra, sanuk flip flops
What I wished I had: another pair of pants, extra T shirts, a different lip gloss, extra undies, another pair of flip flops.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DrDolphin
Glad to hear you had a zen-like trip, and relaxed some. Can't wait to read all the details!
Ommm
Quote:
Originally Posted by KMB733
Back Heather!!! Thanks for the teasers, now I can't wait to read the full report!!
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 got up at 3:45am to start my trip. I showered, threw the last few things in my bag, and took out some extra clothing. Note to self: Don't ever do that again. If you thought you needed it the night before, you probably will. Brandon was yelling down the hall at me that I was going to miss my flight. I left the house at 4:20 and was on my way to the airport. I ended up realizing that I should probably have left earlier, so instead of the park and fly, I opted for airport long term parking. (A difference of $5 a day)
I already had my boarding pass and didn't have to check any luggage, so I hauled my fairly heavy carry on down to Delta's security checkpoint. The line was longer than I expected because lots of people slept late and were desperately trying to make a flight to Houston that was in final boarding. Whoops! I did make it through security and had time to grab a crappy pastry and a ruby red grapefruit juice before boarding. I have to say that Ocean Spray Ruby Red is gross--way to sweet for me, but I chugged it down and got on the plane.
When I booked my tickets both flights on the way down were full, but it turns out that a lot of people must have either changed or missed this flight. I ended up with a whole row to myself! Nice!
I connected in Memphis, where I grabbed a breakfast sandwich from Backyard Burger. It was enormous! I didn't finish it, but I should have opted for fries instead of their breakfast potatoes--the food court area was out of forks! Feeling full, I boarded my next flight, which was also feeling full! I fell asleep and before I knew it we were getting ready to land--early even!
Once on the ground, I headed for DME and was through the customer service line in seconds. I was on a bus almost immediately and off to All Star Music. The speedy service continued and my room, in the Jazz section, building 9, was ready! I took some photos of the room before I trashed it.
Look a Minnie greeting!
You can see the rather small size of the bag I packed sitting on the KING bed!
Hey look! A flat screen TV, which I never even turned on!
The handicapped shower--why do I always get the handicapped room at the All Stars??
I quickly unpacked my stuff, well most of it, and headed out to the bus stops. A bus to Epcot, with almost no one on it picked me up in about 5 minutes--see--more speedy service!
I was through the bag check pretty quickly even though a large group had just gotten off the monorail--they all followed the first person into the same bag check line. Come on people! Use your noggins!
Once I was through the turnstiles I took a deep breath and just relaxed, completely and totally. I didn't spend any time in Future World except to stop and listen to the Fountain of Nations for a minute. I thought about checking to see what the FP return time was for Soarin, but I decided against scaling Mt Epcot because I was starving. I knew if I headed for the Land I'd end up giving in and eating at Sunshine Seasons. Now there's nothing wrong with SS, in fact I love it, but they don't have cheeseburgers at SS!
I walked into World Showcase and caught the Friendship that was just loading up on the way to Morocco. I've never taken that one before and I enjoyed the minute to relax.
I walked from Morocco to the American Adventure and right into the Liberty Inn, which is not to be confused with the Liberty Tree Tavern, which is a sit down restaurant in the Magic Kingdom. (I hear they have a killer cheeseburger as well.)
I took some shots of the restaurant for those of you who have never been inside. The dining area is light and airy due to windows that cover two sides of the room.
The other wall is covered in Military flags:
The ordering area, menu, and condiment area:
There are some really neat touches in the kitchen
I ordered the Angus burger topped with smoked ham, bacon, smoked Gouda cheese, red onion, tomato, pickle, lettuce and mustard aioli sauce. Mustard aioli is a mustard mayo. I should have asked them to leave the onions off, but I wanted the photo to represent what you get if you order the meal. I believe you have the option of fries or grapes, but who wants grapes with a cheeseburger?
My plate untouched
With it's top off
A cross section!
This is hands down the best CS burger I've ever had at WDW, maybe the best burger I've ever had at WDW anywhere. It's definitely better than the Captain's Grille and I think it was better than Beaches and Cream. I know, you're thinking it can't possibly be better than Beaches and Cream, but every burger I've ever had at B&C has been good, but not anything super special. This burger is special. The ham and cheese both add smokey notes, the bacon adds salt and fat, the veggies are super crunchy and the aioli is nice and creamy. I didn't add anything at all to the burger, not even ketchup. It was, in a word, awesome. Just so you know, there is no longer a fixins bar available at this location. The condiment station has salt, pepper, relish, mayo, mustard, honey mustard, BBQ sauce and ketchup. I believe they offer so many sauce options because chicken nuggets are a menu choice, along with a BBQ sandwich, chili cheese dog, wedge salad, and veggie burger. I believe they also still offer a regular bacon cheese burger, but it isn't a combo option.
Liberty Inn gets the Heather Seal of Approval. (There are only 4 other CS locations that have earned that seal: Sunshine Seasons, Tangerine Cafe, Flame Tree BBQ and Casey's Corner. I've eaten at almost every CS in the World--I'm working on the rest slowly but surely.)
After my meal I went next door to hear the Voices of Liberty. This is one of my favorite things at WDW! I have a video that I'm struggling to upload at the moment. I tried photobucket and have moved on to YouTube. I'll post the video in a later update.
I went in to see the American Adventure and snapped some photos along the way. There are so many cool details that it is impossible to take enough photos before being herded into the theatre. I was the last one in and the doors shut right behind me.
I only saw about 2/3rds of the show because the show abruptly stopped due to a malfunction with the scenes changing. We were just past the WWI section. I've never heard of this show stopping for that reason, so I was kind of surprised.
I headed next to France, because I wanted to finally see Impressions de France. I loved it! I especially loved the music and have just hunted up the soundtrack that plays along with the movie. I was trying to use Shazam to figure out what the tracks were, but the other noises and voice over threw it off. I was in love with the second track, which is "Aquarium" from "Carnival of Animals" by Charles-Camille Saint-Saën. It will be joining my iPod tracks shortly.
I took some photos in the exit area and browsed the shops, but didn't buy anything. I am going to start adding the Epcot Country magnets, which I believe appeared in the last 6 months, to my collection, when I have a larger trip budget.
I LOVE this building and it's details!
The view across the lake
I headed next to hear the new band at the UK pavilion. They were good, but I don't think they were as good as the British Invasion. They were originally called the English Channel, but they are now called British Revolution (outside of Epcot they are called British Airwaves)
They were more rock oriented. They played some songs that were originally written by Brits, but played them in the style of the later rock bands that have covered them.
I have some video of them as well.
I grabbed a Strongbow Shandy at the pub and continued on to Canada, where I watched Martin Short tell me about the wonders of Canada. (Note: Movie #2) I now really want to visit Quebec City as the architecture looks like a combination of Paris and New Orleans--two of my favorite cities!
I explored the Canada Pavilion for a bit
I also checked out MY backyard!
Do you know where you can see this from?
And I took some photos of the gardens!
Up next: China, Norway, rain, and dinner at San Angel!
I'll post the videos as soon as they are uploaded--hopefully tonight!
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.
Very smooth arrival at WDW--room ready and everything! Glad to hear that the new burgers at Liberty Inn are so good-- the veggie one sounds wonderful, too. Probably my first meal at WDW in November.
Your burger looked amazing!!
I wish all the pavilions had movies show-casing the country! And I wish they'd redo the Norway one as it isn't great at showing the beauty of the country.
I love VoL. Will go back to see your video later.
Love the photos and the video. Love all your different angles and points-of-view.
I love how you're going to WDW to escape all the stress and then you have such a smooth and effortless arrival...and just going with the flow so far.
The burger looks amazing and I'll be honest, I didn't even know Liberty Inn was a CS option in Epcot! You know, it's America, so we just skip over that and go for all the exotic, foreign locales. I will put this on my radar for next trip.
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.
A topless photo! Excellent looking burger. I will be stopping there sometime in the near future. I'm glad you enjoyed the France film! It may be a wee bit old, but it sure does the job of transplanting you to France. I rather enjoy it! Yes you should visit Quebec City, it's beautiful, feels very old-European.
__________________
Tanya
Every click helps feed .6 bowls of food to rescued animals. Give a quick click every day and help animals in shelters! www.theanimalrescuesite.com
Listening to the Voices of Liberty clip while writing this, thank you so much. They give me super goosebumps everytime I hear them.
Thank you for your packing list (yet another note in my journal) I am trying ever so hard to take just a carryon for my solo October trip.
The topless burger looks oh so sexy and delish!
Your TR is making me homesick for FL. Oh the days when I could travel to WDW just for the day or a quick overnite stay just to enjoy a resort - never setting foot in a park .
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.
Great so far! Glad you liked the burger at the Liberty Inn. I'm no expert in burgers, but I think it's what you put on the burger that makes it good. For instance, people would rave about the burgers at Pecos Bill's (before they introduced the gourmet burgers) and I always thought they were nothing special because I just put ketchup (and once in a great while, mayo) on mine and everyone else was loading theirs up with fixin's. I hope that makes sense! So for me, B&C are the best, because they are fresh off the grill. Love the VOL video, thanks for the extra effort you had to go through in uploading it!
__________________
Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
Very smooth arrival at WDW--room ready and everything! Glad to hear that the new burgers at Liberty Inn are so good-- the veggie one sounds wonderful, too. Probably my first meal at WDW in November.
I hope the veggie burger is as good as mine was! You'll have to let us know!
Quote:
Originally Posted by cubfancolleen
Your burger looked amazing!!
I wish all the pavilions had movies show-casing the country! And I wish they'd redo the Norway one as it isn't great at showing the beauty of the country.
I love VoL. Will go back to see your video later.
I actually like the Norway movie . . . but it is showing it's age.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nimros
Love the photos and the video. Love all your different angles and points-of-view.
I love how you're going to WDW to escape all the stress and then you have such a smooth and effortless arrival...and just going with the flow so far.
The burger looks amazing and I'll be honest, I didn't even know Liberty Inn was a CS option in Epcot! You know, it's America, so we just skip over that and go for all the exotic, foreign locales. I will put this on my radar for next trip.
I have to say that my visit to the Liberty Inn was much much better than I expected and much better than some of the other CS options I've had in Epcot--I don't love Yakitori House for one . . . Somerfest leaves a lot to be desired as well.
Quote:
Originally Posted by disney_duke
A topless photo! Excellent looking burger. I will be stopping there sometime in the near future. I'm glad you enjoyed the France film! It may be a wee bit old, but it sure does the job of transplanting you to France. I rather enjoy it! Yes you should visit Quebec City, it's beautiful, feels very old-European.
I'm going to add Quebec City to the bucket list.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jennie622
Listening to the Voices of Liberty clip while writing this, thank you so much. They give me super goosebumps everytime I hear them.
Thank you for your packing list (yet another note in my journal) I am trying ever so hard to take just a carryon for my solo October trip.
The topless burger looks oh so sexy and delish!
Your TR is making me homesick for FL. Oh the days when I could travel to WDW just for the day or a quick overnite stay just to enjoy a resort - never setting foot in a park .
I rather wish I could just pop into the parks on my day off.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bfth
Some day I'm going to be just like you and pack up and go to WDW. just go!
Just Do It!
Quote:
Originally Posted by PrincessSharon
Great so far! Glad you liked the burger at the Liberty Inn. I'm no expert in burgers, but I think it's what you put on the burger that makes it good. For instance, people would rave about the burgers at Pecos Bill's (before they introduced the gourmet burgers) and I always thought they were nothing special because I just put ketchup (and once in a great while, mayo) on mine and everyone else was loading theirs up with fixin's. I hope that makes sense! So for me, B&C are the best, because they are fresh off the grill. Love the VOL video, thanks for the extra effort you had to go through in uploading it!
(Did you see the back of our house?) I have no issues with just putting ketchup on a burger--but I love me some fixins! What I really like is that the Disney culinary team is making the fixins bar obsolete by creating wonderful options like the gourmet burgers and the new hot dogs at Casey's!
About This Page: 
Back Heather!!! Thanks for the teasers, now I can't wait to read the full report!!
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
) but I do want to go and have a burger at Liberty Inn now...
It sounds like your little getaway was a good one! I can't wait to read every detail! Although, I did love the little snippets!! 
Can't wait to hear about it!
.
Love the pictures and videos! More please! 
Linear Mode
