Things to Accomplish...Solo Trip to WDW....Check! - Page 8 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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!
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I woke up early because I had an ADR at Kouzzina’s at 8:00am. Why I made all my breakfast ADRs so early, I’ll never know. Anywho…I got dressed quickly and headed to the front desk. I wasn’t really sure about the best route to take to the Boardwalk, so who else better to ask than a CM! So, the gentleman that I asked said to take the bus to DHS, then the boat over to Boardwalk. Sounded like a plan for me, so I got in line for DHS. It was a little foggy around the resort, but not really that bad. Soon a DHS bus arrived and we were on our way. I looked at my watch and realized I was doing really good on time!
We arrived at DHS and I walked toward the boats to see what time they were going to start running. The little sign said 8:20. What the…?? That was a crazy time. So I wandered back to the front of DHS and I looked back toward the Boardwalk area and this is what I saw.
You can see the boat flag on your left, but that’s about all you can see in the distance.
This is looking back to where the buses come in and drop off folks!
Even the ducks are hiding!!
As I stood there, I heard a man ask me, “Can I help you?” It was a gardener working on one of the flower beds. I told him about my dilemma and how I needed to get to the Boardwalk before 8:00. He said come with me. So, I followed him to that little building before you get to the security check at DHS. Did you know there are offices in there?!?! He told me that he would see what he could do. I said okay and waited outside the building constantly checking the time and trying to plan my next step. Soon the door opened and a little brunette lady came out and asked, “You headed to the Boardwalk?” I replied, “Yes, Ma’m”. She said, “Okay, let’s go.” That’s when I noticed a Disney transportation bus just sitting there. A guy stuck his head out the door and said to me, “Angie will take you to where you need to go. Have a great day.” I replied, “Thank You” and I turned around to thank the gardener, but he was nowhere to be found. I looked around to see if he maybe had gone back to work, but he hadn’t. It was like he just vanished.
I got on the bus and Angie checked in on the radio. Soon we were on our way to the Boardwalk. Here’s some of our conversation: Angie: So you headed to the Boardwalk for breakfast? Me: Yes, Ma’m. I have a breakfast reservation at Kouzzina’s. Angie: I heard that was good place to eat. Where are you from, you have a strong southern accent? Me: Texas. The southeast corner of Texas actually. Angie: Yep, knew I heard a strong accent! Me: You have a northern accent. Angie: New Jersey. Me: What brought you to Florida?? Angie: Disney!!!
We talked a few more minutes about how long she had been driving for Disney and how she liked it. It was a pleasant drive. As we arrived at the Boardwalk Inn, she stopped and said, “Just follow the sidewalk and turn right.” As I went to get off, I asked if she was picking anyone up at the resort. She replied, “No, I’ve got to go somewhere else.” I stood there for just a second and said, “You mean you made a special trip just for me?” Her reply, (with a big smile), “Yes Ma’m, have a magical day”!! Wow…Disney has the best hospitality!!
I followed the sidewalk but instead of turning right at the steps I went to the front door. I stood there for a second and the valet guy looked at me. I said, “I need to get to Kouzzina’s. He just pointed to the wall that said, Boardwalk. I must have looked stupid because he just grinned.I felt so stupid. But.....I got to Kouzzina’s at 7:59am!!!!
I got to the podium and checked in. No one else was sitting in the waiting area and the hostess took me back into the restaurant. I sat along the wall facing the kitchen.
Bradley was my waiter and since I already knew what I wanted, it was an easy order.
Classic Golden Waffle, bacon (extra crispy), coffee, orange juice.
This was the BEST breakfast on the whole trip and a definite must do on my next trip. I devoured each - - and - - every- - bite!!!
Once the check was settled, I headed out to do some shopping. Since I had never been on the Boardwalk before, this was going to be a new adventure. Of course, I went into every shop and just did some major browsing. Nothing caught my eye, so I started walking toward Epcot.
Early morning on the Boardwalk!
As I walked over the bridge heading toward Epcot, I realized that I absolutely had to stay at an Epcot resort. The walk so was nice and pleasant. And being so involved in the moment of looking around, I didn’t take any pictures. So sorry….
As I passed the International Gateway shop, guess what I did??? Yep, did a little browse walk through! Since I’ve never entered this way, I didn’t really know what to expect. All I can say is WOW! Not having a crowd around sure does make for some great photos!!
Stories like that about the gardener and the bus driver just make me love Disney more and more. THAT's the way to run a business. Give the employees the freedom to make decisions like that on their own so that guests are satisfied. Also shows what will happen if you approach a possible problem optimistically and with a friendly attitude. I agree with ALL your comments from this morning. LOVE breakfast at Kouzzina's, love the BW in the early morning, love the peace and quiet of entering Epcot via the IG.
It was EMH for Epcot that day, so I wanted to hit the popular rides before it got too crowded. So first up was Soarin’. It was a total walk-on and I was lucky enough to be behind 4 ladies from Ohio. They were having a girls trip and they looked like they were having so much fun. They started talking to me about the ride and the lady next to me said she was afraid of heights. I told her that there are scenes where you are really high, but she would be seated. As we got to the loading area, I was secretly wishing for a front row. Not only for me but for her and guess what….SCORE!! We filled most of the front row. We buckled in and I leaned over and told her to be sure and take big breathe during certain areas. Soon we were Soaring high in the sky!! After the ride was over, she leaned over and said she could smell the smells. The ladies were real nice and said thanks for riding with them. I was a little envious because they walked away laughing and looked like they were having fun. Most of my friends are not real Disney fans or have small children or grandchildren. So my Disney trip buddy is either my son or sister. My husband is not a huge fan, but would go if I begged really heard. Oh well…..
Next I headed over to Nemo. It was a walk-on and soon I was looking at all the other fishes of the sea! I walked through the gift area, (surprise-surprise), looking for something for my sister. She’s a diver and loves the sea and all it’s critters. But I couldn’t find anything that I thought she would have liked. I walked back toward Innovations, East & West. I remember walking through both East & West to just see what was going on. I did do the Hurricane Simulation. I know, crazy, right..since I’ve been through so many. As we were getting ready to go into the simulation room, the CM asked who all had been in a hurricane. A bunch raised their hands. He asked anyone been through 2 hurricanes, I kept my hand raised and a few came down. Then he said 3 hurricanes. I was the only one left with a hand up. He asked where I lived and when I said Texas, near the coast, he yelled, “You Win!!” This simulation was interesting, but going through it in person is a whole different experience.
I left Innovations heading toward Mission Space – Green Side. I was with a little boy and his Dad. I think I was Navigator. His son was a little cautious, but his Dad and I coaxed him along and it was lots of fun. Soon we landed and the little boy said, “That was so cool!”
My next destination was Mousegears. I wanted to shop there before I headed into World Showcase. Along the way, I ran across these guys!
In Mousegears I did a lot of browsing. I saw a few things I wanted but ended up purchasing a pair of Mickey Crocs, which by-the-way, are the most comfortable shoes (flip-flops) I’ve ever worn. OMGosh….I can’t wait to go back just to get some more! I had forgotten about Epcot Character Spot, so I headed in there. This was a fun time!
Extra lovin’ from the main guy!!
Goofy just being goofy!!
The lady herself, Miss Minnie!
As I left there, it was time for World Showcase. Now I’m not going to bore you with all the details, but let’s just say I went to every store in every country. But I did take a few pictures along the way.
As I entered World Showcase, we usually turn left and start with Mexico. This time, I turned right and started with Canada. I love the little shop here, but this time they didn’t have the Christmas Ornaments that I saw last time I was here around Christmas time. Then it was United Kingdom where I purchased a shirt for Travis. I sent him a picture first to see if he had one. I always find cool stuff in here.
In France, I stopped at the Pastry Shop to re-charge. It was an apple turnover and it was yummy!! While in France, I decided to see Impressions de France. I’ve never done that before, so why not. I looked around the waiting area and I saw this guy. I don’t know why, but I just love this statue. I worked at the reception desk on occasion at my former employer and I so wanted to do this several times to customers!!
After watching this film, I think I want to move to France!
Next was Morocco. Going back in the shopping area is always interesting to me. The earring selection is outstanding.
While in Morocco, how about a Henna Tattoo?!?!
That’s my name.. Regina!
Next, Japan! Christmas Storyteller
Drummers – great as usual!!
The American Adventure was next and the Voices of Liberty were preparing to perform. I had never heard them perform before and I was blown away. I sat there the whole time, mesmerized by their music and their performance. It was awesome.
That was one very foggy morning. How sweet and magical to get a special ride to the Boardwalk. Breakfast as Kouzzina's looked very . The walk into Epcot through the IG into a nearly empty WS is one of my favorite things to do at Disney.
The bus ride alone is why I love Disney so much! Just great customer service!
What a great breakfast and morning in Epcot. I really want to stay at the Epcot resorts too! One day! My DH hates Disney and it is a huge ordeal to get him to agree to letting the girls and I go. My parents and DSis are huge Disney lovers and go all the time. My parents live in Pensacola now and almost moved to Orlando just so they could work at WDW. I wish they had!
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the Osborne Lights, just breathtaking. 
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
You dinner (and drink) at HBD looked delish! 
Love the pictures! 
PassPorter Guide Author
I'm so excited to see your shots of the Osborne Lights, as hopefully we'll be seeing those next week when we go back to Disney! 
Liz 
I wish I would have taken more!
Anywho…I got dressed quickly and headed to the front desk. I wasn’t really sure about the best route to take to the Boardwalk, so who else better to ask than a CM! 
So, the gentleman that I asked said to take the bus to DHS, then the boat over to Boardwalk. Sounded like a plan for me, so I got in line for DHS. It was a little foggy around the resort, but not really that bad. Soon a DHS bus arrived and we were on our way. I looked at my watch and realized I was doing really good on time! 
I looked around to see if he maybe had gone back to work, but he hadn’t. It was like he just vanished. 
I felt so stupid. But.....I got to Kouzzina’s at 7:59am!!!! 
Since I’ve never entered this way, I didn’t really know what to expect. All I can say is WOW! Not having a crowd around sure does make for some great photos!! 
As we were getting ready to go into the simulation room, the CM asked who all had been in a hurricane. A bunch raised their hands. He asked anyone been through 2 hurricanes, I kept my hand raised and a few came down. Then he said 3 hurricanes. I was the only one left with a hand up. He asked where I lived and when I said Texas, near the coast, he yelled, “You Win!!” This simulation was interesting, but going through it in person is a whole different experience. 
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