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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
We have never used Quicksilver before and after reading so many great reviews by other on here, and checking out their website, we decided to go with Quicksilver since we hadn't read anything negative AT ALL about their services. Great to know about the 5 minute International phone call that they provide since DH will have anxious relatives waiting to hear when we arrive.
We are booked (less than 2 weeks away now!!!) and are so excited but I just wanted to share my experience thus far.
Booking was easy to do; all online and a confirmation email was sent to us within a few hours. Perfect! so far, so good.
Here comes the issue I have - upon reading the confirmation email, we were given the rate payable at the end of the first leg (we're going round trip) which is all fine and dandy (what we expected) HOWEVER, there was a gratuity charge of 20% ADDED to the amount which we did not expect to see, nor is it listed on their website.
While we do tip generously (most often over 20%, unless it's poor service, and then we've only ever gone as low as 15%), I somewhat take offense to being told I HAVE to pay a specific amount upfront for a gratuity. I've always been under the impression that gratuity was at the customer's discretion, not a required and set amount.
We are still looking forward to travelling with Quicksilver and we will absolutely pay the gratuity, I just felt it necessary to let others know that while the website claims no hidden fees, the gratuity is automatically added at a set rate to your total payable.
Contact them and challenge it. Often tips are automatically added in the service industry but you can often get them removed--and choose what to pay yourself.
We used Quicksilver in August to transfer us from our Universal resort to our WDW resort. I did see the gratituity added in confirmation e mail, so I never thought it was hidden, and didn't mind it.
And I welcomed knowing in advance and on paper what the cost was, after experiencing some of the other cab and car services in Orlando that try to rob you blind. Our first night on arrival we just booked a hotel literally down the block from Portofino Bay Resort. We were in Ft Lauderdale first so drove rental car to Orlando, then returned car. Used a car service contracted to our hotel to transfer us the next day to Portofino. Was quoted a rate, then when we were dropped off at Portofino, driver asked for higher rate because we had a lot of luggage Outrageous rate to literally drive us 2 blocks. I was relieved we used Quicksilver to transfer us to WDW.
I would guess the reason why they do put the gratituity on is because they get a lot of international visitors, and some countries don't share our custom of tipping. Buts if it bothers you, I'd phone and talk to them.
The only time we had to pay gratuity was for the three way cruise/WDW/airport stay. Airport to WDW never. What was your transportation? IMO opinion we have used them for so many years and the service is so amazing we have tipped over 20 % several times a year.
__________________
Dianne
DVC Members since 1994- 520 points
Last edited by disneymom9092; 11-19-2014 at 07:28 PM..
I booked Quicksilver a few months ago for our August trip and I know while looking into it, I did see several places on the website that mentioned the automatic gratuity. If I'm remembering correctly, two instances were for an actual limo versus just regular vehicles and for any international travelers. I think there was another instance listed as well but without looking, I don't know what it is offhand.
I brought up the website and in red lettering it says this on the quotes page
Quote:
* A 20% gratuity will be added to all limousine transfers, international arrivals, and out of town transfers.
On their FAQ page
Quote:
Are tips included in your price?
No, our rates do not include gratuity to the drivers. A 20% gratuity will be added to all limousine transfers, international arrivals, and out of town transfers.
Darlene, I don't know why, but gratituity was included in our price, we had a town car, no limo, and it wasn't international transfer as we were being picked up at a Universal resort & taken to our WDW resort. But it didn't bother me as I woukd have given that gratituity anyway. Service was great. But it is confusing.
As Darlene mentioned above, alliecat, it seems your gratuity has been added on b/c yours international arrival.
Sue M, I'm really surprised that you were charged a gratuity. We have used Quicksilver every year since 2004 for all of our WDW trips. We have never had a gratuity automatically added to the bill. We usually request a van, never a limo, and we travel from MCO to our WDW resort after flying in from NJ. I have at times given Gregory my credit card info ahead of time and asked for a 20% gratuity to be added to the bill so that I don't have to worry about the technicalities when we arrive (usually late at night). He has never charged ahead of time and has only put the gratuity on when I have requested it. Very strange indeed.
As Darlene mentioned above, alliecat, it seems your gratuity has been added on b/c yours international arrival.
Sue M, I'm really surprised that you were charged a gratuity. We have used Quicksilver every year since 2004 for all of our WDW trips. We have never had a gratuity automatically added to the bill. We usually request a van, never a limo, and we travel from MCO to our WDW resort after flying in from NJ. I have at times given Gregory my credit card info ahead of time and asked for a 20% gratuity to be added to the bill so that I don't have to worry about the technicalities when we arrive (usually late at night). He has never charged ahead of time and has only put the gratuity on when I have requested it. Very strange indeed.
It didn't bother me, I just found it convienent. And we were a resort to resort transfer, however I am an international visitor I guess. Was very happy with Quicksilver service, Just wasn't picked up from airport We land in Ft Lauderdale and drive up to Orlando after visiting family in Lauderdale. And returning home from MCO I use DME.
I'm so glad I used Quicksilver to transfer me from Universal. There are some scary gypsy cabs in Orlando that will totally rip you off.
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.
Thank-you very much Darlene for pointing out where on their website it IS absolutely written. I honestly didn't see it before, and yes, we are Int'l. hehehe
We have booked a regular Town Car, not a limo and I do feel much better (although stupid) about the gratuity added upfront.
To be completely honest, it still seems a little strange to me for any company to do that but we have ALWAYS been good tippers so I don't mind paying the gratuity - I just didn't like being told I have to pay it. I guess it's a personal feeling thing. Since I couldn't find it on their website, I thought it was a 'hidden' fee, which they claim not to add to customers.
Thank-you everyone who offered suggestions, provided their own experiences, etc.
I really do appreciate all the help.
Looks like I need to learn how to read better. Sorry to Quicksilver.
I didn't post it to make you feel stupid so please don't (although I've BTDT with not seeing info and feeling the same way when it was pointed out to me so I totally understand it). Besides, there are good reasons why you might not have seen it - the two that have happened to me are being really tired and seeing something but not remembering it or the site might not have fully loaded
Awe Alliecat, it wasn't a bad question at all. It's great that you posted it and your fellow PPers were able to help you out! Glad it's clearer now and hope you have a great trip!
Thank-you very much Darlene for pointing out where on their website it IS absolutely written. I honestly didn't see it before, and yes, we are Int'l. hehehe
We have booked a regular Town Car, not a limo and I do feel much better (although stupid) about the gratuity added upfront.
To be completely honest, it still seems a little strange to me for any company to do that but we have ALWAYS been good tippers so I don't mind paying the gratuity - I just didn't like being told I have to pay it. I guess it's a personal feeling thing. Since I couldn't find it on their website, I thought it was a 'hidden' fee, which they claim not to add to customers.
Thank-you everyone who offered suggestions, provided their own experiences, etc.
I really do appreciate all the help.
Looks like I need to learn how to read better. Sorry to Quicksilver.
Alliecat,
Please, no apologies necessary, on the contrary, we apologize for the gratuity details not being better explained on our website.
Rest assured, we only include gratuity in these selected situations, although we understand (and somehow agree) it is not something everyone feels comfortable with.
The main reason we decided about 10 years ago to include gratuity in these situations, to be honest, was to protect our drivers. We feel they are our best and most precious asset, and gratuity is a substantial part of their monthly gains.
As mentioned above from other posters, if you do not feel comfortable paying the 20% or believe the service was sub par for the 20% included, you have the option of not paying for it. Just give me a direct call and I can always refund the total or partial amount you desire.
I'm certain this details will not matter after you experience our service. You'll be in very good hands. ;-)
Please, no apologies necessary, on the contrary, we apologize for the gratuity details not being better explained on our website.
Rest assured, we only include gratuity in these selected situations, although we understand (and somehow agree) it is not something everyone feels comfortable with.
The main reason we decided about 10 years ago to include gratuity in these situations, to be honest, was to protect our drivers. We feel they are our best and most precious asset, and gratuity is a substantial part of their monthly gains.
As mentioned above from other posters, if you do not feel comfortable paying the 20% or believe the service was sub par for the 20% included, you have the option of not paying for it. Just give me a direct call and I can always refund the total or partial amount you desire.
I'm certain this details will not matter after you experience our service. You'll be in very good hands. ;-)
My best regards,
Gregory Nicolas.
Good Morning Gregory,
Please don't apologize to me - I was the one in the wrong. I did not see that a 20% gratuity would be added to our cost upfront since we are International travellers (or maybe I did and just didn't think of us as International??); it's my fault completely.
I seriously doubt there would be any reason to ask for a partial refund - especially after all the rave reviews we've read which actually led us to book with Quicksilver.
We are very much looking forward to our transfer with your services and we'll see you tomorrow!!! YAY!!
It's a personal thing, for me, to be able to pay a gratuity directly to someone and to be honest, I feel somewhat guilty not doing that - again, that's just me.
Thank-you again for explaining to me that it was in NO WAY a hidden cost - I'm just too excited, I guess and I missed it (and it IS there, as plain as day).
About This Page: 
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
Outrageous rate to literally drive us 2 blocks. I was relieved we used Quicksilver to transfer us to WDW. 
and out of town transfers.
Are tips included in your price? 
We land in Ft Lauderdale and drive up to Orlando after visiting family in Lauderdale. And returning home from MCO I use DME. 
Linear Mode
