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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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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This vacation will be a bit different because this time, DH and I are going with our good friends, Kenny and Nora. No relatives, no kids, no responsibilities except to have fun!
We're renting a house because for us, thats the way to go. We love the private pool, jacuzzi and the ability to go off by ourselves at the end of the day for some unwinding and private time. We got an awesome deal on a 4 bedroom, 3 bath house in Indian Creek subdivision for $850 all inclusive of taxes, pool heat and cleaning. When you break that down, it comes to about $60 per night per couple. We tend to eat breakfast at home and often grill burgers or something at night there too so we eat out once a day. Huge money saving there! But of course, we eat ALL snacks all day long at the parks!! LOL Who could give that up?!
None of us does coasters or "drop" type rides but we don't want "Peter Pan" or "Pooh" either. Nora is a first-timer so "do-not-miss" suggestions are appreciated.
I would also like recommendations for car rentals (we have AARP discounts but thats all) for a SUV type vehicle. And anything that is not park related that you really don't miss when you come to Orlando....
Well, I guess thats it for now. Thanks in advance!!
Tena
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Welcome to the boards! Sounds like you guys have an awesome time planned!
As the most estimable and amazing ChezP pointed out in her list, don't overlook the shows. One of my favorite things about the Magic Kingdom as an adult is the constant flow of entertainment. Almost any time you cross through the hub/Main Street, there's something going on. That's a really important part of the magic. Grab one of those awesome snacks and watch the dancers on the Trolley car in the morning or watch Dream Along with Mickey, even if you do it at Sleepy Hollow with an ice-cream sandwich in your hand. I think adults are the ones who really appreciate pausing to enjoy the shows.
Also, depending on your tastes...there is something to be said for stopping off at one of the candy stores and loading up on all sorts of ridiculous sweets you haven't had in years like Jelly Beans, gummies, etc, taking them back to your rental, and sitting around being silly and enjoying them. My husband and I love doing that; somehow concentrated sugar is a great conversation starter.
Good luck, and have fun!
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Sounds like a fun trip!
Must dos for me:
Magic Kingdom:
Mickey's Philharmagic
Haunted Mansion
Big Thunder Mountain
TTA (or People Mover)
Pirates of the Caribbean
Wishes
Dole Whip Float
Epcot:
Soarin'
The Living Seas with Nemo
World Showcase
Illuminations
Walk to The Beach Club to eat at Beaches and Cream
Disney Studios:
Tower of Terror
Toy Story Midway Mania
Great Movie Ride
Muppet Vision 3 D
Animal Kingdom:
Kilimanjaro Safari
It's Tough to be a Bug
Festival of the Lion King
Dinosaur
Pangani Forest Trail
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Eat at Flame Tree BBQ
You've gotten some great suggestions so far. Some additional ideas:
Animal Kingdom
Take the train ride to Conservation Station/Rafiki's Planet Watch
Explore the Tree of Life up close
Epcot
There is so much to explore in World Showcase! If you're so inclined, you may have fun doing the Kim Possible missions. We've done them a couple of times w/o our kids and had a blast (and we've noticed many other adults-only groups doing the same!)
Also consider the Behind the Seeds tour in the Land pavilion or one of the experiences in the Seas with Nemo and Friends (Dolphin Discovery or Seas Aqua -- or Divequest, if you scuba dive)
Spaceship Earth
Mission Space (Green)
Hollywood Studios
Star Tours
Studio Backlot Tour
Magic Kingdom
It's a Small World (it's a classic!)
Jungle Cruise (if you like corny humor)
Hall of Presidents
Tomorrowland Speedway
What is Wishes? Is Illuminations a parade?
I absolutely love the shows. Especially the Lion King. It was awesome!! I have to make sure our group gets to this one.
I like the candy idea but ::sigh:: we can't do that. One dieter, 2 diabetics.
Wow, Behind the Scenes stuff sounds really good and something I had never even thought of. I'm going to check into that. We only have 62 days now to wait!
Wishes is the fireworks show in the Magic Kingdom and Illuminations is the fireworks show in Epcot.
Wishes takes place at Cinderella Castle and Illuminations takes place in the World Showcase lagoon (the lake around which all of the countries in World Showcase are situated).
Definitely take breaks to go back and eat during the day at your rental...and then head back for the shows, such as Wishes, Illuminations...and especially Fantasmic!!!
We ate at this little tapas restuarant...called Tu Tu Tango...one of my absolute favorite places to eat!!!
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Cheeser. Maleficent of the Vacation Villians!!!
Partying with the Parrs December 5, 2015:
I've only done two trips to WDW as a child and only one trip with children since I've become an "adult".
My favorite thing in all of WDW is World Showcase (I have done trips to WS only). Strolling around the countries, exploring the details, enjoying the food & drink, speaking with cast members from all over the world. With only 60 days to go, you will be there for the Food & Wine Festival which is included with your Epcot park admission (the food & drinks are extra). This is what I live for.
I would suggest getting online and looking at what each park has to offer and everyone making a list of what they would like to see in order of importance. www.allears.net is invaluable with descriptions, reviews and even menus with prices. Of course, picking up a Passporter is a must since you can bring it with you and it will have all your info. It describes in detail every attraction, ride, restaurant EVERYTHING. With pockets to hold park maps, tix, notes, reciepts, etc. it's a one stop Disney bible. Order online or run over to Barnes & Noble to get one today.
I have owned way to many Disney guides to count and the Passporter is by far the most comprehensive and easiest to use. Pair it with the boards and you have got access to anything and everything you need or want to know about Disney.
For night time fun, there is Jellyrolls (sing along piano bar) 21 and up - a rip roaring good time. Raglan Road has nightly live Irish music. Port Orleans resorts have horse drawn carriage rides and boat rides to/from Downtown Disney. CityWalk at Universal has several nighttime choices as well.
We went on an all family trip in April. We'd gone with just two couples in September last year. We are heading back with just the two couples, no kids...for september again this year and then a Land,Sea,Land package in january.
It's definitely the best way to tour the world. I love being able to be there with the family and experience stuff through kids eyes...but at the same time.
Disney can be the most fun for adults!!!
A drink around the world, elegant scrumptious dinners!!!
Enjoy it!!
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Cheeser. Maleficent of the Vacation Villians!!!
Partying with the Parrs December 5, 2015:
Pangani Forest Trail
Maharajah Jungle Trek
I've never done these... gotta look up more info on them!
Toy Story Midway Mania
Great Movie Ride
I absolutely LOVE these two!
Soarin'
Test Track
I've never done these either although Soarin might make me sick.
Where is Tu Tu Tango and what kind of place is it?
"Of course, picking up a Passporter is a must since you can bring it with you and it will have all your info. It describes in detail every attraction, ride, restaurant EVERYTHING. With pockets to hold park maps, tix, notes, reciepts, etc. it's a one stop Disney bible. Order online or run over to Barnes & Noble to get one today"
I've been wondering if this was a good thing or not. Now I know! I'll check it out this morning and if the price is do-able right now, I'll order one.
Thank you all for your suggestions. I've been to Disney many times but seems we always see and do the same things. I'm looking forward to trying something new.
Oh, and what information can you give me on viewing the fireworks from the lake? I heard there was a boat or something you can rent and that its just for your group?
Haven't been to Tu Tu Tango but it looks interesting.
I forgot to mention the Red Coconut Club at CityWalk. If you in for a nite out dancing and singing def stop by. It's totally retro, has a great cover band and the crowd is mature. We really enjoyed it!!
I get motion sickness at the drop of a hat and swear by Sea Bands but Soarin doesn't bother me.
My DH has horrible motion sensitivity. He is able to do Soarin' without difficulty. He has never tried Test Track as there are a lot of stops and starts and then a real fast ride around a curve. It all depends how motion sensitive you are, but it can sure ruin your day in a hurry if it bothers you.
Tu Tu Tango is down by CityWalk. I'd recommend going there...they actually sell artwork plus have the restuarant. It's basically like a tapas place...you order a wide variety of appetizers and they bring them on artist paint palettes. The food was delicious!!!
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Cheeser. Maleficent of the Vacation Villians!!!
Partying with the Parrs December 5, 2015:
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