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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
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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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Man, Passporter does have me spoiled. I can easily plan a Disney trip with just 1 book. Hubby is deploying in about 10 weeks and says he's like to do Europe for his R&R. That's about all I've got to go on
I don't know when we'll go; somewhere between Mar-Aug 2012 is my best guess. He'll have 15 days and needs to fly in and out of the same city. Cruising is definitely an option.
So if you were planning a trip to Europe, and you don't know where you want to go- what books would you start with?
I am aware of Adventures by Disney, and I'll keep an eye on them; but costwise it simply doesn't make sense given the usual military discounts available elsewhere
So where do you suggest I start? Or where would you like to go?
To get a "greatest hits" overview of selected cities, I'd look at Rick Steves's Best of Europe guidebook. You can then get specific guides for the cities you want to visit. If you are leaning toward a cruise, the Fodor Guide to European Cruises and Ports of Call (which may not have exactly that name) will give you information on various ships and port opportunities. Happy planning!
Wow, how fun!!! Ok, even if you don't know much, I'm sure you have a bunch of countries you've always wanted to visit? For a first-time visitor to Europe, I'd recommend picking two or three out of the following countries: England, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland.
Once you've narrowed down your choices to a few countries, I'd go out and buy a guidebook for each country. Personally, I prefer Lonely Planet (the new France guide is awesome! I used that one to plan our road trip we're taking next week ) and the DK Eyewitness Travel guides.
Now, there are a few cities that are way up high on the list for first-time visitors: London, Paris, Rome, and Berlin. In France, the Côte d'Azur is beautiful and has Nice, Cannes, St-Tropez, Monte Carlo, to name a few big cities. In Italy: Venice, Florence, Milan, Pisa. Germany: Munich, Hamburg, Cologne.
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Actually, I can't say that I do have a list of places I want to visit in Europe, be easier if I did. Our big one was Australia (done), next on my list is Africa. But given it's hubbys' R&R and I'm still unemployed... he gets his destination choice and he wants variety and Europe.
I wouldn't mind 2 weeks in Scotland,Ireland, and London... but that's not what he wants... at least right now
me: "So what do you want to see or do in Europe"
him: "don't know, can you get some brochures or something?"
me: "could I get a starting point?"
him: "<shrug> whatever is fine"
I hit a bookstore, and the number of guides is overwhelming so I figured someone here could say: try this one or avoid this one
As a starter you might consider going to local travel agencies (plural) and getting free copies of color pamphlets of Europe to include places you might visit. Different agencies do have a few different pamphlets. The color pamphlets are generally displayed in some type rack near the front or on the wall.
Also work in Disneybine's and others recommendations.
If approached merely inform the TA that you are planning a trip to Europe and have not decided on which countries. Ask for any useful tips and recommendation that she/he might have.
For images use this site: France - Bing Images. In the search box change France to any country of your choice. In the pamphlets, books, literature, etc. that you have viewed enter the city and country of interest.
France above claims 37,000,000 images. For a city (example) enter Paris, France. Interested in other subjects? Enter it. Example, Sightseeing on the Rhine. Sightseeing on the Rhine.
Try any subject. Remember to click on an image to open another related information box.
One thing that I think would be really cool and give you a great overview of several countries/cities since you don't seem to have any specific ones in mind would be a European river cruise. They have them on just about every major river in Europe, for varying lengths (usually 8-15 nights). The boats are obviously much smaller and more intimate than an ocean cruise, but the rooms actually seem bigger. One company that is very well-known and seems to have some great reviews is Viking. Maybe look at their webpage and see if any of the itineraries stick out as something you would enjoy? I personally would love to go on one of the Danube cruises... DH and I were going to try to fit one in on our trip to Eastern Europe next summer, but since we're sort of scheduling around soccer games, it didn't quite work out. Have a great trip - you and your DH deserve it!
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MNSSHP 2015: DH (Bane), Me (Batgirl), Genie, and our friends
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One thing that I think would be really cool and give you a great overview of several countries/cities since you don't seem to have any specific ones in mind would be a European river cruise. They have them on just about every major river in Europe, for varying lengths (usually 8-15 nights). The boats are obviously much smaller and more intimate than an ocean cruise, but the rooms actually seem bigger. One company that is very well-known and seems to have some great reviews is Viking. Maybe look at their webpage and see if any of the itineraries stick out as something you would enjoy? I personally would love to go on one of the Danube cruises... DH and I were going to try to fit one in on our trip to Eastern Europe next summer, but since we're sort of scheduling around soccer games, it didn't quite work out. Have a great trip - you and your DH deserve it!
Oh WOW! You may have nailed half our vacation found this Paris to Paris river cruise and am in love
Hubby already said it's a given if we're around Paris for a while we're hitting DLP Sometimes it's nice to be known that well
I've requested some brochures directly from Viking and I'll hit some local TAs as well - thanks for the suggestion! I do feel a little funny about asking for supplies like that unless I'm definitely booking with that specific TA but I guess it's the price of business to get new customers...
Hubby already said it's a given if we're around Paris for a while we're hitting DLP Sometimes it's nice to be known that well
I've requested some brochures directly from Viking and I'll hit some local TAs as well - thanks for the suggestion! I do feel a little funny about asking for supplies like that unless I'm definitely booking with that specific TA but I guess it's the price of business to get new customers...
Thank you all so very much!
Michelle
I think this is a great idea! I know several people who have cruised with Viking and loved it. The prices are really good for an all-inclusive vacation, and, unlike the big cruise ships, the shore excursions are included, too.
Hubby already said it's a given if we're around Paris for a while we're hitting DLP Sometimes it's nice to be known that well
I've requested some brochures directly from Viking and I'll hit some local TAs as well - thanks for the suggestion! I do feel a little funny about asking for supplies like that unless I'm definitely booking with that specific TA but I guess it's the price of business to get new customers...
Thank you all so very much!
Michelle
I'm so glad you liked the idea!!! I think the river cruises look like so much fun. Even though DH and I aren't going to be able to work it out for next summer, one is definitely on my list for a future trip. I hope you'll do a TR for your trip!
And defintely don't feel funny about asking help from TAs...they are usually more than willing to give out any info that might secure them a future client.
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MNSSHP 2015: DH (Bane), Me (Batgirl), Genie, and our friends
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As far as the daunting choice of guidebooks goes...
Each publisher tries to occupy a particular style/niche. DK is hard to beat for "visualizing" - so many beautifully reproduced color photos, and the info is solid. Lonely Planet has their backpacker-oriented readership. Rick Steves is more for middle-aged former backpackers . In both cases, they cater to people looking for the "real" place (why one guidebook's "real" is any more real than any other's, I don't know). Frommer's and Fodor's are the classic head-to-head match-up - well produced, comprehensive info suitable for a wide range of travelers.
Also, don't go "deeper" than is practical. If you're visiting several countries, a general-purpose Europe guide may have as much detail as you need. Don't buy the big country/city guides if you're visiting a bunch of countries/cities. However, you may want to supplement a big Europe guidebook with pocket-sized city guides. It's all a matter of not biting off more info than you can chew.
Many guides are written by people who live in that country/city, and for some publishers, the ideal author is someone who works on a local newspaper/magazine covering cultural life and or food, or, for English-language guides, American/Brit/Aussie expatriates who live there because they've fallen in love with the place. They have way too much really good info to share. Often, unless you're a resident, you'll never be able to do more than skim the surface.
My best advice is, open up guides from about four different series, and see which one draws your eye the best. Search each book for a few sights you're particularly interested in. See how hard they are to find, and if their info satisfies your curiosity. There are enough different styles that at least one is going to click for you.
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Thanks All! Dave, thanks for the run down on the various guides, that helps tremendously
I hit two travel agencies today (including AAA) and came home with a seven inch stack of brochures to go thru... and AAA gave me their Europe travel book despite NOT being a plus member.
Hubby will have something to read during our beach trip lol
AAA doesn't book Viking but Uniworld instead. It seems to be equally well reviewed and has similar itineraries. No decisions yet, but I really liked the AAA agent I talked with. The other agency was very nice, but I felt more of a click AAA. Then again I have 2 other agencies to hit
Thank you all so very much, I'll keep you updated! First hubby comes home, then hubby leaves for another training session 10/10/11 ish... then hubby deploys 12/01/11 ish and sometime late Dec/Jan we should have R&R dates to play with... I hope
So we have planning time, just will likely be booking late comparatively speaking to those used to booking DVC 11 months out
To get a "greatest hits" overview of selected cities, I'd look at Rick Steves's Best of Europe guidebook. You can then get specific guides for the cities you want to visit. If you are leaning toward a cruise, the Fodor Guide to European Cruises and Ports of Call (which may not have exactly that name) will give you information on various ships and port opportunities. Happy planning!
Melissa
"Rick Steves is more for middle-aged former backpackers " I think not! I've been to Europe with his books and I'm still not middle aged yet. His books take you off the beaten path.
This thread is mentioned in todays newletter, how Awesome!
The AAA Europe book is surprisingly useful, at least at this stage of planning. Small but nice and colorful pictures, decent rundown of cities/places, quick history of the country, and a mini "survival" blurb about what NOT to do in each country.
I think Rick Steves Best of Europe is probably next, as much as I like DK Eyewitness I can't find a current published copy of an overall Europe book- 2004 and 2007 are the ones that pop up.
And I haven't decided between Frommer and Fodor yet for the cruise guide... looking at my book shelf I do tend towards Frommers, not sure if I should stick with what I like (apparently) or see about expanding my horizons
"Rick Steves is more for middle-aged former backpackers " I think not! I've been to Europe with his books and I'm still not middle aged yet. His books take you off the beaten path.
I was speaking as a middle-aged former backpacker. It doesn't mean his readership begins and ends with people like me (and Rick).
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Co-Author, PassPorter's Walt Disney World, PassPorter's Disney Cruise Line, and PassPorter's Disneyland and Southern California Attractions
It's very much a personal choice as to which guidebook "grabs" you in the store, but my favourites are the Dorling Kindersley. I find them excellent and love the illustrations.
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. Our big one was Australia (done), next on my list is Africa. But given it's hubbys' R&R and I'm still unemployed... he gets his destination choice and he wants variety and Europe.
Sometimes it's nice to be known that well
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