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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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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For those of you who are just joining, my pre-trip report can be found here. Briefly, our trip was to celebrate our 30th anniversary and so we booked a 5 night stay at the BWV followed by a 7 night eastern Caribbean cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy followed by another 5 night stay at OKW. We departed on 12 Jan 15 for our first resort stay, embarked on the ship on 17 Jan 15 and disembarked and returned to the resort on 24 Jan 15 and returned home on 29 Jan 15.
Our plan for the resort stays was to do nothing in advance – no ADRs, no FPs – just see what is available on the day we arrive at the park. We did plan one event – we reserved a table for the Hoop-De-Doo Musical Review as we had never been before and really wanted to catch that show & dinner. So that was booked for 14 Jan 15. One other thing popped up – just a couple days prior to our departure, we received an email inviting us to the presentations for the new Poly Bungalows & Studios. We decide to attend and book that for 15 Jan. These two items would factor in our decisions on what to do on those days and, ultimately led to us abandoning the idea of playing the bus stop lottery and actually deciding each morning what we were going to do that day.
Departure Day
Following the advice to arrive 2-3 hours prior to departure (apparently they get quite busy with people trying to escape the Canadian winter) found on the airport’s website, we arrive at the airport at 5:AM only to discover a sign at the United check-in counter that says they open 2 hrs prior to departure. Fortunately, a worker sees us standing there and check’s our bags so we can, at least, go for bagels and coffee at Timmies. Boarding and departure go without a hitch and we are on our way to Denver.
Arriving in Denver we clear customs quickly, using the new self-serve kiosks. We recheck our luggage, go through security and make our way to Concourse B. It is now time for some lunch and, in what has become a travel day ritual for us, we head to Woody Creek Bakery and Café. DW orders a BLT Wrap and I get a Clubhouse Crossanwich, both are delicious.
The flight from Denver to Orlando was long and bumpy, especially on arrival as there was inclement weather in and around Orlando. We were very happy when it was over and even happier still to board the DME to BWV. Check in was a breeze (I did the online check in) and, having never stayed here before, we were anxious to check out the room which was on the ground floor with a view of the pool.
In our room, we were delighted to find a Happy Anniversary balloon, Boardwalk chocolates, an autographed photo of Mickey and Minnie (wishing us congrats) and a phone message, also from Mickey and Minnie singing Happy Anniversary. All very nice, magical touches that we appreciated.
Compared to our home resort, BLT, the BWV Studio seemed to have a little more space but less or smaller furniture, especially for storage. BLT has the big bureau with the drawers and shelves and BWV had a single, 4 drawer dresser. There was no coffee table and no end table/shelf on my side of the bed. The safe was a wall safe, rather than the pedestal offered at BLT, so it may be out of the way we found it less roomy and a little more difficult to stack things on the vertical.
It’s time for dinner, so we head to the Boardwalk Bakery. DW gets the anticipated Lobster Roll and I opt for a Roast Beef sandwich, getting it served warm (my choice). Of course, it’s cupcakes for dessert and we get a Strawberry Shortcake and an Oreo. We heartily enjoy our meals as they are, as always, flavourful and filling.
Returning to our room, our order from Garden Grocer is delivered but there is no sign of our luggage. A phone call and some waiting later and 1 suitcase ea arrives (we each had 2) and it is not until 1:00 AM that we get all our luggage and are able to turn in after what has been a long and tiring day.
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We decided, this morning, to go to Hollywood Studios. Considering our late start (due to our sleeping in), I was feeling a little pessimistic about our chances with FP+ and dining reservations. Firing up the MDE on the iPad showed that, aside from Toy Story Midway Mania, there was FPs available for all attractions. The wait times were also reasonable, even for mid-morning, with TSMM and Rockin’ Rollercoaster with moderate waits. Dining also had a number of choices with tables available at 50’s Prime Time, Hollywood & Vine, Brown Derby and Mama Melrose’s. We decide not to have a TS meal and plan on QS for lunch and dinner, Starring Rolls Café and Fairfax Fare being our chosen destinations.
They still have their tree up? I don’t feel so bad about those lights now!
We head to the park and report to Will Call to pick up our AP renewal. I am both shocked and amazed with the person tells us that our previous APs were mixed up – DW’s was issued to me and vice versa. No worries, she says… I’ll fix it (DANGER, WILL ROBINSON, DANGER!!). So we get our new APs, head for the gates and my magic band does not work (blue ring of shame)… shocking, I know. DW’s worked fine (what the…?), so I head into guest relations while she opts for a smoke break. It takes only a short time and everything is now functional and we recheck DW’s just to make sure. It is now just after 11:00 AM and a check of Wait Times shows just about all the ride attractions approaching or exceeding moderate, better book some FPs.
Selecting FPs, we opt for Great Movie Ride, Tower of Terror and Star Tours. We get decent timings with the opening windows at 1150, 1320 & 1500. First things first however, as being at WDW means getting to have one snack that we don’t get in Canada – Funnel Cake! We make a beeline to the Oasis Outpost for some of that deep-fried, sugary goodness!
Mmmmm… Funnel Cake!
After that it is over to the GMR. This one is a favourite of mine and I was happy to hear about TCM coming on board. I am hopeful for some sort of updating/addition to the attraction items, along with the announced new opening introduction and closing.
The Sorcerer’s Hat coming down.
Say, this looks like a nice place to stay.
We head on over to the TOT, I want to do that before lunch because I want to hold onto my lunch. DW announces that she is going to go on the ride! “Are you sure?” I ask, she says “Yes”! So, after a nervous smoke and a more nervous trip to the bathroom, we go on in. She had fun looking at all the details inside the lobby and started getting a little spooked as we made our way to the “service elevator”. Once she’s strapped in I point out the grab bars and she immediately takes hold. Once that first drop began, she started screaming and did not stop until the ride stopped. She’s a little shaky as we walk off and, having rode once, vows to never ride again… one and done but courage like that deserves a cupcake so it’s off to Starring Rolls Café for lunch.
Never again!
Over at Starring Rolls, as we stared at those monster sandwiches they serve (ham or turkey with fresh mozza, on foccacia), we decide to split one. Cupcakes selected are the Chocolate Peanut Butter and the Chocolate with Banana Frosting & Caramel Drizzle, which I will just refer to as the Baymax cupcake. Both were very rich and tasty.
After lunch it’s over to Star Tours. We arrive ahead of our |FP return time and the SB is only 10 mins so DW camps along side the Jedi Academy and I head in. I do another run through on my FP and then DW hands me her band and I do another run through. We can have the moral discussion on the use/misuse of MBs in that manner another time. I was impressed with the three rides as I only had duplications in the opening scenes, only got to see Vader once and visiting Hoth twice. By the time I got out, DW had sat through the Jedi Academy and was impressed with the show they put on.
We make our way down to Fairfax Fare with a plan of grabbing some dinner and checking in with a FP kiosk to see what’s available. For dinner, DW gets the ½ Chicken and I get the Gourmet Pulled Pork & Coleslaw Hot Dog, both are fantastic!
Now, that’s a hot dog!
After dinner we check in with the nearby FP kiosk, hoping for TSMM but no joy. There are times for RNR, TOT or Fantasmic but they are a later than we would like and we are getting a bit tired. A combination of the long day yesterday and the fun-filled day today convince us it’s time to head back to the resort for the day.
I know that feeling about doing Tower of Terror once and never again only too well!
I'm really enjoying reading about how you're able to make plans on the day with FP+. It's good to know that there is still last minute availability like that.
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Today we decided to go to AK as we have our reservations for the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and want to do a “less than a whole day plus evening” park. A check of the wait times shows it’s pretty much walk on for everything, at the moment, but we make FP selections anyway. First up is Lion King, a show we always enjoy and this time was no exception.
Festival of the Lion King
Love the monkey tumblers!
Next was Kilimanjaro Safari and we had a very entertaining driver. It was a very enjoyable ride even though some of the animals (black rhinos, warthogs, mandrills, etc) were no shows.
At least some of the animals were out!
Lunchtimes rolls around and we decide to finally try a turkey leg! Our first one ever was served with cornbread and beans from Trilo-Bites and was very tasty.
Smokey goodness!
Last FP was for Expedition Everest and I did another double ride-though having a blast both times. The only downside in using FP to whip through to the ride is making sure you don’t deprive yourself of one of the best queues in WDW. The exhibits and attention to detail is just spectacular. Time for a snack and then we decide to head back to the resort to get cleaned up and changed for the Hoop-Dee-Doo!
Fistful of churro!
The stage at the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is, hands down, one of the best dinner/show that we have experienced since coming to WDW. The outstanding food and spectacularly entertaining talent make this experience worth every penny. Claire DeLune quickly became our favourite character as she welcomed visitors from overseas countries… like Canada. The servers then brought out the cornbread and salad, both of which were soooo good!
Mmmmm… cornbread!
And salad!
The cast dispersed throughout the audience looking for people celebrating their birthday and then introduced them to everyone in attendance and then sang Happy Birthday. Next were anniversaries so I immediately made eye contact with Claire and signalled her over. We gave our names and when she asked where we were from, DW and I both said “Overseas – Canada!” The cast then invited the anniversary couples to dance as they sang “I Only Have Eyes for You”. I was only looking at my wife, as we danced, but she told me we were the only ones who did. Next the cast invited veterans and serving military personnel to stand in recognition as they said thank you for service to the country. While DW (who is retired) and I (still active duty) are Canadian, we felt that as long-time allies and NORAD partners we have contributed to the defence of the US and so we rose as they sang “America”.
The servers then brought out the main course of fried chicken ribs along with sides of mashed potatoes and corn. It was beyond delicious. The fried chicken was crispy, the ribs were meaty and both were tender and juicy. I did not get any pictures as we were too busy eating and could not believe it when our server asked us if we thought we’d want more, there must have been a whole chicken in there AND a full rack of ribs!
The remainder of the show carried on and we found very entertaining including an over-the-top production introducing the Strawberry Shortcake Dessert. Song, dance, jokes and a little audience participation made for a very enjoyable experience that has become a magical memory that will not soon be forgotten.
P.S. – Returning to the BWV, there was entertainment going on in the lobby as Carlo the Great showed his talents at balancing and juggling, although we left as he was searching for volunteers for his “Juggling Babies” act.
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They still have their tree up? I don’t feel so bad about those lights now!
Mmmmm… Funnel Cake!
The Sorcerer’s Hat coming down.
Say, this looks like a nice place to stay.
Never again!
Now, that’s a hot dog! 
to fortify me as I follow along 
Disney Magic - Oct 2015
Festival of the Lion King
Love the monkey tumblers!
At least some of the animals were out!
Smokey goodness!
Fistful of churro!
The stage at the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
Mmmmm… cornbread!
And salad!
You’re going to juggle what?
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