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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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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Otherwise, here we go! Sorry it's a bit delayed, but life has just been all kinds of crazy since I got back, and I actually leave for Disney again tomorrow morning so I kicked my butt into gear
Had my outfits together to pack on Friday night but got too tired to finish up so I set the alarm for 5:30 and intended pull it all together before heading to DFW by 7am for my 8:50 flight.
Chronic overpacking sinks in and my suitcase is so heavy so we spend some time shifting to make the bags work without giving up too much good stuff! Turns out I forgot to pack my raincoat and hope it doesn't get too cold because nothing terribly warm packed!
Ended up leaving around 7:30am and made good time arriving just before 8. I anticipated getting PreCheck so I wasn't too concerned. I walked in and saw the most massive line spanning the entirety of the check in area. Must have been at least 100 people. My heart sank a little as I hoped that wasn't for security. I went to self check my bag and no PreCheck and I got VERY nervous about making my flight
I go to drop my bag and my heart sinks, my drivers license is NOT in my wallet! Of course I’m thinking that they won't let me on the flight when the very nice calm man at the desk tells me to breathe and I show him my wallet and remarks "there's no ID in there" and my response was "that's why I just stopped breathing" he informed me that they just need something with my name and picture so thank goodness I had my student ID still in my wallet and was able to get through. I also asked him about the line and he told me the people at security were bored! So I was through and putting my shoes back on in no time. I walked the short distance to my gate and they are doing some repair work on the front lavatory so we are just slightly delayed, but I made it!
I use the time to call my mom who is ready with a text of a picture of my passport. I then call Mallory who watches Kairi and tell her I needed the biggest favor and she is going to overnight my passport to me when she goes to check on the nugget today.
Ready to get off the plane!
The plane ended up on time despite the little delay in boarding! I tried to sleep and kept waking up so not very rested today at all. When I woke up and put my seat up the end of Big Hero 6 was on, kind of a bummer to miss it, would have been in the perfect Disney mode since I barely slept anyway!
After getting off the plane I headed right down to DME, no time to waste! I am starting to get hungry at this point but don’t want to get distracted. It's the longest line I've ever been in for a bus and of course was a “hurry up and wait” type situation. When all's said and done despite my rumbly tummy I'm glad I hadn't stopped for anything because I was one of the last few people on the bus and wouldn't have made the cut otherwise! I found one of the last seats and we were off!
Old Key West is the first stop which brightens my day at least and while in route I get the message from Mallory that my passport will be here Tuesday morning (It was Sunday when I arrived) so things are getting much better now that I'm in warm Florida!! I hopped off the bus and found my way to the front desk.
Room was ready at check in! No overly memorable Cast Members at the front desk unfortunately but popped my head into the shop and then hitched a ride to my room. I'm in the Turtle Pond section building 35 and it's everything I could have hoped for with a peaceful quiet water view.
The sun is shining and it is a beautiful day. I almost decided to ditch my plans and head to the pool before dinner but in the off chance my luggage doesn't arrive before I’d have to head out I decided to skip it (I had my bathing suit in my carry on, but nothing to freshen up into after). It's just going on 2pm after I finally got to the room, freshened up, and got to the bus stop to try to get to Epcot!
Got to Epcot around 2:30 and went right to Guest Relations for my Annual Pass exchange and Tables in Wonderland card. A slight hiccup with the lack of driver's license but thankfully my mom had a picture of my passport she sent me and that worked for them. Got through the rest of things really quick and in no time was getting my first Photopass of the trip in front of Spaceship Earth!
After a pic I bee lined for Sunshine Seasons as I was basically starving at this point. Headed for the beet salad with a hard cider and couldn't pass up the strawberry shortcake. I had only had a piece of peanut butter toast when I woke up around 6am maybe, not the smartest move on my part. I was one track minded at this point and so excited for some substance!
Sat and enjoyed everything in the Land with no major rush as my first Fastpass+ was for the Character Spot next door. After I finished I headed over to find a lonely Mickey and I enjoyed getting some Fab 5 pics with him, Goofy and Minnie. I always have the best interaction with Goofy but it was pretty much a snap and go situation this time which was sad since they had no real line.
My next fastpass was for Test Track in about an hour so I headed to the Visa Meet and Greet to kill time, snapping some pictures along the way. Again there wasn't really a line so I got out of there pretty quick.
Just couldn't resist taking a selfie with these two!
PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book! Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95.
I really just wanted to head to World Showcase so I decided to skip my other FP+ and headed to Mexico to go to my favorite (and only one I actually like) marg bar. I took a quick stroll through Mouse Gears on my way to start to get an idea of what I might like to purchase on this trip…
Such a tease Flower and Garden Festival!
When I had no problem at Sunshine Seasons getting an adult beverage, I wasn't worried about it here so I hopped in line (and yes, this place always has a line!) It wasn't too long at this off hour and in no time I was ordering a pineapple margarita since I had just read Lisa's TR and it sounded like a great idea. Well he asked for my ID after he had taken my order and then a few others. I showed him the picture of my passport which clearly shows that I'm 25 and he said no and showed me the tent of acceptable Id. It said a photo on phone was acceptable with a Government Issued ID, which I had my student ID! He still wasn’t pleased and said I could talk to a manager. After waiting about 15 minutes for her to finally emerge… they were just NOT having it and they were honestly quite rude. I was tired and took a few Minutes to compose myself What a bummer!
I shopped around and grabbed a times guide so I could look into some entertainment, which I always seem to miss out on. The Chinese acrobats were about to start so I headed that way and over to the Joy of Tea where I know they have great adult beverages. I was able to get my plum wine with my passport photo! Woohoo! I headed across the walk and enjoyed the very crowded show from the back through the trees. Note to self, get there earlier next time! Still enjoyable though!
After enjoying the show at China I ventured forth. I love the shops in Germany so I wandered in. I can always use another tiara right? I ended the journey in the wine cellar and a lady totally cut me in line which is just so rude! But it was okay because the very cute CM gave me an apologetic look and then they gave me a great glass of sweet riesling to continue my journey around the world.
I continued to wonder over to Italy where the flag show was happening. I had never seen this performance before or even really heard of it, so I stopped and caught the tail end. Just let me say, Italy never disappoints in the men department . I caught the end of the show and they invited people up for pictures and I attempted a selfie with them but of course at that moment my phone ran out of memory I tried on my camera but it’s just not the same.
I continued my journey stopping for a potty break in America. Debated getting a Red Stag Lemonade but not ready for the slushy drink although it’s one of my favorites poolside. The scents of Italy were getting me hungry for real food so I didn’t want to fill up!
I had the intention of heading right to Morocco for an early dinner but got sidetracked in Japan. Mallory loves unfiltered sake and I'm thinking for their wedding gift of getting a nice sake set. Plus Mac (my new almost boyfriend) likes Torturo so I had a lot of investigating to do in this pavilion. I grabbed a Tokyo Sunset and worked my way from back to front seeing what they had available to spoil my friends. - FYI since I have written this Mac is gone haha. Like I said, it’s been a crazy month or two And I did end up getting Mallory and Moe unfiltered sake for watching Kairi and then I did get them a sake set for their wedding gift!
PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book! Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95.
Great start Maci! Looks like a relaxing stroll around the world.
Thanks! It was so nice just to take it easy and relax
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Glad you were able to enjoy some alcoholic beverages after that horrible experience in Mexico.
I totally understand the caution but there's just no reason to waste 20 minutes and be rude about it. Everyone else was super nice the rest of the time!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Great start to your trip, other than the episode with the margarita! Love the pictures!
Thank you!
Quote:
Originally Posted by KMB733
Epcot sounds like a great way to start off your trip! Sorry about the trouble trying to get a margarita, but at least it didn't ruin your afternoon.
It's typically my first stop, just so easy to stroll around and not worry about lines etc.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MayraLR
Great start Maci! Glad you were able to fly out of your airport without your license! Mine got, momentarily lost, last trip and I totally freaked out.
It was such a panic at first, I couldn't believe how cool they were about it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by princetoaprincess
Glad the airport thing worked out. Enjoying the pics.
When I finally made it to Morocco and they had no problem letting me check in early for my 6:05 reservation because I was tired and hungry. They were a little confused at first thinking I was waiting for the other member of my party but when they realized it was a table for one they apologized and led me in. They tried to put me at a two top in the middle of the area but I nicely asked to switch to a booth off to the side and they were happy to accommodate!
It's beautiful in here!
not really crowded...
I looked over the menu and had an idea of what I wanted before my server arrived. So when she did I quickly placed my order. I recall Her Dotness raving about a chicken donut type dish and I saw something that reminded me of her description so that was my appetizer, then I ordered the special couscous with beef honey and figs. I was torn between wine and sangria and I was quickly sold on sangria... A whole carafe just for me because I could take the leftover to go
In no time I was brought bread with the description "It's Moroccan bread with American butter". The servers here were all great and I was often cared for by the whole team! The bread was warm and delicious but no sangria yet... I tried to enjoy slowly since I had a whole carafe to get through. Then my appetizer arrived after only a few bites of bread The timing was really not on par tonight but the atmosphere and friendliness more than made up for it.
My server emerged and I soon knew the reason why I wasn't getting my drinks yet, they are having problems with just my passport picture I explained that I had walked in with a drink from Japan and with my receipt the manager gave the okay. Sania (my server) explained that if they get caught serving underage she would get fired, the manager would get fired, and the bartender would get fired! She was infinitely nicer about it than the people in La Cavern de Tequila and I of course explained I would never want that to happen to anyone! I would have been okay not having the sangria but oh my it was tasty I'm glad we worked it out
Yummy roll
Chicken Bastilla - baked layers of thin pastry filled with minced chicken and almonds, sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar
My wonderful sangria finally
Couscous M'Rouzia: braised beef served with prunes, balsamic vinegar, honey, sesame seeds, and eggs
Once that was sorted my beef was done already and I was only halfway through the app so she asked if I wanted her to keep on in the back which I did so she took it away. Then the entertainment started as I finished the appetizer. It was a little hard to cut into but I really liked it. Shredded chicken in flaky pastry layers topped with cinnamon and sugar. Not too sweet at all although the chicken was just slightly dry. If it had a dipping sauce that would have been great!
The belly dancer was just gorgeous! Two men played a song before she came out, then she danced briefly, then she rounded up some children to teach moves to, then poof she was gone and about one more song. Very short lived which was such a pity to our surprise Aladdin and Jasmine blew through and danced for a second and waved and poofed as well!
My name in Moroccan
There was a lull where I just enjoyed the sangria and eventually my couscous was brought back out to me. Normally I enjoy sweet things but this was a little on the sweet side, even for me for a dinner entree. The couscous was perfectly fluffy though! I enjoyed about half of the dish and was full so got a to go box. It probably would have been better if it hadn’t been sitting in back for so long too
One of the servers took a special interest in me and invited me to House of Blues that evening! I declined because I was so ready to head back to the hotel and take it easy! He insisted he take a picture of me on the stairs where you can see some of the beautiful restaurant detail in the background and gave me his number just in case I changed my mind. I unfortunately hate the picture of myself…
I settled up my tab after getting through enough of the sangria to have just one to go cup and ventured out with my leftovers. I thought about stopping in France for dessert but nothing appealed to me at the time so I kept trucking along. I had spent over an hour and a half here, seeing a second round of entertainment at 7! Pretty long time considering I knew what I wanted before my server even arrived…
Restaurant Marrakesh
First Time Visit
Best Part: Atmosphere
Worst Part: Timing and pace
Would I return: Eventually
TiW Savings: $13.60
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so we spend some time shifting to make the bags work without giving up too much good stuff! Turns out I forgot to pack my raincoat and hope it doesn't get too cold because nothing terribly warm packed! 
PassPorter Guide Author
I love your room at Old Key West - so beautiful and spacious. 
. I caught the end of the show and they invited people up for pictures and I attempted a selfie with them but of course at that moment my phone ran out of memory 
And I did end up getting Mallory and Moe unfiltered sake for watching Kairi and then I did get them a sake set for their wedding gift!
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