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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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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!
Best wishes for a wonderful and magical new year!
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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.
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02-18-2003, 01:35 PM
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#1
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Community Rank: Tourist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Arkadelphia,Arkansas
Posts: 16
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Wilderness Lodge info needed
I just booked our first trip to DW! [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img] My daughter and I are so excited! Hubby will be too, at least by May. I booked us at WL with a woods view. I am hoping some of you veteran Disney travelers can give me advice on which are the best rooms, where can you see the fireworks from, really any advice you can give me on Wilderness Lodge. From the pictures I think we will love it!!! I just want to know anything and everything that will make our trip more enjoyable. Look forward to hearing from ya'll!
[ 02-18-2003, 02:05 PM: Message edited by: JenH ]
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Sponsored links
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02-18-2003, 02:29 PM
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#2
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Community Rank: Scout 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: SE Texas!
Posts: 4,882
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Re: Wilderness Lodge info needed
I have stayed at WL with my DH twice -- 9/97 and 5/02. This is a lovely resort, and no matter where your room is -- it will be perfect. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]
My recommendations here:
* Watch the Electrical Water Pageant from the boat docks. A very charming little parade -- and a perfect ending to a perfect day.
* Dine at Whispering Canyon Cafe at least once. Good food and good fun!
* Rent the Mouse-boats and tour Bay Lake.
* Ride the boat over to Ft. Wilderness and do a little exploring. Maybe even plan to dine at the very affordable buffet there. There is also a nice little petting zoo to see.
* Take the Hidden Mickey challenge. These are tough, but can be a fun way to spend an afternoon.
Enjoy your vacation. The Wilderness Lodge is sooo amazing. I could just sit in the lobby in awe for a few hours!
Michelle
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02-18-2003, 05:38 PM
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#3
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Magic Happens!
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: E. Stroudsburg, PA
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 29,184
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Re: Wilderness Lodge info needed
Hi JenH, welcome to the Boards! [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img]
We love WL, it is our home resort as DVC owners. Michelle gave you a great list! Do breakfast and dinner at Whispering Canyon. How old is your daughter? There is a great pin trading station at WL, she may really get into that! The pool is great, the theming is wonderful. [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img]
When are you going? These boards are the place for all your questions...someone will have the answer!
Sue
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02-18-2003, 07:59 PM
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#4
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Community Rank: Tourist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Arkadelphia,Arkansas
Posts: 16
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Re: Wilderness Lodge info needed
Thanks!! We are going May 4-9. Our daughter is 10. I was wondering about the pin trading. Like I said this is our first trip, so I need all the help I can get. And I appreciate it too! [img]graemlins/puter.gif[/img]
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02-18-2003, 08:10 PM
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#5
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Community Rank: Adventurer 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Duluth, Ga. , U.S.A.
Posts: 844
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Re: Wilderness Lodge info needed
Hi Jen!
We were at WL last May with our DD(9)and DS(12). We fell in love with it! I love all of the suggestions so far, but don't forget the hot tub and Roaring Fork for a cheaper meal. We hit the hot tub and RF every night, I think!
Have fun!
Laura
BTW-were you there when we were, AllEars? We were there for Memorial Day week.
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02-18-2003, 08:45 PM
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#6
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Magic Happens!
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: E. Stroudsburg, PA
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 29,184
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Re: Wilderness Lodge info needed
Hi Jen!
She is the perfect age for pin trading! I would suggest that you get her a few starter pins before you go, since it can get pricey! [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] The "rules" are easy: CM's have to trade, never trade a collector or limited pin, and she shouldn't trade a pin she loves, no matter what the value. That's about it!
May is a great time to go, we have been there twice in May, and the weather is great! Do you have an itenary yet? Leave lots of time to enjoy all the beauty WDW has to offer. It will not be too crowded in May, you should be able to do alot and enjoy alot!
Sue
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02-22-2003, 10:55 PM
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#7
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Community Rank: Globetrotter 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: North Alabama
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 3,430
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Re: Wilderness Lodge info needed
Jen,
The WL is probably my overall favorite WDW resort, though you can see that I have not stayed at all of them! [I have visited the AKL and am anxious to stay there.]
When you check in, ask if you can be the "Flag Family" during your stay. If they say "yes", you get to help raise the flag one morning AND you get to go up to the roof of the Lodge. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] It's quite safe, though not something they can take groups up to. Also, there is a daily tour that you would enjoy, but probably your daughter would find a bit boring. They talk about the design and some of the Disney secrets, such as how the stream only appears to flow into the pool (look under the foot bridge!). Be sure to follow the bubbling spring from the Lobby out to the stream and waterfall, pool, hot springs, and the geyser!
Try having some hot chocolate (or coffee) while rocking in front of the huge fireplace whose chimney mimics the layers of the Grand Canyon.
And don't skip Artist's Point Restaurant. While not as <ahem> energetic as Whispering Canyon Cafe, it has wonderful food and desserts, and many families eat there. The Berry Cobbler is fantastic! [img]graemlins/yuma.gif[/img]
Be sure to wander up some of the floors that overlook the lobby. Lots of interesting nooks and crannies.
Oh, and if you have a rainy day (or even if you don't) get a "Hidden Mickey" clue list from Guest Services and go on a hunt! By the way, there's one in the Artist Point Restaurant and also one in the Territory Lounge. That's all I'll say! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]
Oh, and make sure you have some Disney beanies out in your room (bring from home or buy in the great store off the lobby) and leave a tip each day for Mousekeeping (or Lodgekeeping as it is known at WL). They can be very creative and it is great for a kid to come back to the room and find the beanies arranged creatively. For example, you might find them poring over a resort map or "sunning" themselves stretched out on washcloth towels, or enjoying a hot tub soak in one of the sinks!
You are really in for a treat and I hope you have a truly magical time.
[ 02-22-2003, 10:59 PM: Message edited by: LLaffinPlace ]
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02-23-2003, 11:54 PM
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#8
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Community Rank: Explorer 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: In the state of Disney Dreaming!
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 10,572
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Re: Wilderness Lodge info needed
Hey Jen H, welcome! [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img] 
We stayed at the WL for the first time last July. It is very impressive! You'll never forget your first walk through the doors!
You've been given a lot of great tips so far. My sons loved the pool and the geyser. It was always quiet at 2-3am. I would wonder throught the lodge with a cup of something and just take in the surroundings. You can see alot when the activity around you is gone! The brook alone is wonderful!
If you have a patio, use it! DH would sit outside and read in the morning while everyone else got ready. We'd have our morning coffee there. It was such a peaceful start to the day.
You're going to love it! |
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02-24-2003, 08:09 PM
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#9
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Community Rank: Wayfarer 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Brooklyn,NY
Posts: 165
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Re: Wilderness Lodge info needed
WL sounds terrific! I can't wait until Dec. Do all rooms have balconies or patios?
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02-25-2003, 12:29 AM
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#10
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Community Rank: Scout
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 4,695
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Re: Wilderness Lodge info needed
We just returned from the WL for the first time and it was wonderful! We'd definitely try this resort again, especially since DH has yet to find the hidden Mickey in the fireplace. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]
We ate at Whispering Canyon which was very fun and great food too. Roaring Forks was good for quick bites, refillable mugs, and oatmeal cookies which Madeline loved! The transportation was excellent. 10 minutes or less to MK by boat and a quick bus ride anywhere else.
The only thing we didn't like about our room location was that our door opened onto the lobby side and that could be quite noisy in the morning. It wasn't a big deal though. The balcony was nice especially since I woke up earlier than DH and DD. I could take my shower and go sit on the balcony waiting for them.
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03-07-2003, 10:48 PM
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#11
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Community Rank: Legend 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,365
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Re: Wilderness Lodge info needed
Quote:
Originally posted by arlenerose:
WL sounds terrific! I can't wait until Dec. Do all rooms have balconies or patios?
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<font size="2" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">What a great resort! I believe that all rooms do have balconies or patios, but you might want to be aware that some of the top floor rooms have enclosed ralings rather than open ones (ala dormers). ENJOY - and my tip is also not to miss Artist Point! |
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03-17-2003, 10:11 PM
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#12
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Community Rank: Traveler 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Birmingham, AL
Posts: 372
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Re: Wilderness Lodge info needed
JenH,
I have to "ditto" Larry! Definitely ask about being a flag family. We went last year with a just turned 14 year old and she loved the view when we were up there. I never realized until I flipped through her self-made scrap book how impressed she was by raising the flags. She wrote, "I got to raise the American flag" under the photo I took of her with the guide. You can see the "Tree of Life" the Earful Tower, and all of the major Disney icons from the top of the WL, not to mention the awe inspiring views of the resort itself.
Have a great time! WL is still my very favorite resort at WDW. Of course, I'll have to let you know if that is still the case after we stay at YC in Oct. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]
[ 03-17-2003, 10:12 PM: Message edited by: CU Tigger ]
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03-17-2003, 10:25 PM
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#13
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Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Connecticut
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 16,825
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Re: Wilderness Lodge info needed
Great tips so far! Our room with a view of the fireworks was on the 6th floor on the North side of the lodge. We had a great view of the fireworks, mainly through the trees. I think we were in 6046 but I'm not positive. Hope this helps!
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03-18-2003, 10:49 AM
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#14
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Community Rank: Wayfarer
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 185
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Re: Wilderness Lodge info needed
We stayed at WL in FEb 03 and loved it. We especially enjoyed hearing the music from the Electrical Water parade. Our view was only of a pond and woods, however.
The kids loved the surrey bike ride to Fort Wilderness to see the petting zoo, pony rides available, bring dollar bills for rides and quarters to buy food to feed the sheep.
We had breakfast at Roaring Forks almost every morning and it was fast, friendly, and good. I agree withthe review of the cookies, too!! and Chipwiches!!
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