Forums Closed
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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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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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04-16-2005, 02:37 PM
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#1
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Community Rank: Explorer 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: second star to the right
Posts: 13,308
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Washington DC - A Trip Report - Mickey and the Cherry Blossoms
Who - Crystal (32), Nana (54), Tony (4 1/2), Jeanette (1)
When - April 13-15
Where - Washington DC
We left home in PA at 10 AM and drove to Washington DC. It was not looking pretty - 10 minutes from home and already stuck in traffic. Luckily, it was only painting highway lines and we got under way. We didn't hit anything else in the way of bad traffic. Of course, we stopped a bunch of times. DS decided to pick his nose unitl it bled and we had to stop near Philly at a McDOnald's and get his nosebleed to stop. A Happy Meal made everything better for him. Get back on the road and drive another hour and stop for our lunch. We ate lunch the Iron Skillet truck stop on I-95. Gotta love truck stop food. Back on the road, all set to drive the rest of the way. 20 minutes later, Jeanette throws up on herself. NICE - stop and clean her up. Are we ever going to get there???
We finally get there with no other incidents. We even found the hotel without getting lost. We pulled up to the Mandarin Oriental Washington DC and the bellman took our bags, valet took the car, and we checked in. All I can say about this hotel is WOW!! Beautiful. It was only built a few years ago and is 2 blocks from the Smithsonian
overlooking the Tidal Basin. Our room was gorgeous. I don't think I have ever seen so much silk in one place. The bedspread, wallpaper, shades, decorations. The bathroom was gorgeous. All marble with a huge glass shower, an enormous tub, and a phone just in case you need to make a call. The room itself had 2 queen size beds, a sitting chair and ottoman, desk with 2 chairs, minibar, a clothes valet, and a TV system (flat screen with surrond sound speakers and a DVD player). I think it was probably the nicest hotel I have ever stayed at and that is saying alot!!
After getting situated, we decided to head out for dinner. We loaded the kids up in the stroller and took off. We stopped in the lobby and asked the concierge for a nice place nearby with the kids for dinner. SHe suggested the M&S Grill, called ahead for reservations for us, and gave us directions. Just a short walk she said. We walked 2 blocks to the Smithsonian,
across the National Mall,
another 5 blocks, turn left 1 block and there it was. Not short in my book, but it was worth it. The M&S Grill was an upscale place with a large menu and an even larger wine menu. I got a diet coke, Cheasapeak Crab Soup and Filet Mignon with asparagus, carrots and roasted potatoes. It was supper yummy!! They had a kids menu, but we were the only ones in there with kids. Tony and Jeanette are pretty good at restaurants so all went well. As long as they have food, they are happy!
After dinner, we realized we couldn't be but a block from where the 75 Years of MIckey exhibit was. Why wait - lets go see them now. For anyone that doesn't know about the display, there are 75 Mickey statues made from the same mold then decorated different by all kinds of celebrities, artists, and just some regular people. We had a lot of fun taking pictures and looking at all the Mickey's.
FrontEAR Tales by Fess Parker
Fruits of the Mouse by Andreas Deja
Music Royalty by Sir Elton John
Lobsta Mickey by Breanna Rowlette
Reflections on Mickey by Disneyland Resort Entertainment Dept.
Wild for Mikcey by Star Jones
Patchwork Pal by Thomas Knechtel
This one wasn't marked with a name
Flying Colors #3 by David Willardson
Wonderful World of Mickey by Kathryn E. Morgan
I'll post some more pictures of the Mickey's in another post.
We strolled back to the hotel just in time for to view the sun setting as we passed thru the National Mall and
looking at the Washington Monument. Breathtaking.
When, we got back to the hotel, Tony had to try out the large tub then we all crashed after a very, very long day. |
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04-16-2005, 02:44 PM
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#2
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Community Rank: Legend Extraordinaire 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Ohio Football Hall Of Fame
Posts: 42,304
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Re: Washington DC - A Trip Report - Mickey and the Cherry Blossoms
Sounds like a rocky start, but with kids that can happen!! It sounds like you had a grat time after that though and the statues are so cute. I was hoping you were going to write a report!! The hotel sounds goreous!! Glad you had a great time, except for the nosebleed and puke!!!!
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04-16-2005, 03:00 PM
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#3
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PassPorter Message Board Manager
 PassPorter Guide Author
Community Rank: Legend VIP 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Maidstone, Kent, UK
Concierge Level: 3
Posts: 190,285
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Re: Washington DC - A Trip Report - Mickey and the Cherry Blossoms
I'm glad you made it to DC - I was wondering if you would at one point.  THe Mandarin Oriental sounds awesome - was it in a good location? Did you manage to get a good deal on it? I ask, as I'm looking for somewhere to stay when we go to DC and it sounds like the sort of place DH would love, but I don't want to pay a fortune for it...
The photos of the Mickeys are so  and I love that shot of the sun setting over the Washington monument.  I'm looking forward to reading more... |
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04-16-2005, 03:46 PM
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#4
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Community Rank: Legend 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Newtown Square, PA
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 23,859
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Re: Washington DC - A Trip Report - Mickey and the Cherry Blossoms
Wow, Crystal!! After a rough start, you guys sure did alot!! Your dinner sounds delish and the Mickey's are awesome!! Your hotel sounds very posh!  |
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04-16-2005, 03:47 PM
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#5
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Community Rank: Explorer
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: second star to the right
Posts: 13,308
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Re: Washington DC - A Trip Report - Mickey and the Cherry Blossoms
[ QUOTE ]
- was it in a good location? Did you manage to get a good deal on it?
[/ QUOTE ]
The location was awesome!! Overlooking the Tidal Basin, you could see the Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument out our window.
As far as price, it is quite expensive. It is a 6 star hotel - I don't know what kind of deals they may offer but rooms at regular prices start at $350 and go up from there. There are definately better places to look if cost is a concern. Nearby there was the Loews L'Enfant - not cheap by any means but definately more reasonable. It looked very nice and was right on top of a Metro subway station and only a few blocks from the Smithsonian and National Mall.
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04-16-2005, 03:59 PM
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#6
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Community Rank: Explorer
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: second star to the right
Posts: 13,308
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Re: Washington DC - A Trip Report - Mickey and the Cherry Blossoms
Here are some more of the Mickey's
Mickey's Shadow by Trey Hoyumpa
Viva Mickey by Luis Armand Garcia for George Lopez
Crazy Style Mickey by Mear One
All the World's His Stage by Susan Lucci
Big Cheese Mickey by Jeff Spohn
Extended Play by Wayne Brady
MouseskatEAR by Tony Hawk
Mickey in Yellow by Rosie O'Donnell
Field Mouse by Brian Matson
Mickey Celebrated Our Freedom
Mickey Reigns by Anita Hurst
Memories by Dennis Larkin
You Can Do It by Elva Salinas
Back to School by Al Konetzni
Still More Mickey's to come!!!!!! |
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04-16-2005, 04:17 PM
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#7
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Community Rank: Explorer
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: second star to the right
Posts: 13,308
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Re: Washington DC - A Trip Report - Mickey and the Cherry Blossoms
Even more Mickey's
Family Tree by Jeff Conine
Mickey on the mOve by Malcolm Stone
Beleive in Your Dreams by Kevin Garnett
Tune In by Anthony Rietta
Super Fan Mickey by Regis Philbin
Mousetaccioli by Doris Roberts
Mambo Mickey by Andy Garcia
Funny Bones by James Gandolfini
Jet Setter by John Travolta
Big City Mouse by Kelly Ripa
Home Run Hero by Ben Affleck
Dunk Mouse by Shaquille O'Neal
Circle Vision by Luis Fernandez
Left - Ready for Action Christy Carlson Romano
Center - Mickey's Dream by Peter Ellenshaw and Harrison Ellenshaw
Right - IceskatEAR by Paul Wylie
ESPN 25th Anniversary Mickey by Chris Berman and Dick Vitale
Still More Mickey's to come plus Touring DC Day 2. |
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04-16-2005, 05:03 PM
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#8
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Community Rank: Adventurer 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 942
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Re: Washington DC - A Trip Report - Mickey and the Cherry Blossoms
Very Crystal! Glad to see your trip report - I've been looking for it.
I tried to figure out a way to get to DC this month, but with DS involved in hockey and baseball, it's just an impossibility. I'll have to experience it through your report. Thanks for sharing!
Debbie |
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04-16-2005, 07:04 PM
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#9
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Community Rank: Legend Extraordinaire
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Ohio Football Hall Of Fame
Posts: 42,304
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Re: Washington DC - A Trip Report - Mickey and the Cherry Blossoms
Thanks for more photos of the Mickeys, they are just too cute!!! Can't wait to read more!!!!
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04-16-2005, 07:37 PM
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#10
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Community Rank: Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Posts: 27,691
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Re: Washington DC - A Trip Report - Mickey and the Cherry Blossoms
Crystal! I am loving all those pictures - thank you SO much for posting them. So far I love them all except for Rosie O'donnell's  |
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04-16-2005, 08:19 PM
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#11
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Community Rank: Navigator 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Davidsonville, MD
Posts: 6,563
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Re: Washington DC - A Trip Report - Mickey and the Cherry Blossoms
I'm so sorry I was too sick to come down! Maybe next time. I think you may have seen some Cherry Blossoms too.
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04-16-2005, 09:23 PM
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#12
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Community Rank: Jetsetter 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Wishing I was at WDW
Posts: 2,384
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Re: Washington DC - A Trip Report - Mickey and the Cherry Blossoms
Great report! Can't wait to read more!!
Dh and I stayed at the Mandarin for a wknd away from the kids! It is gorgeous!!
Cindy
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04-16-2005, 09:36 PM
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#13
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Wannabe Snowbird
Join Date: May 2002
Concierge Level: 7
Posts: 34,137
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Re: Washington DC - A Trip Report - Mickey and the Cherry Blossoms
[ QUOTE ]
Crystal! I am loving all those pictures - thank you SO much for posting them. So far I love them all except for Rosie O'donnell's
[/ QUOTE ]
 I was thinking the same thing about all the Mickeys! |
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04-17-2005, 07:59 AM
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#14
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Community Rank: Legend
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Newtown Square, PA
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 23,859
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Re: Washington DC - A Trip Report - Mickey and the Cherry Blossoms
Me too! What's up with Rosie's Mickey?!?! EWWW! Thanks for sharing the wonderful pictures!! |
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04-17-2005, 04:38 PM
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#15
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Community Rank: Explorer
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: second star to the right
Posts: 13,308
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Re: Washington DC - A Trip Report - Mickey and the Cherry Blossoms
So Here's some more Mickey's
Rockin' Mickey by Mario Vaiana
Clouded Conscience by Raven
Mickey through the Years by Tuck Morgan
Mickey and the Nightengale by Ming Na
El Mickey by Lamberto ALverez
Tuxedo by Lenox
It Was All Started by a Mouse by Vanessa Hunt
All Aboard by Ollie Johnston
The Original Mouse Pad by Jamie Lee Curtis
Peace & Love by Michelle Kwan
Delivery Man Mickey by Coca Cola
Let's Party by Chris Fedon for Jump 5
Lone Star by Kermit Eisenhut
I Speak for Mickey and Mickey Speaks for Me by Wayne Allwine and Russi Taylor
Still More MIckey's to Come plus Days 2 and 3. |
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