Have a Happy Birthday - Part Two - COMPLETE w/Final Thoughts **Updated 11/25** - Page 10 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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!
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.
To post messages and ask questions, join our FREE community today and you'll get access to tools and resources not available to guests, such as our vacation countown timers, "living" avatars, private messaging system, database searches, downloads, and a special PassPorter discount code. Registration is fast, simple, and completely free. Just click the Join Our Community link.
If you think you've already joined, log in below now. If you don't remember your member name or password, please visit our Member Name and Password Recovery page. You are also welcome to contact us.
WDW - August 1997 Off Property
WDW - January 2005 AKL
WDW - May 2006 Pop Century
WDW- november-dec 2007 pop century
WDW- dec/jan 2009/2010 pop century
WDW- oct/nov 2012 art of animation
WDW- sept 2013 port Orleans riverside
WDW- july 2015 beach club
Registered Message Board Members Get Our Free Newsletter! When you register you'll have the option to sign up for our weekly PassPorter Newsletter. It's chock-full of feature articles; news; tips; contests; photos; and special offers in our online store.
Before we continue with our regularly scheduled program, I have to back up an hour or so for something that I forgot. After breakfast on the train, the girls were playing in the top bunk. Maddie had already asked for help to come down one time, but when she was back on the top bunk she stated "Next time, I go down by myself." Out of nowhere, we hear Mary Devall say "Knock yourself out" as if she is 35-years-old. We have some interesting years ahead of us, folks.
Now back to the story . . .
Our Happy Limo driver dropped off Misti’s family at POFQ first and then we were off to WL. Before we knew it, we were driving up to that majestic lodge and were hopping out of the van. I don’t know why, but this is the second time that I’ve arrived at WL and no one from bell services has even offered to help with our luggage. Thankfully, we had very little, so while Thom got it together, I signed a receipt for the driver and tipped him.
We went inside and let someone at bell services know that we were checking into the club level. The girls ran over for a little rocking chair/tv time, but someone from concierge was down within a couple of minutes to take us back upstairs.
Upon seeing Thom with our luggage, the CM asked us if we would need bell services. I told him that it depended on whether our room was ready or not. When he answered “Oh, it’s ready” I told him to lead us on. He deposited me at the concierge desk upstairs and bid us adieu while Thom and the girls went to check out their favorite little table and chairs.
I was quickly checked in and given our room keys, but I couldn’t help but notice how hum drum the 3 CM’s standing behind the desk were. One of them went as far to ask me if we had stayed with them before, but beyond that, they couldn’t even manage pleasantries. The odd thing was that I recognized two of them from our stay there in June of 07, so it wasn’t as if they were newbies. It’s not as if I expect a CM to turn cartwheels when I enter the room (although that would be nice ), but a “How was your trip down?” or “Thanks for staying with us again!” might have been nice.
I gathered my crew and we headed down the hall to find our room which ended up being right next door to where we stayed on our last visit. It was a fantastic location since it was steps away from the lounge and came with a beautiful view.
The girls immediately tore into the chocolate canoe although they did give me a split second to take a picture before the first bite.
Thom had taken his shower on the train, but I held out hoping that our room would be ready. Since luck was on my side today, I was able to hop in the shower and get clean before we headed back out to MK. And added bonus was that Thom had all of the clothes put away by the time that I had finished my shower.
We were soon back out the door and, after a quick stop in the lounge for some cookies , we were headed for MK. While waiting for the boat, I was happy to see that they now have two separate boats for WL and FW! Yeah, Disney listened! We probably only waited about 10 minutes for one of the open air boats (I'm sure that there is an official nautical name for them, but I have no idea what it would be) - - I just those.
We sat in the back of the boat with a couple from Jacksonville who were staying at FW and just riding around (apparently they didn’t have tickets for today). When the boat docked, they asked if there was anything to do in the area without going into MK. I told them to resort hop and sent them in the direction of the Tambu lounge and a pina colada.
Once through the gates, I gave Tricia (Hugmonster) a call since she thought she would be in MK on her last day. She was at DHS, but would give me a call once she arrived at MK. I then called Misti to see if they had made it to MK yet, but I soon discovered that I had the wrong cell phone number for her when “Gwen” came on and asked me to leave a message. Oops! Luckily, Thom had programmed Linda and Nicky’s cell numbers into his phone on the ride from the Amtrak station so he gave them a call even though no one answered. We figured that they would eventually check their phones so we decided just to go ahead and enjoy our day.
Our first job was to grab SM FP’s. The CM’s in this area probably thought that they had a stalker on their hands because as Thom was getting the FP’s I was scanning the area intently looking for Jyl since she had just started working in the area that day. I never did spot her but I found out later that she was working over at the stroller area near Buzz.
While we waited for our SM FP’s to ripen, Mary Devall suggested that we ride Maddie’s favorite, Barnstormer. Mary Devall and I rode in front of Maddie and Thom so I had to turn around and check out Maddie’s reaction as we clicked up the hill - - pure joy was written all over her face!
After our short (but fun) spin on Barnstormer, we headed back over to Tomorrow Land for Thom and Mary Devall to use their FP’s on SM. Maddie and I went to our old standby, TTA, after a quick bathroom break (we had many, many bathroom breaks on this trip due to potty training ).
While Maddie and I were making our way through the SM portion of TTA, my phone rang. Tricia and her DH, Eric, had just arrived in MK and wanted to find out our whereabouts. Tricia said that they would just meet us at the base of TTA. I have to tell you that it’s a bit surreal talking on the phone as you travel through darkness with stars shooting over your head.
As soon as Maddie and I descended from TTA, we spotted Thom and Mary Devall coming our way. Thom informed me that he had finally heard from Misti and that they were in MK and riding PP. We pulled up a piece of concrete bench and waited only a couple of minutes before I spotted Tricia and her DH headed our way. The funny thing is that I had zero idea of what she looked like until I happened to be reading Amy’s (iamgrumpy) “moving to Orlando” tr the day before and saw a picture of Tricia at a PP meet from earlier in the week.
We had such fun talking with Tricia and Eric. They had been having a blast and shared all of the cool character sightings that they had. Mary Devall especially loved Tricia’s hat which was covered in character sigs (we may just be stealing that idea! ). We all had places that we needed to be, so we took some pictures and then hugged goodbye (because you simply have to hug a Hugmonster). Tricia joked that she had managed to remain incognito on the boards so far, but I did warn her that the camera phone picture was going directly to Sharon for a live update!
After saying to Tricia and Eric, Thom told me that SM was only a 20 minute wait, so MD and I took off. We went directly to the front of the line where we then veered off to the left. Okay, either I have never been on left side or it’s been a very long time. I’ve read about the differences between the two, so now was my chance to see for myself. My take on the whole left side versus right side issue? (I know that you're just sitting on the edge of your seat waiting to hear! ) The left side is much smoother, but there were some occasional jolts that you don’t have on the right side. The drop on the left side is much steeper also! I think I might just have to veer off to the left side a bit more from now on.
When Mary Devall and I came back down to earth, Thom had bought a cherry freeze from the Lunching pad for me and he was holding a bite left of a cream cheese filled pretzel. This was our first time trying one although I’ve read about them many a time in mestitch’s tr’s! He had saved the one bite just so that I could experience that sweet goodness. Let’s just say that this won’t be our last cream cheese pretzel!
Registered Message Board Members Get Our Free Newsletter! When you register you'll have the option to sign up for our weekly PassPorter Newsletter. It's chock-full of feature articles; news; tips; contests; photos; and special offers in our online store.
So sorry I missed you that day! I did spend most of my day kinda peeking ofer the crowd to see if I could spot you. You'll find me at Space Mountain now!!! (ps...both sides are exactly the same, just mirror images, but the left side is 10 feet longer, not that anyone can really notice. most people do prefer the left. i like the right. )
Maddie had already asked for help to come down one time, but when she was back on the top bunk she stated "Next time, I go down by myself." Out of nowhere, we hear Mary Devall say "Knock yourself out" as if she is 35-years-old. We have some interesting years ahead of us, folks.
That's too
Love that picture! What a great update!
__________________
ºOº ~*~
Oct '99: CSR ~ May '02: CR ~ Nov '04: SOG ~ May '06: SOG ~ Dec '07: Solo @ Pop ~ May '08: Pop w/friends ~ Oct '08: SOG ~ Dec '09: Pop w/LeAnn ~ Sept '10: Solo @ Pop ~ Spring '11: AKL ~ Jan '12: Pop for 1/2 Marathon ~ Sept '12: 1st trip for DL 1/2 Marathon? ~ Feb '13: Pop w/pals? ~ Mar '13: Tokyo Disney w/PP's?
PassPorter Guide Community Rank: Legend Extraordinaire
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Southwestern Florida, USA
Concierge Level: 7
Posts: 39,153
Post Thanks / Like
Likes (Given): 39
Likes (Received): 114
Thanks (Given): 18
Thanks (Received): 46
Pixie Dust (Given): 1
Pixie Dust (Received): 8
What a great view from your room at WL! That resort just makes me smile! But - geeeesh - the CMs don't sound very friendly. And that just doesn't sound like WL - every time I have stayed there, every CM I encountered was so friendly and helpful.
Where have I been???? I have never heard that there was any difference between the left and right side of SM. : Thanks for the info Jyl! You learn something new everday!
Sounds like a great passporter meet - Hugmonster, you are no longer incognito!
Sounds like you guys are off to a great start for Maddie's birthday!
Great view from your room and awesome for it to be ready when you arrived. SOrry the CMs didn't do cartwheels....sheesh, a little handstand would have been acceptable!
Nice to see you jumped right into the action at MK.
danielle
__________________
~Shoot for the moon, if you miss, you will land among the stars~
I THOUGHT I saw your family at MK that day, but wasn't sure and we were rushing somewhere. I knew we'd most likely see each other in the Concierge lounge and I was right!
__________________
Yvonne:
My Gorgeous Daughter the Graduate----------------->
Great update Jill!! Glad the room was ready!! Love the picture of the girls with their chocolate canoe!! And how great to meet up with Hugmonster!! Sounds like a great start so far!!
That chocolate canoe is cooooool!! I can't believe you are able to meet PP's every trip you've taken. . . . . That's great. Another great installment. Can't wait for more. . . . . .
Oh my goodness, "knock yourself out"? Mary Devall is a riot! Sorry the concierge staff weren't very magical. Love the chocolate canoe! Glad you got to meet up with Hugmonster. Hurry back with more, please!
__________________
Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
Registered Message Board Members Get Our Free Newsletter! When you register you'll have the option to sign up for our weekly PassPorter Newsletter. It's chock-full of feature articles; news; tips; contests; photos; and special offers in our online store.
About This Page: 
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
We have some interesting years ahead of us, folks. 
I don’t know why, but this is the second time that I’ve arrived at WL and no one from bell services has even offered to help with our luggage. 
Thankfully, we had very little, so while Thom got it together, I signed a receipt for the driver and tipped him.
And added bonus was that Thom had all of the clothes put away by the time that I had finished my shower. 
, we were headed for MK. While waiting for the boat, I was happy to see that they now have two separate boats for WL and FW! Yeah, Disney listened! 
) - - I just 
those. 
Luckily, Thom had programmed Linda and Nicky’s cell numbers into his phone on the ride from the Amtrak station so he gave them a call even though no one answered. We figured that they would eventually check their phones so we decided just to go ahead and enjoy our day.
but I found out later that she was working over at the stroller area near Buzz. 
).
to Tricia and Eric, Thom told me that SM was only a 20 minute wait, so MD and I took off. We went directly to the front of the line where we then veered off to the left. Okay, either I have never been on left side or it’s been a very long time. I’ve read about the differences between the two, so now was my chance to see for myself. My take on the whole left side versus right side issue? (I know that you're just sitting on the edge of your seat waiting to hear! 
most people do prefer the left. i like the right. 
ºOº ~*~ 
: Thanks for the info Jyl! You learn something new everday!
Margaret
Danny and I at Epcot 8/14/08
Mary Devall is a riot! Sorry the concierge staff weren't very magical. Love the chocolate canoe! 
Linear Mode
