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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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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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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.
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10-15-2006, 05:26 AM
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#136
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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: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
So sorry you didn't win Marnie, but what a great treat to have him on board! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img]
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10-15-2006, 06:20 PM
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#137
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Community Rank: Explorer 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: NE Ohio
Concierge Level: 8
Posts: 11,856
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
Aother great update, Marnie. Swimming with the rays looks like fun. It sounds like you had a great day at Castawy Cay. Sorry you didn't win anything at the raffle.
Liz
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10-16-2006, 01:33 PM
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#138
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Community Rank: Globetrotter 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Manchester, England
Posts: 3,595
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
Just catching up. Wonderful updates, Marnie.
I'm definitely considering a cruise for our summer trip now.
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Sponsored links
 | | 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. |
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10-16-2006, 03:38 PM
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#139
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Community Rank: Adventurer 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Wentzville, MO
Posts: 818
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
Can't wait to hear about the rest of your last day. I haven't told DH yet, but the cruise sounds great!!!
Can't wait for more!
Steph A
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10-16-2006, 05:33 PM
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#140
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Community Rank: Globetrotter
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: NC
Posts: 3,536
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
Great updates!!!
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10-16-2006, 06:18 PM
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#141
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Community Rank: Trailblazer 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: North Carolina
Concierge Level: 1
Posts: 5,666
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
I can't believe the cruise is coming to an end! Great update, Marnie. Can't wait to read more.
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10-16-2006, 06:25 PM
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#142
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Community Rank: Globetrotter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,651
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
Just getting caught up. I had forgotten that you only had one day at Castaway Cay. You did tons of stuff that day! The bike ride sounded like fun - a simple way to get away from the crowds and have some time to yourselves. Love the pictures! Sorry you didn't win a sketch.
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10-16-2006, 10:49 PM
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#143
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Community Rank: Explorer
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Longfellow's "Jewel by the Sea"
Posts: 14,165
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
Marnie, you're so adventurous!!!
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10-17-2006, 09:11 AM
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#144
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RED SOX NATION!!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Connecticut
Concierge Level: 9
Posts: 136,854
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
<font color="blue"> Day 13, Part 2 - A great tour, a fabulous meal, and alas packing
That done, we decided to do the Galley Tour which was meeting outside Triton’s. I must say, if you have the chance to do this, do it. What a great tour. We were first brought into Triton’s, where one of the chefs talked about I don’t know what. I couldn’t hear him [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img]
Something about all three galleys (each restaurant has their own galley) running the same meals this trip (now I always thought they had their own menus [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] ) Then we got a tour of the Triton galley. Everything is stainless, there are pictures of the meals/appetizers so the servers know which one they are choosing. Fascinating [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] The chef said they took on enough food for about 10-12 days even though it was a 4 night cruise, because you never know what can happen at sea. They are also only allowed to bring on food in the US, and all the food is certified by the US Gov’t thru their regulations. A guy was having trouble with this for some reason, since the butter was from France, he couldn’t figure out how it got on the ship [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/ukid.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/ukid.gif[/img] Because the French company is certified by the US Gov’t and they are an approved vendor, so they can bring it on (at Port Canaveral)! It’s not rocket science [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img]
We got a chocolate chip cookie (I think we were near the pastry area by now) and they talked about how they were getting ready for tonight’s dinner (sushi was an appetizer) [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] Gee, we didn’t have Sushi when we dined at Triton’s [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] They also talked about all the chefs on board (I think there was a total of 140 chefs and waitstaff (maybe 12 chefs), and the working conditions. The guys we talked to love working for Disney (and they had worked for just about everyone else) as the conditions were good, you clocked in and out so you got paid for the actual time you worked (usually about 10 hour days), and most of them worked for 4 months and then had 2 months off. I’ve forgotten all the other little details, but he did say there were going to be changes to Parrot Cay during the dry dock, having to do with the area where the buffet is (I guess they don’t like the set up)! So look for that change! They were also gearing up for their 10 and 11 day cruises in September before dry dock, and that’s why we got to partake in all the special menus and events, as they were preparing for that (sounds good to me)! It’s definitely a great tour, and I’d highly recommend it [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]
Next up we walked around some more, watched some of the live Auction that was going on, and went up to check out the Cove Café. Then the buzzer went off, Colin wanted out again. We went to get him, and I asked him to stay as they were practicing and getting ready for the “Celebrate the Journey” show, but he wanted no part of it [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img] We changed for dinner, grabbed our cameras, and headed to the Walt Disney Theater to see Alexa in the show. We had a bit of a wait to get in, but were able to snag a seat in the second row. Of course, Alexa was on the other side [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] My gosh, there were quite a lot of kids on this cruise [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]
What a cute show they all put on [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] I videotaped while Matt took pictures!
  
Once that was done, we went back to the kids club to pick up Alexa, as they wouldn’t let us take her there (which was fine). We also picked up a hat and T-shirt for Colin, as he could get one too since he spent all that time in the Club and just didn’t want to do the stage thing. We made a quick return back to the room to drop off the stuff, and then went to dinner at Parrot Cay.
Tonight’s menu was Until We Meet Again. I started the evening with an Aqua Marina cocktail [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img]
For starters, Matt had the Chilled Tuna Sushi Roll (I guess this wasn’t only for Triton’s) and I had the Honey Mustard Chicken Tenderloins coated with crackers. For dinner, I had the Grilled Beef Tenderloin, and Matt had a lobster tail over linguine. The beef tenderloin was out of this world, and rivaled if not beat the filet that I had at Palos [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] For dessert, I had the baked Alaska, and Matt for some reason went light, and had the no sugar added banana crème brulee. This also meant that it didn’t have the flamed sugar topping (not sure why he went for that)! He said it was good though. The kids started out with some melon slices that had orange sauce on them, and then had their usual pizza and Mickey bars. Alexa wanted the chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce for dessert this time, so she actually got two desserts (since Udonsik had already brought out the Mickey bars)!
           
Along the way, Dhana brought out another piece of cake for us to eat [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]
Dhana explained that we had all special offerings on this cruise, since they were getting ready for the longer cruises in September. She said that all three restaurants were serving the same thing (which is different than usual) as they were all trying to get experience with the special menus. She also said that it was a good thing we had the early seating, because as the night went on, there were delays and such with the food as they ran short on some things for the later seatings. There was a farewell dance done by the staff (I think a salute to all the nationalities of the workers onboard). But that might have been another night [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] Anyway, it was a good time, and a great meal [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] We gave our tip envelopes to Udonsik and Dhana, and said our goodbyes [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/bye.gif[/img] We’d see them early tomorrow morning for breakfast. On the way out, we also found Simone, the head server, and delivered his envelope as well.
We played a bit in the portholes on the way back to the room.
 
We took the kids back to the kids club, and went back to the room to start packing! We bumped into Edgar (our cabin host) as he was getting the room ready. He showed us how to do make a Monkey towel animal, and I videotaped the whole thing. Alas, no picture of Edgar! Matt spent a lot of time talking to him, as Edgar was also from the Philippines, so Matt felt a special kinship with him. Edgar works 4 months on, and then 2 months off. He has to take care of 15 rooms [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] Now this is one thing I don’t understand, as by the tipping guidelines, our dinner server gets more than the cabin host [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] Frankly, in our opinion, the cabin host does much more than the dinner server, and we tipped accordingly. Matt also gave him another tip on the way out.
Matt and I then headed back to the Walt Disney Theater to see Disney Dreams. Wow, what a show. Don’t miss this if you haven’t seen it [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img] Of course, Colin beeped us halfway thru, so Matt went to get him and brought him back to the show. He fell asleep during it, so we carried him back to the room and put him in his jammies. He was done for the night.
We did more packing, got the suitcases and stroller out into the hall, and went to get Alexa from the Club. She had made a friend from England :hello: whose Dad had left their email address (of which we still haven’t responded [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/foreheadslap.gif[/img] )! I turned in the pager [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zcry.gif[/img] and took Alexa back to the room. We watched a bit of the party in the atrium before leaving the club. Since I hadn’t bought any souvenirs for myself onboard, I had spotted a DCL collage frame, similar to the ones I have from Disney World. I wanted one of those. I sent Matt to Treasure Ketch to pick that up, and we stuck it in the suitcase as well (hoping it wouldn’t break)! After that, it was lights out. The dream cruise was all quickly coming to an end [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zcry.gif[/img]
Memories of our Thirteenth Day
The weather today was……sunny and warm, about 85.
The best thing today was ………….Alexa in her farewell show, and the dinner at Parrot Cay.
The worst thing today was…….having to pack up and get ready to leave the ship [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zcry.gif[/img] and Colin paging us before brunch at Palo.
The funniest thing today was…….goofing around at our last dinner.
Today we tried ………Parrot Cay for dinner…..
And the result was…….one of the best meals on the ship (remember this wasn’t the normal PC menu)!
The most magical moment today was…….sitting out on the verandah for the last time.
Coming Up Next……….All Ashore, Back to Disney, and It’s a Small World
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10-17-2006, 09:57 AM
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#145
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Tinkerbell's Aunt
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: McHenry IL
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 13,254
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
Marnie - What a great cruise you've had! I've cruised before but never on a Disney Cruise. Were there any adult only groups on the cruise, or mostly just families?
More please..............
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10-17-2006, 10:10 AM
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#146
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Community Rank: Scout 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Songtan, South Korea
Posts: 4,681
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
What a wonderful cruise. I really want to go on one now. Thanks for sharing. I'm sad it is coming to an end. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]
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10-17-2006, 01:36 PM
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#147
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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: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
Great update Marnie!! You guys have really done a lot!! I love the pictures of the kids!!
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10-17-2006, 01:56 PM
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#148
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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: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
What a great tour and a superb dinner as well. I love the photo of you and the kids by the porthole. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
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10-17-2006, 02:16 PM
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#149
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Eileeeeeeen!™
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 28,861
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
The pictures of you with Alexa and Matt with Colin are simply fantastic -- perfection!!
Great reporting on the cruise. If I can ever get over my claustrophobia, I think I'll have to try one. You make them sound so divine.
More, more, more -- back at WDW!
Eileen
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10-17-2006, 02:30 PM
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#150
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RED SOX NATION!!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Connecticut
Concierge Level: 9
Posts: 136,854
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Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
[ QUOTE ]
Marnie - What a great cruise you've had! I've cruised before but never on a Disney Cruise. Were there any adult only groups on the cruise, or mostly just families?
More please..............
[/ QUOTE ]
I know there were a bunch of honeymooners on the cruise, as we ran into a bunch in Palo. As for other large groups, not sure of that [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img] Since it was summer, there were still a lot of kids onboard. My guess is if you chose a date when school was in session, there would be less kids (at least less than we had on our cruise)!
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Sponsored links
| | 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. |
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