Checking off that Bucket List ~ Disney Style! - Page 11 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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!
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We went right over to the fastpass machine for Princess Meet & Greet fastpasses – and we were given surprise fastpasses for Dumbo! Score for my birthday!!
Then we were walking down Main Street On MY BIRTHDAY!!! This is where Scott kinda took me by surprise – “MR. NON-ROMANTIC” (once in a wild blue moon, he will surprise me) took me by the hand and pulled me for a kiss and said – here you go – “walking down Main Street on your birthday” and told me he loved me!! Awe…….
And stopped for a few more Photopass photos ..........
With all our fastpasses safely put away, we headed over to Frontierland and rode Big Thunder Mountain Railroad for the wildest ride in the wilderness!
Then we started making our way towards the New Fantasyland again, we were going to stop for Haunted Mansion – however, that was showing an hour+ wait, no alternative entrance for Scott – so we bypassed that one today – It’s A Small World – another one with LONG wait – it was posted over an hour!!! Nope – not going to wait for this one either.
But did manage to get a nice shot of Rapunzel's tower:
And a few shots of the new castles as the sun was starting to set:
So we continued on as we were getting a bit hungry and had a particular snack in mind……..and we found ourselves in front of Gaston’s Tavern……….and who was there……….Gaston!!! Wow! He was truly into character! Very “all about himself” – when I told him that Emily likes books as much as Belle – his response was something like – “well isn’t that all girls do is read?”……..so of course, we were giving it right back to him – no they dance, they play sports, etc. He was funny!!
Not sure what they were talking about - but for some reason this photo just cracks me up!!
After our fun with Gaston, we entered Gaston’s Tavern and ordered a pork shank (just one for all 3 of us to share! – it was HUGE!!!) and 2 Lefou’s Brew in the souvenir mugs (1 Gaston/Beast one, and the other Belle). We found a quiet little spot on a wall to sit and enjoy our snack. The pork shank was YUMMY!! The meat just fell right off the bone – so tender and tasty. The Lefou’s brew was actually pretty tasty – I was not too sure of this concoction – but it was good! It would be really refreshing a really HOT day – today was not one of those days!
Showing both sides of the souvie cups:
Crazy how quickly it got dark......
We also strolled through Belle’s new shop – didn’t purchase anything – but there were definitely some temptations in there!
It was now time for our Dumbo fastpasses – so we headed in that direction,
now this is where I get confused and then feel bad about the GAC vs. Fast Pass thing………when we got to the queue for Dumbo – the CM noticed Scott’s GAC and all the while we have 3 fastpasses in our hand…….so she asked Scott if we were using the GAC or the Fast Pass….we were planning to utilize the fast passes – and she explained that we do not need to get fastpasses if we have the GAC (and then I felt guilty as I know that they only distribute so many fast passes per hour, etc.) – so she was trying to make me feel less guilty for trying the do the right thing by getting fastpasses and just use the GAC – so quickly I found a family of 3 near Dumbo and passed on the fastpasses! (Love that feeling when you make someone’s day and they smile big back at you!!). I really try to not take advantage of the GAC, but I guess this is where Disney is the best at just doing what they can to make the experience more comfortable for their visitors! So off we went for a flight with Dumbo! I just love this ride, especially at night all lit up!
Now, it was the time I had been waiting for since we walked into Magic Kingdom today! It was time to go check in for the Wishes Fireworks Desert party!!! This was basically my birthday dinner!! Can’t think of a better dinner, can you?! We were the 2nd family to check in (and for reference – I did notice that they had already assigned the tables, so it does not matter when you physically check in – it was already done, and we had only booked it about 5 weeks prior) and we were soon led to our table – right in the front row, closest to the railing in perfect view of the castle!!! I was BEYOND excited!!!
Again, I had to wait for the Chef to come walk me through to let me know what I could/could not have – there are A LOT of berries on desserts – BUT still PLENTY for me to choose from!!! He was really fantastic at showing me all around – and it was before anyone else really went up there, so I was able to get a real good look at what was to offer!!
WARNING:GRAB A SNACK BEFORE PROCEEDING!!!!
There was also a fantastic cheese and cracker spread that I hadn’t realized was there – would have been even more perfect with a nice glass of wine……….but still IT WAS PERFECT!!!
With all our “food” we sat at our table and really just enjoy every bite of it!!! As long as you check in early and all, you have plenty of time to really sit, relax and enjoy all they have to offer!
We could actually see the Main Street Electrical Parade from our seats – of course – not great for photos – but nice to just be able to sit away from the crowds and enjoy the music and lights from it.
They had a photopass photographer there to take your photo with my beautiful home in the background……… oops I mean Cindi’s castle.
Great view for Celebrate the Magic (although, some of the images were difficult to make out as we were viewing from an angle)
Then it was time for the Wishes Fireworks!!! And to my surprise they were still showing the Holiday version!!! It was beautiful!! Just beautiful!! The pictures just do not do it any justice!!
Perfect view of Tinker Bell!!!!
After it was all over, and everyone else cleared out – I made sure to go over to the staff that had been working there that evening and gave each one of them one of the cast member thank you cards I had made, and told each of them that the entire experience just made my birthday more magical than I could have expected (and they each seemed to genuinely like the card!) - As the 3 of us were walking out, the tears just started streaming down my cheeks – I was so HAPPY today!! To have my dream fulfilled of spending it in my FAVORITE place in the world with Scott and Emily and to have enjoyed the fireworks in that setting – made me realize how truly blessed I was.
Okay – enough mushiness!!!
Next – we were heading towards the Princess Meet and Greet as those fastpasses were ripe (and this you cannot use a GAC entrance ~ so we were all good with the fastpasses!) – Well, when we came out of Tomorrowland Terrace area, we noticed that they had the backstage area open for walking traffic (Main Street was extremely busy from the fireworks and the next parade would be starting soon) – so we took that route – and OMG!!! It was AMAZING!!! Now, we have been back stage before during busier times (we usually visit around the 4th of July), but this time, something about it – they had a DJ playing music – kids were having a great time dancing and singing……..
and as I started walking a bit further in……….I noticed something familiar……….Cinderella’s Carriage!!!! Are you kidding me???? I was BEYOND thrilled!!! I had been so bummed that it was not out during our October visit to MNSSHP and now here it was in all its glory in front of me on MY BIRTHDAY!!!!! So of course, we got in line for the Photopass Photographer – while we were waiting, Scott decided to “try” dancing……poor Em was mortified!!!
And finally our turn to have our photo taken with my carriage......oops, there I go again.......Cindi's......
We were having a BLAST!!! They had little carts set up back there too with snacks and hot chocolate (in a souvie mug for $5!!! – I had to get one of those at some point tonight – just the mug alone was worth the $5!).
Then we finally made it into the Princess Meet & Greet – first up was Cinderella….
I had given her a message from Brent (disdadnmi) that he would be visiting again soon – and she was quite excited (he has become quite famous with all the princesses!) – and we posed for a photo to send to him!
Then it was Ariel……….
And then Rapunzel.
Now, it was time for me to go meet my Sassy one………Tink and her sister Peri!! Em & I were excited to show Scott this new area, as he had missed it in October! Again, I was so excited that I was meeting all my favorite characters on my actual birthday!!
Emily was ready for another ride on Space Mountain (what is it with this ride???) so I gave in, and went again, this time on the Omega side……….yes I really think there is a difference in the two sides!!!
Then we headed over to Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin (remember the camera was down the other night……have to get my money worth out of the Photopass+!!!)……so we went – and somehow, I managed to score 999,999!!!! Scott was not too happy!!! LOL!!! I told him they probably rigged it for my birthday!!
My score:
Scott's score:
When we came out of Buzz, there was another one of those hot chocolate carts – so I got one!!! YUM!!! And it was actually really really warm!!! I thought it was quite interesting that there are carts to keep things like that hot!! The things that make you go hmmmm…
Then we headed back to Fantasyland (we were all over the place!) and went for a ride on the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh!
And then Peter Pan’s Flight!
Now it was nearing midnight and we were all tired……so we started making our way towards the bus – but of course, stopped for...........you guessed it........Photopass Photos!!
They were showing the New Year’s Eve Fireworks at 11:50, so we got to the bus area just about that time, and stopped to watch those fireworks from there (without the crowds) – it doesn’t matter to me where I watch the fireworks from – they always amaze me – and these were in the round – encircling all of Magic Kingdom – so they were just beautiful once again!! And for once, I did not take any photos - just stood there and enjoyed the view!
We were on the bus for POR at 12:05 – and I was a happy mama, having had the most amazing birthday with my family and all my favorite characters!
__________________
Lisa Co-Guide to Sharing the Adventure: Disney World Trip Reports
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I agree with Cam. BEST Birthday EVER! Some wonderful photos and great memories. Scott is so sweet! I love the photos of the two new castles with the sunset glow.
Love all your pictures. Lulu is so cute in her coat. What a great birthday at the parks and glad you made someone's day with the fastpasses. I had birthday luck with that yesterday at the parks. Two people over at HS gave me fastpass for Tot and RNRC and the CM that gave me the birthday pin gave me a front of the line pass for any ride in the park-used it on the new under the sea rlde. Can't wait to read more. Hope you have many more special moments
Lisa what a great evening you had. Magic Kingdom on your Birthday Who could ask for more I am SOOO jealous hopefully in 2016 when I turn beyond old. The dessert party pics don't need snack warning they need a DIABETIC warning and I now have another thing to add to this years list of things to do.
What was throwing off the green glow in that one picture of you a certain little green fellow make a special visit??
Kudo's for Scott on trip and Main St
Lisa, I am so happy you had such a wonderful birthday at Disney! You truly deserve it! It seems to me that WDW went out of it's way to make your birthday super special And Scott being uncharacteristically romantic must have been the icing on the (birthday) cake What a wonderful day!!
What a really fantastic night! The dessert party looked awesome, what a great birthday dinner I didn't notice that cheese and cracker display when we were there in November, I think it's a great idea. I love all of the desserts, but sometimes it's good to have something a little salty/savory to balance out all of that sweetness!
How cool that you got to see Cindi's carriage and the backstage area, talk about birthday magic
You're allowed to be mushy! Such a sweet night. So glad it was perfect for all of you. The Gaston shots with Emily are great, as are all your photopass pics. Definitely putting the dessert party on the agenda for our (my) next visit.
You sure have a keeper - a guy who makes you swoon on Main Street, and he drives a snowplow too!!!
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What an awesome afternoon and evening at MK!! That dessert buffet looked so delicious, I need a piece of chocolate!!! I agree, it was the Best Birthday EVER!!!
What an awesome birthday! After seeing your pictures and hearing your description of the dessert party I am convinced! I am definitely making reservations for that!
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The meat just fell right off the bone – so tender and tasty. The Lefou’s brew was actually pretty tasty – I was not too sure of this concoction – but it was good! It would be really refreshing a really HOT day – today was not one of those days! 
It was time to go check in for the Wishes Fireworks Desert party!!! This was basically my birthday dinner!! Can’t think of a better dinner, can you?! We were the 2nd family to check in (and for reference – I did notice that they had already assigned the tables, so it does not matter when you physically check in – it was already done, and we had only booked it about 5 weeks prior) and we were soon led to our table – right in the front row, closest to the railing in perfect view of the castle!!! I was BEYOND excited!!! 
oops I mean Cindi’s castle. 
I was BEYOND thrilled!!! I had been so bummed that it was not out during our October visit to MNSSHP and now here it was in all its glory in front of me on MY BIRTHDAY!!!!! So of course, we got in line for the Photopass Photographer – while we were waiting, Scott decided to “try” dancing……poor Em was mortified!!! 
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And Scott being uncharacteristically romantic must have been the icing on the (birthday) cake 
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