Our Fall 2014 Trip Report - Coming to You Barely Live from Orlando - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!
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Looked like a fun time at Studios and you got a lot in on your visit! I always enjoy the Great Movie Ride as you do, but quite annoying with the guy using the flash! Lunch looked great at HBD and didn't know they have a ribbon cutting ceremony each day for opening!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
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The off-and-on rain is annoying, but you had a nice morning at the studios. Can't beat a "1" crowd level! I'm so glad you enjoyed HBD. It's such a comfortable restaurant and the food is very good.
We did have great conditions for Lou's first visit to DHS. HBD has to go on the evening dining rotation for a future trip!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lfredsbo
What a great start to the day! Still can't believe Lou had never been to DHS!
He has opted to sit out previous DHS days, but now he said he liked it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by KimmyAnn1147
Thanks for giving Duffy some personality. Up till now, I've been wondering "what the heck?" re: Duffy, but you got some great shots and I could see coming around on him.
I know - we don't have much history with Duffy. Apparently he is quite a hit in Japan.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pris
It's good to see that huge stage and screen gone from in front of the hat. I didn't bother to buy my DHS pictures because you could only see the top of the hat and the huge screen in the pictures.
I knew something was different, but couldn't put my finger on it! It does look better without the stage and screen.
The gifts that you got with the Premium Package looked really great! That was so sweet of Lou to send champagne over to the wedding couple! Did Lou give DHS a positive review after his first visit?
Yes, he decided he liked DHS. He also usually likes thrill rides, but had a little ear infection that was affecting his inner ear, so we didn't want to push it. So, more to do on the next visit.
Quote:
Originally Posted by princetoaprincess
Man, I hate that it rained on and off. I'd rather it just rain, get over with and be done. Looks like y'all had a blast at DHS. Man, those crowds are very small. I wish it were going to be like that when we go.
Poor duffy having to sit by himself. He needs a hug!
Duffy got a hug . We were lucky dodging the rain (mostly).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
How nice to have a 1 crowd level for DHS! Lunch at HBD sounded very good, too!
Low crowd levels at DHS and AK are so nice, because those parks seem crowded to me at a 5-6 crowd level.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
You've never got Lou to the Studios before? Wow! What a great introduction for him, as the park was clearly deserted, as your photos show. I love the photos with Duffy - very cute!
There is a guy on FB (and another forum) who writes Trip Reports by SSRMonkey - totally from the perspective of the monkey and his buddy, Koala. Very creative and often hilarious. That was the inspiration for Duffy's photos.
It's amazing how speeding time with someone you love just watching the world go by can be just as much fun as being in a park. DH and I usually take one day and just do that while resort visiting.
Nice shots at DHS. I can only guess how the pix will look when you get the learning done on the new camera. It was really great to see the hat without the stage. The stage was up the whole time we were there. I do not think I have ever seen the crowd level that low at DHS.
I need to learn to manage the focus and exposure controls on the Lumix - mostly I used it on Auto (which worked reasonably well, and was a good test).
Quote:
Originally Posted by disneydreamer33
Glad you got to enjoy DHS without too much rain. HBD sounded nice!
I am loving your pics! Helping me get ready for my trip. Making my anticipation grow!
Glad the photos are helping with your anticipation. You are in single digits (I think)!
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperDave
Looked like a fun time at Studios and you got a lot in on your visit! I always enjoy the Great Movie Ride as you do, but quite annoying with the guy using the flash! Lunch looked great at HBD and didn't know they have a ribbon cutting ceremony each day for opening!
The flash was so annoying, since he was doing video, it was like a flashlight in the whole time.
Hope to have another update later today. Thanks to those following along, I appreciate your comments.
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Just getting caught up! You got some great stuff with the premium package! Glad you enjoyed your meal at Monsieur Paul's, as well as HBD! Great pictures from DHS!
We had a 7pm ADR for La Hacienda, so left the room at 6pm to catch a launch to Epcot. We usually took the boat over, and walked back. There was still some blue sky peeking out over ESPN:
The sky looked ominous in the other direction, and only got more threatening as we motored to the International Gateway:
The rain held off as we walked into the park. Even though it was the dinner hour, the Festival Kiosks didn't seem too crowded. I snapped a quick shot as we walked towards the UK - I always say I'm going to spend time exploring the back section, but I've yet to do so:
Just as we approached the restaurant, it started to rain. We checked in quickly and waited just a few moments for a table. Dinner was once again very good, and we had a great server - Andy (short for Andrea), made sure we had everything we needed. We had the Queso Fundido appetizer to start, which comes with flour tortillas. We both followed this with the Taquiza Appetizer. This is a selection of three tacos - pork, steak, and chicken, and is one of the best buys at Epcot for under $12.
It was no longer raining when we left the restaurant after another satisfying meal. We strolled through the World Showcase and back to the Boardwalk. Once in our room, I heard fireworks in the distance. I could see some of Wishes to the left, and Illuminations to the right. I quickly propped my camera up on the ledge of the balcony, and took a few photos of Illuminations. It was fun seeing it from our room.
We'd had a good day - a nice visit to Hollywood Studios, a good dinner, and a glimpse of fireworks. We had two more full days left to the trip, so early to bed was the perfect way to end the day.
Up Next: A Little More Time at the Festival, and a Surprise Dinner Choice.
All caught up again. Looks like you are really enjoying your time. I love the Queso Fondu too. Although I think the DH wants to skip eating in the Mexico Pavilion this year. : (
Perfect timing missing the rain! I love exploring around the sides and backs of the pavilions and the UK area is beautifully done. Dinner looks very nice. I've yet to try La Hacienda. Nice shots of Illuminations from the room! Your room was at the perfect spot in the curve along the lake to catch a bit of the fireworks from MK, Epcot and I think you can also see Fantasmic! from there. .
We have enjoyed every meal we've had at La Hacienda. I'm going to remember that taco appetizer for a future visit. How cool to see glimpses of Illuminations from your room balcony!
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