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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
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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
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.
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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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OK, that parade looks so great!! And where were those perfect seats?
I'd like to check out Trader Sam's one night, but we'll have DD with us (and she is certainly underage). Have to decide whether she'd be OK hanging at the pool or something one night....
Oh WOW!!! That parade always wants me to get our butts to DL, its soooo pretty and your seats rocked, of course.
Thanks Junior really made me laugh. I stalk bar seats like no other and after hearing that conversation ......I'd have stuck around too.
Glad you are back posting, cant wait to hear more about this trip.
BTW- when are you heading back to DW? We are in mid September.
The pics of the parade turned out very well. I always have issue's with the parade at WDW & pics. So glad yours worked out.
I usually don't get good results with night time parades, so I was beyond thrilled that I got good ones this time!
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Oh wow, you got some amazing shots of Paint the Night! I so loved that parade - and we've still presumably got more of your photos to look forward to from when we saw it with you guys?
I told myself that the second time I watched it, I'd just sit and enjoy and not take pictures. You'll see whether or not I managed to do that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mommapants
Oh I'm so happy you are back and posting again, especially for DL. I have a trip there in November so now I'm trying to read about everyone else's trips and see their photos and get lots of advice. How did you find the crowds? Were you pretty much able to do everything with just reasonable waits? I can't wait to see Carsland but DL will be super exciting too.
The crowds were pretty light for the most part. But we were in the parks Monday through Friday. Monday was a holiday, so it was the heaviest crowds day, but we didn't find it crazy at all. There wasn't anything we weren't willing to wait for (we used FP instead).
Quote:
Originally Posted by SharonK0527
Your parade pictures were great!! Looks like a really awesome parade. Those drinks at Trader Sams looked delish!
Thanks! The drinks were yummy!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
I'm definitely still interested in the adventures of Princess Sharon and Karen at DL. In fact reading the updates as made me wish we were going back sooner than 2 years from now. Alice became on my favorites, too. Such a classic! I also realize now I totally forgot to check out the interactive window displays. Thanks for the photos that helped me see them any way.
The Enchanted Windows were on my must-do list! I should've taken video though, because with pictures, you really can't see the magic working. This video from the Disney Parks Blog gives you an idea how they work.
I made it a point to look at them. Since my trip, three new ones have opened up. Something to see next time!
Quote:
Originally Posted by HollyH
I just loved Paint the Night, but my pictures didn't come out well at all. Your pictures are fabulous! It was great to relive this parade with such good pix. I absolutely adored the Disneyland Forever fireworks. I might have cried
I never got to see the window displays on Main Street, or get to visit Trader Sam's. Guess I have to plan another trip to DLR.
The parade and fireworks were both so great! And any reason to return to DLR is good enough for me.
Quote:
Originally Posted by cubfancolleen
OK, that parade looks so great!! And where were those perfect seats?
I'd like to check out Trader Sam's one night, but we'll have DD with us (and she is certainly underage). Have to decide whether she'd be OK hanging at the pool or something one night....
We were about 3/4 of the way down Main Street. It was a great spot! And I think you can go to Trader Sam's during the day. I think it's only at night where you have to be over 21.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Linnynad
Oh WOW!!! That parade always wants me to get our butts to DL, its soooo pretty and your seats rocked, of course.
Thanks Junior really made me laugh. I stalk bar seats like no other and after hearing that conversation ......I'd have stuck around too.
Glad you are back posting, cant wait to hear more about this trip.
BTW- when are you heading back to DW? We are in mid September.
I'm becoming pretty good at bar seat stalking. Not that, uh, I, uh, spend any time in bars or anything. And I think I'm going to just miss you at WDW.
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Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
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I have been missing from the boards for a while now (real life is a drag sometimes...LOL) and decided to check in this morning and what did I find....your continuing report
What a great time at DL so far, glad they were able to change your room and that you were able to spend time with Jeannie and Cheryl and Mark.
I really loved the Mickey and the Magic Map Show, it was really a great show.
The Paint the Night Parade was just amazing. I will admit I have kind of become a no show for the evening parade at WDW, the MSEP is cute, I will stop once in a while but for me it was all about SpectroMagic, it was my favorite but I will say that I was captivated with Paint the Night, just the total package.
We gave up with the pictures as well during the fireworks - it was just such an amazing show, so much going on. I think I gave up after the first minute and just stood transfixed watching everything take place. DL really hit it big with the new shows for the anniversary.
Day Eight – Wednesday, September 9 Breakfast with Goofy
I was up early as usual and went through my morning ritual with an extra spring in my step. We’d be having breakfast at Goofy’s Kitchen this morning! Once Karen and I were ready, we took the extra-long walk to the restaurant, on the other side of the pool.
Perhaps it’s her outfit, but I think Minnie looks quite muscular in this photo!
We checked in and had a photo with the head chef before being seated.
I was surprised to see the restaurant wasn’t busy. I’d say about half the tables were empty. Unfortunately, this didn’t mean we got extra attention from the characters. I felt like they were very low key and we weren’t able to engage them very much. Several of them did make more than one visit to us, but I’ve had far better character interactions. I feel like I’m complaining more than I need to be. They weren’t bad,just not great. And Goofy was a ton of fun when we checked in!
The first to visit us was Pluto.
And next was Chip.
Followed by his brother Dale.
And then Minnie made a visit to our table.
This character meal used to have a lot of different random characters, now it’s down to just those four (plus Goofy) all the time. It’s okay, but I did love the spontaneity of random characters showing up – and of course I loved it when there were more characters.
Done with our breakfast, we walked over to DCA, where we encountered a line of guests waiting to get in. Normally, I have a talent for choosing the slowest-moving line But here, I decided to try a new strategy and it seems to be successful in field tests (i.e. it worked at WDW on several occasions since this trip). What I do is look for the line with the most strollers. My reasoning is that the strollers make the queue look artificially longer, just because they take up so much space. Of course it’s not foolproof, but it works often.
We found Cheryl and Mark on our way to Cars Land. They were coming back because RSR was currently down. I think the combination of the ride being down and the heat had Cheryl feeling completely over it and she and Mark might have gone right back to their cool room at the GC, but Karen was able to come up with a plan to save the day – Soarin’ Over California. We were impressed with the cleaned-up film, but I guess they went to all that trouble for nothing, because it’s just gotten a new film!
After that, Cheryl, Mark and I went to find somewhere cool to sit down, which turned out to be Starbucks (actually the Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Café). Chez & Mark had breakfast while Karen went off to grab us some RSR FPs for later. Once we were reunited, we decided to get some Photopass pictures done. We wanted to try to meet Oswald, but he wasn’t at his spot and Karen found out that he wouldn’t be around today.
Well, we got some other great photos taken anyway!
And we met Minnie in one of her many fabulous costumes (her wardrobe is seriously about 10 times the size of mine ).
Then we went to check out the shops. While I agree with others who’ve said the 60th Anniversary merchandise is underwhelming, I did manage to find a sweatshirt I liked, but it wasn’t this day that I found it.
After our unsuccessful shopping, we went into the Animation building (anything to try to keep cool ).
I don’t think we actually did any of the attractions in there – probably our timing was off. Or it could be we did something and I don’t remember – after all, it was months ago! Anyway, we headed back outside.
Cheryl and I were both pleased to see they had a schedule posted for the Animation Academy, so you could plan exactly which class you wanted to take to draw your favorite character.
I thought this was a pretty window display (excuse the poor picture)
We made our way down past TOT and through A Bug’s Land on our way to Cars Land.
We spotted Mater out greeting his fans.
I wanted some water (I can’t stand the taste of Dasani water ), so I wanted to get some ice water from a counter service place. We stopped in Flo’s for that and then headed back out once we were all properly hydrated.
When our FPs ripened, we all went to ride RSR.
Cheryl and Mark had to go to DL for their lunch ADR, so we parted ways for now. Karen and I went to ride Monsters Inc. This is one of the rides I feel like is a “must do,” because it isn’t also at WDW. And it’s so well done!
And now for your viewing pleasure, a mystery photo…
Yeah, I got nuttin’. No idea when or why I took this photo. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice picture, but not something I would photograph just because it's a nice picture.
I think this is when we took a short break. When we returned to Disneyland, we hopped aboard the train.
We got off in Toontown (I guess it’s technically Fantasyland) and explored the area. Lots of fun stuff to see here!
The wait time for Roger Rabbit was short, so we went in.
The queue was totally empty, but it’s quite detailed with winding paths to accommodate long queues. These days, they’re mostly empty winding paths. We passed a confused-looking couple going in the opposite direction of us as we were going through. When we got to the front and were ready to board, I saw the couple waiting to board behind us. They’d gotten lost in the queue! True story!
After that, we hung out for a bit longer in Toontown. I was trying to get my fill of it just in case it would be closing to make way for Star Wars Land. Happily, it’s not, but we did find out during the trip just what would be going. And I’m happy to say I got to bid it a fond farewell, but more on that later.
We had a quick peek in Mickey’s house, but the wait was too long to see him.
We hopped back on the train again so I could make another feeble attempt at getting pictures of the dioramas.
I try every time I visit Disneyland, and I’m never happy with my results. This batch was a little better than my usual, but still not good.
Then we decided to hop on back over to DCA.
Up Next: Olaf, In Summer?
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Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
They were two great updates! I really enjoyed seeing all your Paint The Night pictures! I'm sorry that your character interaction at Goofy's Kitchen was just ok. You did get some cute pictures of you and Karen with the characters though. So great that you got to spend so much time with Cheryl and Mark on this trip! CarsLand looks like so much fun!!! I can't wait to experience it in September. So glad to hear that Toontown will survive the construction of Star Wars Land. Can't wait for more.
Firstly, what a shame they've changed the character rotation at Goofy's Kitchen. I used to love the variety of characters they had there. They've done that at Disneyland Paris now too - they used to have whatever characters they wanted to wheel out (at least that's what it felt like) and now it's the same old, same old. Why do Disney keep doing that?
You are so right - we were both hot and bothered when you met up with us and that was early in the morning. The heat was just insane and we may well have gone back to the room and thrown the towel in without you guys so so much for inspiring to go on that day!
Goofy's Kitchen is still on our to do list for DL. Looks like we might not have trouble getting a table. Love all the PhotoPass photos of you, Karen, Mark, and Cheryl. Everyone looks so happy with big smiles in spite of the heat. You all visiting both parks reminds me just how easy it is to park hop at DL. Love that about it!
They were two great updates! I really enjoyed seeing all your Paint The Night pictures! I'm sorry that your character interaction at Goofy's Kitchen was just ok. You did get some cute pictures of you and Karen with the characters though. So great that you got to spend so much time with Cheryl and Mark on this trip! CarsLand looks like so much fun!!! I can't wait to experience it in September. So glad to hear that Toontown will survive the construction of Star Wars Land. Can't wait for more.
Karen and I loved spending time with Cheryl and Mark. And Cars Land is amazing!
Quote:
Originally Posted by cubfancolleen
You are making the most of your day, despite the heat. I love Toontown at DL!
Toontown is great and I'm glad it's sticking around.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
Goofy's Kitchen is still on our to do list for DL. Looks like we might not have trouble getting a table. Love all the PhotoPass photos of you, Karen, Mark, and Cheryl. Everyone looks so happy with big smiles in spite of the heat. You all visiting both parks reminds me just how easy it is to park hop at DL. Love that about it!
I'm just pleased that we don't look all sweaty in our Photopass pics. And the park hopping is beyond easy!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Linnynad
I just love Toontown!!! I don't miss the DW one so much because it never seemed as big as DL, yet another reason to get my rear there.
You and Karen are seriously rocking some showgirl poses again!! Sassy sistas
Great post and pics!!!
Yes, Toontown at DL would have been a loss, so I'm glad it's staying. And Karen and I were trying to come up with some sassy poses. We even asked the expert, Minnie, for some posing ideas.
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Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
We headed back over to DCA (I love how convenient park-hopping is at DL!). Olaf was due to greet his fans and we wanted to be sure to participate. I realize Anna & Elsa get all the attention, but my heart belongs to Olaf. I find him endearingly cute! Anyway, meeting a snowman in 100+ degree weather doesn’t make you feel any cooler, I can guarantee. In fact, Karen and I were both sweating when we had our photo taken, though thankfully we’re delicate ladies and we don’t look like sweaty beasts in our photo.
Olaf finally got to find out what it’s like in summer. And of course, Disney magic makes sure he doesn’t melt.
We also got some bonus Photopass photos for meeting Olaf.
So cute!
Then we headed over to ride TOT. While the drop is the same, the ride is different from its WDW counterpart. Personally, I think the WDW version is superior, but the DL one is tons of fun too!
I wanted to get pictures at all the special Photopass spots around the park, so we stopped at the one in Flik’s Fun Fair. The CM working there was a total dud and completely un-magical. She took one shot of us, and when I suggested we do a fun, silly pose, she outright told us no! I’m happy to say she was the only poor CM we encountered the entire time. And here’s our boring shot.
And the bonus Bug photo…
It was time for a break, so we strolled through Downtown Disney, doing a bit of shopping on the way to the DLH. I got a better picture of the Aladdin gang.
We enjoyed our break and spent some time enjoying the lounge. Then we decided it was time to go stake out a spot for the parade. After our experience last night, we had a good idea where we wanted to sit (a little closer to the train station end of Main Street). We also knew to find a spot where the fireworks ropes would be so we’d have a fairly unobstructed view of them.
Cheryl and Mark arrived and Karen offered to hold a spot for everyone while Cheryl and Mark went to ride something (I don’t remember) and I went to get a corn dog for Karen and me. It took forever because the cart on Main Street wasn’t open and I had to go all the way to Frontierland and then wait on a big line. Let’s just say Cheryl and Mark beat me back, so it took a while.
Back with the group, we spent time chatting and talking to Karen’s new friends, a couple of little girls who were sitting on the curb next to us. A Photopass photographer came by, so we got a group shot (without Karen’s new friends, in case you’re wondering – we’re not quite that friendly ).
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really made me laugh. I stalk bar seats like no other and after hearing that conversation ......I'd have stuck around too. 
I so loved that parade - and we've still presumably got more of your photos to look forward to from when we saw it with you guys? 
Thanks for the photos that helped me see them any way. 
And I think I'm going to just miss you at WDW. 
Once Karen and I were ready, we took the extra-long walk to the restaurant, on the other side of the pool. 
But here, I decided to try a new strategy and it seems to be successful in field tests (i.e. it worked at WDW on several occasions since this trip). What I do is look for the line with the most strollers. My reasoning is that the strollers make the queue look artificially longer, just because they take up so much space. Of course it’s not foolproof, but it works often.
), so I wanted to get some ice water from a counter service place. We stopped in Flo’s for that and then headed back out once we were all properly hydrated.
When we returned to Disneyland, we hopped aboard the train.
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so much for inspiring to go on that day! 
She took one shot of us, and when I suggested we do a fun, silly pose, she outright told us no! 
I’m happy to say she was the only poor CM we encountered the entire time. And here’s our boring shot. 
Then we decided it was time to go stake out a spot for the parade. After our experience last night, we had a good idea where we wanted to sit (a little closer to the train station end of Main Street). We also knew to find a spot where the fireworks ropes would be so we’d have a fairly unobstructed view of them.
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