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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
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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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That would be creepy to be alone on ToT... like in another dimension.... Still fun though!
Ahhhh, French Quarter. Still looking lovely.
Your people watching sounded like a great time. I totally would have followed them!
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Hiw awesome to get a solo drop!! And with all the cameras posted along the rides..you know a CM was on the other end of those controls having a little fun at your expense. Gotta love it!! I am sure not too many guest can say they've had that experience.
HOLY crud!! Solo on ToT!!! That pis is amazing for sure. I once left a movie theatre with Josie because we were the only ones in it.......it creeped me out and I just couldn't stay, had that been us on ToT............I would have been running!!! IDK why being alone creeps me out more than being in a confined space with total strangers
Uhmmmm, so I am so people watching at the surrey bike rental from now on....HILLARIOUS!!!
Wise choice with Fantasmic, I need to get back to that show, haven't been in yrs now. You had a great seat and I liked your pics very much
I just had the alone in a movie theater experience with the boys and I was HAPPY we were alone!
Although we did sit all the way at the top and in the middle so I could see the whole theater.
That is so AWESOME that you got to ride ToT all by yourself!!! Sounds like a nice day at DHS and great pictures from around your resort. Dinner looked delicious Fantasmic was a great way to end the day!
I didn't know we had overlapping trips! We could've tried to meet up again (since I missed you in March). We could've had Italian! Well, maybe not in AK!
I know I'm such a slacker! My life has been so crazy this year I've barely kept up with myself. One of these days we will meet and it will be marvelous!
How cool to be the only one on tower of terror! Glad you were able to get quite a bit in before the crowds materialized. I think I got thrown off on your days, I arrived on Memorial Day Monday and went to AK that day!
OMG! I nearly passed out going on ToT last year with my fiance' & a whole elevator (is that what the seats are called?) of people! In fact, while walking in the line to get into the hotel, I banged my arm on one of the rope holders and cried 1) because I was scared to death to go on the stupid ride & 2) because it hurt a little but I was an idiot & too scared to pay attention to where I was walking. There is absolutely no way I would have gone on it alone! The pic of you by yourself though cracks me up!!!!!!
I totally love your new people watching spot! I'm going to have to check it out myself next month!
The picture of you alone on the TOT was pretty freaky! It was weird that other guests didn't follow you to the left side! Loved seeing your PORFQ pictures since I haven't stayed there in about 10 years! Glad you enjoyed your people watching at the Boardwalk and that you had such a nice dinner at Al Forno Trattoria
Sorry for the delay. I forgot I didn't post an update the other day.
Quote:
Originally Posted by cubfancolleen
WOW! The only one on ToT?!?!? That is incredible! How many drops did they give you on that ride? I wonder if anyone has a picture like that one?
Do you know I've NEVER seen the Western version on TGMR? I always get the mobsters...
I assume you're in the process of posting another update to the day, so back to it...
It was certainly a one-of-a-kind experience on TOT! It kind of makes me wish I was on Facebook so I could make it my profile picture.
And I went for a long time without getting the western version, and now I get it about twice as often as the mobster version. Go figure!
Quote:
Originally Posted by cubfancolleen
Yep, you snuck in TWO more updates!
Trattoria looks so yummy! Everyone's reviews have me craving Italian....
Funny story about the surrey bike. I think I would have been very tempted to follow to witness the hill. You're a good person that you didn't, Sharon! (but you DID think it!)
Yeah, I definitely was tempted to follow those people, but I was good.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DMA
Very nice day! I can't believe no one wanted to follow you to the other line! But what a great ride photo! Unbelievable!
I love POFQ! We've not stayed there since we bought into DVC, but it was our favorite resort! I like that you took the time to walk around the grounds and take photos.
Dinner looked yummy! I tried to talk DH into changing one of our TS meals so we could have dinner at al Forno, but he didn't go for it.
I have a lot of TOT ride photos, and this one is definitely one of my favorites! And you should try to talk DH into TAF. I give it
Quote:
Originally Posted by lauriep
When they announced Trattoria Al Forno would be replacing Kouzzina I was one of those saying, "What? Another Italian place? It'll probably be an Olive Garden clone." From the reviews here, I was very wrong and it sounds like a great addition. I can't believe you were solo on ToT! That photo is a keeper!
I thought the same thing when they announced TAF, but I really think it stands out!
Quote:
Originally Posted by SharonK0527
That is so amazing that you got a solo drop on TOT!! I bet that doesn't happen very often - how cool for you!!
We love POFQ and have stayed there multiple times. We tried POR in November of last year and really liked it as well.
Between reading reviews from you & Chez, I am definitely going to have to add Trattoria al Forno to our must-do dining on a future trip!
TOT is usually my first stop at rope drop, and I've always had at least one other person on the ride with me. I bet solo rides are super rare! And I like POR just as much as POFQ.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tara O'Hara
I cannot believe you were the only person on ToT!! So, does the park rank any higher for you now? You sure seemed to enjoy the day and did lots of fun stuff!! Your dinner looks amazing!!
Even with my awesome experience on TOT, DHS isn't any higher on my list, sadly. Especially because so much is closed now that there really aren't many attractions to do, which means that in the busiest part of the day, the shortest wait for anything was 45 minutes. And I did have a lot of trouble finding something I wanted to eat in the morning. But I'm trying to like that park.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperDave
That was amazing with ToT? Now who's the smart one? Now with the GMR has it been updated yet as I keep hearing about it will or was it already?
Looked like a great meal at Al Forno and from yours and Cheryl's reviews, it will be a must on my next trip! Looked like a great day for you overall once again!
GMR wasn't updated at that point, which is why I wanted to see it a couple more times before the change. I know that part of it has changed, but I don't think it's completed yet.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MayraLR
I was happy the ugly hat was down at DHS, only to be replaced by the stage. How beautiful a view it would be without it.
That stage is worse than the hat!
Quote:
Originally Posted by dutchdisneyfamily
What a great day in DHS. A solo tide in TOT! Wow!!! Your dinner looks great too. That story about the surrey bike had me laughing. I could just picture it! And Fantasmic. We had pretty much made up our minds to skip it, but if I can still get a Fastpasses for it on the days we are there we may try.
I definitely think it's a good plan to use Fantasmic as a 4th FP+.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HollyH
A solo ride on ToT! How great, but I bet it was creepy too. That ride photo is so perfect that I think you should make it your Christmas card (if you do Chriistmas cards).
Dinner looked delish! I'm with you, the studios isn't my favorite park but you had a good day there.
What makes the picture even better is that I'm wearing one of my many TOT t-shirts!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
How cool to ride ToT solo, though I get that it was also creepy. Trattoria al Forno is a new favorite for Luke and me. Glad you enjoyed it, too.
It was definitely creepy, especially getting stuck in the dark for a minute!
Quote:
Originally Posted by OhToodles!
What a great day!!!! I bet that riding alone was creepy!
And I so giggled at the thought of you following that family to see if they made it up the hill.
I was good and didn't follow them! BUT! I will sit there again and people watch, so I can't brag too much about how good I am.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Linnynad
HOLY crud!! Solo on ToT!!! That pis is amazing for sure. I once left a movie theatre with Josie because we were the only ones in it.......it creeped me out and I just couldn't stay, had that been us on ToT............I would have been running!!! IDK why being alone creeps me out more than being in a confined space with total strangers
Uhmmmm, so I am so people watching at the surrey bike rental from now on....HILLARIOUS!!!
Wise choice with Fantasmic, I need to get back to that show, haven't been in yrs now. You had a great seat and I liked your pics very much
I used to work at a movie theater in high school, so I'd be ok in a theater by myself, but Disney attractions solo are almost always creepy. In fact, that was a big reason I hated Maelstrom - I was the only one in the boat on that thing once and have hated it since!
And I definitely think the best strategy for seeing Fantasmic is using up all your FP+ and then getting one for Fantasmic. I was really happy I didn't have to sit way over on the edge, either!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Great day at DHS and a great meal at the Trattoria! Love the pics from PO!!
Thanks! I have a few more resort pics to share.
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Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
That would be creepy to be alone on ToT... like in another dimension.... Still fun though!
Ahhhh, French Quarter. Still looking lovely.
Your people watching sounded like a great time. I totally would have followed them!
Glad to see I'm not the only one with evil thoughts!
Quote:
Originally Posted by mimidodaplgo
Hiw awesome to get a solo drop!! And with all the cameras posted along the rides..you know a CM was on the other end of those controls having a little fun at your expense. Gotta love it!! I am sure not too many guest can say they've had that experience.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I definitely thought someone was messing with me! But I can't be mad at him/her. I probably would've done a little messing with someone if it were me!
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
So glad to hear Trattoria didn't disappoint, after raving about it so much!
Your advice is always top notch!
Quote:
Originally Posted by KMB733
That is so AWESOME that you got to ride ToT all by yourself!!! Sounds like a nice day at DHS and great pictures from around your resort. Dinner looked delicious Fantasmic was a great way to end the day!
It was a very good day!
Quote:
Originally Posted by mommapants
loving your - not-a-TR. How cool was that to be on TOT all by yourself.
Quote:
Originally Posted by goofyboysmama
Another awesome day! Question: you do TOT so many times, but when you you're on it for the first time on a trip, is it scary?
I don't get scared, just super excited!
Quote:
Originally Posted by xwewhisper
I know I'm such a slacker! My life has been so crazy this year I've barely kept up with myself. One of these days we will meet and it will be marvelous!
Especially because we seem to like to go at the same time(s) of year! It'll work out soon enough!
Quote:
Originally Posted by xwewhisper
How cool to be the only one on tower of terror! Glad you were able to get quite a bit in before the crowds materialized. I think I got thrown off on your days, I arrived on Memorial Day Monday and went to AK that day!
Good, I don't feel like such a dope - we only had 1 1/2 overlapping days.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PhilsEagles08
OMG! I nearly passed out going on ToT last year with my fiance' & a whole elevator (is that what the seats are called?) of people! In fact, while walking in the line to get into the hotel, I banged my arm on one of the rope holders and cried 1) because I was scared to death to go on the stupid ride & 2) because it hurt a little but I was an idiot & too scared to pay attention to where I was walking. There is absolutely no way I would have gone on it alone! The pic of you by yourself though cracks me up!!!!!!
I totally love your new people watching spot! I'm going to have to check it out myself next month!
But sorry you hurt your arm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lindawdw
The picture of you alone on the TOT was pretty freaky! It was weird that other guests didn't follow you to the left side! Loved seeing your PORFQ pictures since I haven't stayed there in about 10 years! Glad you enjoyed your people watching at the Boardwalk and that you had such a nice dinner at Al Forno Trattoria
And I was freshly showered, or I may have gotten a little self-conscious.
Next update coming in a bit!
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Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
Day Six – Tuesday, May 26 Squeezing out a few more hours of magic
I decided to go to the MK. I tend to want to spend my last hours there. I didn’t even need to ride anything, so I didn’t have any FP+ or anything. I got there before opening and saw the normal opening show.
I wonder where Chip & Dale are headed after the show?
I’d hoped crowds would be smaller after the holiday weekend, but
The one-eyed cat is my favorite
This is part of the newly refurbished hub – pretty!
Lots of open areas for fireworks viewing, and there’s also a lawn area that I believe is FP+ for Wishes