Let the Magic Find You - Our October 2011 F&WF TR - Page 13 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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!
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.
To post messages and ask questions, join our FREE community today and you'll get access to tools and resources not available to guests, such as our vacation countown timers, "living" avatars, private messaging system, database searches, downloads, and a special PassPorter discount code. Registration is fast, simple, and completely free. Just click the Join Our Community link.
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.
Just catching up! Great updates and pictures!
Sorry your trip's coming to an end.
Me too - and I'm getting sad all over again because now the TR is almost over.
Quote:
Originally Posted by taylan1
Love the bag you bought at Mitsukoshi! I know what you mean by that place, I don't think we have made it out of there yet without buying something. Your Sushi looked really good, all though I would not eat the tuna one but the california roll looked yummy. How was the Tempura? Oh my! Beaches & Cream - well that made up for not having dessert at VN. I so want to try the No Way Jose but unfortunately it will have to be when my son is not there as he is severely allergic to peanuts. When we went there last October I got the Mudslide which was really really good. I am really sad that your trip is ending so soon. It was way too short.
The tempura was really good! The mudslide sounds really good too!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Baloo
Dinner looked so yummy--Japanese food is one of my favorite cuisines, but I can't get my DH to try it. Oh well, one more reason for a girls only trip, no?
Sorry your trip is ending, but here's hoping you're planning another one already.
A girls trip sounds like lots of fun!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by debrabrown
Ah man. Over already. The sundaes sure looked good and that's one thing about the rain - if you can brave it the crowds will be pretty thin.
I know right, went by in a flash!
Quote:
Originally Posted by islandgirl
Such a great ending to your trip......B&C looks awesome!
Yum, it was so good! We have ice cream often at home but I hardly ever get a sundae so it was a real treat.
Quote:
Originally Posted by debrabrown
ps - love the turtle bag!!
Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
Great final evening! Cute turtle bag! Glad you all finally got to try B&C!
Thank you!
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
What great eats from that night! You're right about Impressions de France. When we were there in April, we were told that it was a new digital print.
That's great that they got a new print - it looks great!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
What a great last night of your trip! Glad you finally got to see Impressions de France! And that sundae looks so good!
I'm glad we finally got into Impressions too - it's so pretty and relaxing. The sundae was yummo!
We had an 8:20 a.m. DME pick-up time so it was an early morning for us. I think we set the alarm for 6:30 a.m. but I’m not quite sure. When we woke up I saw that it was still raining steadily – so much for Florida showers passing through as quickly as they start!
We had done a pretty good job of getting packed up so it was really just a matter of getting ready and tossing our final items in the suitcase. I always get nervous about timing on the last day so I was really hustling DH to get down to RAC early. We got down there and there was no line at all so it barely took us five minutes to check our bags and get our boarding passes. With over a half hour left before our pick-up time we settled into a couch in the lobby to people watch. I noticed that the couple that was in front of us on the DME was there waiting too.
While we were waiting a CM from research came over with a laptop and asked us to complete a survey about BWI. This is the second time we’d done a survey this trip (we completed a dining survey when we were leaving DHS on our third day). DH went for one last bathroom break while I filled in the survey.
At a few minutes after 8 a.m. I noticed the other couple head out to wait for the bus and I told DH we should do the same. DH thought we were too early but I’m glad I pushed to go out because the bus was actually early too (and quite full!). I took a few rainy shots while we waited.
(saddest sign in all of WDW)
Looking at my pictures I see that the bus pulled in at 8:13 a.m.
I believe the bus only made one stop after us – CBR. There were tons of guests waiting and they actually had to tell some people to wait for the next bus after their luggage had already been loaded so then there was some confusion getting luggage back out from underneath the bus. Soon enough we were on our way to the airport.
We had quite a bit of time before our flight so we went to the food court and got some oatmeal from McDonald’s (it was quite tasty). We looked around in the Universal Shop hoping to find something Scooby for DD but it seems like most of the merch was Spongebob and Dr. Seuss. We also did one last browse of the Disney Store before heading to the security line.
As we were waiting they opened a new lane and directed us in, so our wait was short. It turned out to be one of the new full body scanners, which I haven’t had to go through yet. I wasn’t overly thrilled about this and wished I could opt-out to a metal detector but the opt-out is for a pat down and so I stuck with the scanner.
When we got to the gate I saw the DME couple again and that’s when the wife mentioned that we had sat across from them on the way there and when we boarded we were across from them again. Funny!
The flight home was uneventful. We watched TV and snacked on the Craisins from Epcot. I think we landed a little early but I can’t quite remember. When we got home DD was waiting for us on the deck and had set up chairs with a bunch of her little toys and stuffed animals. What a cute little welcoming committee! Of course the first order of business was to hand out gifts. Mom was thrilled with the caramel corn and Dad liked his personalized mug. DD was excited that Duffy had a new outfit (we got him the German outfit) and flipped, as expected, for the Hawaiian TS Ken and Barbie.
So sad that it had to end so soon! I sure it felt good to get out of the rain though. It is one of those crazy weather patterns, it poured on the other coast of Florida as well. My Mom lives in Naples and it rained there for days. Ugh! Looking forward to your results of your to do lists.
PassPorter Guide Community Rank: Legend Extraordinaire
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ballston Lake, NY
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 46,162
Post Thanks / Like
Likes (Given): 94
Likes (Received): 241
Thanks (Given): 0
Thanks (Received): 139
Pixie Dust (Given): 3
Pixie Dust (Received): 4
Looks like you had a really nice evening at Epcot and that sundae looked like the perfect way to top off the evening!! Sorry to see the trip is all over with.
So sad that it had to end so soon! I sure it felt good to get out of the rain though. It is one of those crazy weather patterns, it poured on the other coast of Florida as well. My Mom lives in Naples and it rained there for days. Ugh! Looking forward to your results of your to do lists.
Ironically the weather at home was, apparantly, picture perfect the entire time we were gone.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Sorry it's all over! Looking forward to your final thoughts!
Me too!
Quote:
Originally Posted by KMB733
Looks like you had a really nice evening at Epcot and that sundae looked like the perfect way to top off the evening!! Sorry to see the trip is all over with.
The sundae was definitely and awesome end to our eating extravaganza!
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.
So obviously nothing got done off our AK to do list since we had to scrap that day, but I think we did pretty well on the other three...
EPCOT:
Spaceship Earth- YES
Innoventions - Sum of All Thrills - NO
Test Track - NO
Living with the Land - I'LL GIVE THIS A "SORT OF" BECAUSE WE DID THE BEHIND THE SEEDS TOUR
Soarin’ - YES, TWICE
Impressions de France - YES!!!
Norway - YES
China - YES
Japan - YES
Morocco - YES
MK:
Shopping on Main Street - YES
PotC - YES
Jungle Cruise - NO
Splash Mountain - YES
Big Thunder Mountain - YES
Haunted Mansion - YES
Carousel of Progress - YES
Astro Orbitor - YES
Buzz Lightyear - YES
Wedway People Mover - YES
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor - NO
DHS:
TSMM - YES
ToT - YES, TWICE
"Streetmosphere" - NO
The Magic of Disney Animation - YES
One Man's Dream - YES
Rock n Roller Coaster - YES
The American Idol Experience - YES
Explore the Streets of America YES
Backlot Tour - NO
What a great trip! I got so far behind--so just a few comments. Dinner at Flying Fish looked great--it's one of my favorites, but I've yet to try the scallops. We've had that exact meal at HBD--yum! I love the Behind the Seeds tour--your comment about the ghost peppers spawned a 20 minute discussion at my house about the effect that much capsaicin would have on compost. It sounds like you got most of your To Dos done--congrats!
Congrats on accomplishing most of your to do list. We have got to do something about the no jungle cruise or Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor... hmmm... when can you head back?
How sad to reach the last day and the rain must have matched your mood. Glad everyone liked the gifts though!
Registered Message Board Members save 30% off PassPorter guidebooks! When you register you'll have access to a discount coupon good for 30% off the list price of PassPorter books in our online store.
Since it's snowing (SNOWING) here, I was able to write up my final thoughts.
Glad we did:
Stayed at BWI – we love the atmosphere here and for a F&WF-centric trip the location is just fantastic!
Pushed ourselves to get to MK for EMH – you may remember at one point in my PTR ramblings we were considering skipping MK but I’m really glad we didn’t. I was amazed how much we got done in just a few hours.
Tried new restaurants – I really struggled with old faves vs. new places this trip but I’m glad we took the leap and tried some new things. Both FF and HBD were huge hits with us.
Got park hoppers – we used them on two out of four days, so from a pure cost perspective, it does seem kind of high but for a short trip I really found the flexibility to be invaluable.
Had a “to do” list (thanks islandgirl!!) – this really helped us focus in on looking out for new things and trying new experiences.
Glad we didn’t:
Get the DDP – in the end with having to cancel a couple of reservations and sharing meals at some others, the DDP really wouldn’t have worked out for us this time.
Go to MNSSHP – I really struggled with this decision but in the end I think such a late night would’ve slowed us down for our next park day (DHS) and as it ended up we did so much that day (including lots of new things) that I wouldn’t have wanted to trade that.
Feel compelled to add on too many extra elements – if you read my TR from our 10th anniversary trip last year you may remember we did a lot of special add ons to that trip (the biggest being our Vow Renewal). As we were planning this trip at times I felt like I should be adding all sorts of things to make it “as special” as last year (tours, cakes, photo session etc.) but you know what, it was extra, extra special in it’s own different way. That’s how I came up with the “let the magic find you” title.
Wish I had:
More time at the F&WF – even with all the eating we did there were still booths we missed.
Gotten to AK – but I do think we made the best decision based on the rain.
Wish I hadn’t:
Eaten so much that first afternoon that we had to cancel YSH.
Obsessed about the weather – that rain was gonna get us no matter what and I just drove myself nuts checking three different weather forecasts for the days leading up to the trip.
Gotten the oreo bonbon cupcake – okay, that’s a petty one but hey, I couldn’t resist taking one last potshot at that poor cupcake!
So friends, that’s a wrap on my TR. Thank you so much for reading along – I love reading all your comments, it really makes it fun to relive the trip with all of you.
And guess what? We’re heading back in April!!! We’ve actually had this booked for a while but I haven’t talked about it much (off the boards) because of the inevitable, “you’re going to Disney AGAIN?!” comments. We’re going for five nights over DD’s April break, which luckily falls late this year – after Easter when the rates are back to “regular” season. We’re staying at the Beach Club so stay tuned for a possible PTR coming soon.
Great wrap up! We felt the same way about the F&WF last year, even with all the days we were there we still missed booths! Sorry the rain got you this trip. I love that you are going back in April!! I want to stow away again! LOL We get the same thing: You are going to Disney again?? Duh!
About This Page: 
Your Sushi looked really good, all though I would not eat the tuna one but the california roll looked yummy. How was the Tempura? Oh my! Beaches & Cream - well that made up for not having dessert at VN. 
I so want to try the No Way Jose but unfortunately it will have to be when my son is not there as he is severely allergic to peanuts. When we went there last October I got the Mudslide which was really really good. 
I am really sad that your trip is ending so soon. It was way too short. 
Glad you all finally got to try B&C! 
And that sundae looks so good! 
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
and wished I could opt-out to a metal detector but the opt-out is for a pat down and so I stuck with the scanner.
,
.
PassPorter Guide Author
Deb
) – this really helped us focus in on looking out for new things and trying new experiences. 
no matter what and I just drove myself nuts checking three different weather forecasts for the days leading up to the trip.
We’ve actually had this booked for a while but I haven’t talked about it much (off the boards) because of the inevitable, “you’re going to Disney AGAIN?!” comments
Linear Mode
