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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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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Glad you got moved and were able to enjoy (see!) the show!! I really don't understand the rudeness of the guy....
thanks - I was happy too - unexpected - but happy. It is unfortunate how many people only think of themselves
Quote:
Originally Posted by xwewhisper
How cute are those gorilla pics?!? We recently experienced rain on Everest as well, ouch! But not as bad as rain on test track! Glad a CM noticed the viewing issue and got you better seats
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Isn't Lily the cutest thing ever??? I feel like I have been watching her grow up! I can't wait to see her this July and see how much bigger she has gotten!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by mommapants
all caught up. Sounds like an awesome trip so far. WAT looks so cool but I just don't know if I would be able to do that rope bridge. how rude of the scooter guy but the CM really came through for you. The little kids in front of you on Dinosaur look so scared - poor things.
I didn't think I could do that bridge either - the first time I did the trek was without Scott or Emily -and I managed fine - they had a smaller one to practice on before going out - you really are very secure! and I figure - there really can't be a safer place than Disney, right
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
I would have been in a panic if Luke had just sent a text saying he was at First Aid. Glad it was nothing major. I love the meerkats, and of course, Lilly. I could probably watch both for quite hours. You wound up with awesome seats for FotLK and that turned into great pictures.
yeah - he was pretty lucky I didn't have a frying pan with me!
I am with you on the spending hours with Lily! We could absolutely tour together with our love for the animals and photography!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by shazza
Super Update!!! All of your photos and the Photo Pass ones are great. Glad Scott didn't have a more serious first aid situation.
Thanks! yeah - stay tuned with the ear situation!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lauriep
Good grief! I'm glad Scott was ok-- way to give you a heart attack! Those photos of Lily are too adorable. She really knows how to entertain herself (and all of us). I love seeing how she's growing and filling out. She doesn't have that spindly look any more. That guy with the scooter and canopy was just plain rude. I'm so glad the CMs gave you great seats after that.
thanks - yeah, like I said above - he was lucky I didn't have a frying pan! I absolutely LOVE Lily!!! I feel like I have been watching her grow up, and can't wait to see her in July (although of course, I am looking forward to your TR hopefully with lots of pics of Lily for me! ).
It is really sad how many people only think for themselves
Quote:
Originally Posted by mushu22
Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Thank goodness the stop at first aid was nothing more serious. Wonderful photos again, especially of Lily - she's just so cute.
Thanks!! I just love Lily!! I could spend all day watching her!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Great pictures from AK! Glad you were able to move your seat for the FoLK! And glad Scott was okay!
Thanks! yeah - stay tuned with the ear!
Quote:
Originally Posted by MayraLR
I've never been able to see the gorillas being playful. The most I've got from one is a stare down. I plan on spending quite some time there in June.
Great front row seats at FotLK! You got some awesome shots! I'm sad I won't get to see this show in June.
Oh - you have to find Lily! She is just amazing to watch - for me anyway! Maybe you will get lucky and they will open FOTLK in its new location early enough for your trip!
Quote:
Originally Posted by disneydreamer33
I am glad the first aid stop wasn't something major!
Great PP pics. The rain just won't leave you guys alone!
People just amaze me at how oblivious they are to their surrounding and the people around them. Glad the CMs noticed and moved you guys! And front row too! Score!
thanks - yeah - it was a pretty wet time so far! We didn't expect to be moved, which made it that much nicer!
Quote:
Originally Posted by KMB733
Glad everything with Scott was ok! Sounds like a great day at AK. Lily is so cute, great pictures!!
Thanks!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by stardust190
Just found this and am now caught up! Sorry about FIL. Things like that are always so difficult and can affect so many areas of your life.
As for the trip you have a great view at AKL. Seaworld looked like a lot of fun. What a daredevil you are turning into with the roller coasters.
You managed some fun times at the other parks too. BOG is on my list of MUST DOs, but I won't make it on the next trip so I have to live through others TRs.
The Trek at AK looks like a lot of fun. I would love to do it, but there is no way you would get me on that bridge! Can you skip it or is there no other choice? Because I'll scratch it off my list if I can't skip that bridge!
I would have been upset with DH if he sent me a message that just said "in first aid". Of course guys never seem to think that it would cause worry. I could see my DH doing the same thing. Glad it turned out to be not a big deal.
You've got some great pictures too!
Thanks for joining in!! I didn't think I could do the rope bridges either, but they are much easier than they look! You are secured very well!
__________________
Lisa Co-Guide to Sharing the Adventure: Disney World Trip Reports
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After a nice break and change of clothes it was time to head to Epcot so we took the bus over ~ knowing that Scott and I would want to enjoy some adult beverages!
When we arrived in Epcot, we of course stopped for some photopass photos (got to get my $$$ worth!):
Then we headed for Mexico as we had an ADR for La Hacienda de San Angel (this was a first for us ~ we had eaten at San Angel Inn and La Cantina before) so we were pretty excited as we all love Mexican food!
Shortly after checking in, we were led to our table – actually a booth, which was quite comfortable – however, I think I would have preferred to sit in the main dining area, which it seemed brighter.
For beverages, Scott ordered a beer, I had a patron margarita ~ and Scott & I shared the tequila flight……….whoa!!! Yummy!!!
And of course, Emily had a sprite!
We already knew ahead of time that we were going to share our dinner this evening, so we started with an appetizer:
They bring you fresh chips and salsa!
Camarones a la Parilla ~ grilled shrimp served over carmelized pineapple and chile de arbol sauce. This was delicious!!!
Then for our entrée we shared the Parrillada “La Hacienda” ~ (this is meant for two, but you can see it was plenty for three!) mixed grill offering NY strip, chicken al pastor, chorizo and veggies, served with beans, rice and salsa. This also came with small corn tortillas to fill.
Our meal here was fantastic!!! The food was delicious, and our server (can’t remember his name??) was pleasant and very helpful explaining things to us. We skipped dessert as we knew we were going to find something later!
After dinner, we needed to walk around – well Scott and I did!!! So we decided to stroll through World Showcase, but first stopped in Norway for a quick ride on Maelstrom.
Scott found a few cute Trolls along the way!
We continued our stroll, and soon found ourselves in Germany with the aroma of Karamell-Kuche drawing us in…………..so we grabbed a few little bites of Milk Chocolate Caramel with Sea Salt and a Caramel Roll with Marshmellow Cream! YUM!!!
Emily holding the "world" in her fingers!
We continued walking around, strolling into shops here and there, enjoying each country at a leisurely pace ~ next main stop was Japan, as Emily wanted to use some of her Disney Gift Cards for Japanese Candy and snacks!
While Emily was shopping, Scott decided to take a peek at the Sake bar ~ and tried a flight there – giving most of it to another group of guys doing some tastings as well. That man can make friends anywhere!
We realized that it was nearing the time for Illuminations, so we found a nice spot near France where we could lean against the wall ~ and it was not crowded in this area at all!
Of course, while waiting for Illuminations to start, I remembered there was another adult beverage that we had not yet ever tried and by gosh – it was right there!!! So Scott and I shared a Grand Mariner Slush! Oh man – those things could be dangerous!!! Tasted like an orange slushie!!! Good thing we were sharing!!!
Then it was time for Illuminations ~ we didn’t have the best viewing area, but it was nice to not be crowded!
It was Extra Magic Hours evening ~ so after Illuminations, we just kinda hung around to let the park clear out a bit, then we went to take advantage of a few attractions – the first being Journey Into Imagination with Figment!
Then we went to Epcot Character Spot with hardly any line to meet up with:
Mickey:
Pluto:
And Minnie:
After our meet and greets, we were ready for bed – so headed to the bus stop and quickly boarded a bus for AKL and it was lights out as soon as our heads hit the pillow!
Up Next: A day to relax and a special visit!
__________________
Lisa Co-Guide to Sharing the Adventure: Disney World Trip Reports
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More good stuff! I'm glad you liked Hacienda - we've tried it a couple times and found it to be very good.
Great pics with Goofy, too!
Thanks!!! We did really enjoy the meal!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by mommapants
OMG if that isn't a great view of IllumiNations then I have to see your "great view" those shots were awesome
It was a good view - but it was just a bummer that the tree island was in the way the whole time, but it did make for some good photos!! And just so you know, it's literally right behind the kiosk where they sell the yummy adult beverages in France!
Quote:
Originally Posted by xwewhisper
Sounds like a great night of snacking and shopping!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
It was! Very laid back and relaxing!
Quote:
Originally Posted by cubfancolleen
We shared that same main course at LaHacienda and loved it!!
Can't believe that was your first GM slush!
It was good! And yes - that was my first GM Slush!!! And I will tell you now, by the end of this report, you all are going to think we are a bunch of lushes!!!
__________________
Lisa Co-Guide to Sharing the Adventure: Disney World Trip Reports
Your meal at La Hacienda was the same one Luke and I shared on our first visit there. It really is a lot of food. I also realized while looking at your photos of the goodies at the Karamelle Kuche that we have strolled through there many, many times, but I don't think we've ever made a purchase. So I think that will be a must do on our May trip. Love all the pictures in this update!
You certainly packed a lot in at Epcot! I loved the look of the shrimp and pineapple dish at La Hacienda, those are two of my favourite foods. Very cool shot of holding Epcot up - I love that one.
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La Hacienda looked great! And I had to start my day reading this and seeing the caramels. They are my weakness and now I'll be dreaming of them all day long! Looks like some good choices for adult beverages too. All in all a great evening!
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.
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I love the meerkats, and of course, Lilly. I could probably watch both for quite hours. You wound up with awesome seats for FotLK and that turned into great pictures. 
). 
Wonderful photos again, especially of Lily - she's just so cute. 
Glad you were able to move your seat for the FoLK! 
And glad Scott was okay! 
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Holly: 
I also realized while looking at your photos of the goodies at the Karamelle Kuche that we have strolled through there many, many times, but I don't think we've ever made a purchase. So I think that will be a must do on our May trip. 
PassPorter Guide Author
*Melissa
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