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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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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Day One – Saturday, August 29 Let’s Get It Started
My flight wasn’t first thing in the morning, so I was able to sleep in a bit and still had plenty of time to finish up my last minute packing. My DM was kind enough to take me to the airport (the rest of the family were all riding to the airport together the following day).
I checked my bag and was quickly through security, and I was at my gate about 15 minutes after arriving at the airport. While waiting at the gate, I worked on finishing my DLP trip report. When it was time to board, I got in line. I had A17. Generally there are very few people, if any, in spots A1-A15 Business Select, so I was the second person to check in for the flight. I was actually kind of angry at the one person that beat me, but whatevs. When I got in line, however, I saw that the one person ahead of me had his wife and kid with him. I didn’t really care, because I knew they’d all sit together and it would be virtually the same as me boarding right behind the guy, but I wanted to be the second one on. Let’s not mention the preboarders, mmm-kay.
Even with three people ahead of me, I knew I could get my favorite seat – the window seat in the exit row, because Mr. A16 had a kid with him, and the kid was too young for the exit row. I was surprised that the flight was completely full. As the plane filled up, people kept asking for blankets or pillows, but there were none to be had thanks to swine flu precautions. Luckily, I didn’t need one (I usually bring my own, because they don’t wash them between flights and, eww).
I had been concerned about Tropical Storm Danny causing problems for me, but we took off right on time, and it wasn’t even raining when we took off. It was pretty smooth sailing until about the D.C. metro area, then it got quite bumpy for a few minutes.
The rest of the flight was fairly smooth, but the whole flight was actually really noisy. Lots of Chatty Cathys on the plane with me, which I thought was a little unusual. We landed on time and I walked over to the B side to catch DME.
I was first in line, so I knew I’d just missed a bus, but within about 15 minutes, I was boarding a (ugly yellow Mears ) bus. Because it was a busy part of the day, the bus filled up and we were departing after only 10 minutes or so. We stopped first at Coronado Springs and then Jambo House, where I got off.
I’d considered doing online check-in, but having done it in the past, it doesn’t seem to really save much time, especially if you have to wait for guests picking up their stuff ahead of you. I was happy to hear my room was ready, and I’d been given an upgrade! Because I’d only be spending one night at Jambo House, I booked a standard view room.
The best part of the room was the location. Fourth floor, the room right next to the elevator. I found it and put my stuff down, pausing only long enough to get a few quick photos of room #1 for the trip.
It wasn’t the best savanna view, but I wasn’t complaining, and I did see animals out there when it was dark.
I called and checked in on the family (they needed to check in for their flight while I was on my flight, so I couldn’t do it for them as I usually do). They managed to get only DB checked in (I’d booked his ticket separately in case I needed to make changes to his flight because of his work schedule). My parents and my DSIL and the boys weren’t checked in yet, but it wouldn’t be so bad, since DB had an A boarding pass and his family could board between the A and B group with Isaiah, since he’s only 3. They could save a couple of seats for my parents.
I figured something like that would happen, so before I left, I’d gone over with DM how to check in for a flight, stressed she needed to do it right at 24 hours ahead, and even had printed step-by-step instructions for her. The only way she managed to get even one done was because I’d left the computer on, with the SWA check-in page up on the computer, and DB’s info typed in.
I headed out to the bus stop. It was about a 15 minute wait for the bus, and just a few people were on it as it pulled away. After arriving at Epcot, I quickly made my way through the turnstiles. It was magical stepping back into a park, and the Epcot music was particularly majestic. It made me want to make Epcot my first park every trip!
It was hot so I thought about what I wanted to get to wet my whistle. It was too hot for an adult beverage IMO, don’t take away my ELC membership glass so I ruled out a few of my favorites right off the bat. While walking to WS, I decided to make a pit stop at Club Cool and get a drink to hold me off until I made it across the park (yes, it was that hot ).
After that, I called Meg to let her know I was beginning my stroll around World Showcase at Mexico and I’d meet her at France if we didn’t bump into one another on the way. I walked around WS, enjoying myself and not needing to do anything but be in Epcot.
When I reached China, I decided to get the strawberry oolong tea slush. I paused from enjoying it long enough to take a photo.
I continued my stroll, spending a little extra time in what will be my next international travel destination.
When I reached Morocco, I saw that Morockin would be playing soon, so I found a shady spot to sit down and waited for the show to start.
While I was watching, Meg (mcc0313) found me! We chatted for a while before making our way to Japan. Her girls wanted to get pearls. I’d never done that before, so I was really interested in seeing the ceremony.
I’d heard that it’s best to pick a cruddy looking oyster and Meg had heard the same. I’m not sure that’s really the best choice, but the girls got some beautiful pearls, so who knows? Pocahontas even got a rare silver blue pearl.
With their pearls picked, the girls then did some shopping for something to set their pearls in. I browsed around the store, which is one of my favorites in WS. With that accomplished, it was time to head to France for our meal at Chefs de France.
We checked in and after a slight mixup about the number of people in our party, we were seated. I perused the menu and decided to go with the prix fixe menu. Meg and her girls all went with the prix fixe menu as well. Not long after we ordered, the first course came out. I’d chosen the soup, which was really delish.
Bisque de Homard - Lobster bisque
For the main course, I went with the chicken, and that was equally delish.
Demi poulet fermier roti, pommes rissolees et tomate grille - roasted chicken, rissole potatoes and grilled tomato
The toughest decision for me was dessert, but I eventually decided on the profiteroles.
Profiteroles au chocolat - Puff choux with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce
After dinner, the teens went back to POR for a swim. I stayed with Meg and Tinkerbell. Tinkerbell had her heart set on getting another pearl and she couldn’t be talked out of it, even if she had to spend her own money on it. So after dinner, we made our way back to the Mitsukoshi store.
Tinkerbell had also decided that I should get a pearl, and I couldn’t resist her pleas and big puppy dog eyes so I picked out one myself. Tinkerbell got a really big one, and I got one almost as big, 7.5 mm.
Tinkerbell really wanted to ride Test Track with me, so we headed right to Future World. We stopped for a Photopass picture (Tinkerbell wanted one with just her and me and one with her and Meg).
When we got to Test Track, there was, if I recall, a 30-minute wait posted. Tinkerbell wanted to go in the Single Riders Line, but I was sure the standby would be much shorter. As we were discussing it, a nice family approached me and gave me 4 FPs that were good right then! That settled that. It turns out that the ride was a walk on and we didn’t need the FPs anyway.
The ride was a lot of fun, as usual. I like TT so much more after the sun goes down!
After the ride, Tinkerbell had a lot of fun posing for pictures in all the cars. Meg had a hard time getting her out of the cars. Just wait until she gets her license, Meg.
Since we weren’t planning to stay for Illuminations, we decided to head out to beat the crowd. Tinkerbell really wanted me to ride with her for her first time on EE, so we made plans to meet up at AK at park opening.
My bus was waiting when we reached the bus stop, so I had to make a run for it. Back at Jambo House, I called DM with a few last-minute instructions and then called it a night.
Up Next: A Marathon Morning
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Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
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Great start Sharon! Love the room pic...mostly because Craig and I just got back yesterday from AKL and it brought me right back there! Love the PP meet and that you made a new friend.
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We had been going over to Morocco to continue with Tinkerbell's WS Passport and there she was and it was funny becuase we have never met but I looked over at Tinkerbell and said "Look there's Sharon" as if we were meeting someone we saw all the time.
Meg and her girls all went with the prix fixe menu as well.
I really love those Prix Fixe menus as you get to enjoy the appitizer included in the price, it works out even better when you are on the DDP becuase we got to enjoy the appitizer without having to pay OOP for it. It definitely is a good deal and the food here was delicious.
Tinkerbell had her heart set on getting another pearl and she couldn’t be talked out of it, even if she had to spend her own money on it. So after dinner, we made our way back to the Mitsukoshi store. Tinkerbell had also decided that I should get a pearl, and I couldn’t resist her pleas and big puppy dog eyes so I picked out one myself. Tinkerbell got a really big one, and I got one almost as big, 7.5 mm.
Love the pictures from the "Pearl Ceremony". Tinkerbell definitely wanted another one, even though I tried to get her to wait for our next trip since she had just gotten one. She did not care as she was even willing to use her spending money but I guess she figured if that did not work she was going to convince me somehow...so she explained how Sharon really needed a pearl so since she was going to get one she should get another one with her, and yes she used those same puppy dog eyes on me that she used with Sharon, and she got her 2nd pearl Tinkerbell really wanted to ride Test Track with me, so we headed right to Future World. We stopped for a Photopass picture (Tinkerbell wanted one with just her and me and one with her and Meg).
While finally getting to meet you made my day it ended up being the highlight for Tinkerbell. She just adored you. I have to thank you, you are so patient (most people enjoy earplugs with my talkative child) and truly made her day. When we got to Test Track, there was, if I recall, a 30-minute wait posted. Tinkerbell wanted to go in the Single Riders Line, but I was sure the standby would be much shorter. As we were discussing it, a nice family approached me and gave me 4 FPs that were good right then! That settled that. It turns out that the ride was a walk on and we didn’t need the FPs anyway.
This is why you are the FP Queen...they just come to you but it was definitely worth it - it was a great ride and Tinkerbell was just so excited to ride with you.
Yes while I am sure that she did not mind me joining her and her friend Sharon for the ride....you were the hot ticket in this equation. It wasn't just riding TT but riding it with Princess Sharon (ya think I might have gotten her to enveloped in the PP boards ) After the ride, Tinkerbell had a lot of fun posing for pictures in all the cars. Meg had a hard time getting her out of the cars. Just wait until she gets her license, Meg.
I am so not ready for this, I am having a tough time knowing the Pocahontas is taking drivers ed this year Tinkerbell really wanted me to ride with her for her first time on EE, so we made plans to meet up at AK at park opening.
She was really excited that you were meeting us again. When you told her that you would meet us, well she got back and told everyone we had to get up early as we were meeting Princess Sharon at EE. So everyone better be up on time...(maybe she has a future as a drill sargent )
It was really great meeting you, everyone enjoyed your company and hopefully it will not take another Disney trip to meet....definitely have to try to schedule a "WOD Shopping Meet" after work one day
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Meg
Last edited by mcc0313; 09-28-2009 at 04:32 PM..
Reason: Spelling
What a wonderful 1st day!!! Your comments about boarding the plane had me chuckling. Funny stuff! The dinner looked I'm totally looking forward to eating here for the first time this November. Thanks for the photos!
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Tanya
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I'm already loving your TR, Sharon! What a great first day. Especially getting to spend part of it with a devoted subject like Lady Tinkerbell. And of course, Meg.
Love your comment on getting that second position boarding the plane! You sound like me, sitting at the computer a check-in time with my finger hovering over the 'Enter' button to get that first boarding position!!
Can't wait to hear about your ride with Tinkerbell on EE...
What a wonderful first day. World showcase looks empty! One of these days I've got to watch the pearl ladies. Looks like a lot of fun. Tinkerbell is just adorable.
About This Page: 
I didn’t really care, because I knew they’d all sit together and it would be virtually the same as me boarding right behind the guy, but I wanted to be the second one on. 
Let’s not mention the preboarders, mmm-kay. 
on the plane with me, which I thought was a little unusual. We landed on time and I walked over to the B side to catch DME.
) bus. Because it was a busy part of the day, the bus filled up and we were departing after only 10 minutes or so. We stopped first at Coronado Springs and then Jambo House, where I got off.
I found it and put my stuff down, pausing only long enough to get a few quick photos of room #1 for the trip.
(I’d booked his ticket separately in case I needed to make changes to his flight because of his work schedule). My parents and my DSIL and the boys weren’t checked in yet, but it wouldn’t be so bad, since DB had an A boarding pass and his family could board between the A and B group with Isaiah, since he’s only 3. They could save a couple of seats for my parents. 
so I thought about what I wanted to get to wet my whistle. It was too hot for an adult beverage IMO, don’t take away my ELC membership glass 
so I ruled out a few of my favorites right off the bat. While walking to WS, I decided to make a pit stop at Club Cool and get a drink to hold me off until I made it across the park (yes, it was that hot 
I paused from enjoying it long enough to take a photo.
We chatted for a while before making our way to Japan. Her girls wanted to get pearls. I’d never done that before, so I was really interested in seeing the ceremony.
So after dinner, we made our way back to the Mitsukoshi store.
so I picked out one myself. Tinkerbell got a really big one, and I got one almost as big, 7.5 mm.
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