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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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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After our great dinner at Kona Café , we headed for MK and immediately went to the back of the park to grab FP’s for BTMRR since we had not ridden it yet this trip.
The standby wait for Splash Mountain was at 60 minutes, but we decided to brave it anyway and ended up only waiting about 25 minutes. We had a blast especially since we were in the back row and barely got wet. The ride left a lasting impression on Mary Devall because it ranked as her tenth and final . . . Mary Devall’s Top Ten Reasons (to Celebrate Turning at Disney): Riding Splash Mountain.
When we came off the ride, we stopped for a bathroom break and then it was time for our FP’s. We ended up in the front row on BTMRR and had a blast on the wildest ride in the wilderness!
We headed into Fantasy Land, grabbed FP’s at PP and then went to watch Mickey’s Philharmagic. From there, we cut over to Adventure Land to check on the wait time for PotC.
On the way, a little boy wasn’t watching where he was going and his hard little head rammed me right in the stomach. At that point, I was really wishing that (a) I had abs of steel or (b) I hadn’t eaten so much at dinner. It really wasn’t his fault , but his grandfather did ask me if I was okay and did remind little Ben to watch where he was going.
The odd thing was that this was not the first time I had a potentially hazardous encounter on this trip. A couple of days earlier when Mary Devall and I were headed down to breakfast at Roaring Forks, she wanted me to adjust the waist band on her shorts. We were right in front of the Mercantile at that point, so we went to a little alcove across the hall where we would be out of the way. I didn’t notice that I was in front of a service door . . . that is, until a CM came barreling out and knocked the door right into my back. The initial pain went away quickly, but it scared the bejeebies out of me more than anything. One of the rangers came out after the CM and asked me if I was okay, so at least everyone was polite about trying to kill me.
And back to the story . . . to add insult to injury, the line at PotC was out the door, so we rode the magic carpets, walked through the tree house and then went back to PotC where the ride was suddenly a walk on.
We were done with Adventure Land, so we headed to Tomorrow Land to check out the standby line for Space Mountain. The FP’s were all gone, but the wait time was 50 minutes (which was the lowest that I saw it during our trip) so we decided to just go for it. We ended up breezing through all the way to the front which was where the real lines were. We were in and out in less than 40 minutes so it wasn’t bad at all.
I guess you could say that I had yet another potentially hazardous encounter (of a different kind ) during our wait. From the moment we entered the line, this man had been right behind me and almost literally breathing down my neck. He was with his teenage daughter who was also blonde and wearing a ponytail. Every so often she would move behind me which I preferred since she wasn’t quite the neck breather that her father was. At one point, I felt someone place their hands on my shoulders and whisper something into my ear. Okay, apparently this man had issues. When I turned suddenly, the man jumped back, turned 10 shades of red and said “Oh no! I thought you were my daughter!” We all laughed about it, but he kept his distance the rest of the time.
After SM, we hopped on TTA during Wishes so we had a perfect view of the finale. Next we moved on to one of Mary Devall’s favorite, CoP. This was turning into one more odd evening because a woman kept leaving and coming back in before the show even started and the doors had closed. I assumed that she was trying to reach someone and had poor reception on her phone because she had it pressed to her ear the entire time. The CM had actually closed the door when she opened it again and told him “one minute please.” He must have told her because we were soon on the move and leaving her behind. I just thought it hilarious that she wanted to hold up an attraction at Disney so that she could take a call.
It was feeling like snack time , but some places were closed already. We finally found soft serve ice cream at Auntie Gravity’s and relaxed at a table outside. We thought about riding Buzz after our break, but it appeared to be down so we went back to Fantasy Land. We rode SW and decided to count the number of hags for Maddie - - just in case you’re interested, there are 6 inside and 1 outside.
We used our FP’s for PP and then made HM our last ride of the evening and of the trip. Mary Devall decided that she wanted to finish up the night by shopping, so we headed for Main Street.
She bought the third Kingdom Keepers book and then crossed the street to buy one last vinylmation. She had pressed her luck one too many times because she already had the one she bought and the CM was a stickler about the number of trades that she could have. She ended up with one that wasn’t her favorite and we had to have a little chat about the fun of surprises, taking chances and life not being perfect. Everything I love talking about at midnight. She was getting tired and it was showing.
We went back across the street to buy some chocolate for Thom since we knew he would love that souvenir. Mary Devall was immediately drawn to the glass case and spotted a peanut butter cup with white chocolate. I bought it for her and the CM offered her a gingerbread cookie that they weren’t going to sell because the ear wasn’t perfect (it looked perfect to me so I think they were just spreading some magic ).
Mary Devall is not a big gingerbread fan like I am so she was about to turn it down when she must have felt the “panic” vibes from me and just accepted the bag with a . Or I could have possibly mentioned how much I loved gingerbread.
We ended up browsing around the store a little more and buying a pack of chocolate cashew patties for Thom. I had immediately nixed buying him anything from the glass case because I know him - - it’s all about quantity.
While Mary Devall ate the peanut butter cup and I ate the gingerbread man (all but the chocolate ears because chocolate and gingerbread just do not mix in my little world ), we headed to the bus stop. We only waited about 10 minutes before the bus showed up and we were soon back in our room. We both read in bed for a while and then went right to sleep.
Sounds like a fun night! Well, except for your encounter with little Ben and the creepy guy who thought you were his daughter!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jillybean
After SM, we hopped on TTA during Wishes so we had a perfect view of the finale. Next we moved on to one of Mary Devall’s favorite, CoP. This was turning into one more odd evening because a woman kept leaving and coming back in before the show even started and the doors had closed. I assumed that she was trying to reach someone and had poor reception on her phone because she had it pressed to her ear the entire time. The CM had actually closed the door when she opened it again and told him “one minute please.” He must have told her because we were soon on the move and leaving her behind. I just thought it hilarious that she wanted to hold up an attraction at Disney so that she could take a call.
This actually made me say "Ha!" out loud! Schadenfreude at it's best!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jillybean
(all but the chocolate ears because chocolate and gingerbread just do not mix in my little world ),
Ok, I just had an epiphany! I always wondered why I didn't really love the gingerbread shingles I buy when I usually love gingerbread. You nailed it - it's the chocolate. As wonderful as they are on their own, I don't like them together.
__________________
Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
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.
What a great last evening. WHat a strange experience on SM, if someone suddenly started whispering in my ear I would be a bit weirded out as well
Glad you were able to get so much done during EMH - the HM ends up being our last ride at MK a lot of times too. I think maybe because it is just a favorite for all of us so it is a satisfying way to end the night (and the trip).
Great last night and I agree with Mary Devall completely, a top 10 reason to celebrate your bday at WDW definately is SM! One of my faves.
Lucky for DD and I, you and Mary have inspired a girls only trip for the future. I am really wanting to do one. Maybe a 13th bday, bc we are planning a family trip when she is 10.
Lastly, I was wondering and have been for a while, but just haven't asked....is Mary Devall a family name or something? Just because I have never heard this variation of Mary before. I like it, it's unique, but was wondering.
Devall is my mom's maiden name so you are exactly right that it's a family name. She goes by Mary about half the time but she knows that she will always be Mary Devall to me.
So happy that we have inspired a girls trip for your family! I was inspired by a fellow pp when Mary Devall was four and they've been some of my favorite trips!
Quote:
Originally Posted by OneLittleSpark
Great last night and I agree with Mary Devall completely, a top 10 reason to celebrate your bday at WDW definately is SM! One of my faves.
Lucky for DD and I, you and Mary have inspired a girls only trip for the future. I am really wanting to do one. Maybe a 13th bday, bc we are planning a family trip when she is 10.
Lastly, I was wondering and have been for a while, but just haven't asked....is Mary Devall a family name or something? Just because I have never heard this variation of Mary before. I like it, it's unique, but was wondering.
You got a lot done during EMH and it sounds like the perfect way to spend your last evening (ok, except for your collision with Ben and Mr. Creepster in the SM line)!
I think Mary Devall's top ten list is fantastic -- she's a little girl with great taste!
Sounds like a perfect last evening--well except for nearly getting knocked out by a little boy and that strange man whispering sweet nothings in your ear. I love gingerbread! And now--because of course I just started my post Food and Wine Festival diet--I really want some! Have to settle for a 90-calorie Special K bar instead.
Wow, that sure is quite a change from when she rode Splash Mountain with Macy and I a few years ago! About 3 minutes into the ride she declared that she hated that ride and tried to put her rain poncho over her head . Macy and I spent the rest of the ride showing her all the cool things about the ride to get her (and my) mind off of the big drop. So glad that she loves it now and put it on her Top 10 List!!
Great last night of Mother/Daughter fun except for your strange encounters!
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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, we headed for MK and immediately went to the back of the park to grab FP’s for BTMRR since we had not ridden it yet this trip. 
We had a blast especially since we were in the back row and barely got wet. The ride left a lasting impression on Mary Devall because it ranked as her tenth and final . . . 
Mary Devall’s Top Ten Reasons (to Celebrate Turning at Disney): Riding Splash Mountain.
At that point, I was really wishing that (a) I had abs of steel or (b) I hadn’t eaten so much at dinner. 
It really wasn’t his fault 
, but his grandfather did ask me if I was okay and did remind little Ben to watch where he was going. 
A couple of days earlier when Mary Devall and I were headed down to breakfast at Roaring Forks, she wanted me to adjust the waist band on her shorts. We were right in front of the Mercantile at that point, so we went to a little alcove across the hall where we would be out of the way. I didn’t notice that I was in front of a service door . . . that is, until a CM came barreling out and knocked the door right into my back. 
At one point, I felt someone place their hands on my shoulders and whisper something into my ear. Okay, apparently this man had issues. 
When I turned suddenly, the man jumped back, turned 10 shades of red 
and said “Oh no! I thought you were my daughter!” 
We all laughed about it, but he kept his distance the rest of the time. 
because we were soon on the move and leaving her behind. I just thought it hilarious that she wanted to hold up an attraction at Disney so that she could take a call. 
, but some places were closed already. We finally found soft serve ice cream at Auntie Gravity’s and relaxed at a table outside. 
). 
. Or I could have possibly mentioned how much I loved gingerbread. 
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