An Animal Kingdom State of Being with Cam and Fam COMPLETED 9/18 - Page 19 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
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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
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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.
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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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I don't remember Univeral ever being really crowded whenever we were there. The only crowds I remeber were by Hogwarts and that area the rest of the parks weren't that crowded. I guess most people go to Disney instead.
liz
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Sounds like a great day so far. I can't believe the lack of crowds.
We've never been to US. I guess I never really had the desire to look into it, figuring that WDW was enough. But, maybe someday...
Great update. Your video was small but good. After reading about the RRR, i went to youtube and found a POV for the ride. It is an awesome ride.
Luke found probably that same video or one like it and showed it to me before we left. I knew then I was NOT going to ride it, but he knew for sure that he was.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ilovedisney247
SO glad you guys are having a great time at Universal. I can tell you that the video option on the iPhone 4 is awesome, but I always forget I have it!
I'm hoping that the iPhone 5 is out when I can renew my contract. I've got my fingers crossed. If not, I'll just wait!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Belle0824
Glad you've had such good time... so far! You're making me want to change our plans and leave our WDW bubble for a day. I can't believe how light the crowds were.
I could just hear Donkey saying all those funny comments - bet Luke never thought he'd get sassed at by a donkey! Can't wait to read more!
Luke sure didn't. In fact, he stood there long enough without reacting that Donkey, "Yoo Hoo, I'm talking to you, Daddy!"
Quote:
Originally Posted by HollyH
What a great start to your day! Wow, that sure was a LOT of water that came down! Glad Stefanie moved out of the way in time.
Sorry that the video camera didn't live up to your expectations, but I hope that there are a least a few more video clips in this TR as they sure are fun to watch.
If I can figure out how to get the ones that are good rotated, there may be more. I guess everyone could turn their computers sideways to watch them.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lauriep
I can't believe how few people there are at Universal that morning! The interaction with Donkey sounds hilarious... I didn't know the characters there talk, or is Donkey the only one? Glad Stefanie didn't get soaked. That was a lot of water and could have knocked her down! Your teaser for the next update is a bit ominous.
I think only Donkey talks as Shrek was the tall, silent type when we met him.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ciavobella
Fun day so far. We love donkey and Express Pass. I've heard some people rent a room at the RPR even if they aren't staying there to get two days of Express Pass privileges. Once you have experienced it it's hard to go back in the regular line.
I don't think I'd ever want to tour without the Express Pass as it really keeps you from wasting time in line.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jbd
Just got caught up! It sounds like a great trip so far!
I had dd on my lap while I was looking at the pictures of Stefanie on the plane. Anna thought that Stef was "good at driving the plane" and that "Stefanie's mommy should buy her a plane."
I tried to tell her that planes were very expensive, but she insisted, so I just told her I'd let you know.
Can't wait to read more!
That is so cute! But I don't think I'll be buying Stef a plane any time soon.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dsteiny23
Donkey sounds like he was a lot of fun. My boys would LOVE him!! They are so into the last Shrek movie right now being as it's on cable.
Sorry about the Bloggie. We have one and so far I've had pretty good luck. I guess we'll see how it does on vacation this fall.
Wow, those US crowds are great!! And I am wanting to go there more and more reading this. But, of course it would have to be an add on like you guys had because I'd hate to lose any time in the bubble.
When Luke suggested going down early so we could do US/IoA, then I was finally willing to do it. I didn't want to give up any of my WDW time at all.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BostonTeaParty
A girl after my own heart.
Paul will, too. So would I for that matter.
Great picture of all of you with Donkey. Looks like you're all having a terrific time.
Just seeing those pictures of Men In Black and Mel's Drive In have me missing US. Shocking how light the crowds are, but very nice indeed! A walk on for Men In Black? Unheard of! The line for that ride (also my favorite) is usually much longer. Looking forward to hearing about your disasters - sounds like you maybe heading towards an earthquake, a great white shark and a twister.
You figured out the disasters I was referring, too! None of the disasters were personal to us!
Quote:
Originally Posted by islandgirl
this picture!!! Looks like you had a great day so far!!
This is one of my favorites, too! My two buddies happy and walking hand in hand. Makes me !
Quote:
Originally Posted by misty hailey
Welcome to Nashville! I live down the road in Lebanon I love the TR so far!!
We love Nashville! My DSis and her DH used to live there and we came down quite a bit back then.
I left an attraction out of my notes and just caught it as I noticed a picture for the ride. Before we rode Men in Black, we rode The Simpsons Ride, a very neat simulation ride along the lines of Soarin’.
After lunch we headed to Jaws in the San Francisco/Amity section of the park . At some point on the walk, Stefanie complained that the refillable mug was getting Coke grease on her hands. So we put it in the bottle holder mesh pocket of my backpack and all was fine. Stefanie and I were not sure if we wanted to ride Jaws, so Luke rode without his girls to literally check the waters. I spend the first little bit taking pictures around the ride.
Stefanie and I checked out shops. I saw a black pair of Oakley Flak Jackets that I loved in one store and pair of very comfortable looking flip flops in another, but I did not give in to temptation.
Surf Shack where I saw the flip flops.
Luke was soon back as he had used the Express Pass entrance and declared the ride safe, so we all three went back and got right on for another ride. I did not take pictures, opting instead to record it on the Bloggie. My mistake as I’m a decent photographer, but a wacky videographer. I’m not even uploading it to YouTube as I don’t want to be made fun of for videotaping the sky.
Next was Disaster, which Stefanie denoted as an attraction she hated. No going back on this one for sure. When we boarded the pretend subway car, the announcer told us to just act normal. Stefanie said very loudly, “I’m NOT normal!” That drew laughter from all the other guests near us. At least she is honest.
After Disaster, we moved to New York for Luke to ride Revenge of the Mummy. He found it to be , and even though I would enjoy it riding alone. I did not think I would, so I did not ride. I’ve watched in on YouTube and that is sufficient for me.
While he was on the ride, Stefanie and I wondered around taking pictures.
Stefanie hailing a taxi!
When Luke rejoined us, I got pictures of him and the train from Back to the Future.
Next was Twister, which was hard to enjoy after recent events. We back tracked at this point, see Beetlejuicie’s Graveyard Revue. I’m not sure I got the point of this show and it was only mildly entertaining. I was more fascinated by how they seemed cool in spite of their hot costumes.
Stefanie commented that she had not met Shrek yet, so that was our next destination. He was out, so she finally got to meet him, though he was not at all interesting like the Donkey.
I asked Luke if he wanted a chance to ride Rip Ride Rockit again, and of course, he did. Stefanie and I shopped in Production Central Shops, but bought nothing – yet. Stefanie was getting hot and whiny and I was close behind, so shows were a good idea. First, we stopped in the Lucy Tribute. Next, we saw Terminator 2 3-D, which was an awesome time off our feet in the A/C. And the show was even pretty good. I’ve never seen this movie all the way through, so maybe I need to do that sometime this summer. After Terminator, we took in the Horror Make-Up Show. This show was too funny with Marty being a hoot. Two guests in the audience also added to the laughter: Marcella from Malaysia and Jessie, a young boy without a shirt because it was soaked.
By now we’d really done all we wanted or cared to do, so we headed to Finnegan’s a half hour early, but had no problem as many seats were open. Dining at US is definitely different from WDW. We made a reservation a couple of weeks ahead, but really there was no need. We’d have gotten in anyway. I had the Newcastle Chicken, Stefanie had a Clove of Chicken Tenders with fries, and Luke had the Cape Cod Fish Sandwich. The best part of dinner was the yummy bread with apple butter. I have the fondest memories of my Granny Morgan’s homemade apple butter. Comfort food! I also ordered an Earthquake (Jose Cuervo, Grand Marnier, and sour mix). Enjoyed the live music playing for much of our dinner!
We were full again, but tired and done. We went back to the store for a few items: T-shirts for all three of us and two US pins to add to our lanyards.
From there we moved out of US and into City Walk, stopping only at two stores. The first was Fresh Produce, but we made no purchases. The other was Fossil to see if we could find Luke a new wallet as his fell apart right before vacation. He did find one very similar to his old Fossil wallet and bought it. Then it was back to Royal Pacific Resort and up to our room where we rested for a bit. I downloaded pictures to the computer and re-installed Facebook and Grocery IQ apps to my iPhone as they had vanished mysteriously at some point in the day.
After a short rest, we went down to the Bula Bar for ice cream. I had a two-scoop chocolate with peanuts and chocolate syrup that I shared with Stefanie. Luke had a two-scoop mint chocolate chip with strawberries and chocolate syrup. We found a table by the pool where we sat and enjoyed our dessert. When we finished, we returned to the room, got ready for bed, and downloaded more pictures. Lights were out by 10:20 as we wanted an early start to Islands of Adventure tomorrow.
Up Next: What will I think of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
My favorite things from this update are the Stefanisms: "Coke grease" and, especially, "I'm NOT normal!" That one I think is just so sweet and shows her strong, confident personality.
All caught up, and great updates! I'm really surprised by the lack of crowds at Universal...sounds like you guys are making the most of it! More please!
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.
Coke grease - love it!!
And am I right in thinking the blue tie-die tshirt is Stefanie's? I love that, too!
Interested in hearing all about HP. I may be the only person on earth who hasn't read any of the books yet. DH & DS love them, so I think they'd enjoy the park. Can't Imagine leaving the bubble, though.
Can't wait to hear how you liked Harry Potter! We are very excited to try this on our next trip....our first venture outside "the bubble" since our kids were born!
Looks like you are having a great time. I am glad to see Stephanie enjoying her time even though it is not Disney. I can't wait to hear about Harry Potter. The books are some of my all time favs.
My favorite things from this update are the Stefanisms: "Coke grease" and, especially, "I'm NOT normal!" That one I think is just so sweet and shows her strong, confident personality.
She looked at me when some folks laughed, and said, "Well, I'm NOT!" To which I replied, "Neither are your Dad and I!" my kid!
Quote:
Originally Posted by cubfancolleen
Coke grease - love it!!
And am I right in thinking the blue tie-die tshirt is Stefanie's? I love that, too!
Interested in hearing all about HP. I may be the only person on earth who hasn't read any of the books yet. DH & DS love them, so I think they'd enjoy the park. Can't Imagine leaving the bubble, though.
That blue tie-dyed shirt is Stefanie's and she will have it on in the future. She looks adorable in it! You really need to read the books. I had actually bought Luke the first one in paperback at a school book fair because he had said he might read it. He reads all kinds of manuals, but just does not get into fiction. He still hasn't read it, but that summer, I read through my pile of books and still had time before school started, so I decided to give it a try. I wasn't sold at first, but about halfway through I became Harry's, Hermione's, and Ron's fan and wished I too had attended Hogwarts.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MinnieJen
Looks like you are having a great time. I am glad to see Stephanie enjoying her time even though it is not Disney. I can't wait to hear about Harry Potter. The books are some of my all time favs.
They will almost be among my favorite reads. I may eventually purchase them for my Nook, but I'll always keep my original hardback copies as they hold the memories of reading them for the first time. them! And I'm trying not to feel sad with the release of the final movie as then it will feel like all the wizarding is finally over.
Great update Cam! I'm thinking more and more that we are going to love Universal almost as much as we love Disney! The pics of Stefanie and Shrek are great!
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flip flops. 
Enjoyed the live music playing for much of our dinner! 
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Waiting to eat with Goofy - DLR May 2010
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