A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes... Our Sharing the World pretrip report - Page 2 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes... Our Sharing the World pretrip report
This will probably be my last update for a few days. There's still work to do so the $ to pay for travel will keep on flowing.
Day 3, October 9
Now some of the more observant among you will have noticed that sleeping, and thus hotel time, is not a high priority for this couple. They have visited a pool on occasion, but it’s pretty rare.
This morning however they will actually eat a quick bite at the POP Food Court before an early departure for the MK.
No...even earlier than that...They have reservations for the Magic Behind our Steam Trains tour. Be at the gates at 7:15am...perhaps they offer coffee. This tour is a Birthday gift from Princess Karen to her beloved Prince Brian. Even before their son was born, toy trains encircled the Holiday tree.
This will be the fourth tour for the pair. On past visits they enjoyed the Keys to the Kingdom, Undiscovered Future World and Around the World on a Segway tours. There is never a boring trip!

Oh...did I mention they also have to check out of POP today? Time to move to that “other” hotel. So, either everything will be packed back into the car the night before or there will be a trip back after the tour to pack up and check out.
Since MK will be crowded that day due to a morning EMH, a few hours at the Future World side of Epcot are in order.
About 4pm the rented coach will proceed to the new hotel, check-in will commence, the bags will be unpacked, and voila! The World will be ready to welcome Prince Thomas and his Lady. Is that the jet from LAX? What time is it? Off to MCO.
Since Karen and Brian usually arrive late, when there is very little traffic, how long should they allow to reach MCO before 5:30?
Prince Thomas and Lady Marguerite are set for a 5:30 arrival at MCO. If met with coffee/chai and fed, they should be able to make it to Fantasmic if the park isn’t too crowded that day. They have been warned that they will be on the move and see a lot, not sure they really believe it though. When Fantasmic ends it’s on to Epcot to catch Illuminations.
Having waited for a boat to Epcot following Fantasmic, this is considered a known peril, to be avoided at all costs. No matter how far out the rental car is parked, it will be a faster way to travel. On one occasion, it was proved that even walking was faster than waiting for a boat! (though it is more tiring)
It will be a pyrotechnic double dose if the timing pans out. Gotta love park hoppers! Perhaps a light meal from Yakatori House or Boulangerie Patiserie while waiting for Illuminations. Welcome to Disney World!
__________________
Dream Weaver
[url=http://distickers.com/ticker/][/url
Last edited by Dream Weaver; 09-25-2008 at 12:43 AM..
Reason: fix spelling
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.
A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes... Our Sharing the World pretrip report
The First Timers Three Day Tour.
Back when plans were begun, the idea was to give Prince Thomas 5 days to explore the World. But there were commitments, gigs, etc to consider, and the days were whittled down to three. One of the things Prince Thomas had hoped to see on a visit to Florida is the Space Center. When the days were trimmed, so was Space. (The other thing he reeeealy wanted to do was a water park. Blizzard Beach is closed for refurbishment so that’s a no go too.)
Just on the off chance that there was a Shuttle launch in early October, Princess Karen checked the NASA schedule. How cool...there was a launch scheduled for Oct. 8. At least she and Prince Brian could see it. Well yes, it was at 1:14 am but you sure can’t see it from Oregon! Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago, check the launch schedule again...the launch had been moved to the 10th! Well just barely the 10th, 12:43 am. (Interesting time that, Sir Reid was born at 12:43 am, always a night owl)
Prince Thomas is delighted with the prospect of viewing the launch, though it will certainly be from afar. After the Shuttle goes up, assuming no delays or further schedule changes, it will be time for a few hours of well deserved sleep.
While Princess Karen and Prince Brian tend to rise early, Prince Thomas and Lady Marguerite do not. ADR’s had been made for breakfasts at 8:30 before Princess Karen thought this through carefully and made a few calls. “Weeellll...8:30 seemed pretty early.” Call reservations again, move the ADR’s to 9:30. Any later and the day will be gone before we begin.
The intrepid foursome are set to eat breakfast at Boma on the 10th. Then on to AK. What shall they do first? Prince Thomas and Lady Marguerite both love music and a good story, so Festival of the Lion King and Nemo will have to fit into the day. The Lady Marguerite has an old back injury that flares up from time to time, so we will try avoid attractions might cause problems. If the Princes want to scale Everest, this will be their opportunity.
There should be time to explore Pangani Forest, study the fabulous Tree with its many carvings and travel through the continents of AK. The attention to detail in this park is always amazing, there’s always something new to discover here.
After the parade it will be time to exit AK. There is a 5:30 Dinner ADR at Kona Cafe before proceeding to MK for MNSSHP.
When Princess Karen and Prince Thomas were children Halloween was a really BIG deal! Actually it still is, every year they exchange photos of their latest jackolantern displays, both pretty amazing. The tradition has been passed on to their own kids. Somewhere in the family archives is a photo of a young Thomas with his trick or treat loot all laid out in sorted rows. There wasn’t a question of whether or not they would attend MNSSHP.
When you travel across the continent to get there, costumes can’t take up much space. Capes are lightweight and pack flat. They also go with everything. Last year Princess Karen made capes representing the Sun, Moon and Stars, that will be easy. There are some others in the closet too. Costumes handled.
How practical is it to carry home a sack of candy? When home is 3,000 miles away, not very, but a few pieces should be ok.
This will be the first time inside the MK for Thomas and Marguerite so it will all be new. Fantasyland will get really crowded, so that might be a good place to start. Most everything here someone will enjoy. If the line for Dumbo is predictably long, perhaps Aladdin’s carpets would be a better choice.
Sometime during the evening Dole Whips are a must! Prince Thomas wants to be sure he gets to ride the mountains and pirates, they’ll be busy! And who could go to a Halloween party and not tour the Haunted Mansion?
Princess Karen has been talking about the Headless Horseman since her first viewing last year, so staking out a spot for the parade ahead of time is a good idea. After that, be sure to find a spot where you can see the castle for Hallowishes, not on the Adventureland side of the hub where the tree blocks your view.
After that, let the crowds thin a bit, then visit the Tomorrowland side of the park. Are we tired yet? We’ll see.
__________________
Dream Weaver
[url=http://distickers.com/ticker/][/url
Last edited by Dream Weaver; 09-25-2008 at 12:55 AM..
Reason: grammer, spelling
Registered Message Board Members Get Our Free Newsletter! When you register you'll have the option to sign up for our weekly PassPorter Newsletter. It's chock-full of feature articles; news; tips; contests; photos; and special offers in our online store.
OMG can I hire you the next time I need a TR written? I just love your style. I can't wait to hear more about all the Princes and Princesses and what they get to experience at the magical place of Disney World.
OMG can I hire you the next time I need a TR written? I just love your style. I can't wait to hear more about all the Princes and Princesses and what they get to experience at the magical place of Disney World.
Thanks, glad you're enjoying it. I'm having fun writing it. Thank you for reading.
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.
A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes... Our Sharing the World pretrip report
If this is Saturday...this must be...October 11
Today’s adventure will begin at the TTC with a short monorail ride to the Contemporary.
According to my calculations there should be a 9:30 reservation for breakfast at The Wave. Images of the monorail inside The Contemporary were a big part of what enamored Princess Karen and Prince Thomas back in the early 1970’s. They have to visit there!
None of the party has been the Wave so this will be a new dining experience. Reviews note that the focus here is on organic and sustainable, both hot buttons for Thomas and Marguerite. The menu looks good, the prices aren’t bad either. Princess Karen is interested in the Multigrain French Toast with fresh fruit. Prince Brian is apt to favor the Smoked Salmon or Eggs Benedict. It has been noted that the coffee here is something other than Nescafe!
If you live in the Northwest, and like coffee, it’s pretty hard not to become really finicky about what you drink. From their first trip to the World, Princess Karen and Prince Brian were amazed to discover that many folks thought the swill, served under the Nescafe banner, was coffee. ”No, no, no,” they said “coffee is an entirely different beverage!” Happily, there are now several additional locations on property that serve a decent cup of coffee. Thank you! The Lady Marguerite is also a coffee connoisseur, she has been forewarned that not all “coffee” here is equal.
After breakfast there will be time for a ride up the elevator to see the view from walkway outside the California Grill. Then to infinity and...oh wait...wrong park. Hop the Monorail to the TTC, Switch monorails and ride to Epcot.
This is the park Prince Thomas wants to see most, so the front gate seems like a good place to begin. First probable stop: Spaceship Earth, newly refurbished and awaiting exploration. Someone may be dispatched to acquire fast passes for Soarin’ while the rest move on toward Innoventions and the Fountain.
Princess Karen wants to be sure there is time for a visit with the manatees and aquariums at The Seas. The seagulls outside the Nemo attraction are quite entertaining, as is the ride. How do they put the animation in the aquariums anyway?
Back in August, Princess Karen got the bright idea to write up a brief description of Disney World’s parks and attractions for Prince Thomas and his Lady, so they would have some idea of what to expect. Now putting “brief” and Disney World in the same sentence is really and oxymoron, as she soon learned. (I know, there are guidebooks available for this!) After the installments on MK and EPCOT filled fifteen pages, and were delivered, the project got waylaid. Hopefully some insights were gleaned regarding which attractions are on their must see lists.
With any luck it will soon be time to dash over to The land for a Soarin’ flight. Perhaps it should be noted here that Princess Karen has always maintained that we actually can fly, we’ve just forgotten how. Soarin’ is right up her alley, too bad it isn’t longer. A boat ride through the greenhouses on Living With the Land will fit in nicely here.
Originally, plans called for lunch at the Garden Grill. Sometime during the summer came the sad news that lunch would no longer be served there. Perhaps a bit of grazing at the Food and Wine booths for lunch?
During the afternoon, the quartet will have time for a trip through the Imagination and Energy pavilions, with a spin on Test Track thrown in for those who love speed.
Prince Thomas is intrigued by Mission: Space. Having finally tried the mild version of this last year, Karen and Brian might offer mixed reviews. The princess will not partake, even though the queue is pretty cool. When Princess Karen and Prince Brian took the Undiscovered Future World tour they got a glimpse behind the scenes here, that’s one complex computer system! Fabulous details too.
What time is it? Perhaps there’s time to visit a few countries in World Showcase before catching the monorails back to MK. Since Spectromagic was on Prince Thomas’ wish list, and this is the only night he can see it, they must arrive in time! Ok, so the monorail won’t turn back into a squash if they don’t arrive before it starts, but everyone will be pretty sad, and that will never do in the Happiest Place...
A viewing of Wishes is enough magic to fill every heart with hope and joy.
Since MK is open until 11 pm there might still be time for a few rides before bidding farewell to the castle.
Sleep? Sleep is good.
__________________
Dream Weaver
[url=http://distickers.com/ticker/][/url
Last edited by Dream Weaver; 09-26-2008 at 03:17 AM..
Reason: spelling
A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes... Our Sharing the World pretrip report
Sunday already? 12 October
Prince Thomas and Lady Marguerite will get to sleep in a bit today if they choose. Breakfast will be at Fresh. Located at the Dolphin resort, the Fresh breakfast buffet never seems to have a wait and includes wonderful food choices as well as fresh squeezed orange juice and Starbucks coffee. Everyone should be able to eat happily here.
The International Gateway is just a short boat ride away. Since there will be a lot to squeeze into the day, where should they start? Last year there were some interesting exhibits in conjunction with the Food & Wine Festival, even pears grown back home in Oregon.
As a side note: It may be pretty busy at EPCOT on Sunday as the Race for the Taste 10K will be run that morning and ends there. Not too happy about this but, oh well.
Princess Karen hopes to see the American Adventure, watch Miyuki creating candy creations in Japan and see some of the films before they make the trip upriver to HS in time for a 2:30 ADR at Sci-Fi Diner. Sci-Fi makes a decent burger or sandwich and a good milkshake.
With only three full days in Florida, Prince Thomas and Lady Marguerite know they won’t see much of this park, but they’ll get a quick taste. Since Prince Thomas always loved the Muppets show, that might be good. Let’s see...shortest lines...most fun...guess we’ll figure it out when we get there.
Since it will be the final evening for Prince Thomas and Lady Marguerite, we’ll let them decide whether they want to go back to EPCOT to finish seeing World Showcase and view Illuminations, or go elsewhere. There isn’t a plan for dinner yet, wonder what it will be?
When the day in the parks is done, a stop at DTD is on the docket. Thomas is sure to love the Lego sea serpent and store... World of Disney is overwhelming but fun... anyone for a chocolate soda at Ghirardelli? The original Ghirardelli soda fountain in San Francisco was always a family favorite for Princess Karen, Prince Thomas and all. (They spent a good deal of time watching the old chocolate making machinery, the aroma was so rich you could taste it.)
On the morrow Prince Thomas and his Lady will fly back to their other lives. Princess Karen and Prince Brian hope that they will have shared enough magic to ensure Thomas and Marguerite love the World as much as they do. It will be hard to say goodbye.
Registered Message Board Members Get Our Free Newsletter! When you register you'll have the option to sign up for our weekly PassPorter Newsletter. It's chock-full of feature articles; news; tips; contests; photos; and special offers in our online store.
About This Page: 
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
[/url
PassPorter Guide Author
More please! 
Linear Mode
