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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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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My list would go on for days but we ALWAYS start our first full day at MK. There's something about starting our trip by walking through those gates & seeing that castle! I get pissy-eyed just thinking about it now! Have a fantastic trip and don't stress out about missing something becasue EVERYTHING there is MAGICAL!
I think you'll just miss the Christmas decorations.
No, not all of them.
We got to the GF two days after New Year's, and all its lobby decorations were still up (but for the Gingerbread House which is taken down right after Christmas, I believe. That gingerbread has to be majorly stale by that point anyway!)
I'd suggest dashing over there if you're not too terribly tired upon arrival. The GF lobby is spectacularly decorated. I don't think I'll ever forget looking up...and up...and up some more to the top of its magnificent tree.
The GF decorations will more than likely come down during the night of Jan. 3, which is why I recommend making a point of going to see them the day you arrive if you're interested.
The big Christmas tree in each park will stay up through the majority of your stay, I'm guessing. Both those in the MK and Epcot were still up when we left on Jan. 9 this year. You'll find that some other holiday decorations may still be in place in the parks, but most will be taken down very soon after your arrival.
So you'll get a hint of how beautifully WDW is decorated for the holiday season--enough to make you long to return in December if you're a Christmas decorations nut like I am.
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“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” —Winnie-the-Pooh
Let's face it, we Passporter fans can help you plan the perfect trip -- but first, some questions for YOU:
1. Thrill rides -- yes or no?
2. Sit-down meals or fast food?
3. Any favorite Disney characters? (And this question is for HIM, too )
4. Are you spending 8 days there? (If so, you'll have time to see and do just about everything.)
5. And are you staying on property?
absolutely do not miss any parades fireworks or shows. dont skip fantasmic either!!!! its awesome!!! be sure to get immediate fast passes for toy story mania and soarin or you wont be able to ride. make a beline there first!!!! At magic Kingdom go left to right it will help you not wait as long with wait times and crowds. congrats for going. Dont skip anything because it seems little kiddish-those are the best things. Visit the shops, and have an awesome time together!!!!!
Let's face it, we Passporter fans can help you plan the perfect trip -- but first, some questions for YOU:
1. Thrill rides -- yes or no?
2. Sit-down meals or fast food?
3. Any favorite Disney characters? (And this question is for HIM, too )
4. Are you spending 8 days there? (If so, you'll have time to see and do just about everything.)
5. And are you staying on property?
I just want to thank everyone who responded! I can't believe how quick and informative the responses have been. Thank you all so much!
I have the passporter, and I am so glad I got it!
No thrill rides, and definitively sit down (I have allergies, so I hate eating the same hot dog and burger on allergy friendly bread)
I love Winnie the Pooh and he is a big fan of the Pirates Movie, as well as National Treasure, and those sorts of Disney movies.
We will be staying 8 days! and we will be at Pop Century.
Thank you all so much, and I am looking forward to more information!
Location: Connecticut..Just under the Red Sox Nation...Go Bo Sox
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I think don't miss lists are highly personal so I am going to say you are going at a very good time. The crowds should be lower than many other times of year so try everything Try a dole whip if you get a chance. I prefer the pineapple juice with vanilla ice cream float personally but did try the regular one the first time. The one thing I have to agree with is try to make it to MK about 15 or 20 minuted prior to opening as the welcome show is just great. Take it slow and look around. There is so much to see and do other than the rides. It took me a few trips to figure that out . Enjoy!!
We have been to the World twice about the same time of year that you are going. The crowds should be low so you may cover a lot more ground than you think Especially with 8 days!
Be prepared for both very cold and moderate temps. We have been there when it was in the 20's and the 70's all in the same stay so pack for layers.
I am planning a trip right now for friends who have never been to WDW or DL and I decided start with some of the old classic rides at MK like Peter Pan, Haunted Mansion, and Pirates and work up to the newer stuff.
Also when visiting HS pay attention to the show schedule as you enter! A lot of people run to the rides and miss out on being able to see the stunt shows because of the timing. DBF may really enjoy those.
I just want to thank everyone who responded! I can't believe how quick and informative the responses have been. Thank you all so much!
I have the passporter, and I am so glad I got it!
No thrill rides, and definitively sit down (I have allergies, so I hate eating the same hot dog and burger on allergy friendly bread)
I love Winnie the Pooh and he is a big fan of the Pirates Movie, as well as National Treasure, and those sorts of Disney movies.
We will be staying 8 days! and we will be at Pop Century.
Thank you all so much, and I am looking forward to more information!
Have a great trip. Thrill rides are kinda subjective, most of the ones at WDW are pretty mild- Big Thunder , Space Mtn (IMO) Splash Mtn, My oldest daughter doesn't like coasters or drops, but loves BTM , Space Mtn, and Everest. She won't go on RCnR or TOT at DHS! Or Splash Mtn! Everything else she's good for!
Are you on the Dining Plan? When you make your dining reservations they ask you if you have any allergies. So will your server. The Chef will even come to your table to speak with you about your allergies. I've heard instances of them making special meals for people.
Hum since pooh is a favorite I would do breakfast at crystal palace so that you can see main st practically empty. Plus scrumptious food! And Pooh and friends!
Here is my list of Can't miss attractions.
Magic Kingdom: Big Thunder Mountain Rail Road (this is a very mild coaster with no big drops. It is more about little bends in the road than anything.) It there is also great sight seeing on this attraction!
Pirates of the Caribbean
Haunted Mansion-Get a fast pass. Also ride this attraction once in the day and then again at night.
Epcot
Soarin: This is definitely not a big thrill, but my mom, who doesnt like heights was a bit freaked out. It is spectacular!
Test Track: It is only fast for about 30 seconds and it is no faster than driving your car on the freeway. You can stand outside for a few and watch the other cars go by to see if you will like it!
World Showcase: Take some time here, there are great films, excellent food, and great shows!
Turtle Talk with Crush!!! It is so funny and everyone loves it! Plus I love the Seas Pavilion!
Hollywood Studios: My disclaimer: This is my least favorite park. I hate the Tower of terror. I do love Rockin, but it will be too much for you! I love Muppet Vision 3D!!!
Animal Kingdom-Kilimanjaro safaris is one of my all time favorite rides! Very peaceful!!!
Do not miss the parades and fireworks displays.
Have a great time!!!
The one thing you said that stuck out was the allergies. Contact WDW and let them know what your dietary limitations are. They use gluten free hot dog buns and separate gluten free hamburger buns. I am no wheat at all, almost no egg or soy, and easy on cow dairy and chocolate. For me the one thing I want to do more than anything is to eat and eat in the parks. The chefs will spoil you. Gluten and Dairy Free : a day by day lunch pictorial: Gluten Free Dairy Free Walt Disney World
You might want to read up on the architecture of Epcot world showcases. I loved the Great Movie Ride in Epcot and it is gentle, not really scary.
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Mom calls to check on me and reminded me to pay the gardener. I love her so much.
Disneyland was fun with flag retreat and pickles. I have a home here, thank you. GAC is NOT a "front of the line pass".
She is gone but keeping signature. Laundry is getting done. My purpose in life is to help poor people in FL. Farewell, will miss you.
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but we ALWAYS start our first full day at MK. There's something about starting our trip by walking through those gates & seeing that castle! I get pissy-eyed just thinking about it now! Have a fantastic trip and don't stress out about missing something becasue EVERYTHING there is MAGICAL!
Our last WDW trip as a family 
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Try a dole whip if you get a chance. I prefer the pineapple juice with vanilla ice cream float personally but did try the regular one the first time. The one thing I have to agree with is try to make it to MK about 15 or 20 minuted prior to opening as the welcome show is just great. Take it slow and look around. There is so much to see and do other than the rides. It took me a few trips to figure that out 
. Enjoy!!
-Amanda 
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