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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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 unpacking, I still had a little more time before I needed to make my way to SSR, so I passed the time by enjoying the action out on the savanna. It was lunch time, so lots was going on out there.
While I was out there, I got a text from Tanya (Eeyoresmom) letting me know that she was transferring her leftover groceries to us. How sweet! again, Tanya and Scott!
When it was time, I began the journey to SSR. I started by making the long walk down the hall to the elevator. I had to stop and rest half way so I took a photo.
When I got near the elevator, I spotted an ENORMOUS spider. It’s really big. I guess it looks big in the photo I took (I didn’t zoom in or anything – this is as close as I could get to reality), but the picture doesn’t really do it justice. It was bigger and grosser in real life.
Eew!
All the insects in Florida could star in B movies. Makes me glad I don’t live there! I finally made it to the bus stop (good thing I’d brought provisions with me ) and a bus for DTD arrived shortly thereafter. The AKL park buses stop at Kidani first and then Jambo House, while the DTD bus stops at Jambo House first and then Kidani, which results in a shuttle of sorts. Because we didn’t need to stop at Jambo House, we were on our way to DTD right away.
When I arrived at DTD, I took a leisurely stroll, not doing any shopping at all, but rather just enjoying the sights and sounds. When I made it to the SSR boat dock, I saw a boat just leaving. It actually was only about a 10-minute wait for the next one, which wasn’t bad, and I spent the time waiting snapping a couple of pictures and watching the Characters in Flight balloon. You don’t realize how much that thing shakes until you’re up close to it!
I arrived at SSR right at about the time my family’s flight was scheduled to land, so I knew I had a while yet to wait. I checked out the offerings in the food court so I could report my findings to my family, and then tell them we’re eating at Wolfgang Puck Express at DTD. “The food court only has wilted salads and bologna sandwiches. Do you want to eat there, or at Wolfgang Puck Express, where they have everybody’s absolute favorite dish EVAH and serve it to you on a sliver platter?” What? At least I’m giving them a choice.
While I waited, I got a call from Erica, wanting to know when they should head over. I told them I was at SSR, so they could head over any time. She wanted directions and I’d forgotten the exit number, so I went inside to ask a CM. When I came back out, I saw my family coming towards me. I wanted to surprise them as they got off the bus (and get pics ), but they were all surprised to see me anyway, so whatevs.
DM was very happy to see me, because she was all “what do I do now?” She and I walked over to check them in while the rest of the group made themselves comfy in the lobby. After I was sure DM could handle the rest of the check-in procedure, I took Isaiah outside to let him burn off a little of his energy.
While we were outside, who should walk up to me but Tanya and Vanessa! I was happy to get a chance to see them, even briefly. I also got to say hello to Scott and his parents, and just then DM came out to tell me they were all set, so they got to meet DM, too. They were off to catch DME back to the airport, so we didn’t have time for much of a conversation, but I enjoyed seeing them anyway.
Everyone was hungry (including me), so I asked where we should eat Wolfgang Puck Express. The family chose… WPE! Honestly, they trust me and would go wherever I said without even wanting a choice, but it makes me feel better to let them think they have some input (and don’t say anything, but I’ve learned that when I let them have actual input, that’s when nothing goes smoothly).
I gave them the choice (see, choices?) of the bus or the boat. They all decided the bus would be faster. We stored a few carry on bags (nobody wanted to go to the room first) and headed to the bus stop. I called Erica to let her know there was a change in plans and to meet us at DTD.
Everyone was getting a little hungry-bear grumpy, so it’s a good thing WPE is close to the Marketplace bus stop. I explained to the CM that we were on the dining plan and she was great. She explained what we could get and how she wanted us to order (all the entrées first, then all the drinks, then all the desserts). It was a relatively smooth process for 7 people ordering CS at once. And this is where I discovered that the boys’ dining credits were lumped in with the adults (they just had 70 credits or whatever, not adult credits and child credits). In most cases, the boys got kids meals anyway, but it was nice for them to have the option of choosing something from the adult menu if that’s what they wanted.
Once my family had ordered, I ordered for myself. By the end of the week, we were just using anyone’s credits to order, since a lot of times the boys were with me and would want a snack or meal or something or Erica (who was in my room) was with them. I was feeling really hungry, so I got a pasta dish (which also comes with a salad), but of course I didn’t finish everything.
Rigatoni with Chicken Alfredo
Caesar salad
Crème brulee
We got tons and tons of food (the boys all had pizzas and mostly everyone else went with the rotisserie chicken, except DSIL, who had what I had). We were all absolutely stuffed after all that food. WPE is an exceptional value on the DP. What we all had would have been about $150!
I heard from Erica that they were nearby. I told them to meet us by the McDonald’s since I knew that would be easy for them to spot from the parking lot. We all headed down there (with a detour in the LEGO store). I’d considered taking the family to T-Rex for dinner, but after hearing lukewarm reviews of the food, I decided against it. But I did bring the boys in to see the dinosaurs, and they loved that (DB Ed was pretty impressed with them as well).
Before long, Eric and his family were arriving. We all caught up for a bit. Isaiah wasn’t happy with all the chatting so someone had to keep chasing him when he’d run off to see the dinosaurs inside T-Rex again. When we got tired of that game , we figured it was time to head back to SSR. I gave the boys the choice (see? Choices!) of playing in the pool or waiting in long lines while it’s hot, standing next to smelly teens to ride fun attractions . Which did they choose? Do you even have to ask? Weren’t you paying attention?
Eric wasn’t sure how to find the room, so I was recruited to ride with him on the short drive to SSR. The rest of the gang took the bus. We beat them by like 7 hours or something. We checked out their villa at SSR, which was very nice, in the Paddock section, right next to the playground and quiet pool.
The rest of the family arrived (I was waiting for them near the bus stop, just in case ). The boys quickly put on their swimsuits. I’d forgotten to bring my swimsuit with me, so I would just be watching the fun. I did bring my camera to get some photos. I gave them the choice (see? Choices!) of the boring, dull, quiet pool right next door or the super fun, really big and exciting main pool with awesome slides and super fun-ness everywhere. They chose wisely.
DF and DM decided to join us, while the rest of the grownups decided to catch up in the villa. We walked across the bridge to the pool and then Noah and Daniel took off together for the slide. Isaiah cannot swim as well as he thinks he can so I didn’t want to let him get in the pool without an adult with him (since his brothers were doing the slide over and over). I encouraged him to play in the fountains (he’s only 3, he doesn’t need choices ). It worked out well, because he had a blast playing in the fountains! And I had a blast watching him!
Shortly after we’d arrived a helicopter flew overhead, pretty close to the ground. It scared Isaiah pretty badly and he started crying and ran into my arms. It surprised me, because usually this kid is fearless, and he loves helicopters and stuff that flies. It was the only time he was afraid all week – and he did the Haunted Mansion and Its’ Tough to Be a Bug! I think the noise of it scared him more than anything, and when I pointed out what it was, he calmed down right away and went back to being his cheerful self.
The best part of the day was when he said, completely spontaneously and unsolicited, “This is FUN!” It made my heart sing! Noah and Daniel enjoyed the slide, but inexplicably, the biggest hit was the shower. They’re odd kids, I guess. (Don’t know where they get that ). I posted this in the PTR, but because it’s one of my absolute favs of the entire trip (and believe me, Isaiah with his Mickey ears on can Bring. The. Cute.), I’ll post it again.
By this time, Erica and Kamiya had suited up and joined in on the fun, so I let Isaiah go into the pool in the zero entry area. He thought he was swimmin’ with the big kids now! Every once in a while he’d go a-wandering, but between Erica and the boys, we kept him from getting too big for his britches.
When the lifeguards went off duty, they blew up the big TV not explosion “blew up”, but inflation “blew up” and put on Lilo and Stitch. This really impressed the parentals. They really loved all the stuff there was to do at the resort (though, sadly, we really didn’t have time to experience too much of it).
By this time, both my brothers had found their way to the pool. We were all ready to get out (except for Isaiah, who cried). Everyone was a little hungry again, I suggested we get snacks. The promise of ice cream quickly dried Isaiah’s tears. wonder where he gets that? We also got all our mugs. After everyone was sufficiently snacked, we headed back to the villa. I went over what the plan was for the following day (Blizzard Beach first thing, because nobody wanted to do the photo shoot, including me) and then I headed for a bus to DTD. One arrived within minutes of my arrival at the bus stop.
When I got to DTD, I walked to the AKL bus stop and the bus arrived within minutes there! I must say that I was pretty lucky with using the buses to get from resort to resort. The entire journey took about 45 minutes, which isn’t too bad. I walked the 139 miles (it’s longer on the way back, donchaknow) to my room. I’d been feeling like my allergies might start acting up, so I took a Benadryl before heading to bed. I knew the Benadryl would make me sleep soundly, so I set a wakeup call just in case.
Up Next: Isaiah cries when we have to leave Blizzard Beach
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Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
What a great day with your family! So glad everyone got there safe and sound.
I believe you when you say your nephew can bring. the. cute! Although, your littlest niece has some serious cute genes, too!
Can't wait to read more!
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Tina
2009 Feb Disneyland - offsite
2007 Aug WDW - offsite
2005 June DCL West Coast/DL & DCA
2002 April Disneyland - offsite
2000 September WDW/DCL - CBR/Wonder
Cute, Cute, CUTE! I love how you give everyone choices. I wonder about your poor family though. Good thing they have you to be their tour guide. I'm curious. Do you plan this all out like Karen or do you just wing it and it all falls in place?
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ºOº ~*~
Oct '99: CSR ~ May '02: CR ~ Nov '04: SOG ~ May '06: SOG ~ Dec '07: Solo @ Pop ~ May '08: Pop w/friends ~ Oct '08: SOG ~ Dec '09: Pop w/LeAnn ~ Sept '10: Solo @ Pop ~ Spring '11: AKL ~ Jan '12: Pop for 1/2 Marathon ~ Sept '12: 1st trip for DL 1/2 Marathon? ~ Feb '13: Pop w/pals? ~ Mar '13: Tokyo Disney w/PP's?
Just caught back up Sharon! Glad everyone has arrived! I am glad you gave them the choice of Wolfgang Puck Express. It has become a must do for us each trip. It is a wonderful way to use a counter service meal. Looks like alot of fun was had at the pool. Isaiah is a real cutey!!
Isaiah is absolutely precious!!! All his sayings, and just his absolute cuteness in the pictures...what a fun family you have!
Yes, the Florida bugs could star in their own bad flick. Scary, isn't it? It took me years to get used to the fact bugs will be in my yard, my house, my workplace...everywhere. Well, I'm not so used to it still....ick.
Did I mention what a cute and fun family you have?
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Glad everyone arrived safely!!! Quite a relaxing day. Well... despite the icky spider. Holy jeebus, that thing is huge! Your family time at the pool sounded wonderful!! OH, and I love how you gave everyone *choices.* Makes them feel more involved - totally get that!! But seriously, great choice with Wolfgang's. That is quite a deal for the dining plan!!!
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Tanya
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Sharon, you are so lucky to have a family who all loves Disney. That must be wonderful and to be able to do a big family trip like this. Wow that's precious
I am surprised that this TR is not named "Choices"! What a hoot! [But I also say, "Whatever works."]
Oh, and the spiders are that big in Florida so they can eat all the Skeeters! It's the Circle of Life.
I started laughing out loud when you said it was lunch time and there was a lot happening on the savannah, and then the first FOUR pictures were of animals sitting or lying down!
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Your nephews are precious! I love the picture of them under the shower. Too cute! WPE was wonderful. We really enjoyed it, too. It truly is a fabulous deal on the DDP. Great update!!
What a great afternoon with the family. The boys all look like they are having a wonderful time and Isaiah is just too cute for words...what a smile on that face. Glad everyone made the choice to eat at WPE - it really is such a great deal on the DDP and the food is really good as well.
Hope the allergies don't act up too much, can't wait to hear all about BB.
What a great afternoon with the family. The boys all look like they are having a wonderful time and Isaiah is just too cute for words...what a smile on that face. Glad everyone made the choice to eat at WPE - it really is such a great deal on the DDP and the food is really good as well.
Hope the allergies don't act up too much, can't wait to hear all about BB.
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again, Tanya and Scott! 
so I took a photo.
It’s really big. I guess it looks big in the photo I took (I didn’t zoom in or anything – this is as close as I could get to reality), but the picture doesn’t really do it justice. It was bigger and grosser in real life. 
I finally made it to the bus stop (good thing I’d brought provisions with me 
It actually was only about a 10-minute wait for the next one, which wasn’t bad, and I spent the time waiting snapping a couple of pictures and watching the Characters in Flight balloon. You don’t realize how much that thing shakes until you’re up close to it! 
“The food court only has wilted salads and bologna sandwiches. Do you want to eat there, or at Wolfgang Puck Express, where they have everybody’s absolute favorite dish EVAH and serve it to you on a sliver platter?” What? 
At least I’m giving them a choice. 
), but they were all surprised to see me anyway, so whatevs.
We walked across the bridge to the pool and then Noah and Daniel took off together for the slide. Isaiah cannot swim as well as he thinks he can 
It surprised me, because usually this kid is fearless, and he loves helicopters and stuff that flies. It was the only time he was afraid all week – and he did the Haunted Mansion and Its’ Tough to Be a Bug! 
). I posted this in the PTR, but because it’s one of my absolute favs of the entire trip (and believe me, Isaiah with his Mickey ears on can Bring. The. Cute.), I’ll post it again.
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Pixie Dust
ºOº ~*~ 
ANGIE
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