I'm going to Disneyland! with 50 teenagers...what? PTR - Page 3 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
Oh good grief, that is so sad that they've had to put those rules in place for this trip because of previous bad behaviour - especially the night-time checks.
I remember we used to use the same place for our school leaving party every year - had done for many years and never with a problem. Our do was fine, the year after us went crazy and basically trashed the place and that was it. It was so sad for all the years that would've normally followed the tradition.
What a bummer that one class ruined the party for everyone else which is exactly what happened and why approval was so hard to get for this trip. In a way I'm surprised the teacher got approval.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperDave
Plans look good and sounds like a good trip! Too bad for the extra rules. I wish there was a way they didn't have to implement to make it more of an enjoyable trip!
I hope everything will turn out well anyway.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
Those are some interesting rules.
Well you can imagine from the rules what was going on on the previous trip.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pris
Whoa! Nighttime checks every 2 hours. That's rough on the chaperones. I hope you can spread it out a bit. With only 24 kids, that's just a few rooms, so one person can easily do a check. I would hope that's the way it will work out.
Me too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EastYorkDisneyFan
That sounds abit like something that happened at my high school.The year before I graduated there was an overnight retreat (it was part of the religion program as it's a catholic high school). A couple of students apparently smuggled in some alcohol and took pictures which got mixed up with some year book photos by mistake. Anyway the overnight ones got canceled for the next class but the previous class had one the next year as there used to be an extra year that was optian in the province of Ontario.
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.
I've heard of groups who have hired 'night guards' to roam the halls at night and do the room checks. The last group trip I co-directed, we had the girls and their parents sign the 'behavior agreement' so we were all clear on what was expected and no one could say they didn't know the rules. Even at that, we had to send one home from FL. It was the first time I ever had to do that.
This sounds like a more focuses group though. You should have a wonderful time.
We are meeting at the airport Tuesday, April 5th at 7:30AM - well everyone is supposed to be there by then. The travel agent will be there with everyone's boarding passes, hand them out and then the students will go through security with their chaperone. We were told no check-in luggage only carry ons which for students is fine they need 3 days worth of clothes. I understand the point of possiblity of lost luggage, extra charge, space on bus, and tracking 30+ suitcases and students at baggage but DD and I are staying longer. Oh well, I figure it will be a challenge that will tell me if on our Europe trip DD and I can manage with only a carry on and personal bag. This also means that I need to purchase 2 carry-ons since our last one busted in WDW and had to duct tape it closed to fly home.
We land at LAX about noon, should have about 45 minutes for lunch at the in-out burger then 3 hours at the grammy museum, on to the hotel where we'll have 1/2 hour to settle in before heading out to dinner and then DTD.
As I've said previously, Wednesday and Thursday will be park days and the one thing I wasn't sure about was the choirs return time. Apparently they are not leaving for the airport until 1pm on Friday. So, we will head over to the park at 8:30AM and stay until 12:15 go back to hotel to gather things then put students on the bus at 1pm. At that point DD and I will walk over to our new hotel, although said on website room wouldn't be ready until 3pm I'm hoping it might be earlier if not, hoping they can keep suitcases until we return.
Next stop would be the place to change our tickets from 3 day to 4 day park hoppers. I've read elsewhere that this can be done, which would mean a total of $40 for DD and I instead of a one day pass for each of us which is $198! Then we will finish the day in DCA.
DD remembers very little of her first trip to DCA and her request is time to explore, wander, and discover. We should have gone on the majority of rides with the choir by now so the things I'd really like to do again is TSM, loved this ride in WDW. The Little Mermaid for DD, Monsters, inc, and if haven't got to check out AA yet would like to do that and stop by the Mad tea party and WOC.
I've heard of groups who have hired 'night guards' to roam the halls at night and do the room checks. The last group trip I co-directed, we had the girls and their parents sign the 'behavior agreement' so we were all clear on what was expected and no one could say they didn't know the rules. Even at that, we had to send one home from FL. It was the first time I ever had to do that.
This sounds like a more focuses group though. You should have a wonderful time.
Night guards are an interesting concept. I'm going to suggest to the teacher that chaperones will not do specific time checks but random ones that way student cannot plan anything because they would have no idea when room checks will be.
Not sure about what hotel you & DD will be moving into for the remainder of your stay but you could check if you could mail a package with extras in it for the stay without fees ( or the hotel that eveyone is using first) if you truly need additional items. Or you could pick up a couple DL items (wearable souvenirs) that you can use immediately. Just a thought bc I know WDW will hold items as well as other national chains.
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.
Almost seems a bit extreme with the military school like bed checks! I'm sure there is some sort of common ground to this to make it work! You will get this and especially, when you get so many teens together, their parents aren't there, their on vacation and just want to let loose! There were instances like this on various high school trips in my day back in the 80's, but I wasn't apart of these! One was actually involving the high school band and one you don't usually expect!
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
I know we had bed checks for say when we were on our 8th grade trip. We had to be in our room by curfew & then the room door was taped from the outside (simple masking) so chaperones could tell from just a quick glance if the door had been opened at all.
Oh goodness, your title caught me by surprise! I was about to use a very similar title for my upcoming trip to WDW, for which I am chaperoning 50 high school seniors.
Congrats on your unexpected trip. I know how elated I was when the class adviser called to ask if I would consider chaperoning. I didn't even care about the cost, I was feeling the Disney blues and said yes without hesitation. It turned out I am the only parent chaperone and the only thing I would be responsible for would be my meals. They will be costing me a small fortune because I said to my DS I will take his group of friends to breakfast at Crystal Palace as a graduation gift. That has grown to dinner at 1900 Park Fair for 8, breakfast at Chef Mickey's for 6, dinner at Crystal Palace for 7 and a dessert party for 28 one evening. The dessert party started small and now the chaperones are trying to have everyone attend. I ended up lucking out because 2 other families offered the 2 extra meals as graduation gifts and a couple of families have offered to cover the Wishes dessert party. It's a small class that has been together since pre-school, so it really is a large extended family.
We won't be doing hourly checks, however we do tape the doors closed and the boys and girls are separated by floors. The kids do have to send selfies to us, quite frequently, and they can only go back to the rooms when accompanied by a chaperone. We leave for our trip to the airport at 4 am, which is much less reasonable then your trip, but hopefully the kids will be too tired to cause a ruckus.
Just reading about your plans for your Europe trip in the Globetrotting forum, my immediate reaction is that you won't be able to do it on carry-on only. Also remember if you need to take a European flight with a European carrier, we don't allow as much carry-on as American operators do. We've had many a conversation with Americans, explaining there is no way their huge carry-on will make it on to a European flight... just a word to the wise.
Not sure about what hotel you & DD will be moving into for the remainder of your stay but you could check if you could mail a package with extras in it for the stay without fees ( or the hotel that eveyone is using first) if you truly need additional items. Or you could pick up a couple DL items (wearable souvenirs) that you can use immediately. Just a thought bc I know WDW will hold items as well as other national chains.
That's an idea about mailing, thanks.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
Great plans for DCA!
thanks.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperDave
Almost seems a bit extreme with the military school like bed checks! I'm sure there is some sort of common ground to this to make it work! You will get this and especially, when you get so many teens together, their parents aren't there, their on vacation and just want to let loose! There were instances like this on various high school trips in my day back in the 80's, but I wasn't apart of these! One was actually involving the high school band and one you don't usually expect!
That's true, teens want to cut loose but do not want their actions to ruin things for other students.
Quote:
Originally Posted by cattailmarsh
I know we had bed checks for say when we were on our 8th grade trip. We had to be in our room by curfew & then the room door was taped from the outside (simple masking) so chaperones could tell from just a quick glance if the door had been opened at all.
Now that's a great idea, with tape we wouldn't even have to open doors. I will suggest it to the choir teacher.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tcmary
Oh goodness, your title caught me by surprise! I was about to use a very similar title for my upcoming trip to WDW, for which I am chaperoning 50 high school seniors.
Congrats on your unexpected trip. I know how elated I was when the class adviser called to ask if I would consider chaperoning. I didn't even care about the cost, I was feeling the Disney blues and said yes without hesitation. It turned out I am the only parent chaperone and the only thing I would be responsible for would be my meals. They will be costing me a small fortune because I said to my DS I will take his group of friends to breakfast at Crystal Palace as a graduation gift. That has grown to dinner at 1900 Park Fair for 8, breakfast at Chef Mickey's for 6, dinner at Crystal Palace for 7 and a dessert party for 28 one evening. The dessert party started small and now the chaperones are trying to have everyone attend. I ended up lucking out because 2 other families offered the 2 extra meals as graduation gifts and a couple of families have offered to cover the Wishes dessert party. It's a small class that has been together since pre-school, so it really is a large extended family.
We won't be doing hourly checks, however we do tape the doors closed and the boys and girls are separated by floors. The kids do have to send selfies to us, quite frequently, and they can only go back to the rooms when accompanied by a chaperone. We leave for our trip to the airport at 4 am, which is much less reasonable then your trip, but hopefully the kids will be too tired to cause a ruckus.
How exciting! It's very cool to all of a sudden realize it's Disney time! That's a bunch of meals but sounds like great fun. Do you put tape just over opening side of door or entire thing? I'm thinking the same thing about the students being too tired to cause problems.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Just reading about your plans for your Europe trip in the Globetrotting forum, my immediate reaction is that you won't be able to do it on carry-on only. Also remember if you need to take a European flight with a European carrier, we don't allow as much carry-on as American operators do. We've had many a conversation with Americans, explaining there is no way their huge carry-on will make it on to a European flight... just a word to the wise.
I'm flying Virgin Atlantic premium economy and have looked up size restrictions for carry ons 22"x 14"x 9 "and know we get one personal bag, does that sound right? The only reason I was thinking about it was due to all the modes of transport we are taking and the thought of hauling around several suitcases sounds miserable.
I'm flying Virgin Atlantic premium economy and have looked up size restrictions for carry ons 22"x 14"x 9 "and know we get one personal bag, does that sound right? The only reason I was thinking about it was due to all the modes of transport we are taking and the thought of hauling around several suitcases sounds miserable.
Well, in addition to your one carry-on, you're only permitted to bring the following:
Your handbag, small backpack/rucksack, pocketbook or purse, as you would normally use it (in other words, not just being used to contain items that would otherwise be regarded as baggage).
Your overcoat or wrap.
Your umbrella or walking stick (these cannot be pointed or sharp).
A small camera and/or pair of binoculars.
A reasonable amount of reading matter for the flight.
An infant’s food (for consumption on the flight).
A small amount of duty free goods.
Headphones for onboard use (they’ll need the standard 3.5mm jack).
That's not that much - we've only ever taken a small backpack (and I mean small) at the most as our extra item.
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.
We generally put a strip of masking tape from the door jam onto the door. If the door is opened the tape is ripped. I have chaperone band trips where other schools have hired security. I was never very impressed with what I have seen.
How fortunate you are able to stay on for several days without your daughter. I would have loved the option.
We generally put a strip of masking tape from the door jam onto the door. If the door is opened the tape is ripped.
Exactly - it is rather full proof. Tape will remain intact unless door is opened. And it is a quick & easy visual check for the chaperones! We have used this method on girls out trips, band trips & class trips & have never had any issues.
My kids are grown but their high school had a policy that school behavior was expected on all trips off campus (so no yelling, swearing, aggressive playing, etc) Infractions meant a trip home. It had been done in the past and the kids knew it could be done again so they never had problems. Parents signed an agreement that misbehavior would result in a trip back and guaranteed plane fare.
About This Page: 
Too bad for the extra rules. I wish there was a way they didn't have to implement to make it more of an enjoyable trip! 
.
Alaskan Mom aka Bonnie
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
Parlor Panther in 'stalking mode'
if not, hoping they can keep suitcases until we return.
Then we will finish the day in DCA.
There were instances like this on various high school trips in my day back in the 80's, but I wasn't apart of these! One was actually involving the high school band and one you don't usually expect! 
Us 
PassPorter Guide Author
Linear Mode
